Champagne Vs. Tap - Valentino Couture D'Orsay Pumps

I was browsing Lyst and I came across these iconic Valentino D'Orsay heels with a moderate platform, so adorable in Valentino Red of course.

Valentino Couture D'Orsay Pumps in Red Patent, $675, Neiman Marcus.

So as usual, I tried to look for a budget-friendly option. I found these pumps similar to the Valentino's. They're by Jonathan Kayne. They are made of patent leather upper and not PU, which pleases me.   However, the heels aren't as slender and "elegant" as the Valentino's, but its very close and a lot more reasonably priced. Why is it that higher end shoes seem to almost always have a more slender, sleeker heel than their cheaper priced counterparts?

Johnathan Kayne -Benjamin Walk Bow Shoes, $81.99 at FamousFootwear.com

Champagne Vs. Tap - Jimmy Choo 'Baxen' Peep Toe Wedge

Champagne: Jimmy Choo Baxen black patent peep toe wedge, $595. It has a leather sole and 3.5 inch wedge heel.

Tap:  This is the Wiliam patent leather peep toe wedge, by Jones New York, $98.

The heel height is a tad lower than the Choos, only 2.5 inches. It has a padded foot bed for comfort and a synthetic sole. To me, the leather upper is the equalizer between the two and the padded foot bed on these ones actually earn them more points in my book. Your feet will thank you for giving them a break once in a while. Both have very similar refined and feminine curves to them. The Jones New York wedge doesn't look clunkier or less sophisticated than the Choos, the compromise I usually can't handle when it comes to shopping for cheap-chic versions of high-end shoes. Click on Pic to buy.

Let's put them right next to each other: