How Can I Buy High-End Clothing for Less?
If you're interested in buying the latest designer apparel, but lack the cash, don't despair. Although the price tag on high-end clothing is daunting, designer clothes are still tempting because they demonstrate your fashion sense, impress your friends and offer you access to luxurious materials and quality stitching. High-end apparel often outlasts cheaply made clothing, and when you purchase classic designs, you can wear them for years and still be stylishly dressed. By being a smart shopper with an eye for authenticity, you can purchase high-end clothes without breaking the bank or dressing in designer knock-offs. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Retail Shopping
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Find out if there are any sample sales in the closest major city and attend. Sample sales heavily discount authentic clothes, so you'll know that the items you purchase are legitimate. If you aren't near a major city that offers sample sales, you can look for them online or plan a road trip with some fashion-conscious friends.
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Shop sales and clearance racks at high-end department stores and private-label boutiques. Most stores periodically advertise sales throughout the year, especially during major holidays. Sales especially benefit individuals who wear less common sizes, but anyone can luck out and snag a deal.
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Locate and head out to the closest outlet mall. Even if it's a few hours away, the savings will likely offset the price of gas. Most high-end department stores and individual designers have outlet locations throughout the United States, and they offer deep discounts on every item.
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Look for designer items at discount clothing stores. The selection in these stores varies by location, but they offer bargains on high-end clothing that didn't sell at other stores. Although these stores sometimes carry dated items, you can also find classic designs that never go out of style.
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Visit clothing exchanges. These stores buy and sell high-end clothing that's either new or gently used. By trading in clothes, you can obtain cash or store certificates that you can use to purchase high-end items.
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Search for estate sales, flea markets and Goodwill-type stores in upscale neighborhoods. Although you'll typically discover more duds than high-end items, you may be surprised by the types of items that people donate or sell. The better the area, the greater the chance you'll find the clothes for which you're searching.
Online Shopping
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Go to comparison-shopping websites and look up items or your favorite designers. Often you'll find the same item priced quite differently depending on the site. Look for the lowest-priced item that includes shipping and taxes, then visit those sites to place your order.
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Navigate to your favorite designer's website. Often, these sites offer sales and promotions that you'll only discover by checking out the site. If you sign up for their mailing list, you may also gain access to deals and discounts restricted to members.
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Bid on high-end items listed at online auctions. By bidding on gently used, high-end apparel, you can save an enormous amount of money. Once you find a seller who consistently offers what you're looking for, see if she can contact you whenever she has new inventory available in your size.
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Tips & Warnings
Get there early when shopping at advertised sales and sample sales. The best items are often snatched up quickly, and you don't want to miss out.
Know what to look for so you don't purchase a fake or knock-off item.
References
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
