How To Buy Designer/ Premium Pieces For Less

How To Buy Designer/ Premium Pieces For Less

I love premium items not for the sake of brand names but for the quality that is usually synonymous with luxury fashion and accessories. I do like finding a deal however and can find all sorts of stunning vintage, antique, pre-loved and thrift store pieces for all the family at a snip of their usual retail price. 

I wanted to share my tips below as I believe in buying quality which lasts over fast fashion which is terrible for the environment and your pocket!

 

Find More Affordable Alternatives Without Compromising On Style and Quality

When it comes to quality items, I’m obsessed with trawling thrift/ charity stores. It was actually my teen who first got me interested in bargain hunting in charity shops, after he followed lots of thrifters on TikTok. I love how mindful the Gen Z kids are! All our local charity shops are brilliant and even stock brand new high street pieces donated by the shops themselves. I’ve even found authentic Ralph Lauren and Lacoste polo shirts and tees for my boys and husband, and lots of Zara and H&M pieces either brand new or they looked it, for my daughter from coats to wellies and of course books and toys. I always wash every item and even dry clean before use.

I also love online shopping on Vinted and Facebook Marketplace whether that’s specific toys or books I’m looking for for myself and the kids or bigger items like homeware or even bicycles! Florence’s Burberry coat and Hunter wellies above were both picked up discounted from Vinted!

For those interested in more thoughtful fashion finds, including adaptive clothing for females, there are so many great ways to shop secondhand and sustainably these days.

When it comes to jewellery, whilst all my diamonds are mined, I’m looking for some lab grown pieces which are kinder to the environment especially when it comes to necklaces and earrings and I want larger diamonds to make a statement against my big hair! Hello 10 carats! Ha!

Knowing where to buy lab grown diamonds can save you a fortune compared to traditional diamonds. Lab grown stones offer consistent quality and can even be customised to your design preferences. When added to the host of environmental and ethical benefits, this is a no-brainer! 

 

Select Timeless Styles

I tend to ignore trends for the most part and favour chic, timeless styles whether thats clothes, jewellery, hats and bags. A timeless leather satchel, for example, can be worn time and time again. Not least because it pairs with a multitude of outfits and other accessories and will never go out of style.

Even when looking at seasonal luxury fashion, such as winter coats or summer dresses, I select items I know I’ll wear forever and I love vintage items, especially dresses and coats. Wearing history is more special than rocking what everyone else is wearing! Do invest in storage bags and boxes so you can pack away your clothes seasonally and ditto with shoe, belt and dust bags, and boxes.

 

Consider Rentals

Weddings, business events, and birthday celebrations call for stunning occassion wear. However, if you’re only going to wear an item once or twice, paying hundreds or even thousands of pounds seems pointless. Not least because the resale value will be far less once it’s pre-owned.

Whether it’s your own wedding or you’re a guest, knowing where to rent wedding dresses or luxury occasionwear for special occasions, renting is the way forward. You’ll never get bored, you’ll save money and the planet too! 

 

Shop For A Bargain

Designer outlets who stock previous seasons of items or even discontinued lines are a great start as is of course, my beloved charity shop hunting. Always try to shop in the sales where shops are selling end of season lines as they’re looking to free up space for new stock. Friends of mine also shop in advance, picking up wellies and winter boots in the spring and summer for a snip of a price and bikinis and summerwear in the winter. It’s all about becoming a savvy shopper!