An Australian stylist who bought a pair of shoes for $100 was shocked to discover that Big W has a “much better” version for $30.
Sarah Strozkiy of Brisbane already owned Billini’s Alvina sandals, which retail for $99.95, when she discovered Big W’s &me Women’s Turn Lock Sandals ($30).
The Big W sandals bear a striking resemblance to the Billini shoes, every Australian mum’s absolute favourite, but cost a fraction of the price.
“I paid $100 for these sandals because I really wanted them, only to find out you can get the same style at Big W for $30,” she said in a video.
Sarah snapped up a pair of Turn Lock sandals in the “gorgeous” color ivory and urged her fans to run out and buy the fashionable bargain for themselves.
The stylist said if she had known that Big W would also release the sandals in black, she would not have spent the extra money to purchase the designer pair.
The &me twist-lock sandals for women are available in white and black and in sizes 6 to 10.
The “trendy-chic” footwear features a strap design, an elegant gold twist lock and a structured sole.
Sarah Strozkiy, a stylist and mum from Brisbane, loves finding designer dupes
The Australian mom’s favorite shoes are the Billini Alvina Black Sandals, which retail for $99.95.
The &me Women’s Turn Lock Sandals ($30) from Big W are almost identical to the Billini sandal and cost just a fraction of the price
Sarah loved the stylish shoes after wearing them while shopping and running around the park with her toddler.
Fans couldn’t wait to get their hands on their own “amazing” pair, with many saying they were already on their way to the Big W near them.
One woman said that while she knows that designer shoes are not affordable for everyone, she is tired of seeing big brands rip off smaller designers.
That’s the way the world is at the moment and it’s so sad. A lot of people just can’t afford high-end produce, let alone grapes at Coles,” Sarah agreed.
“I appreciate that big budget brands offer alternative options for their market.”
One woman whose soles were already cracking in her Billini sandals said she went to Big W to buy the $30 version and refused to shell out an extra $70 a second time.
However, another warned that cheaper shoes are not always a good idea.
‘Sometimes it doesn’t pay to be cheap. You have to watch your feet,” they said.
Big W has recently upgraded its fashion offering with a new and “exciting” range of affordable knockoffs that are bringing price-conscious Australians flocking to the stores.
Shoppers have noticed that pieces similar to those from designers such as Aje, Peter Alexander, Aere and Jag are appearing in the fashion departments of discount retailers.
“I love, love, love her clothes,” said one.
