To those who identify as a “Carrie,” a love of shoes can border on religion. I’m a proud Miranda, however, and while I can appreciate – and envy – an array of shiny new Manolo’s, I know that’s not sensible or practical. Enter the thrill of the hunt – a search for vintage designer shoes that still allows me to comfortable pay my rent.
Last year my love for vintage and thrift shopping grew, and simultaneously the number of shoes in closet. What’s the thrill of a find without showing it off? Here are a few of my favorite designer shoe purchases of 2019.
Manolo Blahnik Mules
During a girls trip out to the Hamptons, we stopped at Collette’s Basement a small, below ground consignment store where spent hours rifling through the racks, having a mini fashion show and gushing at each of our purchases. Here I found my first (!!) pair of Manolo’s. A simple black, pointed toe, kitten-heeled mule that was fitting for the summer.
YSL Mary Janes
Vintage is better when it comes from overseas, right? Walking around the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris, I stopped inside Rose Market Vintage a cute shop on a characteristic steep street. The attentive owner gushed when I tried on a blue prairie dress along with these shoes – she immediately snapped a photo of me and posted it on the store’s IG account! This was by far one of my best Parisian purchases – they are the most comfortable heels I own!
Christian Louboutin Suede Pumps
Back in NYC, I always make sure to stop in a Housing Works when I’m in its vicinity. In addition to really great furniture and home goods, you may stumble upon the shoes you’ll wear for the next week – rain or shine. Exhibit A: Below $50 Louboutins in a beautiful, light brown suede. And yes, I did immediately slip them on… to go visit my parents for a VERY casual Sunday dinner.
Salvatore Ferragamo Croc Embossed Pumps
Housing Works Exhibit B: The work shoes that are now dominating my fall footwear (and will be extended as long as possible into winter as possible.) These were also below $50!
Blue Prada Mid-Heel Shoes
Econo-Carries of today – discount shopping really isn’t all that bad when you find deals as good as these. Plus: the cardio comes free! Beacon’s Closet is one of my favorite thrift stores in NYC, and the Greenpoint location is perhaps the largest, with a huge selection of stuff to shift through. Rather than heading to a mall or fast fashion store to score a deal, I headed to thrift and vintage stores in Brooklyn over Black Friday weekend this year. The trip was successful, having walked out with these $20 Prada shoes that are perfect for work and play alike.
Don’t have access to a really good thrift store? I really like shopping The RealReal, where I found a ton of similar styles. Of course, the prices are not quite so affordable – it take times and a lot of shopping to find killer bargains – but you can for sure find gems at far less than retail.