Chanel for less than $400? It can be done. Luxury brands don’t always necessarily have to mean luxury price points—that is if you know where to find designer items for less.   Smart shoppers with a penchant to collect couture brands often hit designer resale boutiques in order to afford luxury. Once considered declasse, the idea of shopping at designer resale shops is no longer frown upon as such change in consumer attitude is, if anything, a reflection of the times.  

AFFORDABLE SOPHISTICATION. High fashion doesn't always need to come with high prices. Add a polished elegance to your everyday look with these couture finds at less than $400: Chanel stud earrings in blush color, $209.99; orange palladium-plated Hermes "H" belt buckle, $264.99; and red quilted Prada wallet, $226.49.  

The Rise of Designer Resale

After going through an economic recession a while back, consumers have learned to shop for their Louis Vuitton bag like they are buying their first Lexus car—with resale value in mind. Thus, luxury-loving shoppers turn to designer resale boutiques to sell and buy designer items for less.   There is no doubt, however, that the increasing popularity of online shops that buy and sell pre-owned goods has helped fuel this growing interest in resale shopping.   Forrester Research estimates that the size of luxury resale market is still small at about 10 percent of overall couture goods, but there’s strong evidence that it’s a fast-growing market. In fact, data from First Research estimates that the resale industry in the U.S. reached an annual revenue of $17 billion. This number will continue to grow as more and more consumers are thinking of resale value even before they shop. In fact, according to The Intelligence Group, 44 percent of 900 surveyed shoppers admit that they consider resale value when shopping.

 

STEP INTO LUXURY FOR LESS. Add a pair of purple suede Christian Louboutin Alice Scalloped pumps, $271.49 or Burberry Check rain boots, $180.99 to your collection of designer shoe brands.  

Buying the Real Deal

While savvy designer shoppers are always on the hunt for bargain deals, it can understandably be a point of worry if a “gently used” Chanel or Hermes is priced too low. After all, fake designer goods have always been something consumers are wary about when shopping online resale.   The best way to protect yourself as a consumer when buying designer items for less is to shop in reputable shops with an expert authentication process, one of which is coutureusa.com. It also helps if the resale shop has a brick-and-mortar store that you can walk into in case you have a concern on a designer product you just bought as having that face-to-face customer service always provides consumers added piece of mind.  

BAG IT! No need to feel intimated by designer handbag prices. All these stunning beauties are budget-friendly: Gucci Signature GG Bamboo satchel bag, $249.99; Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas pochette, $399.99 and MCM Cognac Vintage Visetos crossbody bag, $361.49.  

How to Score Designer Items for Less

If you are always on the hunt for designer items for less, consider signing up for newsletters of your favorite resale shops so you are always ahead of the game, especially when they have promotional sales. No doubt, an additional 10 percent discount on a deeply discounted Louis Vuitton pochette goes a long way for discount-loving shoppers.   It’s also a smart idea to inquire about layaway programs, especially if you are buying your first designer piece. Some designer resale shops offer this to help you afford your dream couture item. Coutureusa.com, for example, offers a 60-day layaway program so you may stagger your payment on a pre-loved Chanel Boy Bag and not necessarily break the bank with a single purchase.   One advice to keep in mind is to select brands known to retain its value, even when you are shopping for deeply discounted luxury items. Brands like Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin are a few of your safe bets.   By keeping resale value in mind even when shopping for less, you are guaranteed you are investing your hard-earned money in the best possible way. Then, when it’s time to clean out your closet and trade up, you’ll have extra cash to spend toward another coveted designer item.   How are you finding designer items for less? Which of the "under $400 luxury finds" featured in this blog are calling your name? Share them in the comment box below.