I read something in shop etc last night that got me thinking... I saw this delicious pair of $600 Gucci stacked sandals and it said something to the effect of if you're only going to buy one pair of heels this season, those should be it. I wonder, how many people actually buy only one pair of shoes each season? But maybe that's not such a bad idea for someone who has a lot of shoes already (and most basics covered). Personally it'd probably be a better investment to get few but more fabulous shoes each season rather than buying a bunch of not-so-great pairs that I have to end up throwing out after a year or two. So I'm curious, given your current closet situation - how many pairs of shoes would you choose to buy with $600?
edited to fix typos and add my answer - I'd probably end up with two, maybe three pairs, unless the $600 pair was not only fantabulous but also relatively practical and would last a lifetime. You know what? Knowing me, I'd probably end up getting them anyway, but on sale for half off, as I have stalkerish tendencies when it comes to shoes and bags
-- Edited by Vanessa at 15:44, 2006-02-07
__________________
http://v247.tumblr.com One cannot perceive beauty, but with a serene mind -Thoreau
When I buy a pair of shoes that I really love, I run them to the ground. I don't think I could ever buy $600 shoes because I would be so scared of wrecking them. One day I will work up the courage to buy $600 shoes
Somehow I could not bring myself to spend $600 on one pair of shoes (at least not in my current financial situation). For some reason I would feel $600 is more justified on a handbag. But why? When I'm in the office it just sits there, whereas I am using my shoes all day.
I voted 2 less-expensive shoes. I like the idea of quality vs. quantity, but right now I can't actually get myself to practice it. Plus, I think most of my inexpensive shoes are cute, so why pay more? I have gotten as many compliments on my $18 Payless wedges as I have on my $200 boots from Banana.
And then there is the side of me that says: I have so many shoes, so I might as well invest it in a great pair.
__________________
Veni, Vedi, Visa.
I came, I saw, I did a little shopping.
It really varies for me and I'm pretty strategic about shoe buying.
Last fall/winter I felt I had everything covered except a pair of brown knee high riding style boots, so I spent my whole shoe budget on a nice pair. They will probably last me the rest of my life.
I like more variety and color in spring/summer and I would really like to add green strappy heels, a neutral sandal, and a pair of nice Bernardo flip flops, so I plan to spread my spring shoe budget among those items.
To be perfectly honest, $600 could replace the entirety of my shoe collection and then some. If it were me and I was splurging, I could buy 12 pairs of shoes with that much. Not splurging I could easily buy 18 or 20 pairs with that much.
-- Edited by Elle at 13:02, 2006-02-07
__________________
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
I wreck shoes, so I'm a relentless bargain hunter. I'll buy a pair of Michael Kors shoes, but they'll be under $100 (note that the regular price would probably be $350). I would buy three or four shoes, but they'd all be on sale and probably high end/bridge. It's worth it for the fit and quality of the materials.
The most Ive spent on a pair of shoes was a 100.00, and they would have to be on sale at that price. If I was in a different financial bracket Im sure my spending cap would increase, but as it is now- this is the most Id spend on shoes, a piece of clothing, or anything for my wardrobe for that matter.
$100 is about my price point where I start to balk. That being said, I also have shoes that cost $5 - $250. I'm really comfy in the $50-$70 range.
I can't imagine spending $600 on one pair of shoes, but i also need a car & we are saving for a house so my perspective is different right now. I surely do envy those that can, though!
-- Edited by laken1 at 13:52, 2006-02-07
__________________
Who do you have to probe around here to get a Chardonnay? - Roger the Alien from American Dad
I think I've bought one pair of shoes (flat boots this year) in the last... two years maybe. That's not counting cheap-o shoes that I bought for a specific occasion though. So I hardly EVER buy shoes to add to my wardrobe because it's one of those things that I just can't afford to keep expanding all the time.
That said, if I had $600 for shoes, I would want to by as many pairs of shoes as I could, but I would want them to be nice and good quality, and comfortable, so I would probably end up with 4 pairs.
__________________
"In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity, is the vital thing"
I love the idea of investing in great shoes, in theory at least. However, I don't think I could justify spending more than $100 on a pair of shoes IRL. Quality is important to me, though, especially when it comes to shoes, so I don't usually buy really cheap ones, either. I guess $600 would buy me 7-10 pairs.
I'd buy one pair of shoes with $600. I like my shoes to be investments, In fact my shoe wardrobe likely costs more than all the clothes in my closet combined.
__________________
I'm thinking balls are to men what purses are to women. It's just a little bag, but we feel naked in public without it.
Carrie Bradshaw
I am a bit crazy about shoes and I have started investing in fewer more unique pairs each season. I think investing in one great pair of shoes each season is a great idea. I already have the basics covered and I splurged on a pair of Dries Van Noten shoes this season and a pair of Costume National shoes last season. I take really good care of my shoes and I love both of these pairs of shoes and I think they were worth every penny. If you already have a good shoe wardrobe, I think a larger investment pair is the way to go.
i would probably pick two really great pairs of shoes. i used to be a quantity over quality person with shoes, but of late that has really changed. i would definitely pick a one or two really killer pairs of shoes.
i would buy probably two very nice pairs. i have certain favorites that i tend to buy from because my feet are narrow and they fit nicely. and i've found lately that all the really cute trendy styles that i constantly buy from nine west never get worn.
I'd get 3 or 4. I own two pairs of middle/high-high end shoes, and I am not impressed at all by the quality or comfort. I'd rather use the $600 on 3 good pairs from Coach.
__________________
"We live in an age where unnecessary things are our only necessities." --Oscar Wilde
I would probably get 3 pairs of shoes or a pair of boots (which I would probably have to get taken in) and a pair of shoes. NYC can be really hard on shoes and even though my cobbler is a miracle worker I would probably be a nervous wreck if I had a $600 pair or even $300 shoes. And while there is a lot of truth to the designer=better quality theory, I have some really cheap shoes that are comfortable and have lasted for ages (e.g. a pair of Nine West peep toes that are probably 5 years old and I always get compliments on them).
I would have to say one truly gorgeous pair. Just wearing my "fancy" shoes brightens up a bad day. But, I also really like Cole Haan and Kate Spade shoes, and I think they are generally considered "bridge" lines?