Shoe Shopping at Big Box Stores

OMG, I started this post last Spring and never finished it. And now, as boots are starting to reappear in stores, I figured it would still be relevant and helpful to finish it! So here goes......

 

So, as much as I will always and forever be a 90's mall rat, I barely ever set foot inside a mall anymore. Hence, I don't have much access to department store or specialty shoe stores. I've come to realize that most of my footwear now comes from stores I am already at for other things, like Target and Meijer. Thank goodness stores like that are upping their game and keeping up with the trends. Without further ado, below are some examples of shoes I have purchased that are far more budget friendly than their counterparts!

Dolce Vita is a brand that is carried by Anthropologie and other high end department stores. Lucky for us, they have come out with their "dv" line which is sold at Target and perhaps more places I don't know about. So on the left above, you have the Haku mule bootie which retailed for around $100. On the right, is the Target version which I purchased for $34.99 in grey. When I bought these last Fall, I remember they also came in black and tan. This year, Target is carrying the Lori Mule at the same price point but it only looks like one color offering so far.

Another favorite Target "dv" purchase from last year was the Jameson Side Zip Boot, on the right, which was $37.99. Target is still stocking this style and it also comes in black. However, I see that Meijer has a very similar boot that just came out as well - I just hadn't checked the details yet. I wear these boots so, so much that I will probably invest in a backup pair. The richer Dolce Vita Jaeger on the left retails for $110.

On the left, you have Sole Society's Tamara Cross Strap Pump for $69.99. On the right, you have Liz Claiborne's Keegan Pump for $44.99 at JC Penney plus any extra coupons you might have (like I did when I bought them). I rarely wear heels like this, but I must say these were comfy all day from the get go! 

On the left, you have Freebird's Stair booties. Doing a quick search for them, their price can range from $150 to $200. On the right is a Massini bootie from Meijer that is an exact match! I think I paid around $35 when I bought these. And speaking of Meijer, check out the comparison below. On the left is Aerosoles Cyberspace which retailed for about $60-$80 on their own site and department stores when they came out. The "renamed" them Backspace to be sold at discounts retailers. Meijer's original price was $40 but they are now lingering in the clearance isle for $25 I believe. They come in the stormy blue color that I got as well as black and brown.

 

 I hope you enjoyed this post and will be inspired to check out the shoe section the next time you are shopping at one of these stores. It goes without saying, that the expensive versions of these are leather or suede, so you are sacrificing those materials for the cheaper versions. However, this may work in your favor if you are vegan or prefer synthetic materials. All of these purchases I've made have held up wonderfully to my busy lifestyle!