The Art of Shopping at a Value

I love to shop. It’s as simple as that, but when it comes to minding my pocketbook, it’s also important to keep a clear eye out on what’s trending with what’s hitting the sale racks in the next couple months. We all know it, times change, and so do the ides of designer fashion. What’s hot this season is yesterday’s news according to tabloids, periodicals, and fast fashion.

But as a smart seasoned shopper, I am ditching the FOMO mentality which says “buy now, throw away tomorrow, or you’ll miss out on owning it forever”. Truthfully, I don’t want it if it’s a trend everyone is jumping on at this moment. Rather I want to invest in timeless pieces that will stand the test of time for years, if not decades to come.

That being said, it’s important to take note of what the seasonal trends are as they come in the form of seasonal fashion shows from my favorite luxury and designer brands. Fendi, Louis, Gucci, Etro, Versace, and Balenciaga always keep me interested in what’s coming down the runway from Donatella, Kim Jones, Nicholas Ghesquire, and Demna. But it’s important to note that many of collections we see at high fashion shows are not necessarily what we’re going to see walking down the street, nevertheless whether it’s practical for everyday life.

Certainly, some of the most beautiful covet worthy pieces are those that will be worn by high profile celebrities on Hollywood red carpets and world premieres. However when selecting pieces that reflect my personal style, fashion profile, and particular tastes, it’s imperative to opt for choices that also reflect conscientious spending habits just as much as my consumer value. Inflation rates remain at a considerable high and that’s why I do my very best to stretch every dollar with cost saving measures like shopping for big ticket items like ready to wear, shoes, and essentials during seasonal sales, premium outlets, and gift giving incentives.

Some designer outlet boutiques will often offer additional savings for the more you buy, the more you save. Very Important Clients love this fashion insider secret because they can work with their designated Client Advisors to secure the best pieces that the trendy crowds slept on. Meanwhile, VICs are coming up on unique items that are essentially one of kind because they didn’t sell at the flagship retailers, satellite boutiques, and department stores during their relatively short shelf life, and are now being marked down well below the Market Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

Most recently my favorite designer brands were offering an additional 15% of $1,500 which turned out to be a big spend considering that our top picks we’re already offered at 50 - 70% off the retail boutique price. Not to mention that the pieces are in perfect condition without any sign of having ever been tried on, nevertheless worn. Some designer outlets even offer tiered savings incentives with a greater percentage for varying amounts.

Now of course, one has to really LOVE these pieces, otherwise there’s no reason to invest hard earned income if it’s something that’s just going to sit in the closet to collect dust. In my humble opinion, clothes are meant to be worn, ideally with purpose, for comfort, to look, and feel good in my skin, my body, and my style. Which is luxury of course, so that’s why it matters that much more that I buy pieces that will last, are timeless, and reflect my fashion identity.

Happy Shopping Lovers of Luxury. Explore my top picks for designer Premium Outlets, Fall Winter 2023 looks, and 2024 New Year’s Wishlist, and follow my fashion faves at Luxury Lindsey on TikTok, SnapChat, and Instagram.