I frickin’ love shoes. My closet is completely filled to the brim with beautiful shoes. The thing that pushes it over the edge is that I tend to be a bargain shopper. So if I find a super-cute pair of flats for $12 and they come in three different colors, I end up saying, “They’re so cheap! I can buy all three!” And as a result…my closet is completely full.
Naturally, wedding shoes have been on my mind since the very beginning of my engagement. My dream pair?
Kate Spade’s “Charm” / Photos by Ryan Phillips
Image by Ashely Daniell Photography
Oh, Kate Spade, you know exactly what I want. I love Kate Spade so much that I wrote a little haiku:
Glitter, Sparkle, Shine.
A tiny pep in my step.
Kate, you know my heart.
Can we just take a moment to admire some of Kate Spade’s beautiful creations?
Image via Kate Spade
Image from La Petite Maison
Image from The Tiara Blog
Sigh…but you know, as much as I love Kate Spade, I’ve never actually had a pair of Kate Spade shoes on my feet. Those beauties from the first two pictures are her “Charm” shoes, and they retail for $325. 
I’m usually unwilling to spend more than $50 or so on a pair of shoes, so $325 is just waaaaaaaay too much for me.
Boo.
What’s really silly is that I probably won’t even wear heels. I hardly ever do, and I’m pretty sure I’ll want to wear flats, especially because our ceremony is going to be outside. But of course, I could always wear these flats…
Image from Kaboodle
They’re $40 cheaper! But still $285…sad day. I think I’m going to have to give up on my dreams of a Kate Spade shoe. I just wish there were good look-a-likes. But I don’t think I’m going to find that signature bow anywhere else.
Suggestions, hive?
Have you thought about diy? It’s so simple..the bow can be made out of ribbon and it takes less than 5 minutes.
Stalk eBay!!! I just looked up the first pair you posted (Kate Spade Charm) and found 5 pairs for sale. I bought a once-worn pair of Badgley Mischkas off eBay for $90 and was very very happy – maybe you could do the same?
DIY that sh*t!!!! You can totally recreate that look on your own, and if you fail, you’ll only have spent a few bucks on supplies. If you’re uncertain, maybe practice on an old pair that you’re willing to sacrifice, or buy some from goodwill. Mod-Podge + Glitter + Ribbon, oh my! 
These are also my dream shoes!! I found a look-alike pair though for 80$ – look up J. Renee Rosina! 
@Miss Care Bear: @anjanette.thomas1: i second these ladies! i bet you could easily DIY…
DSW knocked them off. No idea how comfy they are (I find Kate Spade shoes super comfy!), but they meet your budget.
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/unisa+bard+sandal?prodId=260063&activeCats=cat10006,dsw12cat1190016
They just did a “can’t afford it, get over it” with Kate Spade glitter shoes. This should give you some good ideas about cheap alternatives. The budget they worked with was $55.
Join Gilt! They actually are just finishing up a Kate Spade shoe sale:
I’d also look into joining some of the other online sample sites like Hautelook, Ruelala, Ideeli…
@mink: What! I stalk DSW all the time. How could I miss these?!
@Emma20130601: I just bought them!! I hope they fit. They were out of 8.5, which is my usual size but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the 8′s!
@Sam: I’ve been trying and trying (for days…I’m already a Gilt member) to get that page to load because I was so excited about that sale. But the page just. won’t. load. Grrrrrrr.
EBay! I got a brand new pair of Badgley Mischka’s for $60 thanks to my obsessive EBay stalking.
I just love these sparkly shoes, I can’t wait to see how these work our for you!
DIY! There are sooo many tutorials online! Find a pair of super comfy flats and have at it! You could probably find a bow clip on etsy or something
Buy a pair of heels and flats, then DIY! That way you have options. ANd I am sure you can buy everything for less than $50 for both pair of DIY shoes. SHop at Payless or TJMaxx for a cheapy pair of heels and flats, and Michaels or Hobby Lobby for the glitter and glue. Bam! Shoes done! Tehe.
I bought a pair of shoes at Zappos, but they were silver, and kind of ugly. You’d be amazed what some white paint, mod-podge, and glitter can do! They look so pretty, I can’t wait to wear them! If you DIY a pair, they may not be exactly what you wanted, but it can be a million times better!
Ahhhh….but they are soooo cute…I vote splurge and buy them!
I saw the black/silver version of Kate spade charms on sale at tj Maxx for $130 or so. Check out the discount stores!
I’m not sure on the bow, but these are totally DIY. I glittered heels Kelly green for St. party’s Day and they withstood downtown drinking adventures for the day, so I say that’s always a possibility!
Keep an eye out for sales – they have them quite frequently! If you’re not already a member of their e-mail list you can get 15% off if you sign up!
Mrs. Blue Whale, College Park, MD Age and Occupation: 27, Graduate Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Graduate Student Engagement Date: March 10, 2012 Wedding Date: May 2013 Venue: Southern Tree Plantation in Blairsville, GA About Me: I love bright colors, glitter, sugar, cheese, tiny animals, talking in silly accents, dancing, and all things music. I love to plan things, but when it comes time to execute the plans, I tend to panic. My friends tell me that I remind them of a mix between a cartoon character and a Disney Princess. Mr. Blue Whale and I are Southerners at heart, but we’ve been transplanted to the East Coast for school. We both love barbecues, star-gazing, bonfires, music, making up nonsense words, and generally being silly. Our wedding will be a fun-filled destination wedding in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It will most certainly feature bright colors, '80s music, and glitter.
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