Jean-Michel Cazabat Tabia Cork Wedge Pumps vs. Yves Saint Laurent Maryna Pumps: A Run for Your Money

Whether you’re going Frugal or Snob, you can’t go wrong with either of these pumps. There are times when a shoe can’t compete with the expensive original, and others when all the elements – and possibly more – are in the more cost-effective edition.

Suede upper with a cork wedge: these Jean-Michel Cazabat pumps ($295) own the same look for a third of the price! So there is a slight difference between these and Yves Saint Laurent’s Maryna pump ($795). The YSL wedge’s wood has a light wash for higher contrast against black suede. It might make for a fresher take, too, but I’m loving the distressed cork on the Cazabat (it has hints of painted gold for intriguing texture). It’s got a carefree wear-with-anything feel that I’m all about.

So perhaps it’s not the price that will tip you one way or another. When it comes to suede-on-wood, I’m leaning towards the rough and tumble wedge – the friendly price tag is just a bonus!