STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Vanessa · Kate Spade

Splurge or Scrimp ....

lugojean · Nine West

Hmmm... well the MKs are definitely nicer. Did you consider though that the heal is much higher though? Maybe this will influence your choice, the other ones may be more comfortable and so you'll use them more.

Escrime · Kate Spade

I have the Unisa pair in pink. I really, really like them, and I have worn them a lot already.

They are on sale at a lot of TJ Maxx/Marshalls in that color (I have seen them in Seattle and in Virginia) for $30.

Honestly, what I would do is get the Unisa sandals at $30 and do your thing and see how you feel about them. The Unisa sandals are actually really cute on and super comfortable.

And if you don't really like them and aren't satisfied with what they look like after you have tried to change them, get the MK ones. You'd only be out $30.

ETA, and if you DO really like the Unisa sandals after you're done being crafty, you'd have a pair of great and unique shoes that only cost you about $30 or so :)

-- Edited by Escrime at 22:20, 2005-03-25

dot · Marc Jacobs

vanessa - i really feel that we have a shopping connection. i can really relate to your posts and i always like your picks.

i can totally see myself in the same dilemma! i have to say, the mk ones are so nice, but it's like they are natural fiber! i wanted to splurge on christian louboutin wedges, but i think i would be just as happy with the santana versions.

in this case, i would say go for the cheaper version. they are still a nice shoe. i just honestly don't think it's worth it for a fiber shoe.

dot · Marc Jacobs

also another thing! the mk seems crazy high and the other pair seems more comfortable,

halleybird · Hermes

I'd scrimp on these, only because I feel like the rope part will wear out/get dirty pretty easily. If I were to drop $350 on shoes, they'd need to be sturdy leather. Plus, they're so similar anyway.

blink · Coach

I saw those Unisa ones at TJ Maxx and I thought they were good for the price, but they weren't going to become my favorite espadrilles. So I passed. Those MK's are very beautiful, much better shaped, but I think you can find something really good for a less. I know I saw some espadrilles by Tommy Hilfiger and Victorias Secret that are nicely priced and look better than the Unisas.

I myself am on a quest for a perfect pair of espadrilles, I am a perfectionist and a procrastinator, so since I have already shopped dozens online, I probably won't be buying any this year...so far, I only really like a polka dot pair by Soda, but not enough to buy them yet.

So my vote is splurge, only because I think you can do better than the Unisas.

-- Edited by lorelei at 00:07, 2005-03-26

Hedvig · Coach

The cheaper ones are nice enough, I suppose, although they also look like they might get dirty pretty quickly. This won't help much, of course, but this Ralph Lauren pair also combines gold leather with rope. They're $195.

alb · Marc Jacobs

Vanessa--My vote is for the Unisas. I think they're cute and your idea of adding sequins or a brooch is a great one. I would definitely do that, and save your $. I think the spruced up Unisas would be just as cute/cool (and maybe even cuter) as the MKs for a lot less $. Go the creative route!

kealoha · Kate Spade

Vanessa, I'd scrimp on those. However, the pair that Hedvig posted is really cute too & still cheaper than the MKs.