The Italian job

Photo: Rogan Birnie

We all know there’s no need to splurge on a designer name when you can get a well-made look-alike without breaking the bank. Fortunate for shoe fiends on a shoestring, Steven Lowenthal feels the same way, so he stocks his shop Via Firenzi (meaning “by way of Florence”—the shoe-factory capital of the world) with Italian, Spanish, and Brazilian kicks that call to mind Christian Louboutin, Gucci and Prada at a fraction of the cost. For the ladies, the shop offers glittery silver pumps ($175) and ankle-strap wedges ($180–$200); and über-Italian pointy-toed dress shoes ($190) and brown leather bowlers ($100) for men. Two racks of baby-doll and scarf dresses ($100–$150) plus basic leather and canvas handbags ($75–$160) provide options for completing the look. You’ll walk out feeling like a million bucks—without spending more than a few hundred. 1821 W North Ave between Honore and Wood Sts (773-486-4434).—Jessica Herman