Designer for Cheap DOES Exist
- theprimoproduction
- Oct 25, 2019
- 4 min read
Have you ever wondered how the girl in your hall afforded that new LV mini backpack? What about the infamous Gucci belt (which, at this point, needs to stop)? Or even a Dior satchel? Okay, yeah, some people obviously bought it full price but I’m telling you, the college lifestyle doesn’t allow that (but you already knew that). Sure, you could always save up for it but that would take forever and if you’re anything like me, I could never just save up for a bag when I could be EATING or traveling (or eating) instead. So, why not check out these ways to find designer for cheap— or just cheaper than what it would originally be. Be warned: finding luxury for cheap is just as much about the hunt as it is about knowing where to look. Sizes are scarce for apparel and colors may not be exactly what you want, but if you look hard enough, I guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for. Please just not a Gucci belt. Please.
1. Consignment Apps
This is probably the best place to start are from the comfort of your bed, on your iPhone, in the app store. Consignment apps are just apps where people resell new or used items. Sure, sometimes people try and scam you and try to sell items for way more than they’re worth, but that’s where your research comes in. [Pro tip: KNOW what you’re looking for. Know how much it normally goes for and what’s normal for a resell price or else you could be paying one price and missing a better one.] Apps that absolutely work for buying designer include Poshmark and Tradesy. Both apps verify the items to make sure they’re genuine so when you see prices that low, you won’t even be worried if the items are fake.
Side note: I found a REAL Chanel wallet for $98 on Poshmark so, trust me, it works. You just have to be patient. Liking items and waiting to see if their prices go down is my only talent in life.
2. Traveling
Okay, so this is obviously not in the comfort of your own bed anymore. Maybe an airline’s seat or a hotel’s bed, but that’s just a plus right? If you do get to travel, research the country or city you’re visiting before you go. I promise you, so many places sell designer for cheaper than they do here in the U.S. but it’s still expensive so again, here’s where the research comes in. Going to hole in the wall stores or thrift stores in Europe especially have so much vintage designer at ridiculously cheap prices (depending on where you are of course). I’ve known relatives to get real designer bags for as low as in the $200s in these vintage shops and apparel could be even cheaper. There are some specific countries/cities that have cheaper designer in general including Dubai, Nice, France, and Cape Town, South Africa. If you ever find yourself outside the U.S., these vintage shops are definitely worth checking out. Just make sure the items are real before you get them.
3. In Store
Sounds counterintuitive, but some of the best prices from designers come in store. Most luxe brands have semi-annual and annual sales where the sales are ridiculously crazy. Most of the time, it’s during the summer and the middle of winter. Some stores have up to 70% off everything in their store and you obviously know it’s real, so that stress is gone too. Yeah, you’d have to keep up with knowing when these sale dates start and end but for hundreds of dollars off, I’d say its worth it. [Pro tip: don’t try this online! They will have sales too but in-store the discounts are always worth it because they gotta keep those retail stores open.] For some, its near impossible because they may not have stores near you but for those who can, it’s 100% worth it. I’ve found wallets for up to 80% off the price in Gucci and Michael Kors so I know it works.
Side note: For the nova/DC natives, the stores in Georgetown have amazing sales in June/July. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking to spend your tuition before you go back to school.
4. Euro Sites
We’ve come full circle back to the comfort of your own bed. If all else fails, a more difficult but worthwhile option (if you’re patient), are European resell websites. Two specific ones I think work the best are Gasmy and Vestiaire Collective. Both websites authenticate the goods before they are sold, but there are a couple big differences. Gasmy sells completely new items and I’ve been able to find more for less there, but again its hit or miss, depending on the season. Vestiarie Collective is a resell site which ranges on the more expensive side but there are definitely more products and they have the mainstream items that you’re looking for. Gasmy also focuses more on bags and purses while Vestiarie Collective has more of a broader variety of products. These sites may be a little harder to find your dream bag at your dream price at, but it’s definitely worth looking.
After reading all that, I hope you know that it’s not impossible to buy luxe at decent prices. Yes, it takes a little bit of research and a whole lot of patience but its not that bad, I promise. Plus, it’s totally worth it when you find what you’ve been looking for at a price that makes you think it’s fake. For those of you who can afford to buy designer without my tips, please let us broke people live and forget you ever read this post. (But like, don’t). Happy shopping!!
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