Outfit details: bag- here, c/o Designer Share | jeans- here | blazer- here | heels- here

Alright friends, let’s get real. As a twenty-something, I definitely do not have the money to be buying designer everything. As much as I adore this season’s Gucci bags or Louboutin heels, it’s just not realistic at this point in my life. But, as a fashion-lover and blogger I’ve gotten pretty creative about other ways to get designer pieces. I’ve rounded up my top 4 secrets for how to get designer on a budget.

1. Rent Designer Items

One of my best tips is to RENT designer items! That’s right– rent them. My friend Caitlin recently introduced me to Designer Share, and I’ve fallen in love. The gorgeous Chanel bag in my photos is from Designer Share, and I couldn’t have been happier with my rental experience.

Designer Share is a Chicago-based company that just started shipping nationwide! You can go on their site to look through handbags, shoes, clothing, and accessories to rent. Once you pick out your items you select the rental period from 1-4 weeks. Of all the rental sites I’ve been on, I haven’t found another one that allows you to just rent the item for a week! Most make you rent for an entire month, so this is a great option to do if you have an event or trip coming up. Designer Share also offers 20% off your first order with code FIRST.

2. Buy from Resale Sites/Stores

You have to be careful with this one for authenticity purposes, but there are some websites that are verified authentic! My favorites are The Real Real, Fashionphile, and Tradesy. These sites all ensure that items are 100% authentic. I would be cautious when looking at sites like eBay and Poshmark, etc.  I’ve seen a lot of dupes on them and it’s hard to tell just from the photos.

Another option is to visit local consignment shops. NYC has a bunch like What Goes Around Comes Around and Michael’s. But I’ve found that the prices are usually higher at stores than online options. A pro of this is that you get to actually touch and see the designer item before you buy it.

3. Check out Sample Sales

If you’re in a big city (s/o to NYC), then they are bound to have designer sample sales. It’s just slightly dangerous that the biggest site for these is 5 blocks away from my office. I always check out Racked to find out what sales are popping up in the near future.

*Pro tip: Sample sales usually run for about a week, and the prices decrease as the week goes on. If you are willing to risk  your item selling out, then you should wait until later in the week for a price drop.

4. Shop from Discount Retailers

Stores like Saks off 5th and Nordstrom Rack will sometimes have amazing designer goodies listed. I usually just check these stores or websites occasionally to see what they’re offering. You never know what you’ll find!

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