How Does Everyone Afford All These Designer Items?

[Drusilla_]

I hardly shop for clothes, since I'm a pack rat and finding things that I like locally is difficult. A couple of months running like that (and cutting down on expenses like eating out or buying other stuff) often means I can pile up money and splurge it on something I really love- which doesn't have to be that expensive, even my savings won't stretch to buying things at retail prices!

Of course, if I lived in London or NY, the not buying stuff would be tough to do. I guess I'm lucky to live in fashion nowhere?

 

[FASHIONLOVA]

a lot of fashion bloggers actually DON T work.

 

[MACsarah]

Daddy & Mommy.


hey, I'm honest.

 

[MetricSam]

Living in Belgium gives me the huuuuge advantage of being able to go to the stocksales twice a year. I almost buy all my designer clothes from Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester etc. there.
And all my other items, I almost never buy at retail prices, but wait for the sales, or shop on Yoox.

 

[William_St_Girl]

I think the answer to this is simple...

Everyone is individual... there are so many conitations in life... some people may be rich... some people may have the stuff but its on a credit card... some people will think a $10,000 fur coat is cheap... and some may never spend $10,000 on clothes in there entire life!

The one thing that is common to everyone who has something that is designer (which again the term that something is designer is on different levels for different people) is that whatever they have... they want it! And when someone wants something... if they want it enough they will do whatever they want to get it... again to varying degrees... including breaking the law!

So how do I afford my designer stuff... my answer is I stuck in at school... I have a good job... my husband has the same... we have been lucky through inheritance... and at the same time we may spend a lot on the things we like... for me that's clothes... but then I dont blow my money on other things I dont want!

WSG x

 

[Anutka]

I can`t efford everything (for example hermes birkins & clothes that cost more than 5-10 thousands € a thing are rather expensive for me, exept coats), but most of designer clothes\bags are bought on my parents money. I`m a student and it`s normal for them that I don`t work...i live with them, so we have common money. Or I can wait and buy smth on sale, when I don`t have this 5-10 thousands right now.
Also there is a good way to buy clothes abroad, because in Russia prices are more high, than in France, USA or Spain + tax free. So it`s a very pleasant moment during every trip)

 

[BetteT]

Let's start again, shall we? We are not here to criticize other members and how they choose to live their lives.

The question is simply ... how do some people afford it?

Simple answer in 3 parts: Some people (or their families) have the money and choose to spend it. Some do not have the money, but they put it on credit and overextend themselves. And some save for a long time to be able to afford it.

Oh .. and some get it as gifts (we all should be so lucky).

 

[hautechild]

Living in Belgium gives me the huuuuge advantage of being able to go to the stocksales twice a year. I almost buy all my designer clothes from Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester etc. there.
And all my other items, I almost never buy at retail prices, but wait for the sales, or shop on Yoox.

What are these stocksales? Like normal sales? I may need to visit Belgium...

 

[MetricSam]

Antwerp Designer Stocksales are items from previous seasons with a reduction of about 60-80% or even more. They aren't held in regular stores, but twice a year in the 'offices' of the designers. For example, Ann Demeulemeester holds it in her own house (designed by Le Corbusier in fact) and Dries Van Noten in a big 'warehouse' (i don't know the correct term, but it's an abandoned factory that he bought).

 

[FASHIONLOVA]

very interesting, u re lucky

 

[Petit Lucille]

i've been a bit out of control lately, but when i think about it, i hardly ever buy things, so i must splurge twice a year, which i gess is fine. but as i last realised it was getting out of hand and expand to four times a year, i've come up with a plan, followed by my regular rules.
you see, i never wanted to spend a lot of money in clothes, not even when my dad was alive and i could have probably taken advantage.

so i'm not going to buy something unless:
-it's reasonable priced. (that crosses out a lot of products and designers)
-i cannot do it myself (if i can do it, i should put the effort to do something i did and therefore will like better or have another meaning to me)

on the side, i will separate a wee amount of $ on an envelope that will be destined to be spent in the stupid things that don't help you but make you happy, aka clothes. if an item exceeds the amount of the envelope, i have to wait until i collected it (no matter if that was a magical month and i can spare a bit more) it has to be from the envelope. if the item is on sale or i'm too afraid it will be sold out soon, i can use the amount of the following months, but then the next months there's 0$ available.
i'm hoping this system works

 

[IWantToBeChloe]

Neiman Marcus Last Call, The Rack, Off Fifth, Loehmann's, Ebay, Yoox.com, Gilt.com, Bluefly.com, TheOutnet.com, Barneys.com has aweseome shoe sales...

Never buy anything full price because it always goes on sale someplace!

 

[indepwe]

I sell some of my clothes I don't want anymore to save for a new wardrobe collection. I get some nice things off eBay.com too like the other day I bought a £12 Ralph Lauren clutch with the receipt and everything to prove its real, I was very proud of that buy! Although, most of the time I just save till I get the perfect amount of money for the items I would like.

 

[MsCrow]

I earn peanuts so I have to say, ebay has been such a good way to build a collection. I concentrate on buying specific British designers and over the years probably ten or so, I've gradually put together key pieces I love and wear with normal high street clothes. Of course, the ebay (and generous occasional friends) route means my collection has been built veeerrry randomly. But I like the eclecticism and since I know my style, I don't buy things just for the sake of it.

 

[kokopuff]

Well-paying job, no children or pets to take care of, grew up in NYC so never needed to buy a car.

Shopping eBay, consignment, and discount stores (Century21 in NYC and "The Vault" section of Filene's Basement)

Also, I started this about a year ago and it has worked out really well for me. For big purchases (for me that's about $500 and up), I can't buy another big purchase until I put that same amount of money into a savings account or IRA. E.g., if I buy a bag that's $1500 (actually, I've never paid that much for a bag but for the sake of example), I can't buy anything else that costs $500+ until I transfer $1500 into a savings account. I've broken my rule twice but so far it's worked out nicely. You really watch your savings grow but at the same time it's a big reality check because the amount in savings equals the least amount I've spent on clothes and shoes, and when I look at the total amount it's sometimes scary. But at least I'm building a nice little cushion.

 

[quimby]

^ that's such a good idea. i think i might try it myself.

i've been doing a lot more eBay lately.

 

[luisa]

Well-paying job, no children or pets to take care of, grew up in NYC so never needed to buy a car.

Shopping eBay, consignment, and discount stores (Century21 in NYC and "The Vault" section of Filene's Basement)

Also, I started this about a year ago and it has worked out really well for me. For big purchases (for me that's about $500 and up), I can't buy another big purchase until I put that same amount of money into a savings account or IRA. E.g., if I buy a bag that's $1500 (actually, I've never paid that much for a bag but for the sake of example), I can't buy anything else that costs $500+ until I transfer $1500 into a savings account. I've broken my rule twice but so far it's worked out nicely. You really watch your savings grow but at the same time it's a big reality check because the amount in savings equals the least amount I've spent on clothes and shoes, and when I look at the total amount it's sometimes scary. But at least I'm building a nice little cushion.

that is a very good idea! i fear though that i'd cheat on myself often

 

[Erin]

YES! Ebay. I use Ebay for everything. Such an overlooked resource, oftentimes.

 

[thejarc]

I'm 17 and I'm sill attending school. But I work about 2-3 times a week and spend everything on fashion, art and art supplies. And there's one important rule: only buy stuff, that is on sale.

 

[dealsfortherich]

one rule i always abide by is don't buy it JUST b/c it's cheap (or on sale).
I only buy something if:
1) it's on sale.
AND
2) i would buy it even if it wasn't on sale.

Buying a lot of things for cheap adds up to more waste if you don't ever wear it.