Has the “It” Shoe replaced the “It” Bag? According to journalist Hadley Freeman it has, as evidenced by the crazy high heels (we’re talking about 6-to-8-inch stilettos) that scuffed up the catwalks in New York, London, Milan and Paris.

But I say it’s all about the “It” Accessory. With the economy going to pot, it’s all about using one or two amazing statement accessories to add new flavor to your favorite, broken-in pair of jeans or a “this old thing” dress.

Will you be buying a pair of “It Shoes” like the pair featured above for this season? Or are you with me on sticking with accessories?

College is rough on the budget. As a general rule, I don’t like to spend more than $100 on any one item of clothing (unless it is a very special coat or dress), and for all practical purposes, if I want to eat, I really shouldn’t spend more than that.

That makes buying accessories difficult. I always want the latest “It” bag or shoes (who doesn’t?), but I absolutely do not have the budget to buy them. I find interesting ways to compensate, though, namely what I like to call “designer-inspired goods”.

Designer-inspired has a much better ring to it than the more common “knock-off,” and really, they’re nearly as fun as the real thing. As long as they come from reputable sources…NOT street vendors. You can rest more easily knowing that your designer-inspired look came from Steve Madden, not a street vendor in Mexico selling goods stolen from unsuspecting tourists.

Want a piece of the action? Check out the following:

These YSL tribute pumps are actually being sold from Bluefly, which makes them marginally less expensive than buying straight from the source. But, sadly, marginally less expensive still means you’ll need to pay $528. Sigh.

BUT: do not despair that you cannot own one of the most sought-after shoes of the past year or two or three. because you can own something inspired.

Starting from the left, these Steve Madden Laveda’s are a pretty good inspired look. I love the sexy stiletto heel. The Xhilaration Sveta pumps from Target are only $19.99 and come in four different colors. I liked the red and brown, but not the black: it looked a little cheaper than the other shades. BCBG is one of my favorite designers, and their BCBGirls line is less expensive and much more accessible. These white and black platforms also come in a sexy, vampy red. My favorite pair of YSL-inspired pumps are Nine West’s electric blue version. Steve Madden also makes a pair of pumps called the Reede, and this version has a more classic styling/vintage feel than the Laveda’s. But, the most true-to-Tribute pair you can buy? Jessica Simpson’s Miami Maryjanes. They are nearly an exact “inspired” match for the YSL Tributes…and such a great deal, too, at $50.

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