Shoedown: An Alexander Wang Splurge vs. Jeffrey Campbell Save

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If you're anything like us there are two things you love: One, being the person at the party with the most amazing, unusual shoes. And two, not having to pay an arm and leg for said shoes.

While we haven't yet found the secret to unlimited free shoes, we have found a pretty great opportunity to get the look for less. Alexander Wang's current shoe collection boasts a theme: There are a few shoes that have all the appeal of the boot combined with skin-baring cutouts. The shoes play with illusion, and it's a perfect compromise in this almost-warm-but-not-quite weather we've been having. But if Wang's pricey goods are out of the question, Jeffrey Campbell comes through with a more affordable shoe that takes on the trend Wang introduced.

Campbell''s Devandra shoe works with the same concept as Wang's version does. But while the more expensive version keeps the heel simple, the clear heel on the Campbell version adds interest. Oh, and it's only $159.90. We can work with that.

...But Alexander Wang's is equally droolworthy. Whether you're brave enough to go full tilt in the taller version (aka the Martha cutout leather knee boot) or would rather keep it practical in one of the more subtle takes on the look, this is one seriously sexy shoe. It may even justify the $1,200 price tag (for the tall version.)

Which do you prefer—Wang's splurge? Or Campbell's more affordable version?
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