[galligator]

I also try to get everything on sale. I know how high most retail markups are & am usually willing to wait & see if something goes on sale.

So far, I have few 'premium' designer shoes. That is both because the cost is often (to my budget & somewhat per my upbringing) frivolous. But that is me. I have managed a handful of wonderful shoes from Prada, Bruna Magli, Anyi Lu, Nanette Lepore, Mark Jacobs & Mark Nason for a fraction of their original prices. In all of these cases, I loved a unique style and got a good sale price. I definitely flinch when the numbers move over the $500 mark & rarely am willing to put more than $250 out of pocket for any single pair of shoes, no matter who the designer is.

I even walked away from a Louboutin sandal on sale at Joseph's last year when it was $230 - I didn't LOVE it & so even the bargain price for a CL didn't tempt me since I won't buy a sale item *just* for a brand name/desighner, but am looking at the overall value that I am getting from each purchase.

My shopping is actually in a lower phase right now since I have a good selection of colors and styles & have fewer 'voids' in my collection.