Fashion is a tangible embodiment of the concept of luxury. An outfit that looks expensive, or at least well-made, is an instant signifier of class and wealth. It is only natural that women of all income levels would want to convey this message with their clothing. With a little sleuthing, one can track down designer clothing at affordable prices.

Vintage shopping is a necessary hobby for those who are invested in fashion. Physical second-hand shops are the cornerstones of the vintage industry; browsing the racks of dresses and digging through piles of shirts and scarves are some of the quintessential experiences of true fashionistas. When a stunning vintage garment is uncovered, the hunt for it becomes part of the fun of wearing it. Clothing always tells a story, even if only to the person wearing it.

A problem with vintage shops is that stock is limited by location. They can only carry whatever people happen to donate. Regions that are not known for being fashionable are not likely to be havens of exciting vintage shopping. Fortunately, there are many websites that allow people to buy and sell designer clothing. Tradesy is one of the most popular online trading posts for high-end fashion. Tradesy has very stringent rules that prevent people from selling clothing that is worn out or damaged. It is not unusual to see vendors selling large lots of name brand shoes in nearly perfect condition. Usually this kind of vendor will have bought overstock or irregular items directly from the manufacturer.

It is possible to occasionally score a great deal on eBay. However, shopping for couture on eBay can be frustrating. Sellers use misleading keywords and are often just trying to unload badly damaged or low-quality items. It is a good idea to look for authorized resellers or vendors with a good amount of positive reviews. Looking of a unique accessory? Check out these
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Bluefly carries items from labels like Chanel, Betsey Johnson, Miu Miu and Vera Wang. It is the best option for shoppers who prefer brand new clothing. The tradeoff is that truly top-shelf items are few and far between.

Some high-end labels have sub-brands of affordable clothing that function as in-house outlets. The designs and materials are not as pristine as what the primary brands produce, but they are good approximations for people who want designer clothing on a budget. Kate Spade, Mango and J.Crew have some of the more notable outlet sites.