Shopping Designer for the Low and Sweaters in Summer

Shopping for the Low: How to save and still look fabulous!
​Every piece of clothing in these photos are new but purchased at a discount price. Quite legit right? I love thrifting and reusing clothes, but new clothes are ALWAYS nice. Here are my top three tips, and a bit of an explanation, for finding brand new (designer) clothes at an affordable price.

1. Research stores, vendors and clothes. When it comes to buying designer, you ALWAYS need to do your research to tell what's fake and what's real. It's important to know what real labels and high quality.  Some examples of this include shopping for Self-Portrait (for me at least). It's important to know where they manufacture clothes, the size of their labels, care instructions. Once you know a bit about the brand you want to buy, finding certified vendors can be tough, especially with all the fake products online. Reading reviews, finding their certificates/credentials, ect. is a MUST when looking for in-demand items. When I use sites like eBay, I only buy from certified vendors who have experience selling a specific brand or aesthetic, and not multiple copies of the same item. 
2. Unique international brands can be the best way to save money. Because they are brands not known to your country can mean you save some serious bank since not everyone will know what to look for. Research on your phone and take your time when making a decision on if you should purchase that cool looking international sweater (as pictured here). Not only will you find new pieces that will be cool, but you'll also have pieces that no one else will have.
3. Be willing to compromise. Even though I'm not really a person who compromises, when it comes to shopping on a budget, sacrifices have to be made, not with quality but with style and if you only want one particular style, you may have to wait longer than usual. Waiting on sales or for a shopper to get in your sizes can be frustrating, but when you're saving a couple hundred dollars, waiting for a month isn't that bad! Similarly, shopping similar styles is a great way to save money, saving your non-negotiable items for when you have enough money to splurge.

Images by Hallie Dusenberg Photography