How to Get Designer Clothing on a Dime

Who does not desire the finer things in life? A big, beautiful home, luxury car, and a closet full of designer clothing. For some, it is not a matter of wanting designer goods for vanity’s sake. Rather, it is the need to present a professional image to potential clients, sponsors, or the public. However, the reality for many is that as much as we would love to have a closet full of designer suits, purses, and shoes, it is not always realistic to pay $1500 for a pair of high heels when the rent is due tomorrow.
Whether for personal enjoyment or to project a professional image, here are 6 budget-friendly ways to acquire designer clothing for all who are fashion-savvy.

Consignment/Thrift Shops

Not all used clothing stores are created the same. When shopping for used designer items, select shops that only accept new or gently used clothing. These shops usually inspect the items that they accept for sale or donation.

• Tip: Shop in consignment/thrift shops that are located in trendier neighborhoods.
• Tip: Many consignment shops have a mailing list. If you give them your email, they will inform you when they are having a sell. Yes, thrift shops have sales.
• Better tip: Shop at consignment shops that are ran by non-profits. The proceeds from these sales go to help charity.

Online Auctions

Ebay is definitely the most recognized and visited auction site on the Internet. However, the Internet has plenty of other auction sites. There are sites that cater to specific items such as shoes or purses. Online auction sites feature new and used merchandise.

• Tip: Before bidding at an online auction always thoroughly read the description of the item.
• Tip: Read all the feedback that previous buyers have provided about the seller.
• Tip: Always factor in the cost of shipping before bidding on an item.

Sample Sales:

Sample sales are held by designers, agencies, and retail businesses to discard excess merchandise. Inventory for these sales is often limited. The clothing is usually new or has been used for promotional purposes, such as, photo shoots for ads. These sales often occur more in NY, LA and other prominent locations. Sample sales run 24 to 48 hours or until merchandise is sold-out.

• Tip: Follow designers, stylists, and retail businesses on Facebook or Twitter. They will advertise an upcoming sample sale on these social networks.

Invite-only Sites:

As the title suggests, these sites are accessible only if you have been invited by another member of the site. One such site is Gilt Groupe. Once a member, you will receive emails when there is going to be a sale. The clothing is new. Merchandise is marked 50 to 75 percent off. The inventory for the sale is limited and with thousands of people logging on for a sale some merchandise may sell out in minutes.

• Tip: These sites will send out an email up to 3 days before the actual sale.

Clearance sales:

These are also called end-of-the-season sales. When shopping in a store, look for the clearance racks at the back of the floor. When visiting your favorite online stores always look for the clearance page.

• Tip: The closer to the approaching new season the higher the discount goes on the clearance season.

Contests/Giveaways:

Up to this point, the focus has been on where to purchase designer clothing. The most budget friendly way of acquiring designer clothing is for free. Magazines, fashion blogs, and designer’s site are places to visit when searching for contests and giveaways to enter.

• Tip: The larger magazines will usually have numerous contest and giveaways at one time.
• Tip: When signing up for contests and giveaways, many sites require that you provide an email address. Setting up a separate email account for receiving the notifications will help keep your personal email clutter-free. It allows you to keep all your coupons and sales flyers neatly filed in one place. Make sure that you don’t forget to check the email frequently you do not want to miss out if you won.

Lastly, here are a few things to remember when shopping designer on a dime.
Set a budget and stick to it. If you receive a notification of a new sale it does not mean you have to shop. If shopping that month, week, or day was not in the budget do not shop. Matter-of-fact, save yourself the temptation and do not even browse.
If you find that perfect item for less than you planned on spending that does not mean you have to spend the money on another item. Put the savings in the bank.
Be careful, if the price is too good to be true then it is. Example: The latest pair of Christian Louboutin heels that normally go for $2500 are not going to be sold for $150. The shoes are knock-offs. Avoid fakes. Not only are they tacky, but there are larger implications such as child labor.
Do not overpay for an item. Example: A purse that was sold new two seasons ago at $280 is not worth $150 used.