Style On A Budget:
How to Find Designer Shoes that Won’t Break the Bank

Consumers around the country are changing how they spend money. Only a few months ago, it seemed everyone had to have the hottest handbag or the latest, strappy pair of Monolos—and since credit was so easy to come by, many people spent more than their bank accounts could handle. Now, many fashionistas are feeling the pain of self-denial. When high fashion is your passion, recessions are a bummer.

Fortunately, with a little ingenuity and hard work, you can still look fierce without declaring bankruptcy. Just follow the lead of the industry’s experts—cut out what you can and get creative about what you buy. Thanks to cost-cutting tricks like hiring fewer models, slimming down post-catwalk soirées, and featuring surprise celebrities , designers at last week’s NY Fashion Week were able to bring a buzz to a struggling biz. If your favorite designers can change their habits, so can you. Here are a few tips to keep your feet feeling frisky, even in an economic meltdown.

Monitor Sales Like a Shoe Hawk

When all else fails, Americans know good ol’ legwork and elbow grease go a long way. When American factory workmen had to leave their posts to fight overseas in World War II, Rosies across the country rolled up their sleeves and riveted away. Apply that same can-do attitude to your search for the perfect shoe, and you’re sure to find affordable options. Subscribe to shoe blogs, scour online stores , and pound the pavement to find the best deals. Many stores are slashing prices on shoes, hoping to lure customers into larger matching purchases. (And can you blame them?) Be a cool-headed, informed consumer, and the best deals will be your reward.

Of course, the Shoefly winter sale is a great place to start.

Scout-Worthy Shoe Shopping Spots

Once you’ve scouted the sales at your favorite sites and local stores, expand your shopping horizons to new territory. Here are some locations to keep an eye on:

Thrift stores and outlets

People throw away the darndest things. I can’t tell you how many designer labels I’ve seen marked down to single digits simply because they happened to be in a thrift store. Take regular ten-minute rounds of thrifty shoe racks to find gems in the consignment rough. You might be surprised to see how many perfectly pretty, practically new pairs are lingering on discount store shelves.

Naked lady parties

Get all of your friends together and tell them you’re throwing a naked lady party. This is just a sexy way to say that you’ll swap your barely used items. Once the date’s set, cull your closet of anything you haven’t worn in more than a month. Graciously give away what you once considered crucial, and you may find charming new acquisitions coming your way.

Bazaars and Estate Sales

I don’t feel comfortable rummaging through most garage sales, but well-organized rummage sales usually turn up good finds. Estate sales often include gently used shoes, and community non-profit bazaars are a good resource, too.

Go Retro—Reuse, Reimagine, Repair

Desperate times call for artistic measures. Gather up your mountain of shoes and get organized. Find your rarely worn kicks and imagine what it would take to make them shine. Consider current trends as you reimagine your old shoes. Bedazzle away, since rhinestones are still a hot-ticket item. You may also consider making your own shoes or painting a striking new design on an old pair. Heck, maybe you’ll even make your own shoes, or use an old pair in a completely new way. (Flowerpots made from shoes ? Why not?)

If you’re like me, you probably already have slightly defected shoes sitting on the bench, practically begging to get back into your unique glamour game. From sticky zippers to broken heels, cobblers can do wonders to bring your old favorites back to life—and at very reasonable rates.

Be a Selective Shopper

If you must express your expensive taste, be selective about which shoes you buy. While you’re salivating over the shoe rack, ask yourself how many outfits you’ll be able to pair with your purchase. Look for classic styles that will never go out of style. A comfortable, foxy pair of boots are a crucial part of any shoe wardrobe. Same goes for roomy medium-rise pumps. Before slapping your cash on the counter, consider what fashion direction you’d like to take for the next year, and choose accordingly. Sharpen your fashion focus like advertisers are carefully promoting strong brands, and you’re more likely to be satisfied with your purchases for many happy moons to come. And your wallet will let out a sigh of relief.

~Colleen Welch, 2009