Iconic Heels For Less

I don’t quite know what it is about shoes above all else that captures my imagination, but as much as I love fashion in general, it’s footwear that really has my heart. I don’t really know about ‘fashion’ to be honest. I like what I like and don’t really care what is ‘en vogue’. I couldn’t tell you what is set to be the next big thing this Autumn and I have no idea why anyone would want to wear a lot of what is on the high street right now. I am a fashion dimwit, seriously. Shoes though? I know my shoes. I can spot an iconic pair of heels at 50 paces, and it’s probably because they haunt my dreams. Because irritatingly, there is very little chance I will ever own the majority of them, thanks to the fact I’d have to sell all my worldly possessions first!

Luckily though, the high street has gotten very good in the last decade or so at spotting that pair of shoes most of us can only dream of owning and producing a pretty good – and most importantly affordable – lookalike. Here’s a few of some of the better versions I’ve spotted lately:

Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120 vs Office On To Point Courts

Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120, £470 – Office On To Point Courts, £68

Now, I’m actually lucky enough to own a pair of Pigalles – a special gift for my 30th Birthday, and I opted for classic black because I knew full well that they’re a luxury I just can’t afford to have a lot of. I also am lucky enough to own rather an embarrassing amount of Office’s On To Point courts, thanks to the far more affordable price point! There is a reason why the Pigalle – and more recently their younger sister, the So Kate – have become one of the longest running styles for Louboutin. It’s essentially the ultimate, classic shoe – sleek, timeless and amazingly versatile, it’s a style that will serve you for life, and as a result copy cat versions are ten a penny. Good copies though are not so easy to find, and this Office style is hands down the most similar I’ve come across in both the look and the feel. Of course in real life, there is no competition – the quality and ‘special’ feel of a Louboutin shoe is unchallenged as far as I’m concerned – but I’ll happily continue to plump for my On To Points as an alternative. I just hope they keep getting re-released like the Pigalles do!!

Valentino Rockstud Pumps vs Dune Daenerys Pumps 

Valentino Rockstud Pumps, £650 – Dune Daenerys Pumps, £95

There was a time not so long ago when it felt like you couldn’t scroll through your Instagram feed without seeing at least three bloggers sporting their shiny new Rockstuds. It was really bloody annoying actually, because it was a constant reminder that they’d never be mine!! These are probably the newest icons on the block in this round up, but there are no signs of their popularity fading, with multiple new variations coming out every season. It’s not hard to see why really – again, it’s a pretty classic shape, but with the added straps and studs toughening up the look a little. These Dune Daenerys pumps are a nice nod to the style without completely ripping it off, which makes me feel better somehow!

YSL Tribute Sandals vs Office Nostalgia Platforms

YSL Tribute Sandals, £600 – Office Nostalgia Sandals, £69

It’s apt that these Office sandals are called Nostalgia, as the famous ‘Tribs’ must be one of the original iconic styles that everyone who was anyone was wearing. Thanks to the 90s revival that is going on right now they’re seeing a bit of a resurgence of popularity, but this time around there is no need for you to miss out, because Office have come up with the goods with this virtually identical pair for a fraction of the price! They’re a little more vertiginous than the styles I favour these days, but I can’t help but want to buy them anyway as a treat for my 20-something self!

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Pumps vs Dune Breanna Pumps

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi, £745 – Dune Breanna Pumps, £99

Ah, we have to end with the queen of iconic shoes. Yes, even girls who don’t like shoes are likely to recognise these beauties, thanks to them being the very shoe that Big used to propose to Carrie in Sex and the City. The cameo led to them possibly being one of the most popular styles of shoe ever, nearly doubling the price almost instantly (Thanks for that SJP!) (I love how I’m saying that as though I could have afforded them at the original price…!) As a result, years later they are still being made and still remain on the wish list of every girl who calls herself a shoes lover. It’s now also been made in about a billion other colours that are similarly gorgeous, but that cobalt blue satin will always remain the holy grail – just stunning. This shoe basically relaunched the popularity of embellished footwear and collections ever since seem to be sporting at least one pair with a spangly brooch on the toe, which is not at all a bad result. There have also been numerous copy cat versions over the years, but this Dune pair are probably the best of the bunch.

None of these shoes can replace the originals of course, just looking at the pictures side by side shows that, but it’s nice to know there are some more affordable options out there! Still, I actually think I might consider accepting a shoe proposal, especially if a pair of Hangisis was part of the deal!

What are your ultimate dream shoes?

Love,