7 Ways to Save Money When Shopping for Designer Goods

I love shopping, and I can even relate to the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, despite having no credit card debt like Rebecca Bloomwood. I also remember watching The Devil Wears Prada and being in awe of the designer items showcased.

Many of us feel pressured to drastically cut our spending to be considered “good with money”. Most financial advice doesn’t consider the spending habits of those who occasionally splurge on designer items. On that note, here are some tips to save money while still indulging in designer shopping.

#1: CHECK YOUR MAILING LIST

Avoid buying items at full price. When you purchase designer items, you’ll typically receive emails about upcoming sales and promotions. Make sure you’re subscribed to these mailing lists to stay informed about discounts.

#2: WAIT FOR SALES

If you love something but it’s out of your budget, be patient. Most items eventually go on sale, usually a few weeks to a few months after their release. This waiting period can save you money, and you might even find a similar item at a lower price or lose interest in the original piece altogether.

#3: INVEST IN TIMELESS PIECES

While I often buy affordable tops in Uniqlo, I also invest in quality designer staples like classic plain tees and silk scarves. Spending more on high-quality basics can save money in the long run, as they withstand wear better than cheaper alternatives.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: SHOP AT THRIFT STORES

Thrifting has become increasingly popular, and it’s a great way to save money. Fashion trends are cyclical, and designer thrift stores such as Refash or Dustbunny Vintage offer trendy items at a fraction of the price. Plus, it’s a sustainable shopping option.

#5: SELL YOUR CLOTHES

Declutter your wardrobe and sell clothes you no longer wear on platforms like Carousell. This not only gives you extra cash for new luxury clothes but also helps keep your wardrobe organized. Even if you don’t make much, it’s better than letting old clothes gather dust.

#6: BUY OUT OF SEASON

Purchasing clothes out of season can lead to significant savings. By shopping for winter clothes in the summer or summer clothes in the winter, you can often find great deals on high-quality items.

#7: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before buying a luxury item, compare prices online across different regions. Sometimes, you can save money by purchasing in countries like Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Thailand. Do your homework to find the best deal.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

By following these tips, you can enjoy designer shopping without breaking the bank. Happy shopping!

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4 Ways To Waste Your Money On Designer Goods

#1: BY SKIPPING ON LESSER KNOWN DESIGNERS

It comes as no surprise that a luxury fashion brand novice is familiar with Chanel, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. Do you know other brands beyond these three? Some lesser known designers, such as Ermenegildo Zegna and Mary Katrantzou, have been flourishing for years. Are you aware of their existence?

You see, you may come across some quality products from designers that you have not heard of. It is important to focus on the quality and craftsmanship of a product before seeking out renowned designer brands solely for their namesake. Consider this tip on your next trip to the thrift shop!

#2: BY NOT CONSIDERING THE CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES

Being a fan of a well-known luxury designer is not a problem! You may look for cheaper alternatives such as bridge lines or lower-cost brands within the designer’s realms. Let me start with bridge lines. The term describes the collaboration between a high-end designer and a lower-priced retailer. Initially, the designer creates a collection. Then, the retailer will use its resources to manufacture the designs massively and affordably. For example, H&M’s collaboration with Alexander Wang produced cheaper alternatives compared to buying directly from the designer.

Next is the lower-cost brands. When scanning the racks of your favorite department store or thrift store, you will probably notice that some brand names seem familiar. This is because high-end designers thought of a way to tap the mass market. They offered lower-cost brands. Marc by Marc Jacobs and REDValentino are both lower-cost versions of the main brand, which gains you the same amount of prestige. Please note that these brands are often selling trendier items, made without the strict quality standards of the main brand.

#3: BY NOT CONSIDERING YOUR STYLE PERSONALITY

Throughout the years, we each develop a personal style or a clothing preference at the very least. Whether your style is attractive or not, everything is debatable. A worthy investment for me may be rubbing for you. Nonetheless, you are wasting money if you are taking away the personal elements of having your own style.

Do not lose individuality and uniqueness by investing on items solely for their brand names. People become obsessed with the designer brands that they forget what they are actually looking for.

#4: BY TAKING ON A DIY PROJECT

When purchasing a pre-loved designer bag or wallet, you must find the best one possible. Yes! You may love crafting or DIY projects, but a dirty or a broken item is not going to do you much good. A broken strap or a missing stud may be fixed by your local repair shop – at an additional cost. Are you really getting a good deal?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Maximize your dollars’ worth by checking the quality of the handbag or wallet. Pull out the lining and look for holes. Are there missing straps or details (e.g., gemstones or studs). Smell the item too! If an item has a lingering smell of cigarette smoke, you may skip on it. It is nearly impossible to remove a potent smell!

Sources: 1 &  2

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Rude Service Make You Spend More on Luxury Goods

When it comes to designer and high-end goods, we want to have what we cannot afford. And, a sales person with a snobby attitude only adds the extra kick of exclusiveness.

A recent study by the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business showed that customers who are treated with poor service are more likely to buy something as long as the brand is adequately renowned and luxurious.

The study entitled “Should the Devil Sell Prada?” had its participants to imagine that they are interacting with different kinds of sales associates. Then, they rated their feelings (i.e., desiring to buy or not to buy) toward the associated designer brands. Interestingly, participants reported increased feelings of want after being treated badly.

The eagerness to buy the item increases as the desire to be exclusive and to be judge positively sets in. This goes to show that people want to prove that they are capable of buying the luxury item and that they are worth more than the salesperson might think.

Darren Dahl, the co-author of the prior study, said that the outcomes were based on a combination of factors.

1. RIGHT KIND OF STORE

Image Credits: angelo via Flickr

Image Credits: angelo via Flickr

In order for the “snob effect” to work, a sales person must accurately represent an upscale brand. For instance, being arrogant in a Gucci store works more than being arrogant in a 7-11 store.

2. RIGHT KIND OF LOOK

Another factor in whether or not a customer is swayed by a poor customer service is the sales associate’s appearance. The sales associate must play the part of a high-end brand ambassador decked out with their own brand’s product/s.

Image Credits: Steve wilson via Flickr

Image Credits: Steve wilson via Flickr

As the song by Jimmy James called “Fashionista” goes: “you have to show a look, have a look, or give a look.” Faces should be pleasing or attractive.

Hence before buying a designer item, rethink whether you can really afford it, whether you really want it, and whether you are trapped in the service’s “rude spell”.

Source: AOL

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