SJP (aka Carrie Bradshaw) wearing Christian Louboutin Shoes
After watching Sex and the City 2 for 2.5 hours last weekend, I came out with two thoughts: SATC should officially retire and where can I buy those gorgeous. designer shoes at affordable prices?
In the last year, to my bank account’s chagrin, I have begun collecting Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik shoes. I am neither a millionaire nor a retail employee who gets steep discounts on designer duds; rather I am simply a savy, shoe shopper.
Before I continue on where and how to buy designer shoes for affordable prices, I must clarify what I mean by affordable. I am aware that $300-$450 is a ton of money to splurge on shoes. Like me, if you’re a die-hard shoe lover and save the money beforehand, there shouldn’t be any guilt whatsoever.
A true fashionista is both style and money savy: be strategic about when & where to blow your hard earned cash.
Consignment Store
If you live in a large city, it’s easy to find reliable, high-end consignment stores in your area. If you’re lucky, like I was in Montreal, they will have a pair of gorgeous Manolo’s in your size just waiting for you when you walk through the door. If you’re unlucky, like I am in hometown Vancouver, you have to continually visit high-end consignment stores in your ‘hood to discover designer deals.
Since consignment stores are typically independently owned and operated, join their email list and request to be contacted when, for example, size 9 designer shoes are being carried at the store. This way you get first crack at new-to-you-merchandise.
In order to find high-end consignment stores, simply trek to the wealthiest neighbourhood in your city and walk the shopping streets around the area. In Vancouver, South Granville (between 16th and 15th Ave.) is the place to go.
Department Stores
Before I left for Chicago last year, I stalked the Neiman Marcus website like it was going out of business. I found great deals on Marc Jacobs handbags and had them shipped directly to my Chicago hotel for a sweet treat when I checked in. I decided to check out Neiman Marcus in-person to find shoes and, because I had already been on the website, knew exactly what I was looking for. I found $900 Louboutin’s for $450 in my exact size.
Obviously you aren’t always going to travel to American cities during department store sales, so this is where the web comes in. At the end of the season, always check for great deals on shoes, especially when there’s free shipping specials. Brown’s in Canada sells many designer shoes online, but your best bet is to hit up Holt Renfrew in-store or Neiman Marcus online for the best designer shoe sales.
FYI Neiman Marcus just launched their Women’s Designer Sale – let the splurging begin!!
