How to afford designer pieces (practically)

Wearing:
LPA ‘58’ Embroidered Leather Jacket | LPA ‘25’ Bodysuit | Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic | Cropped Flared Pants – all from FWRD

Growing up, the much anticipated pastel icing sponge cake, that was deemed, for both budgetary and dental reasons, as being for birthdays only, made for little 10-year-old girl dreams come true. Twenty odd years later, my aspirations have scaled somewhat. For anyone who scoffs at the thought of dropping 4 digits for a pair of shoes, I offer this explanation, one that may well explain away every borderline unwholesome fixation of an enthusiast. What more is there to fulfillment in life than the trilling journey through discovery, desire, deprivation and finally, attainment? Concupisco Ergo Sum; I covet, therefore I am.

Love need not go unrequited. Today I’ve partnered with FWRD to share with you my tips on how to afford designer pieces, and to do it practically.

1Collect less, but better things
Firstly, let’s reassess the concept of ‘affordability’. This question is sometimes simply one of quantity and quality. Is it so bad to not have the choice of three pairs of average blue jeans, when one amazing pair would be perfect every time? Consider that what you might have paid for your past five chain store handbags combined could have bought the ‘everyone-must-have-one’ Mansur Gavriel bucket bag instead.

2Make a wish list
The key to affording designer pieces is perhaps to know exactly what you want. An entire Balenciaga wardrobe might not ever be, but then again, we do not buy labels for labels’ sake. There may be just a handful of things your heart truly desires. Make a wish list and set your saving goals to these pieces one at a time. You might be surprised how attainable your goals are when you narrow them down.

3Find the best price
Accepting the reality that your most coveted designer pieces may never be slashed to half price, there are, however, ways to find the best price so that they are that little bit more affordable. Compare prices from multiple retailers, Google for promo codes, sign up to email alerts at consignment shops in case a preloved piece is listed. Most important of all, jump on those big sales. Case in point, FWRD recently offered up to 25% off the entire site for 3 days only, and I nabbed this amazing LPA Embroidered Leather Jacket and Proenza Schouler hand bag.

If you haven’t got your wish list in order yet, I have a sneaky feeling my top 10 picks from FWRD below contain some beauties you’ll want to add to it.

  1. Mansur Gavriel – Mini Bucket Bag
  2. Comme Des Garcons Play – Red Emblem Tee
  3. Saint Laurent – Small Kate Chain Bag
  4. RE/DONE – High Rise Jeans
  5. Acne Studios – Astrid Sweater
  6. Givenchy – Pandora Bag
  7. Valentino – Tan-Go Pumps
  8. Chloe – Medium Faye Bag
  9. Comme Des Garcons Play – Canvas Sneakers
  10. Acne Studios – Jensen Leather Booties

Created in collaboration with FWRD.

Location:Perth, Australia | Photography: Self-portrait

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11 Comments to “ How to afford designer pieces (practically)”

  1. Stefanie says :

    Great tips! Making wishlists helped me so much from impulse purchases!!

    Love from Salzburg,Austria where we don’t have kangaroos
    http://www.styletostay.com

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  3. Jenelle says :

    There are some good tips in here. Plus excellent explanations. I am wondering if sharing this article with Mario would assist in convincing him that I desperately need a new and bigger hand bag.
    I am trying!
    xx Jenelle
    http://www.inspiringwit.com

  4. Meghan says :

    These are great tips! Making a list is my go-to for not splurging on impulse buys! I should definitely try picking out pieces and planning ahead. Thanks for sharing!!

  5. Shevy says :

    Great practical tips. Sometimes owning a designer item is more of a dream than a reality.

    http://www.travelbeautyblog.com

  6. Diana says :

    loving this post! definitely need to narrow down my wishlist a bit more though haha 🙂

    Diana | http://www.thechicdiary.com

  7. saim says :

    YOUR JACKET LOOKING NICE..
    Regards.
    walkindiscount.com

  8. Kristina Maggiora says :

    Love these tips, so true! I have found one of my designer bags in a consignment store for £500 cheaper! Still expensive but so happy with it!

    Creepers & Cupcakes

  9. Natalie says :

    Great tips! That jacket is stunning!