vintage chanel bag - saved by Chic n Cheap Living

{Shopping} Tips: 5 Savvy Ways to Get your Dream Wardrobe

April 28, 2011

It’s the eternal fashionista’s struggle: how do I stay chic and savvy while building my ideal closet?

I’ve suffered my share of fashion mishaps, pristine but never worn purchases, and “ooh but it was on sale” regrets. Β From now on, I’m stocking my closet with pieces that really contribute to my dream wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Here are my tips for how you can do it as well:
1. Buy only what you can love and wear (and is within your budget)
Buy it if you can wear it now and on multipleΒ occasions (excluding special occasion gowns). Β  Constantly think about your wardrobe and how it fits in with your style.
That piece-regardless of price-will totally be worth it. Β But don’t just get it because it is on sale! Β My blogger buddy, TanviΒ explained her shopping philosophy and cost per wear rationale well in a post here. Β Also don’t spend your nest egg on a Hermes Birkin or Kelly if you can’t comfortably afford it. Β Remember to purchase pieces that still leave you enough for the rest of your expenditures.

Some day I will own you Ms. Exotic Kelly and pass you down through the generations…{Source}

2. Β Shop often
Note, don’t purchase often, but keep on walking through your favorite retail/department stores, consignment or thrift stores, and browse those e-tailers on a regular basis so you know their current selection well. Β This may also give you a better idea of the pieces that you really love; if you keep on coming back to an item, it’s a piece that deserves to be in your wardrobe. Β That and you may become buddies with a sales associate or be the first to know about markdowns in retail and department stores. Β Score!

burberry trench -saved by Chic n Cheap Living
Hope I can get a classic Burberry trench some day (like this double breasted wide cuff coat!)
3. Visit outlets and sign up for Sample Sales
The best deals I have ever received were at sample sales in NYC (and a few online ones have almost fully satisfied my Tom Ford sunglasses obsession). Β I’ve bought everything from a $350 Nanette Lepore suit to a $50 in season DVF dress. Β The trick to any sample sale is going in early and to know your buying strategy (will write another post on this some day). Β Outlet shopping can also be great (remember my Burberry Prorsum find at the Burberry London outlet – visit when you can because great deals aren’t just there around seasonal sales).
Outlets and sample sales enables you to purchase from brands that mayΒ be on your wish listΒ butΒ beyond your price point. Β My favorite online sample sale sites are:Β GiltΒ (massive selection),Β RuelalaΒ (great Final sales),Β SwirlΒ (my favorite for <$120 Tom Fords and varied selection), andΒ IdeeliΒ (they have the most AMAZING clearance sales). Β I try to join multiple sample sale sites so that I am aware of all the sales. Β Please check out the left side of my page if you’d like any invites for fashion, travel, or decor sites.
Kenneth Jay LaneΒ – such inventive pieces and I’ve seen his pieces on sample sale sites as well
Β 

4. Β Be informed and get on the list
Sign up for newsletters, e-mails, and sample sale e-mails. Β Visit forums and blogs (Slickdeals and Purse Forum are two favorites) to find out about new retailers and sales. Β Yes and then you too can possibly get a new $5000 Valentino jacket for under $6 (I did it). Β You’ll likely get early notifications of sales, exclusive e-mail discounts, and other special offers too. Β Daily Candy and Racked give great information on local sample sales in the US and I’ve found newspapers to be a great source when abroad.

I have a few Lauren Merkin clutches from their NYC sample sales for as low as $15 though this Eve clutch at $180 is pretty reasonable!

5. Be patient and consider pre-loved or similarly styled apparel
You’ve stalked an item, becomes friends with the store staff, and waited ever so patiently for it to go on sale. Β But what if it has already sold out or you can’t find it in stores? Β Consider hunting in local consignment stores or shop eBay. Β Patience is essential but could pay off (remember my 90% off Monique Lhuillier gown?)
See my post regarding “saved searches” to see how you can be e-mailed if your item pops up. Β Also look at other retailers that may have a similar item but at a lower price point (sometimes the differences are minimal, but sometimes the quality suffers so be aware!) My blogger buddy, Cafe Fashionista has a regular series for items that are similar but are priced quiteΒ differently.
But if you are looking for an original item, remember to check the authenticity and feedback of the seller. Β Fake stuff is not cool and fake stuff that is sold for close to real prices is really not cool.

I bought my first vintage Chanel bag and can’t wait to use it! {Source}

I hope these tips have helped you to stay savvy and chic! Β How do you maintain a Chic ‘n Cheap wardrobe?

little luxury list

All posts
  • Tara @ Haute Lunch April 28, 2011 at 05:13

    Fabulous post! These are all great tips and I agree with your philosophy 100%! I love your new (to you) Chanel, by the way!

  • FaeLove April 28, 2011 at 05:52

    love the ring!

    ~Fae
    http://www.rosypop.com

  • MizzJ April 28, 2011 at 06:48

    Great tips! I especially agree with the sample sales sites and the newsletter tips as I’ve used them myself. Sadly, Gilt does not ship to Canada πŸ™

  • honey my heart April 28, 2011 at 08:37

    great post! i definitely think being informed and keeping an eye out on sales, store trends, deals, etc helps πŸ™‚

  • Kristin H April 28, 2011 at 09:32

    One of my great investments was a Chanel bag and it is a savior for any “gala” event. Puh!! Hermes though, I am not sure I will put myself up for a waiting list… but would definitely not say no if someone was kind enough to give it…
    Have a fab day!

  • quintessence April 28, 2011 at 09:52

    Great advice. I usually do very well at the “normal” sales. I’ve discovered that in general, the better the store, the better the sale – I’ve done very well over the years at Bergdorf’s for example buying some great classic pieces for at least 40 – 50% off.

  • Josie April 28, 2011 at 11:28

    Very good advice my dear! I shop vintage/second hand a lot. Often much cheaper/nicer than high street or designer anyway! Although I do still get cravings for certain lovely things I can’t afford but aspiring to have something is sometimes as good as having it.

  • Jessica April 28, 2011 at 11:55

    Fantastic post! There’s something to be said about patience when shopping – it guarantees you’ll only purchase items you’ll love. Just say no to impulse purchases!

  • Audrey Allure April 28, 2011 at 12:14

    Great tips! I love sample sales πŸ™‚

  • Erika April 28, 2011 at 12:37

    Shop Often. Seriously…Best. Tip. Ever. Being familiar with different retailers makes it so much simpler to spot new fabulous finds! πŸ™‚

  • Twenty.Something April 28, 2011 at 12:49

    Great tips! Thanks for sharing.

    Ohh your first vintage Chanel…. ENJOY and Wear it well!

    xo
    http://artfashiontwentysomething.blogspot.com

  • Tanvi April 28, 2011 at 12:50

    Fantastic post! I am sure it will help a lot of people. And congrats on that vintage Chanel bag!!! Looks delish! πŸ˜‰

    P.S. Thanks for the mention! πŸ™‚ It is always great to read my name unexpectedly here!

    β™‘ from Β© tanvii.com

  • Mrs Vintage April 28, 2011 at 13:31

    Hello, yr blog is great! Follow each??

    Btw, I have my 1st giveaway in my blog, hope you are interested to join XD

    http://mrsvintagehk.blogspot.com/

  • rohinie April 28, 2011 at 13:49

    love your post…im your new follower…please follow me back:)

  • TimbarikaDoll April 28, 2011 at 13:50

    I like this, great tips, will save me buying stuff I don’t need. Well done on the Chanel bag, it will be with you forever now :)) Hope your doing well xxx

  • Hannah {Culture Connoisseur} April 28, 2011 at 14:05

    I do it by buying things that are classic not trendy. I never buy into trends because I can’t get enough wear for the amount I pay. Classic pieces can be worn forever….and that’s worth the money.

  • ruffledrose.com April 28, 2011 at 14:07

    Fabulous tips! Patience is always my issue.

    xo

  • Brunch at Saks April 28, 2011 at 14:13

    Such great tips! I’ve always wanted to buy on eBay, but I am always so skeptical about fakes. Have you had success buying designer handbags on there?!

  • Krysten @ After 'I Do' April 28, 2011 at 14:40

    Great tips!

  • PaulinaMo April 28, 2011 at 14:41

    I AGREE with all of the above!! I do a lot of window shopping and buy something when I’ve weight out the options πŸ™‚

    an extra tip, if you see something on sale on the website, but not on sale at the store, try it on at the store but buy it on the website OR if it is the SAME store, show them proof and see if they honor the sale price. I say that because it happens to me a lot and 100% they have honored the sale price πŸ™‚

    ~Pau
    http://www.lilbitsofchic.blogspot.com

  • Haute World April 28, 2011 at 14:48

    Great advice and I agree with all of it. I’m really good at shopping both seasonal sales and sample sales. The trick is not to get carried away and know in advance exactly what item or type of item you are searching for. I’m always monitoring eBay as well, for previous season stuff I never found in-store. Another favorite of mine is outlet stores, but you need to be very fast and lucky to find something in them.

  • Queen but no Crown April 28, 2011 at 15:04

    great tips! love the vintage chanel bag, enjoy it!

    -B

  • Melanie April 28, 2011 at 16:13

    These are some fantastic tips. I’ve also learned a lot from doing the 30×30 challenges. Now I’ll plan shopping trips way in advance, work on a list of things I want or need and then go into my closet and make sure I can wear whatever is on my list with several different outfits.

    Melanie@Unravelled Threads
    Follow @UnraveldThreads on twitter!

  • BigAppleNosh April 28, 2011 at 16:23

    Really great post!

  • Diana Mieczan April 28, 2011 at 16:41

    I love those tips a lot and I always try to visit my favourite stores and just enjoy window shopping before I get something I really want:) Hugs and kisses, my dear

    Ps: I’m hosting a beautiful jewelry GIVEAWAY today! Just in time for Mother’s Day!

  • Blace April 28, 2011 at 17:14

    love this post. thanks for the tips!

    http://tinyaltars.blogspot.com

  • Plami April 28, 2011 at 17:16

    This is exactly how I’ve been doing it lately and it really works! Great post!

    XoXo
    Plami

    http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/

  • AquΓ­ April 28, 2011 at 17:26

    great tips! I love the bracelet!

  • Stacey April 28, 2011 at 17:52

    Great post, advice and tips! XX

  • Savvy Gal April 28, 2011 at 18:35

    I am totally with you about these shopping tips. I shop often but buy only when I absolutely love the piece and only after more than 2 visits. Well, at least for pricey items. Buying classics pay in the long run. πŸ™‚

  • Gracey April 28, 2011 at 19:00

    Good advice! I have issues with spending a bit too much than I am comfortable with sometimes…hehe…

  • A Heel in Mint April 28, 2011 at 19:21

    Love this post! I do some of things on your list already! I shop just to see what’s out there. Thanks for the comments on my blog! I have been following you through bloglovin’ for a while now! πŸ™‚

    xx
    Heel in Mint

  • FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION April 28, 2011 at 20:59

    fabulous post doll! I totally agree with all of your tips!

  • Midnight Cowgirl April 28, 2011 at 21:52

    Wonderful tips! I love online sample sale sites, too. Right now Ideeli is my favorite.

  • Armani's-Thoughts April 28, 2011 at 22:11

    Those are great tips thanks for sharing them with us.

    Love all of the photos that you posted

  • THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE April 28, 2011 at 22:28

    What?!?! You bought that bag??? I can’t wait to see you using it, you lucky girl πŸ™‚ xoxo

  • Isabel April 28, 2011 at 23:18

    i one day hope to own a burberry trench and hermes and chanel bags πŸ™‚

  • Alyson April 28, 2011 at 23:56

    Helpful post! totally believe in all of these. number one rule these days is to create a list of what will rid me from the “I have nothing to wear” syndrome and ONLY buying those items. Thanks for the awesome info!
    Alyson

  • LyddieGal April 29, 2011 at 01:06

    I’m usually a big sale stalker, and i love slickdeals — it’s my homepage, haha.

    Chic on the Cheap

  • Oh to Be a Muse April 29, 2011 at 02:39

    such great advice! i do follow these tips pretty well except for the whole sample sale thing. i have to get better at that!

  • Burning Skies April 29, 2011 at 05:19

    Great tips! I super agree with the Shop Often. I find that when I browse through different stores and at the end of the day go back to an item, it’s something that I really love and will wear often. πŸ™‚
    But other times, I just want to be an impulsive shopper and buy anything I fancy haha

  • third room studio April 29, 2011 at 05:40

    Good advice, patience is often key.

  • Kimberlee April 29, 2011 at 20:36

    Great tips! It’s definitely great to do your research and be patient. Maybe you won’t love the item after a week or so so it’s good to wait. I really need to get better at falling in love with pieces.

  • Hungover on Fashion May 1, 2011 at 03:41

    nice tips πŸ™‚

  • jennysanzo May 5, 2011 at 18:13

    been coveting a burberry trench for ages… hopefully we’ll each get ours one day!

    great post!

    Jenn
    http://www.flowercityfashionista.blogspot.com

  • A May 6, 2011 at 15:49

    Great ideas! Especially the shop often part.
    x

  • Joanne Faith May 7, 2011 at 23:03

    Great shopping trips… I somethings think that full retail price really is for people who just want it now now now, but with perseverance… who knows what might happen!

  • Fashionjuice May 8, 2011 at 18:37

    I love your tips! and omg a Valentino for under $6??? How did you do that! Amazing!

  • kayli @kay_platt May 11, 2011 at 17:57

    great information πŸ™‚ thank you! please follow me back!

  • Lydia May 21, 2011 at 15:19

    Great! I checked out some of the websites – pretty fun stuff.
    I maintain a chic n cheap wardrobe by shopping everywhere. I don’t ONLY shop sales though because then you may miss out on some amazing purchases.
    I do thrift stores, designer boutiques and create some of my own clothing as well.
    Much love,
    Lydia

    http://www.styleindependent.com
    @LydiaHibbing

  • iffatali July 21, 2012 at 08:50

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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