For nearly every pair of ultra-expensive designer shoes, there’s a lower-priced, “inspired-by” counterpart.  So, the question becomes, spend more or spend less?  You decide: 

These Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain zipper boots rock, but their super-high price tag will knock your piggy bank out in no time.  If you gotta have em, get them at Shopbop for $1,975 with free shipping.

Spend less on a wedge style with the same multiple zippers, the Jeffrey Campbell Legal.  Get these at Lori’s Shoes for $186.

Spend way less on the Go Jane zipper strap boot for $38.40.  It comes in black, red or brown.

Update: Another option is the N.Y.L.A. Zipit (pictured) at Nordstrom for $146.95 or the ALDO Cousey for $140 at ALDO.

Here’s another fierce zipper boot, the Giuseppe Zanotti zipper ankle boot.  Spend $975 at Saks to add this style to your closet.

Or, spend a lot less on a similar style at Go Jane.  Their zip up bootie is $29.40 in black or red.

Kim from the Real Housewives of Atlanta wore Christian Louboutin Glitter Peep-Toe Slingbacks tonight on the show finale (drama!).  If you’re a size 7.5 or 10.5 with a fully-loaded wallet, get them at Saks Fifth Avenue for $745.  Update: Kim actually wore a closed-toe style, which is likely the Pigalle 120 crystal pump shown here in gold on Coolspotters (or the Samira Strass shown on Purse Blog), but there are similar styles (some are sold out).  The multi-colored Christian Louboutin Glitter Slingback Platform Pump is available for pre-order at Neiman Marcus for $745 or get a red or blue Glittered Platform Pump for $775.  The Christian Louboutin Glitter Pump in nude or pink is priced at $595.  The closed-toe Christian Louboutin Ron Ron in silver is $595 at Barney’s.  Update 2: The Christian Louboutin Peep-Toe Glitter Pump in multi-platinum is $725 at Saks (some sizes are on pre-order).  Update 3: The Christian Louboutin Sexy Sling Glittered Stiletto for $595 at Bergdorf.

If you can’t quite swing it right now, try the Coloriffics Gala Silver Glitter Peep-Toe Slingback for $54.45 at Shoebuy.  Apply coupon code FALL to get another 20% off, bringing your total down to $43.56 with free shipping, bling and all.  Coupon expires 10/31/09.

Another silver glitter heel option is the Stuart Weitzman Avalon at Zappos for $355 or at Jildor for the same price.

Here’s the Miss Me Whitney for $39.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.com.

H by Halston Stella silver glitter pumps for $79.95 exclusively at Bakers Shoes.  These are also available in gold glitter, multi glitter and brown, white or black leather.

Steve Madden Caryssag for $129.95 with free shipping at Zappos or for $139.95 with free shipping via code SMFREESHIP at Steve Madden.

Steve Madden I-Lyddia rhinestone heels for $149.95 at Steve Madden.

More glitter pumps:

Oh Deer! Dorothy glitter pumps for $51.75 at 6pm

Report Signature Leather Glitter Platform Pump for $92.50 at QVC.  Update: They appear to be sold out at QVC now, but Heels.com has them for $169.99.

J.crew Starlight Sylvia Glitter Heels for $198.  This pair is on sale for $158.40 until 11/23/09.  Update: Now sold out.

See more shoes from The Real Housewives.

P.S. Be a friend of Fairy Shoe Princess on Facebook!

Today, I thought we’d talk about some shoes seen recently on reality TV.  This past week marked the end of The Rachel Zoe Project (tear) and we saw two shoes worn by Rachel and Taylor in the finale (including the pair Rachel dubbed her tranny shoes).  But first, we have more shoes from The City season 2.  We’ve covered the footwear choices of Whitney Port, but now we must talk about Erin.  Erin, who is new to the show, is the Director of PR at Elle (the youngest one ever) and she seems to be quite the power player, ready to whip new accessories editor Olivia into submission and show her who’s boss.  Although Whitney never quite put Olivia in her place during the first season, Erin certainly intends to - especially in these shoes:

When Erin debuts on the show, the first thing we notice is her feet - in these amazing Christian Louboutin Very Prive studded peep toe heels (seen on Polyvore).  Yes, nothing says “She Who Must Be Obeyed” like a heel with little spikes all over it.  I don’t see this pair available for sale anywhere, but the similar Christian Louboutin Pigalle stud pump is at luisaviaroma for $1,097.70 (limited sizes) or at net-a-porter for $995.  For lower-priced alternatives, try these:

Dolce Vita Trinity, a shoe definitely on my love list right now, for $210 at Saks Fifth Avenue.  Get 25% off using coupon code FRIENDS2 until 10/18/09, making them $157.50.  Also available at Bloomingdales for $210. 

Lovely People Aziza stud platform peep toe pump for $69.99 at Smartbargains.  It looks like you get an extra 10% off and free shipping at checkout too.

Rock & Republic Nika for $279 at Zappos.

If you’re digging the pair Erin wears in the MTV promo pic above, it’s the Report Signature Masonic, found at Amazon for $134.95 or $188.99 depending on the size selected.  Also available at Endless for $137.47 in very limited sizes, at Bluefly for $149.99 or at Heels.com for $224.09.  Update: You can also get this same style at QVC for $125.

Looking to spend less on this look?  Try the ALDO Smeal for $89.98 with free shipping at Amazon.

Or, substitute chains for studs with this drool-worthy Jeffrey Campbell Posh-2 chain platform for $164.95 at Solestruck.

On to The Rachel Zoe Project: In the season finale, Rachel rocks this two-tone Louis Vuitton platform wedge in gold and black from the fall 2008 RTW collection (seen on Style.com).  She also wore an all-black version earlier in the season.  I love these on her and, although Bebe made this France platform wedge clearly inspired by this shoe, they are now sold out and I couldn’t find anything else that closely resembles this unique pair.  However, an extra-tall and funky platform should fit the bill, capturing a similar look without imitating the exact style.  Try these:

Jeffrey Campbell Tryst for $109.95 with free shipping at Solestruck.

Cool, Casual by Slow and Steady Wins the Race at Urban Outfitters for $88.  Coupon code BIGMOUTH takes an additional 10% off until 10/26/09.

Deena and Ozzy Mary Jane Wedge for $49.99 at Urban Outfitters.  Use coupon code listed above for 10% off.

BCBGirls Ris Wedge for $60.47 with free shipping from Endless.

Marley Crisscross Wedge for $99.95 at Free People.

Update: Here’s another pair called the Sam Edelman Zoe for $350 at Urban Outfitters.  Was it inspired by Rachel herself (hence the name)?  Maybe so!

Finally, there’s Taylor.  On the finale, Taylor proves the squeaky wheel gets the grease a promotion from styling associate to head of product development.  She also wears some suede boots during a trip to QVC headquarters with Rach that looked a lot like this Christian Louboutin ankle boot.  Here are some more affordable suede boots to check out:

Nine West Zenon for $119 at Nine West.  Apply coupon code NWFRND6 to get 30% off until 10/18/09.

Nine West Ignatious for $109 at Macy’s.  Get free shipping on $99 or more using coupon code FAVEFIND at checkout until 10/22/09.

Lumiani Regine for $145 with free shipping at Zappos.

Promo photos from MTV.com and Bravotv.com

Lucky for us, spring shoe sales often pop up as fast as spring flowers, but they can also wilt just as quickly.  That’s why we’re going to do a rundown of all the current shoe sales, so you can pick your savings before they run out.  Here’s the lowdown: 

Guess.com: Get a cool 50% off all of their hot sale shoes using coupon code EXTRA50 at checkout.  I’ve been checking out this woven, huarache-style Guess Laos pair, which is reduced to $45 from $89.99 after coupon.  Expires 4/8/09.

DSW: Get an additional 30% off all clearance styles by using their SPRING30 coupon code.  There are plenty of options to choose from, but one notable one is this Max Studio Xian Reptile Sandal, a DSW online exclusive that’s $69.96 after discount.  If you’re a Rewards Member, apply code FSDSW to get free shipping on orders $29 or more.  Expires 4/13/09.

Macys: During their latest One Day Sale, you can get 40-60% off your purchase, including shoes.  Their regularly-priced shoes are all on sale, but get extra good savings on clearance shoes, which are reduced an additional 25%.  You can try out something ultra-dramatic with this Nine West Bolero gladiator sandal, which is $51.97 (originally $99). Expires 4/8/09.

6pm: Their latest super sale is applied to a selection of Nine West shoes, which are reduced to $14.95.  That’s up to 80% off these pairs and there are currently about 65 to choose from.  They also offer Bouquets shoes for $12.95 this week.

Saks: Get a $100 gift card with any $500 shoe purchase by applying coupon code SHOE9 at checkout.  Some brands are excluded.  Expires 4/12/09.

Gap Inc. Brands: Save 30% on new arrivals at Gap, Banana Republic or Old Navy when you use their NEW30 coupon code until 4/9/09.  Plus, you can save at Piperlime too.  Coupon code SAVE will yield 10% off $125 and 15% off $175 until 5/3/09.  Shipping is free on orders $150 or more from any of the stores, but Piperlime orders always ship free.

That’s all for now.  Happy shoe shopping!

Get free shipping on any order when you shop at either Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus.  If you’ve been eyeing shoes at Saks, enter coupon code SAKSSHIP9 at checkout.  If you prefer the shoes at Neiman Marcus, enter coupon code NMFEB for the discount.  Both coupons expire 2/25/09.

Did you know Glamour magazine is turning 70 this year?  To celebrate, they are gifting their readers with a series of seven sweepstakes leading up to their big day in April.  With their most current giveaway, they show they clearly know what a girl wants and needs: Cute shoes (and lots of them).  They are awarding a whopping $7,000 in free shoes from Piperlime to one lucky winner and five other winners will receive one pair of shoes each.  You can enter at Glamour.com once per day until March 9, 2009.

You can also win big at Neiman Marcus with their Christian Louboutin Shopping Spree Sweepstakes, which will award one person $3,000 in shoes from the luxury designer.  You enter by signing up for their email list and you get up to five additional entries by referring friends to register.  Submit your entry by 3/18/09 at 8 am CT.

Finally, Saks Fifth Avenue is giving away a $1,500 gift card, which can be spent on new shoes, when you sign-up at their site.  Submit one entry per day until 3/9/09 at 10 am ET.

Good luck to everyone that enters!

If you’ve been thinking about buying a pair of Louboutins, get a free gift with your purchase at Saks Fifth Avenue.  They are including a free pair of $100 Kova & T black leggings with any Christian Louboutin purchase $700 or more.  Enter coupon code KOVAT during checkout to get this deal, which expires 2/15/09.