I didn’t quit smoking in the name of good health – I did it in the name of expensive shoes.

Even before the price of a pack of cigarettes rose from $5.50 to $7 yesterday, I estimated I was spending at least $2,000 a year on a pack-a-day smoking habit.

According to my calculations, that worked out to roughly five pairs of $400 Manolo Blahniks – twice that many on sale. (Thanks to the new tax, I’ve got another two pairs of mules in my future!)

So, nine weeks ago, the day after my 32nd birthday – 13 years after I began puffing – I smoked my last cigarette.

This was a big deal for a lot of reasons, not least of all because I co-author a weekly bar column.

I could sweat through not lighting up after my first cup of coffee. I even learned to chew gum to relieve stress during a tight deadline.

But researching the Bar Belles column was tough.

What’s a swig of beer without a drag off a cigarette to ease it down? The methodical nature of these actions made me feel comfortable and complete.

In the end – aside from an arsenal of 21-milligram nicotine patches, God bless them – the only thing that stands between my lips and a Vantage Ultra Light is my pride. Nothing bothers me more than failure. I knew there are people who didn’t think I can do this. That drives me crazy.

The thought of sitting down for a drink and having them smile smugly as I light up is just too much for my ego.

That’s the scenario I imagine every time I come close to caving in – and believe me, I’ve come very close.

And then there are the shoes. I do feel kind of shallow admitting that the thing that’s kept me off nicotine is the promise of a visit to the Bergdorf Goodman shoe department.

But so far, it’s worked.

I know my reason for quitting is far from politically correct – that you’re supposed to do it for health reasons.

I see the opportunity to live longer as an added benefit.

Aside from wanting new and more expensive shoes, my other motives were equally vain: I was sick of having gray skin, yellow teeth and bad breath and spending so much cash having the smoke smell dry-cleaned from my good clothes.

But by God, they worked.

And that’s what I’ve been telling friends who’ve asked for advice: Don’t worry about quitting for the “right” reason.

The only right reason is the one that works for you.

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INSTEAD OF SMOKES

HERE’S what Libby suggests buying with the $2,555 you’d save by quitting a pack-a-day smoking habit:

* 2 fringed Missoni halter dresses ($1,200 each).

* 6 Botox injections from Skinklinic ($375 each).

* 9 pairs of Alice & Olivia pants ($275 each).

* 17 massages at Bliss Spa ($145 each).

* 102 Petit Bateau tank tops ($25 each).