Why do we want designer clothes? Is it the cool design, the feel of high quality fabric, or the name on the label? Probably all of those but I know for sure what we don't like...the price! Here are some ways that the three girls, arguably women, in my house stretch a dollar yet look designer-fashionable.
1. Ebay.com - The mother of all designer products. What can you NOT find on ebay, right? That isn't the only choice though, read on.
2. Bluefly.com - Try Bluefly if you want a purely designer site with apparel from Betsey Johnson, 7 for all Mankind, Jimmy Choo, and the like. Merchandise is always 20% to 40% off regular retail price and then there are the sales. Currently, they are clearing out a bunch of fantastic items at 75%off. Included in the clearance bin are products by Gucci, Prada, Marc by Marc, and Nicole Miller, just to name a few. Plus, they are running a special where free shipping is included for purchases over $150.
3. Hautelook.com- This is something unique. They host private, limited-time sale events with top brands for women, men, kids, home and beauty. Lasting between 36-72 hours, these sale events offer a handpicked selection of merchandise at prices of 50-75% off retail. HauteLook is free to join but you do have to register to gain member-only access and so they can email you when a sale starts.
4. Avelle - Avelle is an online site (http://www.bagborroworsteal.com) with a revolutionary idea. Why buy a Louis Vuitton purse when you can borrow it and later trade it for a Chanel? That's right, you just borrow and send it back (for a fee) and then you borrow another something or buy something at outlet prices. They specialize in purses and accessories.
5. Resale or thrift shop - Here is a non-online option. Depending on where you live, there may be a thrift store near an affluent area of town. Occassionally you can stumble onto a big brand "once worn for the charity ball" type dress for a small price. Most cities also have resale shops that only sell designer clothing so pull out your yellow book and go.
6. Outlet Malls- Sometimes these can be overrated in my opinion but occasionally a true outlet is in the outlet mall. Look for the last chance clearance shops for major department stores like Neiman Marcus, Marshalls, Dillards, Sak's, Macy's etc. Some of the smaller chains have moderately lowered prices but look them over carefully. It may not be much less than your local dealer and there is no drive involved in going there.
7. Clearance Stores- These stores broker deals with other stores, maybe going out of business, or merchandisers ready to unload too many of something or even last year's something, in order to bring you lower prices. Ross Dress for Less is popular where I live in the Southwest. You have to pick through the items at places like that and Wall's Bargain Center. However, I found a great Miss Sixty jacket at Ross last month. My favorite, though, is T.J. Maxx. I found some UGG's there last year. Look in your phone book for these.
Ask around for outlet ideas. Your neighbors and friends will be happy to share their "deal" places. Remember too, one of the easiest ways to find a designer something is pick out the stores that carry them and watch "like a hawk" for their sales. Be the first there. Better yet, bravely ask the salesperson when the next sale will be or when they will be marking down that awesome Ed Hardy sweater.
One more idea, see if your friends or family members want to trade clothes. Some towns are doing these type of swaps in an organized manner. Maybe you could start one where you live.
Good Luck and Have Fun Shopping!