How To Blag Designer Shoes

Step 1: Pretend you're famous

Put in a call to the fashion houses press department, mention how a hot new star would be willing to wear their designs at her upcoming high profile events. The key is not to sound too eager, say you've already been sent several rivals collections but you thought it only fair to let them make an offering. Success will depend upon entirely on your ability to b.s., and their naivety.

DOWNSIDE - You may be very strongly asked to return the shoes when they realize you are not Megan Fox, and your local bar is not a red carpet event

BLAGGABILITY RATING - 3

Step 2: Seduce the sales staff

We all saw Charlotte do it in SATC, and couldn't believe her morals got the better of her. Since then women have been scouring boutiques looking for a sales advisors with a foot fancy, who'd be willing to give away shoes for a quick sniff of your tootsies. A bit of foot flirting, and heaving breathing when trying on the shoes might help identify a soul. (sorry)

DOWNSIDE - You could get into serious trouble for harassing staff

BLAGGABILITY RATING - 1

Step 3: Get competitive

Turn to the back pages of most magazines and there's a competition to win a goodie bag. Or check out fashion internet sites, you'll be pleased to know many often give away designer shoes as prizes. Because they know it's what we want.

DOWNSIDE - You could spend a fortune on magazine subscriptions and text messages.

BLAGGABILITY RATING - 5

Step 4: Get thrifty

There is a rare breed of women who are on the waiting list for all designer gear, wear it once, then can't be seen in it again. Option 1 is to get a job working for these people, but you could end up being regularly hit by their cell phones. The other options is to scour the local charity and thrift shops in the plush areas hoping to pick up a second hand gem.

DOWNSIDE - You have to sort through peoples old clothes, and there's no size guarantee

BLAGGABILITY RATING - 8

Step 5: Play the exchange rate

OK, this isn't getting them for free, but it will help your bank balance. A designer shoe in continental Europe cost 530 Euros, that's the equivalent of a massive $828. The same shoe in the UK will cost £355, or $705. But buy it in the US and it will only cost $695, a saving of $132!

DOWNSIDE - Plane fares, increasing carbon footprint, and no use if you are already in The States

BLAGGABILITY RATING - 6

Step 6: Work the internet

Online auctions are brilliant places to pick up designer bargains. Or once you have identified your shoe of choice scour around for entrepreneurs selling at the cheapest price.

DOWNSIDE - They'll be at least 1 season behind, or fake

BLAGGABILITY RATING - 7



Or, if all else fails wait for the high street version at a fraction of the price. Surely only you will know.