Design flattery: Knock Off or Rip-off?

So many of us walk through our favorite boutiques in wonderment, sighing to ourselves over luxury vs. logistically... "Can we really afford that?" For the most part in my world, the answer is no.  I love the G-Class Mercedes, I adore fine wines and when it comes to a high end shoe by my favorite designer, I'm in!  But is everything worth the money your spending?  How do you know you can't find the same thing for $20 at Target?  Sometimes you can and it is a great find!  It's almost as if a group of high end and low end designers got together and said, "Okay, I'll make this for $200 and it will be a great quality sweater at Saks and you make the same thing in Polyester and Rayon and market it to Forever21."

Case in point, my favorite all time shoe designer, Jeffrey Campbell has cool shoes coming out the wazoo.  He puts edge and flair back into boots, clogs, wedges and sandals. He is the master! And lately I have seen his designs popping up on online websites like Forever 21.  Now, everyone that knows me, knows I love Forever 21.  I used to shop at one of the original locations in the San Fernando Valley when I was in High School. (Ahem, before it was even called Forever 21.) However, I know they knock off designers.  I'm sure even sometimes, it's too close to call who came out with the design first.  But in this case, I side with Campbell.  I am sure his design team came out with the design idea prior to the production line of Forever 21 cranking it out. However, the knock off still flies off the shelf at lightning speed! (The Forever 21 is the shoe above and below is Campbell's masterpiece The Pixie Boot.)

I adore the Campbell boot. I love the fur! You can never go wrong with cheetah print! But how is the Forever 21 wedge in comparison? Is it comfortable? You can own it for a mere $30 compared to the Pixie which is roughly $179 but if it is uncomfortable then is it worth the savings? If you are a leopard loving lady, you may want to go for the investment and save the $20 knock off for the Target tank top!