555Soul Sample Sale
A $500 garment seems even more fabulous when it costs $100. There are many hot spots to pick up high-fashion designer clothing, but the best ones require a bit of legwork. Persistence and research often pay off in massive discounts and steals from top designers. Using both online and off-line tools, a fashionista can stock her closet with top quality runway goods for a fraction of the price.
Off-Price Department Stores
Often, seasonal remnants end up at discounters such as Marshall's and TJ Maxx, where they undergo significant markdowns. It's almost impossible to gauge when a designer will show up in the racks, and the salespeople don't keep client books, which can make targeted shopping difficult. The sometimes overcrowded racks can also make for a frustrating experience. However, determined shoppers can find drastic bargains after some diligent work. High-fashion shoppers may find better results in neighborhoods with an older, more traditional residency; this leaves more opportunity to find the truly edgy and unique apparel that may not be so popular for the location.
Sample Sales
Sample sales may only be a viable option for those living near major metropolitan areas, especially New York City. For those who do their research or join any one of several popular sale email lists, the bargains are readily available. For the hottest designers, expect to line up several hours early on opening day to grab choice garments. Wear a snug tank top and leggings, since these bare-bones stores often eschew fitting rooms in favor of increased sales space. Fitting is a must--everything is probably final sale.
Online Membership Sale Boutiques
There are a few sale websites, such as RueLaLa and Editor's Closet, which are open only to those in the know. Without an invitation, there's no way to enter any of these sales sites. Those with invites sign up to receive notices of upcoming online sale events. The e-store stocks up with the merchandise, opens the page or "boutique" at a certain hour, and closes it by a set deadline. Later in the season, there might even be a clearance event for remaining products. An added bonus to these sites are the incentive programs, which offer $10 to $15 to existing members for each new member signup that ends in a purchase.
Consignment Shops
Most upscale towns and big cities have a consignment shop that accepts gently worn designer goods for resale. Items in these boutiques are often discounted significantly and have been inspected thoroughly for damage. Don't rule out finding new apparel in these stores either, since many donations arrive with tags still attached. Consignment stores often keep client logs and will call a client if a particular brand or clothing item arrives. They're also much more relaxed and clean than a sample sale environment, and they carry a wider variety of labels. Depending on what you're looking for, there may even be a specialty consignment or resale shop selling just that variety of apparel. Try looking for shops that specialize in plus size, children's or special occasion resale.
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