Luxury fashion brands, or designer brands, are known to produce and sell good quality products at higher prices. But that is not all that they entail; being durable alone is probably not enough to make people spend half their paycheck on them.
Besides the assurance of quality, fashion brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada tend to come up with timeless designs that are easy to wear. That being said, taking the classic approach does not equate to boring and standard looks. Most successful brands stick to a unique aesthetic, story or motto that resonates with their fans.
Kenzo, easily recognized by their iconic tiger motif, is a French brand started by Japanese designer Kenzo Takada, and their designs often incorporate a mix of Asian and European elements. Chanel prides themselves on their elegant founder Coco Chanel and her inventions such as the “little black dress” and Chanel No. 5 perfume. Some labels like to explore gender boundaries in fashion to create clothes that both men and women can wear, like Saint Lauren, Comme Des Garçons and Thom Browne.
For the everyday dresser, the specific brand might not matter. Spending on something a little more pricey might make you more confident, or give you a sense of being successful. These high-end products also offer products that are limited in quantity, so that you can own something unique as compared to those produced by the masses. In addition, the “luxury” usually extends beyond the item itself, providing excellent customer service and aftercare.
Regardless of your reasons for wanting to purchase designer goods, you are bound to feel a pinch unless you are substantially well-off. However, luxury fashion aficionados have figured out some tips and tricks that help them sustain their lifestyle with the occasional splurge.
Watch the Pennies
If you aren’t already doing it, it is a good idea to start a habit of recording down your expenses. This is a great practice for when you’re saving up for anything, and let’s you have a better understanding of where your money is going. You might be surprised at how much easier it is to reduce unnecessary spending when the data is in front of your eyes.
Another tip that inexperienced buyers usually forget is to look out for sales. Luxury or not, businesses are businesses and there is no lack of tempting sales. Mid-season sales, off-season sales and pre-launch sales are just some of the many common occasions where brands mark down their prices. Waiting for these opportunities can help you to save a hefty sum.
Another option to own designer goods at a cheaper price would be to buy them second-hand. There are many well-maintained second-hand luxury goods on the market as people tend to take care of their expensive items properly. And since a lot of these products are made to last, getting them second-hand is really not a bad deal as well.
An increasingly popular option for fashion enthusiasts is to rent designer items for a short period of time. This is perfect if you prefer to try many different designs. As a bonus, cleaning and maintenance is already taken care of.
Extra Income
Even those who work full-time can find the time to make extra bucks from a side hustle, especially if there is something you really want. Selling unwanted belongings on Ebay or in a garage sale is a good way to get some extra cash fast.
If you have more time to spare, you may consider taking up part-time jobs or event-based jobs. Putting in just a few extra hours a week for a few months could cover the cost of a new handbag! For those who are more tech-savvy and business minded, e-commerce is a promising source of income that can be achieved at your own time and at your own place.
Working adults who are heavily supporting their parents can consider talking to them about applying for a reverse mortgage. This is a scheme that allows Americans older than 62 to convert the value of their house into cash, as long as they stay in that house. However, schemes like these are complex and are best suited for homeowners with a certain income range. To find out if you’re suitable, it is best to use a reverse mortgage calculator or find a trustworthy consultant first.
Choosing the Right Items
To make sure that you get the most bang for your buck, it is always good to take several factors into consideration before you make the buy. Even though designer brands are known for their better quality, there will always be a few exceptions, so do check and make sure that you are getting what you paid for.
Also, as with any other fashion shopping, it is a good idea to opt for versatile staple pieces rather than blindly following the trend. Shoppers that follow this rule tend to love and appreciate their designer items more since they put in so much thought into purchasing them.