Green Glamour: Luxury Fashion Can Be Affordable and Eco-Friendly.

8 Hot Spots You Most Know When Looking For Top Designer Brands.

Whether you are a Fashion lover or a “Save the Planet” dreamer who will avoid Fast-Fashion at all costs and will only wear high-quality garments and handbags, synonyms of timeless clothing pieces, you must be wondering at some point where to get that “Authentic” designer outfit or accessories at an affordable price.

When it comes to Designers, we always end up paying more for “The Label” than for “The Product”,and in many cases, prices don’t equal the quality we are getting in return.

This happens because luxury firms are increasingly using a marketing strategy called?“aspirational marketing”?or?“lifestyle branding”?that promotes a lifestyle and?a coveted “showing off” social status rather than a necessary and functional product. N.B. There are, without doubt, many applicable exemptions to this fact.

In the Luxurious-Fashion Industry, price is synonymous with exclusivity.?

That’s why I find it interesting to do some research in order to score the ultimate deal. I get so happy when I buy something “so expensive and unique” at a price that feels right to me.

On the other hand, as women, what is more exciting than trying on outfit after outfit and feeling textures while making sure they fit us perfectly and enhance our body shape and femininity?

Unfortunately, with the rapidly growing trend of E-Commerce (online shopping) and the fast-paced nature of modern life, traditional in-store apparel shopping is fading away. And all?the juicy and feminine satisfaction of the shopping afternoon?with girlfriends is getting lost.

I have always had a particular preference for purchasing fashion in physical stores rather than online. I love touching and smelling the quality of fabrics, leather, and other materials to determine their quality. For example, flawless stitches, premium buttons, hardware, and any other embellishments are essential to having a distinctive piece of clothing or accessory, and these are all things that?are hard to check from a picture on our phone screens.

You may agree with me that a great piece can’t be purchased?“just online.”

Fashion is way more interesting and fascinating than hitting a click, don’t you think?

These are my 8 Tips For Fashion Designer pieces on a Budget:

1.?260 Sample Sale

If you live in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, or Chicago, you can take advantage of this hidden gem store called 260 Sample Sale. Here you will find, on a weekly basis, a different Designer deal going on. Discounts go up to 70%, but if you wait even for the last 2 days, they will drop prices up to 80%. I have scored amazing pieces from Sandro, Oscar de la Renta, Diesel, Marc Jacobs, and Wolford, among others.

2. Eclipse Sample Sale

You can find them only in LA, NY, and Boston, with the same concept as in the 260 Sample Sale stores.

3. Crossroads, 2nd Street, Wasteland, and The Real Real

Vintage stores, also called secondhand stores, have gained significant popularity in recent years, thanks to the emerging sustainable culture among the population, driven in the first place by Gen Z. This cultural shift is a response to concerns about environmental sustainability and ethical consumption.

These stores are now worldwide, and by now, I am sure you can find them in any small town too. If you haven’t tried this new way of shopping yet, you could give it a try the next time when looking for something that you need or want.

*** The Real Real (located only in NY, LA, and Palo Alto), you can also find it online; they featured everything from Hermés handbags to Rolex watches. Prices can be elevated, even though it is a secondhand store, mostly because of the good condition of the pieces, they also have their Luxury Experts team, which allows us to trust that we are purchasing a “Real” Authentic Designer piece.

The best part of all these stores is that even though they are meant to be for recycling clothing, you can quite often find brand-new Designer items with the tag still on. I’ve been lucky to find some brand-new pieces like this Dolce & Gabbana, (100% Silk Bustier Midi-Dress).?You can imagine how lucky I’ve felt.

4. Thred Up, Poshmark, Depop, and Vinted, among others

These are some of the online stores where you can find pre-be-loved Designer pieces, but I have never tried them because of my preferences for shopping in real stores, and sometimes I feel like I am not quite sure of the authenticity of the goods since some of the items arrive straight from the owners.

5.?Premium Fashion Designers Outlets

This is the most common way to purchase past collections from Designers at a lower price, and they are all over the globe. Some of the most famous are:

·????? Barberino Outlet, Florence, Italy

·????? Designer Outlet di Serravalle, Genova, Italy

·????? The Mall San Remo, San Remo, Italy

·????? McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, Málaga, Spain

·????? Desert Hills Premium Outlets, Los Angeles, US

·????? San Francisco Premium Outlets, Livermore, US

·????? Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, New York, US

·????? Sawgrass Mills Outlet, Sunrise, Miami-Florida

6. Luxe Du Jour

Last but not least, rentals are always an option if you are on a budget and want to look your best at any upcoming event.

You read it right! Today it is common practice to borrow an expensive bag before going for dinner at the high-end restaurant of your preference.

I recently came across this website, where you can rent a Chanel Bag for as little as $35 or an Hermes Bag for $690.?

7. Nordtrom Rack and Saks Off 5th

In the US only, any of these department stores usually offer a small glass stand full of designers items, new but also pre-loved, just ask to the associate since they can be hidden at some tiny corner.?

8. Holiday Season Sales

For many years, the only possible way to get better deals was to go shopping during the holiday period or at the end of every Winter/Summer season (most common in Europe), when prices show a significant drop.

You still have the option to do so; all you need is wait patiently for those few months and get lucky enough—as I know You Are—that the models you want would still be available in your desired size.?

I wish you all the best luck on your next hunt!

XOXO