Designer Shoe Deja Vu: Gucci Tattoo Cruise Slingbacks
posted by: brianka in Designer Shoe Déja Vu, Fall 2009 Shoes, Gucci Shoes, High heels, Hot Shoe Deals and Steals, Slingbacks, Spot the Shoe on Sale, spring 2010 shoes on May 13th, 2010
Some of you may recall that I liked the Gucci Cruise ’09 Heart Slingbacks quite a bit when they were available for sale last fall.
These displayed more than a little echo of Christian Audigier / Ed Hardy styling without being terribly over the top. Plus, I’m a sucker for slingbacks that make my feet look all pretty and disguise flaws while still having a bit of sassy peek-a-boo appeal, so I was double tempted than had these merely been pumps.
Alas, I passed on purchasing them since they were not in my cash-flow plan at that time.
…As a side note, I have actually managed to stick to my attempts at a budget – for the most part. I’m only human and things do come up – but, over the last year I have declined to make any shoe purchases over $200, and at that, rarely. In fact, my last shoe purchase was back at the end of February, so self control for me has been generally successful, even if it is all about staying on the cold-turkey wagon and keeping my mindset on the task of new shoe-finds for our readers here on Shoeblog to vicariously fill my shoe needs.
Anyway, I keep reminding myself that paying down my debt is one of my most important goals for 2010. The road to financial stability is worth it, but temptation arises in unexpected ways.
This Martinez Valero Gucci-twin is one of those temptations. These are copies, not counterfeits, and therefore legal; they make no claims to being an actual Gucci product. But, comparing these two products, the source shoe is unmistakable:
Martinez Valero ‘Onaway’ $159, on sale for $55.98 at Smartbargains & $96.22 at Endless.com
I had written the Gucci’s off as an ebay aftermarket hunt for sometime in 2011, after my bills are paid off, if at all. Now temptation rears its ugly head.
Should I feel bad that I am tempted by these Valero’s? I am still undecided on the whole legal copies issue, which is much more complicated than initial observations might suggest.
Maybe my weird mental guilt issues would be calmed if I mini-splurged on the black rather than the tan since I don’t recall that color being offered by Gucci?
Or, am I over-thinking this?
4 Comments
- Click Here to Speak Up
November 02, 2011 at 11:24 am, cheap auto insurance for young drivers said:
Auto Insurance in India is a compulsory requirement for all new vehicles used whether for commercial or personal use. The insurance companies have tie-ups …
May 13, 2010 at 2:43 pm, Suzanne aka Punk Glam Queen said:
Every year Gucci does a line that benefits UNICEF (at least I’m pretty sure its UNICEF!) and I think the tattoo line was part of that. I think I may still have the original catalog somewhere so I can look it up.
I agree, there are some great lower priced shoes that were obviously inspired by higher priced lines but still manage their own unique twist. As a former designer (not shoes, oh goodness that would’ve been even more of a disaster to my closet!) copies just happen to be a big pet peeve for me so I tend to steer clear.
Oo sounds like you have some great shoe plans! Best of luck on getting the debt down and getting those babies into your wardrobe!
May 13, 2010 at 2:58 am, galligator said:
I'd love to get more news about the charity aspect. I hadn't heard that or seen news on the internet in that regard. I'm always amazed how much shoe news there is out there & I feel like even the news that I just randomly encounter is just a drop in the bucket – and that's with me really paying attention and really looking for it.
Thus far, I haven't intentionally purchased any direct designer copies. I'm less bothered by obviously inspired styles that have enough details changed to easily differentiate source from the copy. It's one of those legally ok but ethically grey areas. Imitation drives fashion innovation and fashion cycles, but I like originality even at lower price points.
And yes, I do know that time will finish off the last of our moving & other debt that we are taking a big chunk out of by controlling spending at this time. Plus, I do have a couple of other styles on my 'aftermarket & when there is no debt left but the mortgage list' that includes a Vivier Rose n Roll & a metallic shrouded Paciotti stiletto, so I know there are some items I will hunt for when the time is right. They do say that patience is good for the soul….
May 12, 2010 at 9:32 pm, Suzanne aka Punk Gla said:
Wasn't that particular Gucci tattoo collection used in conjunction with a charity? The Valero's may be legal, but they are still a copy and I'd steer clear. I'd feel even more guilty buying the copy if the Gucci's were indeed used to raise money for charity. Looking at them, the Gucci's have a much sleeker silhouette than the Valero's that look almost clunky in comparison. I'd definitely wait and hit up eBay or the Gucci outlets. They'll even ship so call around to all of them. If you catch a sale, you'd be paying close to the same price as the copies! Don't waste your money on a cheap splurge. If you can afford to splurge that much, you can also afford to wait a little longer and get quality. You know they'll outlast the Valero's and you'll love and enjoy them for years to come!