Here’s to your Luxe Life!
Lisa
Every one wants to look like a million bucks, but in today’s tough economic times, it can be quite a challenge. For years, I’ve discovered and employed tricks to look great for less. Below are some of my best.
• Don’t shop Outlet Malls!
Outlet malls can be traps; retailers have gotten smart and now manufacture much of their outlet product only for those venues. Often, the quality of the products is not true to what you’d find in the flagship stores. Also, outlet malls tend to be difficult to shop. Size and style selection is limited and not merchandised in an easy-to-shop way.
Instead of shopping outlet malls, consider paying more attention to flagship store sales. The sale prices may actually be comparable or better.
• Splurge on Staples.
Buy the best you can afford for your staple pieces and resale the items when you tire of them. For me, staples include.
Good, quality, walk-in-all-day, 2 inch pumps
Remember, brands (re)sell! Chanel pumps, for example, make an impression and hold their value well. However, even on the secondary market, affording these babies can be tough. A nice alternative could be a pair of Michael Kors pumps.
Basic Wool Black Sheath Dress.
A good, quality, light-weight wool Sheath Dress is the perfect staple that easily goes from day-to-night. They never go out of style and the material should easily go from season-to-season. This one by Diane von Furstenberg is currently selling at Nordstrom for $385 and has pockets!
Good, quality, big carry-all bag.
Consider a shiny patent leather bag that is big enough for file folders, an IPad, gym gear, etc. This piece wears well and dresses-up almost everything. This Kate Spade bag is a perfect option.
• Shop the Secondary Market—Online
Shop the secondary market online to save time and money. Marketplace sellers that have “good sorting functions” save a ton of time and generally provide a mix of new and pre-owned items in wide-range of sizes and styles. Those with phone apps are great, as you can shop on your phone while on the train, in a taxi, or at the bus stop.
One of my favorite places to shop is eBay as they provide safe guards for Buyers such as eBay Buyer Protection and have a lot of high-end designer products to choose from.
But, despite eBay Buyer Protection, I always, always, always make sure to check out the Sellers history and business practices. Before you buy, ask yourself:
o Do they take returns?
o What is their return policy?
o What are the shipping fees? Are they reasonable?
o Do they state “always authentic” in their business overview?
o What other items are in their eBay store? Are they similar?
o Are their description and pictures “telling” and “transparent”?
o Feedback rating? I always go with over 500 ratings and with 99% positive feedback.
• Consider Selling Your Old Clothes on Consignment Before You Buy
Selling on consignment can save you much time and give you enough cash to jump start a professional attire shopping spree. But is consignment for you? Consider if you should sell your items yourself through a marketplace such as eBay. eBay makes selling relatively simple. If you are short on time, I suggest using online selling service providers. Fees are generally lower than traditional consignment shops, which usually take 50% the first month and more if the item doesn’t sell quickly. Remember to choose a service with good feedback and history of selling similar items.
