There are certainly ways to shop for quality bags and shoes for less and look good. you have to have an eye for quality, details, and design.
Read below what Professional Shoppers and stylists Becca Alexis, Phillip Bloch, and June Ambrose shared on how to get lovely pieces for less:
Becca says, “Shopping is an art form where you have to consistently train your eyes to look for quality. When shopping on a budget… there are certain things I avoid. Avoid shoes with a color stitching that is different from the entire shoe. With mass produced low quality shoes, very little effort is placed in making sure those stitch lines are consistent. Lower priced shoes with excessive buckles tend to look cheap. Studded shoes as seen on Valentino or Louboutin are still a fave amongst style mavens. But if buying a more affordable version, look for consistency with the studding. Go for studs with depth versus flat ones, go for ones that are pierced into the fabric of the shoe versus glued on.”
Valentino Rockstud Patent Leather Pumps, $945
Torrid Pink and Nude Colorblocked Heels, $44
June Ambrose who has her own line of shoes with HSN says, “Quality hardware also makes a big difference. It can make your bag and boots on a budget look quite expensive.” She continued, “When shopping a look for less (especially shoes), the [sheen] on a shoe is very important. The finishing gives it it’s richness.” Ok. But does that mean we have to spend $945 or more to get great shoes or bags?
Becca offers, “I recommend shopping designer resale shops, consignment shops, and using shopping apps such as Poshmark once a week for shoes and handbags. I know it’s a lot, but if fashion is your passion…then invest the time. On Poshmark, not everything is vintage (items 20 years old or older), and often times you can spot a fresh pair of Prada or Moschino shoes from 1 to 2 seasons ago that are gently worn. I find that these designer shoes that are 4 seasons old still look hotter than a new pair of cheap shoes. And you’d be surprised at the cost! I once purchased a beautiful pair of Christian Dior camel pumps with rabbit fur and leather straps for $75! They were in pristine condition. I’ve seen Steve Madden shoes for twice that price [that were] nowhere near that quality. But these pleasant surprises happen the more you frequent the shops. Your eyes will be trained to pick up the gems that may be almost covered in a heap of old stuff.”
Phillip Bloch,The author of The Shopping Diet wrote, “I’m a big resale shopper and love Ina in NYC & Fisch for the Hip.” As for looking out for details, he says, “Make sure any studs or grommets are on right and are not going to fall off. Make sure the shoe doesn’t cut you where the shoe meets the foot–this often happens with cheaper shoes. Make sure the heels are sturdy and that zippers work with ease.”
Chloe Susan Studded Ankle Boot, $1,345.
Choies Retro Rivet Ankle Boots, $140.
Becca Alexis added,
When on the hunt, have a discerning eye for authenticity and quality. I look for the following.
1. Where is it made?
There are 3 tiers of manufacturing levels. First tier manufacturing includes Italy and France. Almost everything made in these countries is top quality and/or handcrafted (designers such as Hermes and Chanel are included). Second tier manufacturing includes Spain and Brazil. Designers that often produce in those countries include Schutz Shoes and sometimes Charles David. Third tier would be Made in China–this includes Nine West or Jessica Simpson. The tier levels usually dictate price points. Use this as your guide while shopping. If you come across a brand that you are not familiar with, check the country in which it was made. If it was made in France and Italy, chances are you’ve spotted a gem. Japan is another top tier, and often times those items are rare, which is another added value.
2. Construction.
I look for shoes that are entirely leather (unless it’s Stella McCartney of course!). If you have a hard time telling the difference between leather and pleather with your eye, smell the shoes. Pleather or any synthetic imitating leather won’t have that real leather smell, it will smell like plastic. There is a reason why quality shoes are made of leather or animal type of textiles. These materials tend to take on the shape of our feet as we wear them, where as inferior textiles remain stiff often times. Designer shoes’ leather should be thick yet supple. I would stay clear of shoes that read “leather upper”–stick to 100% leather. The interior of the shoes should have no bumps or bulges. If shopping second hand retail or designer consignments, check out the heel of the shoe. If the bottom of the heel is worn out, you can get it replaced, so its worth getting the shoe. I advise limiting your shoe shopping to later in the day in order to get the best fit.
3. When it comes to handbags I advise shopping only quality material.
It doesn’t mean you have to buy Céline or Balenciaga. Especially if it is not in your budget. There are fabulous quality solutions out there for a wide range of budgets, including Rebecca Minkoff, Cynthia Rowley, or Fossil. Handbag shopping falls into a few different categories. There is the everyday bag; tote, hobo, doctor’s bag, bucket bag, messenger, saddle, or satchel. No matter what your style is, if you wear it often, go for leather. Leather is known for its durability. When shopping for a handbag, take all your stuff out of your current bag and place it in the potential bag for purchase. If the contents are changing the shape of the bottom, move on to the next. If it’s a hobo bag, make sure the strap is durable. Bottega Venetta is the cream of the crop for their woven hobos, but Derek Crosby, Diane Von Fursteberg, The Sak and Kooba have amazing selections for under $1,000, some styles are even under $500!
4. Gold and silver hardware tend to make bags look more cool, however navigate wisely.
If one of those hardware pieces comes off, the bag automatically loses its value. The same goes for shoes. Look for hardware that is sewn in or pierced through the textile rather than glued on. Scratch the hardware to see if it’s true metal or painted plastic. Also know that the more embellishment a bag has, the quicker it loses its trend shelf life. So if you know you can’t afford to buy a new bag every season, invest in a classic style.
5. Check the stitching in the bag’s interior by gently tugging the seams.
If the thread loosens it’s a no go! Imagine what would happen when you dump all your items in there?! Scratch the surface of the bag. Was the color painted on or was it dyed through? If you are like me and you wear your bag with out much care, it is going to take a beating. At some point if the bag was painted on, the color will chip.
6. Linings are also a good sign of quality.
It is an increase in manufacturing costs to add the additional layer. The lining protects the bags interior and increases longevity.
She concluded,
“Whenever I see a girl with a cheap clutch on Instagram or Facebook, I cringe, because I’ve seen thousands of beautiful vintage baguette and minaudiere bags in art deco resins, or dazzling diamanté styles under $100! Shop the flea markets, thrift shops, vintage stores and consignment shops like Buffalo Exchange. Envelope bags only look cool when it’s a beautiful python or superior leather. The cheap stuff photographs like construction paper. It’s not worth it. Your purse should be like a beautiful bow adorning a gift box. It should draw you in.”
There you have it!
You can Follow all the style experts on Twitter @PhillipBloch @JuneAmbrose and @Beccalexis. Also check out Phillip’s book, the Shopping Diet, on Amazon.com, peruse June’s HSN collection here, and you can get more of Becca’s style tips on HelloBeautiful.com.
Happy Shopping!
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