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Brunch & Gloss

Orlando beauty, fashion & lifestyle blogger

Fashion lifestyle

Buying Designer on a Budget

Listen, I’ve been a lover of luxury, designer brands since before I even knew what that meant. I mean, have you seen a Chanel bag? They’re beautiful! They are wearable art. Unfortunately, my wallet isn’t well equipped for my interests. Here’s the thing though: I work hard.  And what’s the point of working out if you don’t enjoy your hard work? Now I’m not talking about spending everything you make, as someone in her late-twenties having a solid savings account is important. Savings are important no matter what your age is. I’m talking about having a balance of saving and fun.

I have a separate “savings”  account for fun things, things I want but aren’t really necessities. I keep a wish list and prioritize my wants. Sometimes it doesn’t always work out because if I see a good deal I make sure I snag it!

So here’s the thing, my number one trick to buying designer: BUY PRE-OWNED. There are some items that are just better to buy pre-loved/used. Chanel, for example, is one of my favorite brands but bags cost an arm and a leg. I have three Chanel bags and two of them were bought pre-loved. I paid an amazing price for my bags, almost 75% less than regular retail and both bags are in near new condition. The picture below shows my Chanel Classic Jumbo Flap that I bought pre-loved.

My two favorite sites for buying pre-loved are Trendlee and Tradesy. Both sites are great! They’re both easy to navigate and are constantly adding new things. Tradesy has other items besides bags, so you can browse an endless amount of luxury goods on their site! My most recent bag, my Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis, was purchased from Tradesy.

luxury goods thrifted Christian Dior Blazer and Chanel bag

Thrifting is my favorite way to find designer pieces as well. My blazer (shown above) is vintage Dior and I found it at a Goodwill Boutique. The thing about thrifting is it takes a LOT of patience and a little praying. I come up empty handed more often than I’d like but that’s the risk you take.  I do a lot of researching before I pick out a thrift store too, I figure out the area that I’ll be going to, see if it’s a “boutique” style thrift store or not. Orlando has a couple of really stellar second hand shops like Dechoes and Cida’s Consignment both of which have some AWESOME steals. But like I said, it takes patience and a handful of trips to get some gems you’ll love forever.

If you have local second-hand/consignment shops see if they have Instagram or Facebook pages and follow them. That way you can stay up to date as to what new items they have. They’ll generally post of the best things they have coming in, so stay up to date! A lot of times, you can call and pay over the phone to reserve an item.

luxury goods pre owned christian louboutins and louis vuitton bag

I still stand behind Ebay and use it constantly. You’ll be surprised at what you can find on there. I’ve gotten a collection of authentic, vintage Chanel shoes for amazing prices. But again, like in real life thrifting, Ebay takes lots of patience. I actually have a handful of designer shoes I’ve scored from Ebay. These shoes are in PERFECTION condition, maybe worn twice AT THE MOST and are generally 75-90% less than retail.

luxury good designer blazer from ebay

I bought this vintage Escada blazer on Ebay a few years ago and it’s a classic staple in my closet!

And finally it may seem obvious or it may not but waiting for an item to go on sale is a great way to save some cash if you’re not interested in buying second-hand. There’s something so rewarding about buying a designer piece straight from the store (or even online!).

I bought these gorgeous Chanel heels from the Chanel boutique at the Mall of Millenia in Orlando. They were a seasonal piece so at the end of the season they had them on sale.

This is something I’ll have in my collection forever. High-end department stores like Barneys, Saks and Nordstrom have annual sales as well. Check out those sales when they happen! While I paid full price for my Valentino Rockstuds (ouch!) you can sometimes score seasonal pairs during the semi annual sales. Just make sure that you actually like what you’re buying. Last year I saw a pair of green Valentino’s and they were at an amazing price… problem is, I’d never wear green heels! But hey, there’s someone out there that will!

 

Is there a luxury item you have your eyes on? What was the first designer piece you bought? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

 

Until next time,

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Thank you for reading. I hope to see you showing off your designer piece once you get it <3 everyone deserves luxury!

  2. I love this post. I enjoy designer things but I do not have designer money so this was useful! Thank you.

    • Thank you, hopefully you spoil yourself though and get you something you deserve <3

  3. Gotta love high end for less! I have some items that I need to purge .. found a few goodies in my closet ..like a $185 Saks 5th Ave Lace Bustier that I have never worn and never will because it is too small. Guess Shoes , etc … maybe I should start a little consignment store. 🙂

    • Yes! I’m all about getting your bang for your buck! And selling items that you haven’t worn is always a good way to cash in so you can start saving up for those more pricey items you may be wanting <3

  4. These are some amazing finds! I’ll have to try out Tradesy and Trendlee. Have you tried out Poshmark or have any thoughts on it? 🙂

    xo Josephine | floralextract.com

    • Hey Josephine, I’ve dabbled with Poshmark before but I’m not the biggest fan. I think it’s a better outlet to use if you’re selling stuff from your closet. I stick with Trendlee and Tradesy though because they have more of the higher end brands I’m looking for.

    • Thank you so much, Gina Marie <3 I appreciate you sticking around and giving my posts a read 😀

    • It’s tricky! I first recommend NEVER buying handbags off of Ebay. Sites like Trendlee are great because they will authentic the products. A lot of it comes from research on my end. I’ve watched countless videos and have gone in store to get tips from the SA’s there. Since I do buy from the store as well, I’ve formed relationships with the SA’s so they’ve been great with helping me out.

    • Awesome! Buying pre-loved is one of the best ways to save your wallet lol <3 😀

  10. Oh I love all of your picks here! I’m obsessed with Valentino’s studded cross-body bag. I’ve wanted one for ages! I bet I could find one for much less on one of these sites. Will have to check!

    xoxo,
    Dannie
    http://www.stilefotocibo.com

    P.S. those chanel shoes are to die for!

  11. Hi Kimberley,

    I love your Chanel heels. They are to die for! I like to buy designer clothes in consignment stores. They are so many around Geneva. :-)) And I have my eyes on another Chanel handbag, I have several but you never have enough of Chanel, right?
    X
    Miri

    http://currentlywearing.com

    • That’s awesome! Yeah I’m lucky enough to have a few really great consignment shops near by but I bet you have some amazing ones near you! And yes, there’s NO such thing as too much Chanel! <3

  16. This is a great post! I used to work at a high end boutique and love all things designer. I used to get it for half price. But now that Im not working there Its so hard to justify paying full price for these items. But I love them. Thanks for sharing this I will have to check out tradesy. I too also use eBay quite often and love that too!

    XO-Lisa
    http://www.thatssodarling.com

  17. I used to love going to thrift stores to find good deals. Lately, with 3 kids, I just don’t have the time. Soon, when they are a bit older, I’ll start looking again!

    • haha yeah i bet! It’s hard enough thrifting on your own, I can’t imagine having kids with you. It take a lot of patience and TIME to find those gems. <3

  22. These are some really great advice and I can really agree on the charity shop tip. I live in an affluent county of UK, Surrey and I saw a Chanel handbag on offer for £60 in a charity shop. I’m a fashion blogger myself and I am still sad I didn’t have the money so I could buy it as I normally buy handbags for £10 max at Primark!!! I always save all my money for travel as I’m a bargain hunter instead, but a traditional quilted Chanel handbag for £60, who wouldn’t have wanted that????

    Mookie
    Mookieslife

  24. Great tips! I am now a stay at home mom so I don’t have too much extra money for nice things, but I still love expensive purses and shoes. I’m going to check out these sites.

  25. Great style and good combine with colors ı like it

    tourismturkeytr.blogspot.com

  29. You are so stylish, I love it! I never buy designer stuff but with this article, I feel like I can afford it 🙂

  30. The Chanel heels are to die for but the vintage blazer is my favorite. Awesome post, very well written and very resourceful.

  31. Great tips, I never trust purchasing online for preworn or slightly used items but will definitely give Trendlee a peek.

    • Yeah I’m definitely scared to buy luxury items on ebay sometimes but a site like Trendlee is perfect for buying pre loved handbags! I’ve never had a bad experience.

  32. This is great advice! As I’m going to be in Orlando later in the month, I know a couple of places I might need to go look in now! Thanks!

    • Yay! How awesome! There’s some great places around. If you go to Cida’s, explore the Park Ave area. It’s one of the best places to visit in Orlando.

  34. I’m not much of a brand freak, but it’s cool to have boujee looking stuff every once in a while lol. And to have them on a budget is even more fantastic. Thanks for sharing the tips!

    • Thanks for stopping by and reading. It’s nice to have some luxury items every once in a while. <3

  35. Great tips I’ll definitely check out those websites! Very jealous of your chanel bag too have always wanted one!

  36. HI
    thank youf or your post. As I lve i France, I buy my luxury on videdressing.com I have tried to buy on ebay but I don’t trust the sellers …. I got a wondersful bag form Louis Vuitton and a bag I sold again by Guess. Other pieces were a pair of shoes by Chanel and a skirt by Cavalli

  39. This is an awesome post about buying designer! I got my first luxury handbag from Ebay. It was a mint-colored patent leather Moschino. I love this bag, and I love odd colors, so definitely worth it!

  41. Enjoyed reading this…..definitely going to check out those sites you mentioned…..thanks for letting us know….can’t wait to check out the designer stuff ❤☺

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