Dream Vs. Reality: Shoes
June 10, 2009 by Blair Edelman
Filed under W. Accessories
I am not one to deny that I have literally drooled over shoes. Staring into the awe-inspiring window display in front of a Christian Louboutin boutique, it is hard not to fall, mouth-gapping open, into a shoe trance. It is even harder not to go in and pretend you have the money to buy the 14-plus pairs of shoes you have already tried on just to torture yourself. The process of falling in love with something you can’t afford takes you on an emotional roller coaster, similar if not worse than falling in love with someone you can attain. While we can’t help the latter, we are determined to fix the first problem by giving you Plan-B items when you can’t afford Plan A. The following shoes are some of the most beautiful in the world and while we can’t replicate their exactness, we are bringing you some cheaper alternatives to make you feel like you have bought the real thing (minus the buyer’s anxiety that comes with it). 
Dream: Christian Louboutin Dillian Flower Pumps, $1695.00
Reality: TopShop Passion-Frill Sandal, £95.00
These fiesta-style pumps from Christian Louboutin (found at Saks) are the most fabulous party accessory. Unfortunately, at a price tag of close to $2000, they can put quite a damper on an otherwise sunny mood. TopShop comes to the rescue with their Passion-Frill Sandal. At nearly $1600 less, you can keep the unique style and height, however you may need to opt for a color change. 
Dream: Prada Sequin Peep-Toe Pump, 594.90 (On Sale)
Reality: Nina Women’s Raffi Peep Toe Pump, $43.97 (On Sale)
Both of these shoes have a brown-toned sequin peep-toe style but with an over $500 price difference! Better yet, the dream shoe and the reality are on sale at Saks and shopstyle.com, respectively.
Dream: Christian Louboutin Glitter Peep-Toe Slingbacks, $745
Reality: Jean-Michel Cazabat Katoucha Open Toe Glitter Pumps, $455 (On Sale)
While these pairs of super sparkly shoes are in opposite hues, they still have the same open-toe glitter-overload style. The realistic pair is still a bit pricey but when you figure its price is down from $650 on shopbop.com, it seems like a steal.
Jimmy Choo Clue Metallic Slingbacks, $665
Steve Madden DREEMM, $89.95
Even with over a $580 price difference, both these shoes will give you a simplistic golden look. Look for the pricier pair at Saks and the cheaper option at Steve Madden stores. Perfect for a special occasion.
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