'Tis the season to stock up on some new classic and stylish pumps – although, let's be honest, when isn't it the "season"?  In this article I thought I would share with you my favorite place to buy the "knock-offs" of my favorite designers' styles at a fraction of the price.

For years now I've been going to Nine West if ever I need a cheap, quick fix on a well enough made, and designer-looking shoe. This has come in handy when I know the purchase is a frivolous one, or money has been tight, OR when the pair of Dolce and Gabbana's I'm to wear to the Emmys are on a moving van and I'm just not wealthy enough to buy another pair of D&Gs – or the like. Yes, this really did happen and yes, Nine West did have the exact "knock-offs" of the beauties that were on the van, disaster was avoided!

Now I'm not going to say that if you're in a place where you can make an investment in a shoe that this is where you should be shopping. If you are in an investment state-of-mind, then I would strongly suggest buying the Nine West doppelgangers I'm featuring. But if you are in a place where many of us are right now, (present party included), where you must choose your "investments" VERY wisely, yet still you want several new pairs of shoes… Nine West may very well be the solution.

Take a look at my examples of how well they "do" designer with my Nine West vs. Christian Louboutin comparisons:


Nine West Boutique 9, "Udell", $135 vs. Christian Louboutin, Moustique, @ $720



Nine West, "Adaira", $150 vs. Christian Louboutin, Rolando Python, $1195



Nine West, "Jumbo", $79.00 vs. Christian Louboutin, O My Sling, $555


Jennifer Bakken is a San Francisco based wardrobe consultant. For more information: cabinetdenvie.com.