First, I am going to share with you how I built my wardrobe. I am going to explain how I obtained high-end designer clothes at deep discounts and the methods I used. However, before I begin, I want to warn you that I will not give you a list of discount codes or links to buy discounted designer products. Instead, I will provide you with the information you need to develop your own strategies and ways to access these products.
First, let’s talk about designer outlets. Designer outlets are real places and they are NOT the same as the factory outlet malls with “designer” labels. The outlet malls sell the same brands’ lower-quality product with the same label. Designers actually have their own warehouse-type outlets that they use to clear excess merchandise. You may see some past season Prada, or some forgotten Loewe item or an older Dries Van Noten coat that no one wanted at 60 to 80 percent off.
These outlets are usually located in the middle of nowhere. Like, I had to take a 40-minute trip outside of the city to get to some strip mall that looked like it was home to a tax preparer and a questionable massage therapist. You’re basically a fashion archaeologist digging through rack upon rack of bad printed blouses to uncover something great.
Secret #2 – The Best Deals Have Flaws.
A flaw in a garment can eliminate it from the designer boutique shelves. It can be a loose thread, a missing button, a stain, or a scratch. Most people wouldn’t even notice it. But it’s enough to keep the designer from selling the item.
For example, I recently took a badly stained silk camisole and dyed it a darker colour. Now it looks intentional. I’ve also replaced buttons on a coat with vintage buttons. I’ve gotten small scratches on a handbag fixed. The fashion industry refers to these types of flaws as “damage.”
In addition to knowing when to look for deals, it’s also important to know when to act. Understanding the designer’s retail cycle is crucial. For instance, summer pieces are usually discounted in June when you really need them. Winter coats are usually discounted in February when there is still plenty of winter left.
The designer’s cycle is also known as the “end-of-season consolidation,” or E.O.S.C. The retailers pull all of their remaining sale merchandise together to a few locations, and then ship it to the discount stores or outlet malls. When you know which department stores are doing this, and where they are consolidating the merchandise, you can find current-season designer pieces at 70 to 80 percent off while they are still relevant.
This past January, I went to an E.O.S.C. event and I saw a beautiful Dries Van Noten coat. I asked the price, and it was listed at $3,200. I bought it for 75% off. I wore it out of the store, and to a sustainable fashion panel. Someone commented on how I had made a “statement” with my coat. Little did they know it cost me less than my dental bill.
Next, I’ll explain Sample Sales. Sample sales are a little different. They are usually invite-only events. If you get invited, it’s a great opportunity. You can buy samples from designers at significantly discounted prices.
If you don’t have an invitation, it’s hard to get into the sample sales. Most of the time, the sample sales are announced through social media. But by the time the public finds out about it, the sizes have already disappeared.
The sample sales are usually held for the design teams and the company employees. Sometimes, the design teams will leave behind samples that they created but weren’t able to put in the collection.
I recently attended a sample sale for a designer who normally sells dresses for $1,200 to $3,000. I found evening gowns for $200, cocktail dresses for $150, and sample pieces that never went into production for $100. The designer was there telling us the story behind each piece and giving us styling advice.
When attending a sample sale, you should have an open mind. Don’t be picky. Just take a chance. If you go in looking for something specific, you’re probably wasting your time. Take a chance on something you’ve never seen before.
Another strategy is to shop for categories that everyone else is ignoring. Most people are fighting over dresses and handbags. Meanwhile, the knitwear and non-trendy pants are sitting there waiting to be discovered.
Some of my best buys have been in these overlooked categories. I found a beautiful Loro Piana cashmere sweater at 85% off in a mustard-colored fabric that everyone else hated. Six years later, it remains one of the most complimented pieces I own, and it’s outlived dozens of trendier purchases.
Designer Consignment Events
Another strategy is to attend the bi-annual designer consignment events that occur in affluent suburban neighborhoods. These events are usually charity fundraising events, where the wealthy community members consign their barely worn designer pieces at extremely low prices.
I’ve found current-season Chanel at 70% off, pristine Hermès scarves for less than $200, and even a brand-new Celine coat with the tags still on at 85% off.
To find these events, search for private school fundraising events, hospital auxiliary sales, and junior league events in affluent communities. They are not widely advertised beyond the local social circle, but they are treasure troves if you can find them.
There is irony in the fact that accessing the deepest discounts on high-end designer goods often requires insider knowledge that only comes from being close to the high-priced fashion world.
However, that’s why I’m sharing all of this. Fashion should not only be available to those who can afford to buy it at full price. Especially when many of the reasons for the high prices are due to marketing and exclusivity rather than production costs.
Therefore, the next time you are lusting over a designer item that seems to be priced out of reach, remember that patience, flexibility and a little knowledge can turn an impossible splurge into something reasonable. That $1800 Proenza Schouler dress I have in my closet gives me so much more pleasure at $220 than it would have at full price – in part because each time I wear it, I experience a secret thrill of knowing I beat the system.
Finally, I want to emphasize the importance of building a relationship with a sales associate. A sales associate can select items in advance of a sale, send you messages when certain items are about to be discounted, and sometimes even reserve items for you.
The key is to treat the sales associates well throughout the year. Bring them coffee during busy times, remember small details about their life, etc.
The return on investment is substantial. Like when my Saks sales associate sent me a message about a shipment of Manolos with minor scuffs and was selling them for 80% off.
One thing I have learned is that shopping categories that everyone else is ignoring can yield the best results. While people are fighting over dresses and handbags, the knitwear and non-trendy trousers sit untouched.
In my case, some of the best finds I have ever made have been in these categories. Like the time I found a beautiful Loro Piana cashmere sweater in a mustard colored fabric. I loved it. I didn’t care that everyone else hated it.
It has become one of my favorite pieces. Six years later, it is still one of the most complimented pieces in my wardrobe, and it has far outlived dozens of trendier purchases.
Designer Consignment Events
Another strategy is to attend the bi-annual designer consignment events that occur in affluent suburban neighborhoods.
These events are usually charity fundraising events, where the wealthy community members consign their barely worn designer pieces at extremely low prices.
I’ve found current-season Chanel at 70% off, pristine Hermès scarves for less than $200, and even a brand-new Celine coat with the tags still on at 85% off.
To find these events, search for private school fundraising events, hospital auxiliary sales, and junior league events in affluent communities.
They are not widely advertised beyond the local social circle, but they are treasure troves if you can find them.
Ultimately, the ultimate secret to finding the best deals may be the designer consignment events.
However, it is worth noting that these events are a little exclusive. Only people in affluent communities seem to have heard of them.
Still, it’s worth searching for them. I recommend that you try to find them. You never know what you might find.
In conclusion, the key to buying designer at deep discounts is to be patient and flexible. Know when to shop. Be prepared to dig. Build relationships.
Don’t be afraid to think creatively.
Remember that the joy of wearing a beautiful piece of clothing is not limited to those who can afford to buy it at full price.
You can find a wonderful piece of clothing at a deep discount. All you have to do is know where to look.
Happy shopping. I hope you enjoy this article.
