How Does Everyone Afford All These Designer Items?

[katherine]

How much is the mascara and is it good? I've been wanting to try it out.

 

[papa_levante]

I bought it for $24 at Sephora.

My friends got on my case about how no one will be able to tell the difference on it's on, but I could tell a difference! I posted what I thought of it in The Mascara Thread.

 

[eeyore]

gotta pick your own poison.

mostly kidding. i swear, having designer brands for me is more of a "being able to buy" mentality then anything else, which is why i'm kind of over it. most people can't tell the difference, and i don't wear them more then regular clothing, and they don't last longer. granted, if budget wasn't an issue at all, then it would be more of a "why not?" scenario.

i think people underestimate how expensive buying a lot of "cheap" things can become and also how we don't really need a closet full of things. once you scale back in quantity, i think it's easier to spend more on single pieces that you know you can toss on and always feel good in.

 

[Matay]

vivienne westwood's "buy less, choose well" theory seems to be a good guide.
"...buy really lovely clothes, but not too many!"

 

[MahaK]

^^I agree with this idea totally.
Less is more, and like eeyore said once you learn you dont need 20 tank tops that cost you 15 each you can splurge on 2 nice pieces that work for you.
I learned this not to long ago, and once i cleaned out the closet I realized half of those extra tanks I grabbed because they were cheap were never even worn....
So in the end figuring out your clothing budget and splurging on a few items to add to your collection seems to really work IMO....

 

[Deleted member 106803]

I couldn't be bothered reading every post in this topic, but surely people have heard of tacky max or as it's properly known; Tk Maxx
I got two lovely French Connection tops from there. One being just £7.00 reduced from £30.00 the other, a shirt, £9.00 reduced from £45.00. It was a sale
I only just printed off a CV today so I can get a job to fund my shopping. I spent over £100 from my savings in a few hours and that's a lot for someone yet to start their A-levels.

 

[laureenthemean]

I am lucky to live in Los Angeles, so I have access to lots of sample sales, and when things go on sale at Saks, Barney's, etc., the discounts can be steep. I almost never pay retail for my purchases, except for some of my Louboutins, but even that can be considered a "good deal" because some of the shoes I have are very desirable/HTF.

 

[fashionista-ta]

bump for merging

 

[fashionistaa]

I actually don't own one "designer" piece. They're just too expensive for me; I can't justify paying $100+ for a pair of shoes or $200+ for a dress. I look through the sales sections of every store and website, but everything is simply over my budget.

I'm the same way especially since I'm just a college student. I hope one day I'll have a lifestyle where I can buy a few pieces now and then.

 

[ms-nietzsche]

Shoes are my weakness. I really should stop buying them tbh

I agree with the Vivienne Westwood theory to buy less and choose well. I'm in college, but I do work/intern during summers so I have a good bit to spend.

 

[elisabethpotter]

Hey everyone.

I can relate to the OP - fashion is a VERY expensive interest. I treat myself once or twice a year to something really special, but the majority of my designer shopping is from private sale sites such as vente-privee.com. It's the only way I can keep up with what's in style and not go bankrupt!

 

[Phylicia04]

Wow... many insightful coments on here. I agree with the TJMaxx theory, I love love that store, I was there over the weekend and bought 3 BCBG Max Azria shirts and a pair of Via Spiga flats for under $100. I too am a college student, and therefore have seriously no money to spend on clothes. Sadly, when I started college (I go to a private school in Philadelphia, and almost everyone there wears designer clothes every day) I did rack up some serious credit card debt, because I was trying to emulate everyone else, but as the credit card bills came in and I could barely afford the minimum payments, I decided to get real and just buy what I can afford until I have a well paying job and can afford not to just charge it.

With that said it is extremly difficult to come on this thread some days, I always look at the CL page, and mostly it makes me envious, but you live and you learn. And sometimes I feel greatful that I do not have an endless supply of money to buy whatever I want because it makes my real purchases all that much more special. And it also makes Christmas and your birthday more exciting as well, like last year my boyfriend bought me the L.A.M.B bag I have been drooling over and I cherish every day I carry it.

 

[laureenthemean]

^^That's a great attitude! I personally spend barely anything on food, don't have a car payment, and live with roommates. Also, as I've said before, I am lucky enough to have easy access to lots of sample/warehouse sales so I can score great deals! I love my CLs, but I've bought almost all of them for less than retail. I do the research and jump on sales and ebay deals.

 

[baRose]

To echo someone else’s post from a few months back. I REALLY need a good handbag/tote, but don’t want to drop the $$$ or $$$$ for a good one (in the process of possibility relocating, just got a car etc).

What do you think about the Bag Borrow or Steal Outlet for their "gently worn" bags? I browse and see some decent deals, but never heard anything about the quality yet.

 

[i love alaia]

why would you pretend to have something you don't?

 

[baRose]

I'm talking about buying it in their "outlet" store, not renting it.

 

[Phylicia04]

^ I think buying it is fine, I agree with not pretending to have something you dont. Or just try ebay they have a lot of nice bags for like $100, and most of them arent even used, just a thought!

 

[baRose]

^ I think buying it is fine, I agree with not pretending to have something you dont. Or just try ebay they have a lot of nice bags for like $100, and most of them arent even used, just a thought!

I guess I fear the eBay fakes that are out there. I know we have a thread for that here, but I still have my fear.

No, I would never just "borrow" one, that is such a waste.

 

[quiet heartbeat]

I love selling my clothes to places like Crossroads and Buffalo Exchange. You clearly don't get anything compared to what you paid for the clothes originally, but it's enough to be satisfied.
Sometimes I even shop at the shops, seeing as I don't mind buying already worn clothing. They have some really nice things if you search hard enough. I bought a great pair of Sevens for $21.

 

[Belowen]

A credit card and a reasonably well paid job. That's my answer at least, lol.