There’s No Reason To Tie On A New Debt

Don’t drool over designer shoes that eat up your monthly food allowance. Shop around for lookalike shoes that won’t set you back.

Many department stores carry both designer shoes and a store brand look-alike for less. I like Parade of Shoes, Precis, Dolcis, Kinney, Thom McCan, Bakers and Nine West for values.

Deserving of special mention are Mootsie Tootsies brand shoes. I’ve found them consistently well-priced, comfortable and stylish. Check them out.

Designer version

Black leather ankle-tie boot by Via Spiga, $210 (upper right in photo)

Black suede quilted purse with tassel by Chanel, $1,180 (upper right)

Black patent penny loafer by Calvin Klein, $255 (middle left shoe)

Black leather lace-up oxford by S.F.A., $128 (lower left shoe)

Total: $1,773

Dress For Less version

Black suede ankle-tie boot by Colin Stuart from Victoria’s Secret catalog, $79 (upper left)

Black nubuck quilted Chanel style purse with tassel by Parade of Shoes, $21.98 (middle left)

Black patent penny loafer by Mootsie Tootsies from Yeilding catalog, $19.99 (middle right)

Black leather lace-up by Mootsie Tootsies from Yeilding catalog, $45 (lower right)

Total: $165.97

MEMO: All bargains featured in this column are available in book form. Send $9.95 to Dress For Less, 177 Sound Beach Ave., Suite 6, Old Greenwich, CT 06870g.