Today we caught up with our style savvy intern, Alana. We always say, she’s got champagne taste on a beer budget. Read below to find out how Alana buys her designer goods at amazing prices!
It’s often said that the best things in life are free. Although that may be true, I would argue that the second best things in life are very expensive. For as long as I can remember, I have always had a knack for the finer things in life. The only problem being that my eyes have always been much bigger than my wallet. In high school I relied on “borrowing” items from my mother’s closet and the retail job I got to support my Chanel handbag fund. Over the years I’ve developed a keen eye for designer goods and how to find the best items at affordable prices. Check out my basic rules below:
1. Never buy something you wouldn’t purchase at full retail price. I’m a strong believer that it’s not worth it to buy something mediocre just because it’s designer and on sale. Save your money and buy something you really love, discounted or not.
2. Know your merchandise. It helps to have an idea of designer collections and how current an item may be. This way you know what you’re getting and if the price is fair.
3. Resist buying at full retail price because everything goes on sale! Seriously, everything. It’s also the worst feeling to see an item you purchased marked down later on. Wait for a sale and fill in the gaps at stores like Forever 21 and Zara. Don’t forget about online sales! Some great discount sites I frequent are theoutnet.com, gilt.com and fashionphile.com
Let’s get down to business. Here are my top five designer finds on a budget:
1. Kenzo Sweatshirt
This was a recent find I picked up at the SHOP NYLA sample sale. I had been eyeing it for a while at Holt Renfrew and freaked when I saw it for 75% off. Major score!
2. Alice and Olivia Dress
This was a dress I bought at Holt Renfrew Last Call (RIP) for about $60.00, yes, $60.00! It was on double markdown and the perfect dress for an event I had that year.
3. Helmut Lang blazer
One of my biggest secrets is an annual Helmut Lang/Theory sample sale that happens every July in New York. Everything is priced under $100.00 and I paid $75.00 for this leather-sleeved blazer (it retailed for $595.)
4. Miu Miu pumps
I found these awesome pumps at a consignment store in Vancouver called Dragon and Phoenix. They were $80.00 and I was thrilled to own my first pair of designer heels. There are some great designer consignment stores in Toronto as well. One of my favourites is Fashionably Yours on Queen West.
5. Proenza Schouler PS1
This is my holy grail of purchases, my pride and joy and by far my favourite item in my closet. I found this Proenza bag at Nordstrom Rack in Honolulu, Hawaii while on vacation for 75% off! I think I blacked out in the store because I just couldn’t believe my luck. This is literally my dream bag and I still can’t believe I own it. Like I said, great deals find you if you know where to look.
Good luck and happy shopping!
