Cupcakes and Cashmere

Crave or Save

March 19th, 2013


Image Map

It’s been a while since I last did a ‘Crave or Save’ post, so I decided to bring it back on a weekly basis, starting with Rag & Bone’s Harrow booties and a similar pair from Steve Madden. I practically live in my VPL boots (seen here, here, and here), so I understand the importance of a great neutral bootie. It has to go with everything, with little details to make them stand out and just a slight heel. Since mine have become frighteningly worn-in, I realize the importance of diversifying my options. These Rag & Bones are fantastic, but for a fraction of the price, the Steve Madden booties are a great alternative.

Advertisement

← Older Comments
Newer Comments →
  • http://thetiniestfirecracker.com Ashley

    I love Steve Madden and everything he does but in this case, I prefer the Rag & Bone ones.

    xo Ashley
    thetiniestfirecracker.com

  • http://lestylorouge.com Ashley

    Funny that, I actually prefer the “save” SM options! That so rarely happens- just ask my bank balance. ;)

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

  • http://www.darkbluestripes.com/ Dark Blue Stripes

    I would have to go for the Rag and Bone pair. The tan colour is nicer in my opinion.

    Christie x

    Dark Blue Stripes

  • http://blurbs-blog.blogspot.com/ B.

    The Harrow booties have been on my wishlist forever. Though, these Steve Maddens are lovely, as well. Looking forward to the comeback of this feature:)

    http://blurbs-blog.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.lapetitegigi.blogspot.com La Petite Gigi

    I’ve had my eyes on the Harrows forever! I can’t bring myself to spend $500 on them :( . Those SMs are a good alternative, but I might just have to save for the Rag & Bones…

    xoxo,
    La Petite Gigi

  • Elsie

    That awkward moment when you consider $150 a crave…

  • https://twitter.com/balseasons Betül

    Emily! I’m so happy that you brought back this series, cos this is the part that I loved soo much about your blog! I’m so happy:) Love these booties.

  • http://www.petiteandhungry.blogspot.com Petite and Hungry

    I love cheaper alternatives!

    http://www.petiteandhungry.blogspot.com

  • genna
  • blog o modzie

    Rag & Bone shoes are very nice but you’re right Steve Madden shoes as well look good and a lot less expensive. Buying shoes Rag & Bone is probably a little too much, I’d rather buy something else interesting :) even the dress http://www.fashionsite.pl/

  • Kristen

    I’ve found that when I spend more money on shoes, they’re made much better and therefore last longer. So in the long run, I’m better off saving money for the splurge. But I usually wait until the splurges go on sale. Then I win times two! I’ve gotten lots of Loeffler randall shoes, boots and booties that way.

  • http://www.thekeypieces.co.uk Lou

    I love these posts and I’m glad that you will be doing them weekly.

    Lou

    http://www.thekeypieces.co.uk

  • http://dcinstyle.com Elena

    This is so funny that yesterday I posted a similar topic about fancy vs affordable! Great post!!!
    http://dcinstyle.com/

  • http://dcstyleboard.blogspot.com/2013/03/white.html Angel

    Emily, I love rag and bone shoes (everything really) it is definitely a highly priced label. Though I’m sure the craftsmanship and materials are superb for $500, for booties that will be worn frequently, I’d actually pick the Steve maddens. They look like great shoes to get worn in and still get max usage out of!

    http://dcstyleboard.blogspot.com/2013/03/white.html

  • http://stillcait.tumblr.com/ Caitlyn

    I have found that my happiest days are when there are TWO cupcake and cashmere posts! Not kidding.

  • http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com gigi

    this is such a great post love that you brought it back since it’s so useful! I would save for these wins personally. I only spend on shoes on rare ocassions for a designer I absolutely love but thats cuz im on a really tight budget. xx. gigi. food and beauty blogger @ http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com

  • http://iamturquoise.com I AM TURQUOISE

    i really like those type of boots but I actually never got to buy any, I managed to find others I liked more:)

    http://iamturquoise.com

  • http://www.minervacollection.com Kate Brown

    Sometimes the more expensive ones are worth saving for. In this case my opinion is that I would say save for the Steve Madden’s as they look a cut above.

  • http://www.brownpaperbelle.com Jess | brownpaperbelle.com

    Ooo on this occasion I think I’d have to save…my money until I had enough to buy the Rag & Bone boots – they are Ah-Ma-Zing!

  • Christine

    Love the rag and bone version but would settle for Madden.

  • http://www.quickcheapandpretty.blogspot.com Martha

    Nice! I’m glad you’ll be doing these posts weekly, I always love spend/save posts.

  • http://www.mylittlerunawayblog.blogspot.com Kez

    To be honest I naturally have expensive taste. Try me, give me a page of fabulous items with no price tag show and I will 9/10 times pick the most expensive item. Before I even saw the prices I went straight for the Steve Madden boots, I how neutral they are. I’m not a fan of the exposed white stitching at the bottom but other than that I love them! Thanks for a great post!

  • http://vickiarcher.com Vicki Archer

    I adore Rag and Bone boots…they’re so comfortable!!…But those Steve Madden ones are very cute too!…xv

    http://vickiarcher.com

  • hollie

    I have been obsessively trying to find those VPL booties for a few weeks now – I LOVE how they look in your pictures! Or even a good alternative… now that would make for a good post!

  • http://distinguisheddiva.blogspot.com/ Adeola Naomi

    I would rather save or just wait for sales!

  • http://losangelesbrunette.blogspot.com kareena

    the steve madden bootie is pretty close!

    xoxo
    Kareena

    losangelesbrunette.blogspot.com

  • http://slidingdrawersblog.blogspot.com/ ellen

    Very Very cute boots- thanks for looking out!

    ;)

    http://slidingdrawersblog.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.FashionSnag.com Fashion Snag

    I like the Rag & Bone ones!

    http://www.FashionSnag.com

  • http://savvycitychic.blogspot.com/ Sam

    Love these posts. I almost kinda like the cheaper version better. I like the cutouts on them.

  • Sara

    Hi Emily, longtime reader, never commented. idk if you read all your comments–but I splurged on these boots (and I’m in college so it was a big splurge) and I walk around in high heels plenty (in fact I have the same pastel pink miu mius w the bow as you!) but these boots are STRANGELY uncomfortable. I even have platform sandals from Rag and Bone and they’re fine but for some reason these boots kill me. I might have thought it was just me except that then my cousin bought them and felt the same. I love them and I love how they look when I wear them but they hurt very quickly! x

    • Emily

      Good to know, thanks for sharing.

  • http://doszafy.pl stylizacje

    Rag & Bone’s for any price!

  • http://www.fashionedible.com FashionEdible

    I would go with Steve Madden. But that’s only because of the price tag. If I didn’t know the costs/brands, I’d pick the Rag & Bone booties :)

    FashionEdible Blog

  • fernanda

    save, the look so good almost like the real ones!
    therunwayoflife.blogspot.mx

  • http://www.vicariousLA.com i.s.

    great comparison! aldo also have some great selects this season xx
    http://www.vicariousLA.com

  • http://cellajane.blogspot.com Rebecca Hoesing

    Tough call…if you were them all the time then SPLURGE!:)

    xx,
    Becky
    cellajaneblogspot.com

  • http://alexiainthemeantime.blogspot.com Alexia

    #save! I found the Zara version of a Celine sandal + I love them just the same!
    xx, Alexia of In the Mean
    xx, Alexia of In the Mean

  • http://www.winksmilestyle.com Josie

    I love the Steve Maddens — the color is flawless.
    xo Josie
    http://www.winksmilestyle.com

  • http://lovelybusybee.blogspot.com/ janika R
  • http://thestinediaries.wordpress.com Bekah

    These might be a nice pair as well! I love the hint of metal at the heel and toe.

    http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/boots/ankle-boots/94637079-moulisova/28

  • http://myblackwhitecolor.blogspot.com Adrienne

    Love love love booties!! The Steve Madden’s are a great alternative to the rag and bone ones for sure!
    Adrienne

  • http://thewearwithal.blogspot.com/ Stephanie

    I love the Steve Madden ones!

    http://thewearwithal.blogspot.com/

  • http://meghansilva.blogspot.com Meghan

    always love a good saving ! and they look pretty similar.

    xo Meg<3

  • http://kristinadoestheinternets.blogspot.com Kristina

    I would have to go for the rag and bone ones, they’re so cute!!

    Kristina

    Kristina does the Internets

  • http://www.mochaandmoccasins.blogspot.ca Monica

    I don’t think I own a single pair of neutral booties but to be honest with you, I like the Steve Madden pair better! It’s all in the color.

  • http://stylethisworld.blogspot.com/ Style This World

    Love Steve Madden ones. Perfect!

    http://stylethisworld.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.heartsit.com Angela

    I would have to go with the Rag and Bone pair. The straps are what does it for me. I love the contrast of the dark brown against the tan and it just looks so much richer.

  • http://www.intotheblonde.com/ Adele

    The Rag & Bone boots are soooo much better, would have to opt for those!
    Happy Wednesday Hun xoxo
    http://www.intotheblonde.com/

  • Azu

    Why not crave AND save? LOL. I like them both. The slight differences between the shoes are the reasons why I like them equally. This one was tough ;)

    xo Azu

    http://www.raven-locks.blogspot.com

  • Lucy

    i actually think steve madden booties are prettier :)

  • http://paginaaolado.blogspot.com Lifestyle Report

    I prefer the “save” SM options!

    http://paginaaolado.blogspot.com

← Older Comments
Newer Comments →

Buy the book

Amazon · Abrams · Barnes & Noble

Advertisement

Archives

  • ▼2013 (174)
  • ►2012 (269)
  • ►2011 (272)
  • ►2010 (257)
  • ►2009 (245)
  • ►2008 (294)

Top Posts

Advertisement

© Cupcakes and Cashmere 2008-2013
SAY:STYLE