From L to R: Hermés H Bracelet | Louis Vuitton Capucines | Chanel Jumbo 2.55 | Celine Pony Hair Luggage Bag | Gucci Jackie Bucket Bag | Dior Quilted Shoulder Bag |
I rarely buy luxury designer goods brand new and at their full retail price, except when it's an item I will likely sell in the future such as my Louis Vuitton Neverfull (you can read all about that here). I am a consignment-shopping queen because it's a great way to purchase investment-quality designer pieces at a lower price.
In fact, I scout consignment stores when I travel which led to my discovery of an amazing vintage store in Paris, as well as the better-known Didier Ludot. In Montecito recently, I fell in love with Mattie and Me consignment store (and a Pucci coat that was out of my price range).
RELATED: 25 Great Bags For Work...At Every Price Point
Authentic Luxury Consignment Retailers
For those times when we're homebound, there is a treasure trove of online luxury consignment shops that sell guaranteed authentic items for less. The "guaranteed authentic" thing is a big deal. These resellers stake their reputation on authenticity and will refund your money if an item is not genuine.
Each of the following reseller's offer an authenticity guarantee. Many times the pieces are brand new.
Louis Vuitton Insolite Wallet |
- Fashionphile - probably my favorite. They also have a retail locations in Beverly Hills and San Francisco. It's a designer-lover's dream. I recently bought a Louis Vuitton Insolite wallet from them, replacing the one I had stolen. I have consigned a few items on their site, too.
- Bag Borrow or Steal - the one made famous by Sex and the City, the movie.
- Bluefly - the online e-tailer offers some great designer handbags both vintage and brand new.
- What Goes Around Comes Around - a legendary New York consignment store.
- The Real Real - they have a great YouTube channel which educates consumers on authentic luxury brands.
- Heritage Auction House - the Dallas-based auction house has a Tuesday night luxury accessories auction with some great stuff. You will pay a hefty 25% buyer's premium.
- Vestiaire Collective
- Luxury Designer Handbags
- Portero
- Ann's Fabulous Finds
The sites are constantly updated so there is always something new to browse. I like to call it virtual window-shopping. If you see something you adore, you should hop on it because once it's gone...it could be gone. I recently missed out on a Hermes scarf (I REALLY wanted this one, too...it was a Paris rooftop scarf) I was coveting on Fashionphile.
You can generally find a lot of bags from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci , Hermés and Celine. Certain accessories like scarves, jewelry and glasses may be tougher to find. Keep hunting, they usually turn up.
A word on ebay. You can always scout the online auction site. I have even sold some items on there. At the end of the day, especially when it comes to designer accessories, it's a beating. There is a ton of fake merchandise on there.
If you're in the mood to pick up that investment piece for a bit less, buying on consignment from a retailer that guarantees authenticity is the way to go, in my book. These pieces generally last for decades and, if you buy at the right price, you can sometimes make money on them if you decide to consign or resell them.
You can generally find a lot of bags from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci , Hermés and Celine. Certain accessories like scarves, jewelry and glasses may be tougher to find. Keep hunting, they usually turn up.
A word on ebay. You can always scout the online auction site. I have even sold some items on there. At the end of the day, especially when it comes to designer accessories, it's a beating. There is a ton of fake merchandise on there.
If you're in the mood to pick up that investment piece for a bit less, buying on consignment from a retailer that guarantees authenticity is the way to go, in my book. These pieces generally last for decades and, if you buy at the right price, you can sometimes make money on them if you decide to consign or resell them.
Scroll Through For Some Of My Favorite Luxe For Less Finds