Five Tips on Luxury Buying for Less


It’s no secret around these parts that I love to shop, not only that, but I love to get a good deal, I mean who doesn’t?! My favorite is scoring a luxury item for more than half off! Back in February you may remember that I found an incredible deal on my Burberry bag – probably the best score ever!! Well that led me to a few more deals and I wanted to share some of the tips I’ve learned along the way. I actually can’t take credit for these tips because my cousin is the owner of Luxury Labels, designer consignment & boutique and not only does she have an incredible arsenal of goods at her store, but her own closet is pretty swoon worthy!! 


 1. How do you know what you’re buying is authentic and not just a great fake?



 


It is always prudent to purchase from a reputable consignment store that professionally authenticates all merchandise and offers Authenticity Guarantee. Beware of the shops with no physical location and online outlets that simply serve as marketplaces for buyers/sellers and don’t have physical possession of the items for sale.


   


2. At what discounted price should you feel like you’re getting a good deal?




It really depends on the item you’re purchasing. Hot items that are in current style/demand can be hard to find and therefore don’t expect a significant discount if it does come around. However, deals are abound, and you can often get your hands on deeply discounted items from designers like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada,Valentino and Christian Louboutin at up to 70% off retail.


  


3. If you have your eye on something specific, how do you suggest finding the luxury item?




Contact or stop by your local designer consignment shop or search online.   Get connected to your favorite consignment shops through social media sites Instagram and Facebook as many post their new arrivals daily.


 


4. What are the best designer pieces to resell (purses, shoes and clothes?) 


 


Certainly high-end designer bags and accessories from Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton are very much in demand and thus retain their value really well.   Shoes and clothing are more difficult to sell online as buyers are inclined to try those on before purchasing.  A consignment store specializing in resale of clothing can be a good avenue for selling your clothing items turning your unwanted items into much needed cash.


 


5. What’s your biggest piece of advice for someone looking to buy luxury items for less?




Shopping for discounted luxury goods can be rewarding and exciting – you can score some amazing deals!  But be sure to do your homework first:

  • Purchase from a reputable source that guarantees authenticity
  • Be familiar with the store’s return policy
  • If shopping online, make sure description is sufficient (if purchasing pre-owned items, you want to know  a detailed condition of the item as well as photos)
  • Know your size if your purchasing clothing or shoes online



So bearing those tips in mind when I shop for luxury items I usually check with a few places! One of my go-to’s is Rue La La. Since the merchandise is always changing, I check my emails to see what they have on tap for the week and if I’m not interested in anything I don’t even tempt myself! 




As Maya mentioned, if you have something specific in mind – you have to know the right places to check, specifically with higher end watches. My go-to is Swiss-Wrist. They specialize in used Rolex watches and their 100% authentic guarantee as well as three-year warranty helps with buying such an expensive piece! With my upcoming birthday I do have a few of their Ladies Crown Collection pieces I’ve been eyeing, but let’s be honest that’s a big present and will probably have to wait until a big milestone is achieved!! Back in high school, my friend Monica got a Rolex watch for her 16th birthday and she is about to celebrate her 28th and she still wears the watch on occasion – so they definitely stand the test of time (pun totally intended)! 

Swiss Wrist Watches

via Swiss-Wrist




Second Time Around is another consignment store I stop into on occasion for those amazing deals!! I follow them on Instagram and when I see something that I like in the Boston store I try to pop in! They have multiplelocations across the country so there could be one near you as well! My friend Jackie found a serious deal when she bought authentic Chanel earrings for almost 75% off the original cost!! 






While I certainly don’t buy luxury items that often, when I do I make sure to research and sometimes end up finding a gem that’s brand new or pretty close to it! 




Do you have any tips for buying luxury items for less? Where do you like to shop for designer goods?




Thank you to Swiss-Wrist for sponsoring this post. 


xo,

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57 Comments

  1. Jenn
    January 22, 2015 / 11:48 am

    Ive never even thought of this but it's brilliant!!! You're always a never-ending wealth of ideas and information, girl! 🙂 My wallet simultaneously hates you and thanks you lol

  2. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    January 22, 2015 / 12:06 pm

    umm love these tips! I definitely need to start using them. And how did I not know your cousin owned a luxury consignment shop? I definitely need to check that out!!

  3. P!nky
    January 22, 2015 / 12:31 pm

    Love this, thanks girl. I've become past the days of quick on sale items because I want to invest in pieces that last. LOVE this idea and I need those chanel earrings STAT!

  4. awhite
    January 22, 2015 / 12:35 pm

    These are awesome tips- I actually bought a nearly-new bag from a consignment shop a few years back and got a great deal on it. The bag was gorgeous and barely used, but wayyyyy cheaper than brand-new-full-retail! 🙂

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  5. Amanda | Kids and Cabernet
    January 22, 2015 / 12:48 pm

    Awesome tips! I love getting a good deal, even better so when it's a name brand. And how cool is it that your cousin owns a consignment shop!!

  6. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    January 22, 2015 / 12:54 pm

    Great tips! I often don't buy designer because I couldn't afford it. But a really good deal could change my mind.

  7. Kelly Elizabeth
    January 22, 2015 / 12:57 pm

    Great advice! How lucky are you your cousin own's such a fabulous store!

  8. Kate at Green Fashionista
    January 22, 2015 / 1:05 pm

    Amazing tips! Here I was just waiting around for end of the season sales lol. I never thought about luxury consignment shops, and considering there are a lot of well to-do neighborhoods around here I may actually luck out 🙂

  9. Ashley
    January 22, 2015 / 1:06 pm

    I love scoring a good deal and these tips are all great! I want to get a bag from Bella Bag in Atlanta. They have such amazing deals on authentic goods!

  10. Shannon Jenkins
    January 22, 2015 / 1:32 pm

    Love all of these tips! There's a designer consignment shop close to my parents that I always swing into they have some amazing deals! I'm so jealous your cousin owns a shop! Actually probably not because I would be buying way too much stuff! 😉

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  11. Brittany @ Perpetually Daydreaming
    January 22, 2015 / 1:40 pm

    Great tips!! I'd definitely like to invest in some quality bags sometime soon. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  12. kerri @ cheshire kat
    January 22, 2015 / 1:54 pm

    love these tips! i almost don't need to know if there are discounted places near me so i don't get tempted! great post, chica 🙂

    cheshirekatblog.com

  13. Karly @ What Karly Said
    January 22, 2015 / 2:09 pm

    This is great information and tips! I don't typically try to score higher-end products unless I'm at the outlet mall, but maybe I should start perusing consignment shops. 🙂 Those Chanel earrings are amaze.

  14. Lauren
    January 22, 2015 / 2:14 pm

    Second time around is one of my fave places to find luxury for less….the ones on Newbury are awesome.

    -Lauren
    prettypiecesblog.com

  15. Caroline @ Windy City Chic
    January 22, 2015 / 2:21 pm

    We have a few luxury consignment shops here. Definitely have to be careful though about counterfeit goods, especially the bags and watches, so thanks for sharing some tips! 🙂

  16. Unknown
    January 22, 2015 / 2:24 pm

    great tips!! i've only paid full price for my two LV bags but i'd consider trying to find a deal on future purchases! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

  17. Shoshana
    January 22, 2015 / 2:24 pm

    This is such a great post and I'm sure many will find it helpful. I'm one of those girls that only carries luxury bags for my daily use. Bags for going out at night, no so much. I'm also one of those girls that hardly ever hits a sale. (no luck). I've often thought about purchasing pre-owned bags but never pulled the trigger. I did go in a consignment store here in NYC with one of my friends. I saw a few LV bags but the problem was, they were the same ole Speedy & Tote that every girl in town has. Would you agree that there stores, for the most part have the most popular pieces on their self? When I buy my bags, I live to get pieces that aren't on trend. Mostly, exclusive pieces. However I like your tip of contacting the owner of a particular boutique to ask for pieces. That's a great relationship to have. I have a wonderful repor with a sales person at the Gucci boutique in Saks 5th Ave. Gucci makes bag exclusively for Saks. How awesome is that. I scored a great bag five years ago that way. Until this past October, I had a great relationship with a rep at LV here in the city at the flagship store. I've been thinking about getting a pre-owned Chanel but I'm scared. I want the large Boy Bag. As tradition stands, if I want to use a Chanel, I go home and go through my moms closet/collection. She usually gives me a hard time but I'm relentless. Ok, think I've written enough. Thanks for sharing your tips & thoughts. Again, great post!

    stylegonerogue.com

  18. Kristen
    January 22, 2015 / 2:33 pm

    great tips – I am definitely not a luxury type person, however it's normally because of the price tag… i might just look into these if i can save some money!

  19. Alissa
    January 22, 2015 / 2:43 pm

    These are such great tips! I have sadly never been in the place in life to really afford luxury items, even thrifted but I hope to be someday!

  20. Katie Elizabeth
    January 22, 2015 / 3:14 pm

    This is a great post! I've never looked into luxury goods mostly because I've been leary of purchasing secondhand/consignment (and that's definitely where my budget is haha) but this proves that you really can do it successfully – without getting a fake!

  21. Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    January 22, 2015 / 3:16 pm

    Love this post! Great tips! I wouldn't mind a second hand Louie bag!

    ~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

  22. Lyndsay
    January 22, 2015 / 3:28 pm

    These are really great tips, I often forget that consignment shops are an option and just wait around for things to go on sale. Next time I spot one I'm going to have to go in and have a look around.

    prosecco in the park

  23. Unknown
    January 22, 2015 / 3:43 pm

    Such great tips! I need to check out my local consignment stores. We have some great ones and I'm sure I will be able to find some fun stuff!

    Xoxo,
    Whitney & Blaire

    Peaches In A Pod

  24. Kelly Mock
    January 22, 2015 / 3:44 pm

    Great tips! When buying my diaper bag, I made sure to have a friend who works for Coach check its authenticity first!

  25. Amy @The Crazy Wise Woman
    January 22, 2015 / 3:44 pm

    This is a great post. I would never be able to afford full price luxury items. I have had great success with designer bags on Ebay. You just have to do your homework and you can always look like a million bucks!

  26. M @ The Sequin Notebook
    January 22, 2015 / 3:44 pm

    I live for a good deal, so I love everything about this post! I'm super jealous that you have such a great in with having a cousin that owns a fabulous consignment boutique! Thanks for sharing these great tips. xoxo, – M @ The Sequin Notebook

  27. Julia
    January 22, 2015 / 3:49 pm

    Good tips, I didn't know about those sites and stores! I definitely can't afford luxury items at full price so I would love to find a great deal!

  28. Amy {Cupcakes+Couture}
    January 22, 2015 / 3:52 pm

    i love the closet in boston – i found my favorite chanel heels there for 1/4 of the retail price! i also love sites like the real real that have lots of great secondhand designer options. xo

  29. Carly
    January 22, 2015 / 4:19 pm

    So many good tips! I know of a few people who have found great deals on items on ebay or online and I always worry that you wouldn't know if it was really authentic until it's too late and you've already bought it!

  30. Meg Taylor
    January 22, 2015 / 4:34 pm

    I just love this post! There's something about that feeling when you get something amazing for a great sale price that just makes you happy, right??

  31. Pamela @ alittleglitter.com
    January 22, 2015 / 4:46 pm

    Great tips! Thank you for sharing! The only thing better than buying something you love is getting a great deal on it!

  32. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    January 22, 2015 / 4:47 pm

    I totally have my eye on a Rolex…..is that bad? I now need to immediately close the tab for the Swiss Wrist before I get into trouble 😉

  33. Tracie Everyday
    January 22, 2015 / 4:55 pm

    I am a huge Nordstrom Rack fan too, you can find great deals on a lot!

  34. Shannon Rice
    January 22, 2015 / 5:02 pm

    Great tips/interview Biana! How fun to have a cousin own a luxury consignment shop…I bet you get to see some great pieces!

    Shannon
    Clothes & Quotes

  35. Pink and Fabulous
    January 22, 2015 / 5:13 pm

    Great tips! That is awesome that your cousin is so in the know and what a fun store she has!!!

  36. Nadine
    January 22, 2015 / 5:18 pm

    I haven't really had any luck in cosignment shops in the past but that was quite a long time ago and maybe things have changed around here and I should give it another go!

  37. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    January 22, 2015 / 5:40 pm

    Well isn't this genius! I don't think we have any stores like this around here. Most consignment shops are for kid stuff. So cool that your cousin owns a shop like this! Really great tips!

  38. Kristina @ Medicine and Manicures
    January 22, 2015 / 6:04 pm

    I wonder if Ryan knows about that site… Now that he's got his vintage Rolex, I wouldn't mind getting one at some point!! Definitely for a milestone though!

  39. Zelle B.
    January 22, 2015 / 6:07 pm

    Such great tips for sure! I'm dying for a Louis Neverfull bag! I have a two-tone gold and silver Datejust Rolex that my parents gave me my senior year of high school, and it is the one piece of jewelry I wear every single day. Love your picks!
    xo Southern Style

  40. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    January 22, 2015 / 6:21 pm

    MFD always talks about wanting a Rolex. I will point him towards Swiss Wrist. Thanks!

  41. Unknown
    January 22, 2015 / 6:30 pm

    love this post!!!!

  42. Rebecca Jo
    January 22, 2015 / 7:50 pm

    I need to remember these tips – I'm sort of designer lacking in my closet

  43. Courtney B
    January 22, 2015 / 9:06 pm

    Loving these tips!! Thanks for sharing. I'm a newbie when it comes to being interested in high end accessories (our bank account just never allowed me to even take a peek before, ha!) so I need all the tips I can get!

  44. Happily Ever Parker
    January 22, 2015 / 10:32 pm

    Umm how awesome that your cousin owns a luxury consignment shop!! There is nothing I love more than a great deal!

  45. Gold Coast Girl
    January 22, 2015 / 10:53 pm

    Such a great post. Thanks for all the tips lady!
    ~Samantha
    goldcoastgirlblog.com

  46. Haven Way
    January 23, 2015 / 12:01 am

    Great tips! I get anxious over buying a pre-owned bag, but you've hit all the scary parts – I may have to pull the trigger!

  47. East Coast Chic {Natalie}
    January 23, 2015 / 3:31 am

    Great tips! I love a good consignment find. Have you ever been on Purse Forum? It's for the handbag obsessed like myself. They will authentic designer bags you find on Ebay, consignment shops, etc. It's awesome!

  48. Unknown
    January 23, 2015 / 3:43 am

    Seriously such a great post!! I've always had a weakness for designer accessories, especially bags. I would sell an arm and a leg for a good designer bag. But, as someone who works in fashion and has student loans about to kick in it's hard to keep up with the fashion girls and always wear the best clothes and bags so I've really been into consignment and vintage shops and I love the feeling of buying a designer piece on a major discount, but finding a great piece can get tricky. These are seriously some great tips and tricks!

    lastylenysmile.blogspot.com

  49. 365HANGERS
    January 23, 2015 / 7:11 am

    This was so helpful, we are always on the prowl for used pieces but never really knew where to start. Those Chanel earrings are amazing by the way!!

    xx 365Hangers

  50. katherine lou
    January 23, 2015 / 9:55 am

    This is such a great and informative post! I don't buy luxury items often but these are great tips!

  51. Claire | Fashion + Feathers
    January 23, 2015 / 1:51 pm

    Sorry I'm a day late… our Internet was very patchy yesterday and I ended up just getting frustrated with waiting so long that I just gave up. Great tips and how cool that you have that inside connection to your cousin's store!

  52. Gold Coast GIrl
    January 23, 2015 / 3:50 pm

    I can't wait to make those lettuce wraps this weekend. Yum!
    ~Samantha
    goldcoastgirlblog.com/

  53. Lisa Loves John
    January 24, 2015 / 8:56 pm

    I'm not going to lie… A luxury item and a good price is amazing enough to make a girl search for months – and when you find the right piece it is totally worth the work!!!

  54. Miranda
    January 25, 2015 / 4:24 pm

    Great post! I have been trying to save up for more luxury items rather than fast fashion, but regardless it always feels great when you score a good deal!

    Miranda
    citygirlsouthernstyle.com

  55. Kay R.
    January 26, 2015 / 4:21 am

    Great tips girlie!! I love a steal of a deal especially since I am spend happy!

  56. Unknown
    February 4, 2015 / 2:44 am

    Actually, you can apply the same thing for Luxury Condominium Singapore. It is hard to buy them for less, but you can guarantee that getting discounts will really be a big help to you financially.

  57. Unknown
    April 1, 2015 / 4:57 am

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