Posh Classy Mom

Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle and Luxury Travels

How to Shop Designer Pieces For Less

Hey guys, so excited to write this Midweek Inspo piece!! You asked and I’m going to answer the big question: How Do You Buy Designer Shoes and Bags for Less?!?! My regular readers and Insta followers probably already know that I have a thing for designer shoes and bags. Although I don’t have quite the collection of many big name bloggers who stuffed their custom walk-in closet or others that puts their prized pieces on color coordinated display, mine are hiding quietly in my dark closet. Thing could quickly add up when you spot that perfect “it” bag or shoes, but if you shop smartly, you can get all these designer pieces for a fraction of its retailed price.  Sure, you can shop at sample sales, but when do you actually find the style you have your eye on AND your size is available? Let me show you a few tips and tricks I use.

Trolling eBay

I kid you not, the number of like new or new shoes and bags I have found on eBay for half or even a third of the retail price is astounding. They account for a large number of my purchases. Just days ago, I round a pair of Brand New, unworn Christian Louboutin So Kate in black patent for $400 instead of $695+tax and before that a rare Glorymount for $650 versus the online CL price of $1,695!  Keep in mind that if you do decide to shop on eBay there is a few things you need to do:

  1. Do your due diligence!! Go to a large designer retailer such as Neimans, Saks, Barneys and try on these shoes for size. Know how each designer sizes fits you. For example, I’m a 38 Louboutin but 37 for Choo and Manolo, not all designer sizes fits the same.
  2. Study the item you want to buy in DETAIL! Look at the hardwear, zipper, the lining, the stitchings and take note. This is important in disginguishing the real versus the fake bags posing as real ones on eBay.
  3. Set an alert for searches. Did you know that you can set an alert for key word searches so that everytime a new pieces is up for bid you will get an alert? Ues this to your advantage because you can be as specific as the name and model of the bag as well as your size for shoes!
  4. Contact the seller. Ask questions, purchase origin, detailed shots of inside and see if it has stains or damages. Know who you are buying from so that IF there is any issue, you can try to resolve it right away.
  5. If there is a “Buy It Now” or “Best Offer” definently use it. This means that the seller is willing to negotiate pricing for a quick sell. However, try not to low ball the seller, because no one likes to be lowballed for a really great item. Try to come to a price that both parties are happy with.
  6. Be Patient. If there is a very rare bag or limited edition that is hard to find, you might have to wait a while for it to surface. I once waited 3 years for a pair of Christian Louboutin x Philip Lim pump with silver heels and heart shaped box that was a limited release. But when I finally found it in my size, it was such sweet reward! Do searches once a few weeks or month and see what pops up.

Shop 2nd Hand

If you are feeling fishy about whether things are authentic on eBay and prefer a more safer route, there are a handful of great reputable online luxury retailers that sells authentic pre-owned luxury brands. The advantage is that all of the pieces listed have passed through authenticity checks and also quality inspections. So you won’t be getting a damaged bag that poses a good one. The disadvantage is that you will be paying higher price, because it is a premium to pay for that safety and certainty. You can also consider sites such as PoshMark and Tradesy as well for pre-loved pieces. Here are some sites I use to shop pre-owned luxury items:

Trendlee

The Real Real

Vestiaire Collective

Poshmark

Tradesy

What Goes Around Comes Around

Go Abroad

Ok, I don’t necessarily mean buy a plane ticket and fly to Paris or Milan, I mean go Duty Free on the ease of your own couch. Lots of retailers are now looking to tap into shopping internationally and free of taxes/vat. If you think about it, a bag that is $2000 will end up almost $2200 after tax (sometimes more depending on your state’s retail tax) and that extra $200 could be a pair of shoes!! Online retailers such as Farfetch and Matchesfashion are duty free and sometimes depending on the currency exchange, you can get the same shoes in the US for less!! I bought a pair of Valentino Rockstud from Farfetch for $750 instead of $995 during Brexit! So go abroad online. Here are some retailers:

Farfetch (10% off your first purchase when you enter ShereeHo during check out)

Matchesfashion

Stylebop

I hope this little tips and tricks guide is helpful in some way in helping you purchase that designer bag you’ve been eyeing on. Keep in mind that fashion is so fast paced, so instead of running out and buy the latest “it” bag, go for the classic pieces that will not run out of style. You don’t want to be stuck with a fad bag that you paid full retail price for. If you have any questions on shopping at any of these sites, feel free to drop me a line in the comments below and I’d be happy to answer them the best I can.

~ xo Sheree

Shop Designer Favs Here


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Comments

  1. I find ebay tricky as you have to authenticate, but have had a lot of luck with consignment stores that guarantee authenticity. If it wasn’t for consignment stores and sale shopping, I’d never have the bag collection I do now!

    Thanks for the link up.

    Hope you are having a really good week so far.

    Away From The Blue Blog

    Reply

  10. Hey Beauty:)
    Hows you?
    Such a Great Tips to get Nice Designer Items for better Price:)
    I was Drooling watching those Amazing Items, Ohhh I wish I could Hava all or at least half what you showed:)
    Chanel Bags Truly to Die For:)
    Love Open Kloset By Karina
    Kisss

    Reply

  14. I also like to troll NM and Saks for their super deals. I’m literally always on their site because sometimes they have and extra 25% off sale. I forgot about ebay, but I just started selling my junk on there. I need to check out the designer stuffies. Thanks for the informative tips!

    Reply

  16. WHAT?CHANEL FOR $400 wow that is a great deal. Hands down to you. Im always skeptical about buying on Ebay. But maybe I should give it a chance again. I’m pinning this blog so I could go back to this.

    xxx
    thenewgirl.me

    Reply

  21. I love Farfetch for searching out deals. I always wondered what some of your tricks were! Your collection of designer items is incredible! That Chanel boy is too gorgeous! I have only ever really managed to find things from consignment stores here in Perth, but have been lucky that way. I got my Givenchy bag this way new but at half price because the girl changed her mind. It went in the shop on the Thursday night half an hour before they closed and I came by the Friday morning and saw it first thing. Haha no one else stood a chance! And the colour, which is like a blush pinky nude, was something limited but that goes with so many looks. Stoked!!
    xx Jenelle
    http://www.inspiringwit.com

    Reply

  22. Such a great post babe!!! Investing in a designer bags can be so expensive but having this second hand options is always good. Thanks for sharing all the secrets for sure will make sure to apply them to my self too. You designer bags collection is amazing and I’m loving your Chanel babe!

    xoxo
    Marcy

    Reply

  23. I never shopped on eBay, and feel kind of awkward to go to big retail store trying their designer pieces and not buying anything. Haha. But glad you found what you were looking for. I actually can see myself of buying used bags, not sure about shoes, maybe it is just me thinking of weird stuff hahah

    http://www.queenhorsfall.com/

    Reply

  25. I really enjoyed this post! I’ve only recently learned the art of finding designer at really discount prices! I’ve found amazing deals at most all of these places besides Ebay. I get too scared that it’s not authentic on there after getting a fake Juicy Jumpsuit when I was 16. LOL. I found a pair of Stella brogues that retail for $1100 at Selfridges on sale for $300 and I was SO over the moon! That’s when I realized I would likely only hunt for these sort of items! I’m sure you already know but I just now learned about Barney’s Warehouse. Love the last season for like 60-75% off! Just scored a pair of Fendi’s I wanted at the end of 2016 but couldn’t muster up the courage to drop a G on them! Great post!

    Manda | http://EvocativelyChosen.com

    Reply

  26. I am blown away that you found all these designer items for way less! I have to admit, I am an impulsive buyer and want it now versus being patient for the right price. Plus my shoe size is so hard to find (35) so I always rationalize my new purchases with I can’t find it in my size otherwise. =) I definitely should try and save some money and look for deals with your tips so that I can buy more stuff with the money I save. Hehe. You are such a great resource! xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

    Reply

  28. Great tips! I do a lot of second-hand shopping and you really have to know your product. Ebay can be tricky to authenticate but after a while you know what too look for. Congrats on a $500 Chanel bag! That’s seriously a record. And I’m impressed with the dye job.
    XO
    http://www.lehoarder.com/

    Reply

  29. These are great tips and I must say that I’m somewhat uncertain when it comes to buying designer products online as there are so many fakes out there, but second hand or buying from a certified reseller I wouldn’t have a problem with at all. When it comes to the “it” bag I’m really keen on getting a bag right now that costs a lot more than I can afford, but I still think of getting it, which probably would be a stupid investment, so thanks for talking me out if, haha.
    xoxo
    Thomas

    http://thomasfalkenstedt.com

    Reply

  30. Oh my god girl! What a steal. Wow. I seriously need to get on e-bay. I love buying things at a way more affordable price. I think my concern will always be how do I know if it’s fake or not. But as you mentioned studying the items is the best way to know. Such good tips! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  31. Such a wonderful and helpful post! E-Bay it’s a good option to find designer pieces, however I agree that we need to pay attention and study the item that we would like to get, because you don’t want to buy a fake item at the value of an authentic one. Great tips babe!

    Vanessa

    http://thefashionstatement.net

    Reply

  32. YAY! I’ve been waiting for this post! I love a good bargain! I always feel like there are a lot of fakes on EBay, so I always get scared. Thank you for sharing your tips. I will definitely ask the sellers all of the questions I have and maybe even ask for closer pictures! I love The REALREAL and Trendlee. I haven’t purchased anything yet, but I’m always eyeing it. My family lives in England, so I usually have them buy my bags and I pay them before they visit.

    Reply

  33. Thank you for sharing your amazing shopping tips Sheree. I can’t believe that you managed to get such gorgeous designer pieces at these amazing prices. I have never used eBay, but I definitely will after reading your tips. I have shopped a few times at Farfetch, it has such good deals and I love how they can source pieces from all over the world. I also like to shop in Europe, buying designer items in Singapore breaks my heart (the prices are so inflated). Your Chanel collection is so stunning :).

    xxx
    Sarah
    http://sarahatiq.com/

    Reply

  34. These are some great tips, thanks for sharing! I don’t feel like I could ever buy something from second hand, coz I’m quite squeamish when it comes to buying designer pieces. But it’s only me, I know most of the people feeling fine with it and I bet they’re going to use your amazing tips. I agree the best way to shop designer pieces is to go Duty-Free.

    Cheers, Eliza | http://www.fashion-confession.com

    Reply

  35. One of my biggest fear is splurging so much on a designer bag/shoe, even though at half the price, is getting scammed! It’s so important to do your research when shopping online for second hand goods because it’s often difficult to see the item for itself to make sure everything is as they say. But It’s SUCH a steal when you do have a transaction go through successfully. I’ve seen Cartier bracelets on eBay for half the price without the annoying tax on top of it and it’s almost tempting to buy it because honestly who’s going to know it was second hand after it’s polished right?

    Great tips for helping those who are looking to save but have expensive taste hehe

    Wanderlustts
    http://www.wanderlustts.com

    Reply

  36. NICE TIPS AND WAY HOW YOU SHOW US TO BUY GREAT DESIGNER STATEMENT PIECES FOR AFFORDABLE PRICES.
    LOVE ALL YOU PURCHASED ITEMS.. I’M NOT VERY PRACTIC TO KNOW WHAT IS FAKE OR NOT AND I SCARE A LITTLE ABOUT OF REAL ORIGFI OF THEM. ANYWAY THANKS FOR THIS POST.

    XX
    EVA

    http://WWW.THEMERMAIDFASHION.COM

    Reply

  37. So many great goodies at great prices! Thanks for sharing all your secrets!!
    I personally have nothing from a designer yet, because I can’t afford it but when I can, I’ll definitely go back to this post for your advice!
    Thank you so much for sharing!!!
    XO
    Aimara
    http://www.waysofstyle.com

    Reply

  38. These tips were so useful! I was dying to find out more after hearing you were about to make the post about scoring designer pieces for less! Still can’t believe you managed to get the Chanel bag for only 500$! That was such a bargain! And yeah, as you have mentioned, when it comes to shoes, we should definitely try them out first, I’m a size 38 EU normally, but 37 at Gucci. Taking the extra time to check that out can spare us the later headaches. Thanks for all the tips, I’ll have to keep my eyes on eBay from now on. x

    Andreea
    http://couturezilla.com/

    Reply

  40. A girl can never have too many designer shoes and bags and it looks like you have scored so many amazing deals! I think Ebay is great but it really does pay to do your research so that you don’t end up with a dud. I’ve never considered looking at exchange rates and shopping at overseas sights either.

    Rachel xx
    http://www.thedailyluxe.net

    Reply

  41. Trendlee is an app I love. I never really looked into second hand bags or shoes in the designer market, but it sounds like a wonderful idea. I think I’ll start doing it more often. I think a lot of designer handbags and shoes are timeless so once I have them I’ll never give them up. I’ll be looking to the other apps and sites as well. I’ve never used Ebay before, but I know people who love it.

    http://www.naturallyfarout.com
    -Kierra

    Reply

  42. I think it’s in the Asian girl genes, I love designer shoes and bags too. But have never brought myself to buy any designer piece full price. I have bought from consignment stores before, and am very happy with my purchases. I can’t believe you found that Chanel on eBay for $500, that’s a steal girl. Thanks for all these tips, buying abroad is actually very smart.

    -Lily from With Love Lily Rose

    Reply

  43. OMG!! I need to start shopping second hand! Seriously you have the best pieces. I think it’s really hard to see if the products are real or fake.. but great tips! And yes I’ll look into it. xoxo Elif

    Reply

  44. Thank you for sharing such great tips babe! The deals you found are truly unbelievable, and those white Chanel loafers are a dream! I’ve always been wary about shopping on ebay because of fakes, but with your tips I feel a lot better about it. I agree, 2nd hand retailers like the Real Real can be great alternatives as well, albeit at a steeper price. Finally, I’m totally with ou on going abroad! Buying brands like Celine and Fendi in Rome can amount to about 30% USA prices, it’s insane! I’m off to set up my ebay alerts now lol!

    xo Soo | http://www.BrownEyedToast.com

    Reply

  45. Ooooo I never thought to shop designer one eBay!! All these tips are amazing girl and I love all the pieces you got. $500 for a chanel bag is ridiculous!! WOW totally heading on now to check out what’s online now ??

    Reply

  46. Great tips on finding designer pieces for less! Your bag and shoe collection is to die for!! I’m so obsessed with your white Chanel pieces. I love looking through Farfetch. Their vintage designer pieces are so on point.

    xo, Jo
    http://www.cutandchic.com

    Reply

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