Designer goods and luxury fashion is a topic that surprisingly inspires a great deal of strong feelings. Some are adamant in their claim that luxury fashion is an outdated, antiquated, non-inclusive way of viewing society. Others see luxury fashion as an inspirational way to express their inner creativity. I will have to admit that even I have written quite strongly about certain faults in the luxury fashion industry today. One undeniable fact, however, is that compared to the craftsmanship, luxury fashion is infinitely better.
Armed with this fact, I have found that investing in luxury fashion goods often brings me a higher return on my investment than fast fashion does. My luxury goods last much better than my fast fashion goods, and I personally love mixing luxury with affordable to elevate that basic, everyday look from normal to extra chic. Because luxury goods don’t come cheap and I love a good discount, I put together 3 amazing ways that I love to buy my designer goods for an affordable price. Of course, buying luxury goods from resellers is always a good choice you are also being sustainable when purchasing from resellers. However, if buying from resellers or consignment stores isn’t cutting it, this post details 3 amazing ways to shop designer goods for cheap.
Leave me your comments below on how you like to save on buying designer and luxury goods!
First Option: Outlet Stores
Outlet stores traditionally have gotten a bad rap. Outlet stores tend to give the impression that the brand is less than elite and ruins a brand’s image. However, I have always found that just because I can’t find a Hermès outlet store doesn’t mean that the Chloé outlet store is any less worthy for me to shop at. In the end, it’s always important to remember that you are not buying the brand; you are buying the craftsmanship and investing in a timeless, classic clothing or accessory style.
Outlet stores have also been looked down upon for not having the latest styles or sometimes having goods whose craftsmanship is less than perfect. My view on this is that if I can find a perfect style that can last me a long time, does it matter if it’s from last season? If I also rate the traditional craftsmanship of luxury goods as a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, then a luxury good that rates at a 8 or 9 is still better than the craftsmanship of a fast fashion item (whose craftsmanship is often at a 3 or lower, in my personal opinion)
Second Option: Off-Price Chains
Similar to outlet stores, off-price chains have traditionally been looked down upon for cheapening the brand image. I, on the other hand, have always found discount designer department stores or outlets to be an amazing place to find great deals. Traditional off-price retailers include Nordstrom Rack, Neiman Marcus Last Call, and Saks Off Fifth. Some retailers also have their own outlet store, such as Bloomingdales Outlet. However, there are also amazing online discount designer outlets such as The Outnet.
It is always important to keep in mind that you should not be spending more money on a label or a tag, and it is equally important that we do not trick ourselves into thinking that goods sold at more affordable options are all bad. Always know what type of quality you’re looking for, and you can score yourself some amazing deals, especially if there is a sale at one these off-price retailers. That means a sale on sale!
Third Option: Sample Sales
The last and probably best way to score designer goods on a discount is to take advantage of sample sales. Sample sales are a way for a retailer or brand to unload their unsold merchandise or to sell the merchandise that is sold out on display. Some retailers will also mix overstock with sample sales, and either way, you are getting great deals. Here is a great article on how to successfully shop a sample sale from Fashionista.com.
In the end, it doesn’t matter where you purchased the luxury fashion goods from.
