Giuseppe Zanotti Jeweled Pump

Remember when I said there’s no other shoe out there like the fabulously gorgeous Christian Louboutin jeweled platform slingback I featured a few weeks ago? Well, there still isn’t. I mean, come on. Look at it. There will never be another shoe like that. Yeah, yeah, I know. Never say never. But right now, it doesn’t seem likely. And by the way, I’m still waiting for someone to offer to let me borrow those shoes. Seriously. Anyone? No? Fine. I may just have to settle for the Giuseppe Zanotti E96274 jeweled peep toe pump.

This is probably about as close as you’re going to get to those Louboutins. And opting for a pair of Zanottis is by no means settling. I love his stuff, as you can see from the number of times I’ve included his shoes here. The shoes are gorgeous, and these jeweled pumps are no exception. They’re a little more understated than the Louboutins, but they have their own unique sparkle—literally. The platform is covered in a seemingly random pattern of multifaceted crystals in black, royal blue, and a blue so pale it almost looks silver. You’ll emit sparks with every step. The upper is made from silk satin, and even in black, it gives off a nice sheen. The sole and lining are leather. The 1.5-inch platform offsets the 4.75-inch heel, so the shoe still gives you a sleek, elongated look while feeling like it’s only sitting on a 3.25-inch heel. A dust bag is included to keep the shoes looking fabulous. And look! They’re on sale. They usually go for $1,194.95, but they can be yours right now for $901.51 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

It’s interesting sometimes how things are relative. Those Zanottis are on sale for almost 300 bucks off, but you’ll still have to pay close to $1,000 if you want them. Not really a lot of incentive, right? On the other hand, if you could get, say, a $500 laptop for $300 off, you’d probably jump at it. It’s still 300 bucks you’re saving either way, but it’s still the final price that drives the decision. Ok, enough with the economics lesson. Supply and demand, buy low, sell high, but what we’re interested in here is shoes, and there is no shortage driving up prices to the point where you have to spend that $1,000 just to have shoes at all. You can get beautiful shoes without spending an entire paycheck. Take the Type Z Maddielyn, for example. Not as flashy as the Zanotti, but more of a fall shoe. The Zanotti’s just for fun. The Maddielyn peep toe platform pump will take you from the office to dinner to a night on the town. And it’s suede, my number one fall accessory. The platform is also covered in suede, and the shoe is lined with leather. But the really interesting detail is the heel. It’s 4.5 inches high and printed with a checkerboard pattern alternating between light and dark brown. Gorgeous. I love it in this chocolatey brown, but it also comes in tan suede, and black kid leather, all with the same heel. Get it for just $99 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

You can still get the flash of a jewel-adorned shoe for a reasonable price, though. The rsvp Neva platform peep toe pump wears it’s jewels on the vamp rather than on the platform. While you could wear them with pants, if you do, make sure it’s a pair of skinny somethings so the detail on the shoe’s top isn’t covered up. Also make sure your pedicure is fresh because this peep toe is a bit more open than most. The upper is satin, and the triangular, sewn-on gems are multifaceted to catch the light as you move and walk. The 4.5-inch heel is covered in the same satin as the upper, and the sole is leather. You’re covered for fall with the bronze, but it also comes in pewter, if you prefer. Get this—even though it’s a less expensive shoe, it still comes with a dust bag. How cool is that? Even cooler, it’s on sale. Normally $75, you’ll find it for only $57.57 at Zappos.com.