Designer on the Cheap

I’m going to take a wild stab in the dark here and guess that most of my readers (myself included) can’t afford to be dripping in Celine and Givenchy or touting a Chanel 2.55 in a different colour every day. I sometimes read style blogs and am totally baffled by how some of these young 20-something girls can have SO MANY DIFFERENT designer hand bags and shoes. Those things cost like $2k a pop, and these girls seemingly have a walk in wardrobe overflowing with them. I don’t understand!

Anyway, even though I don’t have the budget for some Valentino Rockstuds, it doesn’t mean I don’t lust over those beautiful things. I love a little bit of designer glam in my life just like the next girl. So I thought I’d share with you my secret for scoring designer goodies at a reasonable price…

If you go op shopping as often as I do you are bound to come across designer treats every now and again. Over the years I’ve amassed a great collection of YSL knits, a Bottega Venetta tote bag, Bally and Celine shoes, a Prada purse and even a Chanel necklace (the gold chained beauty I’m wearing), but they are few and far between. If you want some guaranteed designer action then eBay is the place to go. This is where I get all of my sunglasses from and most of my shoes, you can find some seriously great stuff for a fraction of the price (plus YAY recycling!). I guess it’s not quite the same as waltzing into Gucci on King street and picking yourself up a little treat, but that reality is SO far away for me that it’s not something I’d ever dwell on, plus even if I had the cash to splash I’m not sure I would (surely a holiday is better than a $5000 it-bag?). But if you still need to quench that designer thirst here are my top tips for trawling for treasure on eBay…

Search regularly for your favourite brands. I plug in Karen Walker, Miu Miu, Stella McCartney, Acne, Marni and Kate Spade fairly often to see what comes up.

If you are after a specific item then you can save the search and eBay will alert you when/if something matching your request is posted (I’ve done this for blue suede Acne pistol boots in a 41… just in case anyone has some that they’d like to pass on, hehe).

Search for Auction Only items, this will filter out most of the fake designer junk that is made in China and sold at a set (albeit very low) price.

Don’t be afraid of international items. The postage is more expensive but the US and UK eBay sites have a larger range of designer items up for auction.

Before you bid on an item ALWAYS check the seller’s feedback to make sure they are reliable.

So there you have it. Next time you feel like splurging I strongly suggest you check out eBay first! (and be sure to show me what you find on insta! @inthedressupbox). Also what do you think of my entirely second hand designer outfit? Not bad for a grand total of $112 right?!

Shirt: Equipment, Save the Children Mosman Park $15

Skirt: Armani, Vinnies Osborne Park $6

Necklace: Chanel, Melville Markets $5

Shoes: J Crew, eBay $34

Sunglasses: Karen Walker, eBay $52