An Australian stylist who bought a $100 pair of shoes was shocked to discover Big W has a “much better” $30 version.
Brisbane-based Sarah Strozkiy already owned Billini’s Alvina sandals, which retail for $99.95, when she discovered &me’s women’s Turn Lock sandals ($30) from Big W.
The Big W sandals bear a striking resemblance to the Billini footwear, the Australian mum’s “all-time favourite” shoe, at a fraction of the cost.
“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 a “gorgeous” ivory colour before telling her fans to rush out and snap up the fashion find at a bargain price.
The stylist said that if she had known Big W was releasing the sandals in black, then she wouldn’t have spent the extra money on buying the designer pair.
The &me Women’s Turn Lock Sandals are available in black and white, and come in sizes six to ten.
The trendy chic shoe features a strappy design, a sleek gold twist closure and a textured sole.
Brisbane-based stylist and mum Sarah Strozkiy loves finding designer dupes.
The Australian mum’s favourite shoe is the Billini Alvina Black sandals, which retail for $99.95.
Big W’s &me Women’s Turn Lock Sandals ($30) are nearly identical to the Billini sandals and cost a fraction of the price.
Sarah praised the stylish shoes after wearing them while shopping and chasing her little one around the park.
Fans couldn’t wait to get their hands on their own “fabulous” pair, with many saying they were already on their way to their local Big W.
One woman said that while she appreciated that designer shoes were not affordable for everyone, she was saddened to see smaller designers being “ripped off” by big brands.
“It’s the current state of the world that’s so sad. A lot of people simply can’t afford to buy high-end styles, let alone buy grapes from Coles,” Sarah agreed.
‘I guess the big budget brands are offering alternative options for their market.’
One woman whose soles on her Billini sandals were already cracked said she headed to Big W to buy the $30 version and refused to shell out the extra $70 a second time.
But another warned that cheaper shoes are not always a good idea.
‘Sometimes cheap things aren’t worth it. You have to take care of your feet,” they say.
Big W has recently upped its fashion game with an “exciting” new range of affordable knockoffs that are luring deal-conscious Aussies into stores.
Shoppers have noticed pieces similar to those from designers such as Aje, Peter Alexander, Aere and Jag appearing in the budget retailer’s fashion aisles.
“I love, love, love her clothes,” said one.