Courtesy of Mushy Pony.

Everyone has their indulgences. For some it’s handbags, others it’s sunglasses, but the one indulgence we’ve never understood is shoes. We walk in them, scuff them, hurt them – and those with puppies know the agony of watching a pair of Ferragamos get eaten for brunch. So why waste the cash? After trotting along Bloor St. today, we found a few comparisons we’d like you to take note of before you go purring up to a Prada.

Above: At David‘s, you’ll find Mr. Giuseppe Zanotti‘s masterful creations going for over $1,000 each. But next door at Capezio, the lovely Miss Jessica Simpson is selling an exact copy at only $115. If your man can seriously tell the difference between them – he’s gay. Moving on.

Below: In Brownes, we’ve been eyeing this pair of Manolo‘s for over 3 years. These diamond stilettos, for whatever reason, keep coming back every year and tempting the magpie in us (we even intend on wearing them to our wedding). But although it’s true love, there’s a lot of true logic to be observed in Steve Madden‘s replica perched in most Aldos and Capezios. Voila:

Courtesy of Mushy Pony

Courtesy of Mushy Pony

Above: Another big trend right now are clear sandals. Prada makes a stunning pair as you can see in Holt Renfrew, but these can easily be found in any cheap shoe store (or sex store) for a tenth of the price.

Below: Even the classics that never go out of style – Chanel‘s ballet flat – are copyable. And the longer they stay in style, the better and better those copies will get. A friend bought the real deal a few years back, but like all her shoes, they’re now misshapen and worn in. They have no resale value whatsoever.

Courtesy of Mushy Pony

Courtesy of Mushy Pony

Above: Finally, a pair of silk formal shoes. This is where it gets a little more quality-focused; because the cheaper they get, the stiffer and more uncomfortable they feel. But you know what they say – if the shoe fits, wear it!

XoXo
The Cowgirls.