During a too-brief stay in our hometown of Chicago this past weekend, we meandered down Oak Street to peruse the city’s new-ish Barneys (or, what our Mecca would be if only we had money) for a pair of wedges to take us through the season.

We were slightly disappointed in the staid, conservative shoe selection in the otherwise well-edited store (not to mention we could have shot off a cannon on the first floor without causing so much as a flinch).

Bored, we left for greener footwear pastures. And as we walked down Rush Street, admiring all the handsome businessmen strutting the sidewalk in suits (a rare sight for L.A.), mall-favorite Aldo beckoned as if from above.

So we went inside. And we hit the jackpot.

Our new pair of $100 gladiator bootie wedges have the same triangular heel as much pricier pairs from Elizabeth and James ($325), Giuseppe Zanotti ($695) and Givenchy ($419.90 on sale).

Needless to say, we’re quite pleased with our purchase (our feet seem happy, too).

Chicago: our kind of town, indeed.