Designer pieces have been at the top of wishlists for decades now, and that doesn't seem to be going away any time soon. But recently, as inflation kept prices high and goods continued to get more expensive, it can be difficult to devote so much cash to just a single item.
So what is a shopper to do if they still have designer wishes but want to save some cash in the process? That's where shopping outside of the box comes into play, and it might be easier than you think if you know where to look.
Just because designer items are coveted doesn't mean you need to pay full price for them. Luxury resale sites like The Real Real or Bag Borrow Steal are great, eco-friendly options, but they still can rise up a pretty hefty price tag. Here, we're sharing our best tips for shopping discounted luxury goods this year, so you can cross everyone off your list without breaking the bank.
Don't underestimate warehouse clubs like Costco
Most of us think of picking up perfume gifts at luxury department store beauty counters, but if you go that route, you can pay up to $400 for a single bottle.
Instead, head to Costco. "Costco is a great place to find luxury beauty products like this fragrance from Tom Ford," explains Andrea Woroch, consumer and money saving expert. Costco hides their online prices from non-members, but according to Reddit, you can find $445 bottles for just $179.
Costco also carries brands like Dyson, SK-II skincare and more. As you're stocking up on food items, make sure to swing by the beauty section to save on purchases for yourself or the beauty lover in your life.
There's even more to find in the warehouse aisles. Why not pick up a Chanel bag at Costco between your paper towel purchase? Not in the market for a purse? How about a Versace watch?
Just like how you can save on cars at Costco, you can also buy luxury items there. Note that many of these items are members-only, so you'll need to join Costco.
Save big on designer sunglasses & coats
It's not too often you find an in-store discount of over 60%, but that's exactly what you'll find at discount luxury outlets like Saks Off Fifth and Neiman Marcus Last Call.
I spotted on-trend Ugg boots for $55 off retail price, under $100 Marc Jacobs bags, and $328 off designer heels. However, for shoes, sizes will definitely be limited, and it'll be more of a luck of the draw to find something in your desired size.
At least designer sunglasses are one-size-fits-all. Score Valentino frames at Saks Off Fifth for under $90, and Gucci stunners for 69% off retail costs.
This time of year, coats are also always appreciated. I spotted a Karl Lagerfeld trench for under $200 and a Rebecca Minkoff puffer for the same price.
Woroch recommends still checking coupon websites like Coupon Cabin for even more savings — even at discount designer outlet stores. There's an entire page dedicated to savings at Saks Off Fifth.
Choose Amazon for quick shipping
Amazon launched its luxury section in 2020 and four years later have expanded to even more designers like Oscar de la Renta, Dries Van Noten, and Acne Studios.
However, the selling point of shopping designer goods on Amazon has to be that items are delivered in lightning-fast Prime speed times. This makes Amazon the perfect place for shopping for last-minute digs that you need to show up the next day.
Although Amazon has a pretty large reseller platform, selling gently-loved versions of designer bags like Fendi, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, I didn't see a huge difference in price for bags at Amazon vs other retailers like The Real Real.
Explore affordable alternatives
For those who love the look of luxury but not the price tag, dupes have become a popular option. While they’re not the real deal, high-quality dupes can give you the designer aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. One standout example is the viral "Walmart Birkin bag", which offers a similar structured silhouette and chic style for under $100.
Many dupes can be found on platforms like Walmart, Target and Amazon, making them accessible to almost everyone. However, it's essential to differentiate between dupes, which mimic the style and counterfeit items, which attempt to pass as authentic designer products — the latter being illegal.
Ultimately, fashion is a deeply personal experience and the choices you make should reflect your unique style, needs and budget. Whether you splurge on an investment piece, score a deal, or opt for a chic dupe, the key is feeling confident and comfortable in what you wear.
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