Tips on how to buy designer brands for less.
A friend of mine told me that the Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy is the most replicated designer hand bag out, and that 75% of the ones you see are fake. Now, I have long moved past my logo loving stage in life, but I still heart the LV Damier Azur Canvas with all my heart, but my mind won’t let me buy it.
Why should I spend my hard earned money on a masterpiece, only to have it shunned in society as a fake? When I spend some serious money on a purse I want to feel like I have purchased something special. Luxury brands survive on exclusivity. It’s special because not everyone has it, not everyone has it because not everyone can afford it. I know LV isn’t going to go bankrupt because I refuse to buy anything with a logo from them, but imagine my sentiment multiplied.
I know there are some people who are saying “well, everyone can’t afford to spend $500 + for a purse, a pair of shoes, etc. and style should be available to all” That is true, and rightfully so. Not everyone can afford a Bentley, so do you suppose that they buy a Chrysler 300 and swap out the emblems and call it a Bentley? I don’t, I suppose you do one of three things, 1. forget about owning a Bentley 2. Save up for one or 3. Drive the Chrysler proudly, knowing that although it is not a Bentley it took inspiration from one, and it is an authentic brand.
Owning a designer bag, isn’t as hard or as costly as some people think. I love nice things, but I love nice things on sale even more. Below I have a few tips on how to score designer goods for less.
So, I am going to give you my best tip first. Shop at discount and outlet stores. So what if the items they stock are from last season? Fashion fades but style remains. If the bag you’re looking at is an investment piece it is going to look good season after season. Good shops to try are TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Loehmann’s and the Prime Factory Outlets. The outlet stores frequently have an OFF SAKS, Nordstroms rack, Coach, Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole, and there is one in St. Augustine FL that has Gucci, that I am dying to get to.
If you have a favorite brand, sign up for their newsletter. Coach frequently sends me discount cards in the mail, and bluefly.com, an online retailer of designer brands, frequently have items marked down.
Join a shopping club. Here’s an invitation for GILT, and ideeli
If you can’t buy it, rent from BBOS
My last tips is EBAY. I caution adding this because I know there are a lot of scammers and people who represent their bags to be authentic when they are not. I had a bad experience purchasing a Juicy Couture charm from an ebay seller, luckily they refunded me, but I had to pay to ship it back to them.
Hope that helps, do you have any tips on how to save money on designer name brands?
Some really great advice here, I always go nto TK Maxx at least twice a week and have found some real bargins, sometimes it can be hit and miss.
I shop for designer stuff on ebay, only from reputable sellers. I agree with you , to be careful on ebay. I had a bad experience too, it looked like the tag was only attached so it would look like it was branded.
But the rest of your tips are cool. I too, is a hunter for sale.
Jessica Star
Sample Sale
Ebay is my least favorite of them, it’s a much smoother transaction if the seller is reputable.
I think eBay is a nice site for collections of items that are on sale. But I prefer to shop at the malls or any department stores, less worries and hassles on my part. I can change items for factory defect without sacrificing for shipments and days of waiting.I like some of the tips being mention here.
You’re welcome. I’m not sure if TK Maxx is the same.
Shopping at exchainstore sites can be really good, you can pick up £80 Topshop dresses for £6, Bargain!!
ebay selling tips´s last blog ..eBay hot selling items – i9 Sciphone Mobile Phone
Thanks for the tips! Ebay is definitely one to watch, make sure you do your due diligence ladies! Is TJ Maxx the same as TK Maxx in the UK?
thanks