Top 4 Dupes Under $100 for the Saint Laurent Bianca Platform Heels
Image Source: Net-A-Porter.com
My love for luxury goods runs deep, but my love for the luxury price tag could not be more… shallow. So, when I found myself in love with some $925 platform heels by SAINT LAURENT, I knew I only had one choice: scour the internet for a dupe.
I first ran into my beloved YSL platforms at Bloomingdale’s in Manhattan and took pic after pic of these trendy shoes. Their beautiful knotted top, thin ankle strap with gold hardware and uber-comfortable 4” platform had me hooked. I tried to let it go. I tried to move on. Then I found myself at WOODBURY COMMON, the famous luxury outlet just north of NYC, and I was tempted. At the YSL outlet there, I found a ridiculously gorgeous (and, to be frank, just plain ridiculous) version in gold and black stripes for the low, budget price of $495.
Image Source: modesens.com
Even at half-off, I couldn't bring myself to swipe my Amex. So I took pics, I took video… and then I resisted. As an EXPERT AT RENTING AND THRIFTING MY WARDROBE, I'm forever looking for sustainable and budget-friendly ways to look good. But I did get the card of a personal shopper. Ya know, just in case!
A few weeks later, I found myself in Soho with some time to kill, so I decided it wouldn't hurt to try on the shoes at the Saint Laurent flagship. Amongst the $2,800 bedazzled panties and the $10,000 leather purses were these sky-high platforms named the Bianca. They only had black and white in this store, so I asked to try the black pair in my size. As I waited for what seemed like forever, I pondered what I might do if they fit well. I have never paid this much for any fashion item in my life. The saleswoman approached me with the sexy black box but proclaimed, “We only have size 39.” As a very solid 38.5, I was relieved. The thousand-dollar temptation subsides when the fit is wrong!
Then I slipped those babies on. Like a modern-day Cinderella, I felt immediately transformed to a chic, rich girl. They were so comfortable, so cool, so Saint Laurent. They’d be perfect for my upcoming trip to Paris! I knew trying them on could potentially get me in trouble. I walked them around the store, past some $500 brooches and $300 leather envelopes, like this was my moment at Paris Fashion Week. They were definitely a half size too big, so I traipsed them back to their box and thanked the wallet gods that they didn't have them in my size that day.
My willpower was winning. Yet I still thought about those Biancas. I looked them up on Poshmark, then eBay, then the website for Woodbury Commons (SOME OUTLETS HAVE SITES -- it’s true) . Then I finally decided to do the next best thing to buying designer. Find their dupes. Over weeks and weeks, I scoured the internet. And, here, my friends, is the list of…
The 4 Best YSL Bianca Platform Dupes Under $100
#4. Jessica Simpson Immie Platform Dress Sandals
Price: $98.00
Image Source: Macys.com
These perfect-for-summer strappy sandals give the classic Jessica Simpson nod to the 70s era. They come in black, red, gold and rainbow (!!). Not an exact dupe for the YSL Biancas and those toe straps might cut you 1000 ways from Sunday, but nobody can deny they are CYUUUUTE.
#3.
Nine West Glows Platform Dress Sandals
Price: $89.00
Image Source: NineWest.com
The Nine West Glows Platform Sandals are a pretty decent dupe, but instead of the sophisticated knot feature at the front of the foot, they show off a cross-toe design. They come in a fun variety of colors on the Nine West website – black, cognac, shocking pink and platino gold. And Macy’s has them in blue, black and yellow neon. The strap is a little thicker, the heel is a little curvier but, from afar, these look a lot like the Saint Laurent originals.
#2.
Cool Planet by Steve Madden Jilly Knotted Wood Platform Sandals
Price: $89.00
Image Source: Macys.com
The Jilly Knotted Wood Platform Sandals by Cool Planet come in Almond, Tan and Black, but never had my sizes when I checked. I’m also concerned that the wood soles will be way too heavy, but I do love the look of these babies.
#1:
Marc Fisher Deren Platform Sandal
Price: $98.99
Image Source: dsw.com
These are the absolute best dupes, design-wise. The Marc Fisher Deren Platform currently runs $98.99 on MARCFISHER.COM and DSW.COM, but I bought them for 40% off during a MACY’S One Day Sale. They come in beige, black, floral print and a light blue denim. At $69.30, they are an absolute steal!
If, like me, you don’t like spending $925 on a summer sandal you will certainly dirty up on your trip to Paris, your frolic at a festival or just rooftop nights in NYC, these options will work wonders for you.
NOW TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS BELOW — which do YOU think is the best YSL Dupe?
— J
