Designer brands are everywhere, and smart shoppers know how to get designer deals, including the latest high fashion designs. Local consignment stores, eBay consignment, and super-secret inside designer sales are all great places to score authentic designer bags and high fashion designer clothes on the cheap.
Local Consignment Shops: Designer Sales Made Easy
Every major city has a designer clothing consignment shop. And most consignment shops also have a plethora of designer bags. Some consignment shops deal exclusively in couture and high fashion design. Local consignments can be found in the phone book, the local business directory, or by word of mouth. A local consignment shop works like this: a person wants to get rid of some designer high fashion clothing, so they take it to the local consignment shop. When it sells, the person and the consignment shop split the proceeds. And the buyer gets designer clothes and bags at a fraction of the cost. Everyone wins.
When buying designer clothes at a local consignment shop, try the items on first if possible. Also check for any smoke odors or stains. Most local consignment stores check designer clothes carefully before accepting them, but it's always a good idea to double check. Some local consignment shops are more organized than others, but the designer clothing selection is usually extensive so it's worth visiting to score a designer deal. In fact, you may not even have to leave your house to shop local consignment. Many consignment shops are also eBay consignment sellers, described further below.
Outlet Designer Sales
Designer outlet stores can be a Shangri La for cheap designer goods. For about 360 days of the year their prices can still be almost designer prices, but oh, for about a week every year there'll be a designer clearance sale to end all clearance sales! It's not unheard of to see Italian designer shoes for around $10. Designer skirts, sweaters and blouses for around $15. And it's not just one particular designer. Across the country, designer outlet stores have spread from sea to shining sea. Entire upscale designer outlet malls have sprung up in nearly every U.S. metro area.
Designers have overstock just like any other retailer. Because designer fashion changes with the seasons, there's always a need to sell off designer clothes and handbags. And those designer goods will end up somewhere, usually a designer outlet store or a discount store that buys up designer goods. To find out about outlet sales, find out if there's a mailing list or befriend someone who knows upcoming sale dates.
Designer Sales Online
For those who aren't near any outlet stores, fear not. Designers have also turned to the Internet to get rid of overstock and dated seasonal items. Some designers have special online-only clearances and sample sales. Couture and high fashion design houses are notorious for their sample sales and trunk shows, but rarely are these items available online.
That may be changing, at least for designer bags. Several handbag designers now offer sales on their websites. By signing up for their e-newsletter, some designers offer coupons and advance notice for sales. In fact, many a designer bag in this author's closet has come directly from a handbag designer's online sale. Dig around favorite designer's websites and sign up for newsletters, or join their social networking pages to get in the loop.
Auctions and eBay Consignment
The other potential designer sale jackpot is the online auction. There are rules of thumb to keep in mind: some online sellers could be selling fake designer goods, or they could be charging too much. Unless a buyer is knowledgeable about buying high fashion designer clothes online, it might be better to stick to local consignment shops or designer-direct sales.
However, it's not unheard of to find a designer jewel online, especially if it's vintage. There are many eBay consignment stores that have been around a long time and have great feedback and ratings. A lot of eBay consignment sellers are also brick and mortar consignment shops. So, if an eBay consignment seller looks legitimate, don't be afraid to bid! Just follow this simple online auction rule: communicate with the seller as much as necessary and ask any questions before placing a bid.
When shopping for designer clothing sales, check the phone book for local consignment shops. And remember there are plenty of places that offer designer bags and designer clothes at discount prices.
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