How to Buy Designer Clothes at a Discount

So you're a believer that it's better to have fewer high-quality items than a closet packed with cheap clothes? The sales racks at department stores and boutiques aren't the only way to scout out a bargain.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Remember the cardinal rule: Everything eventually goes on sale. When new clothes arrive, stores have to clear out anything that's been on the racks too long. Keep checking back to find out if the price of your designer treasure has been reduced.
2. Shop at upscale off-price stores like Loehmann's to find seasonal overstock from designers and lots of specially made merchandise at deep price cuts.
3. Visit resale, vintage and thrift stores. You never know when you might spot a designer bargain.
4. Check the Web. Sites like Bluefly.com often sell designer clothes at heavily discounted prices.
5. Ask salespeople to put you on mailing lists for back-room and sample sales, which are a great way to acquire discounted designer clothes. Sites like DailyCandy.com send out fashion e-mail alerts for sample sales in major U.S. cities.

What to Look For:

• Sales
• Resale, vintage and thrift stores
• Discount designer Web sites
• Mailing lists

Tips & Warnings

• January and July are big end-of-season sale months when you may find heavy markdowns.