Splurge vs. Save: Crystal Embellished Pumps

Wouldn't it be nice if you will be wearing something sparkly on your feet this Yuletide Season? I know that some of you will agree that the best option would be crystal embellished shoes rather than just glittered. So, for all of you shoe-aholics out there, here are some crystal embellished shoes that will fit any wallet size.

SPLURGE

It is okay to change brands from time to time, people. Let us skip Mr. Louboutin this time and explore other brands.

Gianmarco Lorenzi almond toe platform pumps, $2,508 at Farfetch. It has crystal embellished 14.5cm heel and 4cm suede platform. The upper is fully covered with crystals... even the sole. This is also available in blue.

Gucci 'Sofia' peep toe pumps, $2,295 at Nordstrom. It has 4-inch heel and 1-inch platform. This pump is from the brand's Resort 2012 collection and is a pre-order item. 

SAVE

A thousand buck less for the savvy shopper.

Casadei platform pumps, $1,600 at Neiman Marcus. Its heel measures  4 3/4 inches with  1 inch double platform. Its upper is made of leather with Swarovski crystals.

Casadei 'Neptune' pumps, $1,050 at Neiman Marcus. Its heel measures 4 inches. Its upper is made of satin covered with rhinestones and studs.

STEAL

This post will not end without something for the budget fashionista.

Aldo 'Plan' pin heel pumps, $152.75. Its upper is made of satin with diamante details and concealed platform.

Steve Madden 'Cycile' platform pumps, $149.95 at Amazon. It has 4.75 inch heel and  1 inch platform. Its upper is made of  satin embellished with faux crystals.

Vince Camuto 'Garnets River' platform pumps, $139. Its heel measures 5.3 inches while the platform measures  1.5 inches. Its upper is made of satin with rhinestones. This is also available in black and champagne. 

Gianmarco Lorenzi corsage sandals

Gianmarco Lorenzi corsage sandal, $1120 at Farfetch.

This sandal definitely makes a statement. I like the corsage detail. The black and white contrast adds a touch of mystery and sophistication. And the platform, a Lorenzi trademark, added the right amount of quirk (not to mention height).

Gianmarco Lorenzi velvet platform pump with silver cap toe

See that stick-thin heel?  It can kill an innocent looker.  And the cap toe... it looks harmless but it can disable anyone with just a kick on the shin.  Ouch!  I love this!  Although it passed my meticulous standards in terms of shoe design, it barely hit the passing mark for my wallet's standards.  Relatively, it is affordable compared to the designer's other shoes (this is only $702).  Before you click this link, it is still best to check first if you can really afford this without sacrificing other important things.

Gianmarco Lorenzi rhinestone slingback platform

Perhaps if the Wizard of Oz will have a movie remake, this rhinestone embellished slingback by Gianmarco Lorenzi would be considered as Dorothy's rubby slippers.  I am not exactly sure if Dorothy can walk for miles on the yellow brick road wearing this... perhaps, the Lion, Tin Man or the Scarecrow will just have to carry her to get to Emerald City unblistered... but, that would change the whole story.  So much for my suggestions.

You can have this for (brace yourself) $2,684 at Farfetch.  Whew!  You can almost buy the Emerald City for that.

Gianmarco Lorenzi platform court shoe

Dangerous heels ahead!  If you are looking for a high impact stiletto like the Christian Louboutin 'Big Lips 120' suede pumps but somewhat short in budget, this Gianmarco Lorenzi court shoe may be your best option.  This comes in black and blue and you can buy them at Farfetch for $610.

Gianmarco Lorenzi military style platform sandal

What do you think of this military inspired sandals by Gianmarco Lorenzi?  I personally like the design but I am not really sure I can wear it at this heel height, it is as if it will break the moment I make my first  step.  I had some brief contemplation about this shoe's niche and the only thing that I thought of is a kinky S & M--military inspired of course.  You can buy this at Fartfetch for $761 but this is not yet available online... that means you still have time to save bucks for this girl.

Gianmarco Lorenzi suede platform sandal

This is probably the most unusual platform I've seen so far.  I love the play of colors, it reminds me of the colorful and funky days of the 80s.  Given this shoe has the edgiest sole, I can't wear it... I just don't have the attitude to wear such height and the cutout platform just couldn't fit my personality.  This unique sandal by Gianmarco Lorenzi is available at Farfetch.