It’s no secret that many women simply adore fashion. Designer shoes, handbags, and clothing are often at the top of many wish lists, and for good reason. Most of these items are incredibly stylish and well made, and with proper care offer a fairly reasonable return on investment and can last for years.
However, that initial investment is what prevents many women from purchasing clothing or accessories from their favorite designers. Not everyone can afford to purchase everything they want when they want it, so it’s time to get creative.
If you’re a savvy shopper who wants to get more name-brand items for less money, then check out these five ways to shop for your favorite designers’ goods without paying full price.
1. Feel out Facebook
Facebook is more than a place to scroll through your friends’ vacation photos and funny videos of cats. It’s also a great place to find auction and sale pages that specialize in upscale brands. Some of the items may be new with tags, and others may be gently used, but you’re bound to find something that you’re looking for.
It’s best to choose a page or group that’s in your area so you don’t have to deal with the occasional shipping issues. It’s also wise to choose a page or group that has active moderators. Make sure you understand the rules and regulations before you begin buying or bidding, and always ask questions if you have any doubts about the authenticity or condition of an item you’re interested in.
2. Mobile Apps Can be Amazing
There’s a mobile app for almost everything these days, and developers have not left apps for fashion addicts out of the loop. The aforementioned HauteLook offers a mobile app for their sales, and you have many other mobile resources at your disposal.
Many of these apps don’t necessarily focus on high end fashion or specific designers, but some do offer the choice to filter by brand, like FashionClyp. Some apps even partner with other discount and great coupon sites to offer deeper discounts.
3. Cruise the Consignment Shops
Consignment shops are some of the best places to find designer items at incredible prices. Different than thrift stores in that they don’t take donations, consignment shops have a vested interest in making a profit, so the items they sell are generally in good condition.
If you live in New York, Los Angeles, or other large city, your chances of picking up your favorite brands at a consignment shop are good. However, all is not lost if you live in a different part of the country. Many of the best consignment shops have websites so you can purchase designer goods from a distance.
4. Sample Sales Are Serious Business
Sample sales can be an incredible way to score looks from your favorite designers, but there’s a lot more to a sample sale than meets the eye. There are also two different ways to take part in these often incredible discount opportunities.
If you visit a sample sale in person, be sure to pay attention to the sizes. Some items may have been created for a specific model and the size on the tag may not be the true size. Online sample sales are a bit easier to deal with, and offer deep discounts at various times throughout the year. Visit websites like Rulela.com and HauteLook.com to learn more about their sales.
5. Investigate Other Collections
Most of your favorite designers offer other collections that are similar to their other designs, but you just need to know where to look. Most department stores will offer some less expensive version of a designer’s collection, often at vastly reduced prices.
Of course, these won’t be the same items you see on the runways, but if you’re all about saving money this is a great way to own a piece by your favorite designer at half the price, or more.
Owning name-brand fashion doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With some creative shopping, using the internet to your advantage, and downloading mobile apps to help your search you can have all of your favorite brands at your fingertips. Your items are out there, and they’re just waiting for you to find them.
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