The $800 Question

Image via Neiman Marcus

When did all designer shoe's pick the magic price tag of $800+? I can clearly remember the episode of Sex and the City when Carrie had her Manolo Blahnik D'orsay silver shoes stolen and she clearly stated the cost at $595!

Even in the first Sex and the City movie, her Something Blue Manolo's where more in the $600 range. Well, I'm not sure if any of you have searched for this type of shoe lately, but the pricing has climbed to $915!

I am going to venture a guess that the introduction of the red sole on the ever desirable Christian Louboutin is where it all began. This french shoe designer/genius felt that his hand crafted, French pumps could garner on average $850 retail, and shoe whores every where said "Ok!" Thus, provoking every shoe designer worth their weight in leather to surmise, "Hey, these shoe-loving bitches are crazy, let's capitalize!" And now us crazy bitches are faced with rising retail costs of over 20%.

The question begs to be answered, is it worth it? I have a few shoe-obsessed friends that would say "absolutely." But I have to wonder, after my countless marketing and economics classes; would these high-end designers sell more foot candy if they came down a $100 or even $200 per pair? I mean, isn't $500 still a high price to pay for a pair of shoes?

I love beautiful accessories, and while the designs look like "yes" the price tag looks like "no..."

 

Comments

[Kiesha]

I guess it depends on what your disposable income situation is. For me? The answer is absolutely not! I love a beautiful show and I do care more about accessories than my actual clothing sometimes. But for the shoes, if I fall in love with a designer look, I'll have to look for a similar shoe in a more reasonable price range. It's not even like a signature bag that you would wear everyday. That makes it harder for me to justify.

[Tira]

I agree, fabulous accessories make the outfit, but I can't help but question the price of shoes when most of the country is unemployed:-)