Hi/Lo: Snake Charmer

The Christian Louboutin Python Ruffle Pump is a statement shoe if I ever saw one. And while you might think the ankle-breaking 5" heel is extreme (even if the red peekaboo is lovely), you might want to break out the smelling salts before you take on the $3000 price tag.

Come a little back down to earth with these wildly charming Rush Flat from Juicy Couture, which offers an uncanny twin to the Louboutin look without the worry of breaking your back or your wallet.

HiLo: Viva La Vivienne

What is it about the Jimmy Choos pictured left that landed them on Saks Fifth Avenue's top picks for 2010? Luxe metallic sheen? Check. Cute cuttout details? Check. Flattering fit for a functional flat? Check, check, and check. Waterproof? No way.

While you are dropping over $300 on Italian leather with the Jimmy Choos, doesn't it make sense that a summer shoe should be amphious? If you wouldn't wear it to the beach, why bother adding it to your summer ensemble, especially when you can get the wave-resistant Vivienne Westwood Marine Jelly for 1/5 of the price.

Hi/Lo: The Cost of Class

The Moschino cardigan pictured above is an elegant representation of the cardigan, calling to mind a look made classic by Coco Chanel. Sure - it's chic, and cardigans may be the essential spring piece this season, but you certainly don't want to be paying for said cardigan past fall.

If you're looking for all the class without the cost, consider the Cambon Cardi from Wheels & Dollbaby for a sensible chic that would do our prudent Coco proud.

HiLo: The High Road

The biker trend is big on the fall ready-to-wear runways, and people are shelling out serious cash to get buckled, zipped and belted like in the Maison Martin Margiela Collarless Jersey Biker Jacket pictured at left. It's a simple style - elegant, edgy, and tagged with the lofty digits of $1200. At that price you'd better hope you're a biker already used to living on the road because you'll probably have to sell your house after buying it.

Okay, that might have been a bit of an exaggeration but the price certainly wasn't, and I can see a lot more sense in getting the almost-identical style from Juicy Couture's Motorcycle Jacket, priced at a moderate $198.

HiLo: Trench Wardrobe-Fare

Ruffles have always been an accent that speaks of frivolous fun, and they're positively charming when put to this pair of spring-pale trenches. Throw in a smattering of gold-hued hardware and it's absolute magic.

These trenches are two of a kind and equally covetable, so how do you choose? Let's make it easy. Lovely as the Valentino on the left may be, its $1100 price tag poses a poor front against Juicy's $300 Daisy Ruffle Coat.

You can shop the better deal at UrbanMinx.

Hi/Lo: On the Fringe

The spring trends are beginning to show up downright bohemian with fringe and flowers filling the glossies til they're fit to burst! We're loving the former, especially in these lovely fringed boots.

With the Louboutins on the left you get the lush texture of fringe and lofty stiletto height, but you get the same with the Sergio Zelcers on the right. The only difference? A price tag weighty enough to have you wading through debt for months. Shop smart and opt for the Sergios. Your progeny and their college fund will thank you.

Hi/Lo: Little Black Dress for Less

Something simple, slimming, and sophisticated like these two draped-neck frocks is something that every style maven should have in her closet. As something so easily suited to every occasion, your LBD is as essential as a good pair of jeans.

But just because something is essential doesn't mean you need to drop a heavy dime on it. Net-A-Porter offers the Moschino Cheap and Chic Dress (pictured left) at the not so cheap price of $600, which is why we were thrilled to find its clone in the Constance Dress by Velvet Tees (at right) selling for the fractional price of $160.

Hi/Lo: Cardigan Cutback

Cardigans are bound to be a big staple in your spring wardrobe, and these grandfather-style cardigans are all the rage. Slim and subtle, the Cambray Cardigan by Aubin & Willis pictured on the right is cut to flatter the feminine figure despite its more masculine origins. Contrasting black trim against a charcoal field creates a more modern look.

The only unattractive element of the Cambray is the price tag at a whopping $320, which is why we love the Kensie Long Ruffle Cardigan. A close cousin to the Cambray, this cardigan can be reached at a very reasonable $78 and even comes with a delicate ruffle trim.