Have you always dreamt of owning the latest Gucci trainers or this seasons Dior handbag but don't have the funds to support your lavish lifestyle? Well, carry on looking, because you're in the wrong place.
This post can be used as a "guide" to help you find some designer pieces for a lot cheaper.
Designer goods can sometimes make you consider selling one of your kidneys just to purchase some Louis Vuitton desert boots (oh boy, search them). But in the real world, an 18-year-old student from a middle class background simply can't afford luxury goods. Or can I? Purchasing them BNWT on the official website? No. Purchasing them second hand, thrifted or on a luxury resale store? Yes. Over the years, I've picked up a few designer shopping hacks that can make it easier to pick up a piece you’ll treasure forever.
eBay and Depop
Yes, you read correctly. Now a quick word of advice, make sure that the seller has posted authenticity cards or proof of receipt as a lot of fake goods circle around these websites. But I've seen designer pieces, from Dior feminist neck scarf (£22) to 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Bag (£110) to Gucci Bengal Padlock (£250). eBay is usually my first choice as its so simple to navigate but again, use with ease! Also, fashion bloggers like Aimee Song and Chiara Ferragni use Depop (even if its sponsored, sigh) and regularly update their pages with designer pieces.
Charity Shops/Thrift Store
Hear me out first. Not every thrift store is filled with t-shirts that have been passed down for 8 generations, you can actually find some vintage designer pieces. You would be surprised the great finds that you can find in charity shops. Now I'm not saying they're from this season or the last, but designer is designer. I've found about 3 Chloe bags, a Coach bag and 2 Marc Jacobs bags in a few charity shops around me. Just look around, take your time and keep an eye out.
Luxury Resale Websites
Now, this isn't the cheapest option but it is an option. Vestiaire Collective has authenticity guaranteed, which is very important when shopping for secondhand designer. They also stock pieces that are completely sold out everywhere, so do check it out if looking for anything in particular! Just remember to look around before purchasing any item, as some people may be selling it for cheaper than others and so on.
Sales!
An obvious choice, but at specific times of the year department stores like Selfridges, Net-a-Porter, The OUTNET, Moda Operandi, Farfetch, Shopbop and MyTheresa. Now the sales aren't like Zara at Christmas where you can find t-shirts for £5 but they're decent. Its not an all-year occurrence so stay updated and shop until you have to reconsider selling your kidney for the second time! Sales simply just make it easier to pick up a luxury piece at an affordable price.
Now please, never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever resort to the lowest of the low; to buy counterfeit designer. We've all been there and wanted something thats exclusive to a luxury brand, but you'll never catch me flaunting fake designer NOTHING. You're better off buying fast fashion (Zara, Mango, Urban Outfitters) because at least those companies have to follow some legal regulations. But fake designer? You have no way of knowing who and how those items were made, as they have no obligation to follow rules and regulations like normal high street stores do. Thats not even the worst part, imagine the embarrassment of someone spotting you sporting a fake? Brothers and sisters, don't go there!
If you could purchase any designer item at this given time, what would it be?
Thanks for reading!
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