Friday, February 15, 2008 Designer for Less By Kara Mae Muga Noveda
THEY don’t come cheap, so they must be worth it.
Wonder no more on how designer labels feel and look, by actually getting to bag some of the must-haves early this year. In this fun age of retail, there’s freedom to let your labels mingle with the department store steals, and depending on your taste, may lead you to looking like a million bucks for half the price (or lesser).
If a weekend shopping spree in Singapore or Hong Kong high streets is something that your pockets are not set yet. You can make do with local multi-brand fashion houses that know where to buy some of these exclusives. It is possible to dress the champagne lifestyle on a beer budget, it’s just a matter of knowing how to do it and where to shop.
Such is the niche of CAMG Fashion Emporium, whose designer items range from key chains to the “it” bags. With two branches in tow (the other, fast under construction), you can be sure of the breed of shoppers on the rise, both the big and wise spenders.
While it may save you thousands, they will still cost you thousands.
This is why it’s important to be reassured that you get the real thing. Retail stores get to sell them for less than brand houses because such merchandisers come knocking at the gates of factory outlets, which are great primary resources for discounted designer clothing and accessories and if you shop their clearance racks, you’ll be getting even better deals. Chances are you’ll get those designer clothes you want at really great prices that will fit your budget.
Of course, such a pricey conquest must begin with fashion literacy.
Hollywood movies are good places to start your education, and so are beauty and women’s magazines. When hunting, you must be equipped with a glossary of labels and be aware of their key items. Since most of us don’t get to be at the front row of fashion week shows in Europe, you can still join them in front of your desktop.
Go online
Websites dedicated to reviews and runway slideshows should give you a good picture on what stuff to look or wait for. It will keep your eyes on the target and keep your impulsive hands from getting easily tempted.
Do a comparison
Do your homework and check on the original price range so that you would know just how much you could save by buying in alternative retail outlets. By having a prior idea, you can set your own practical budget.
Get to know the devil
The devil wears Prada, and the devil is also in the details. To be sure that you get your money’s worth, double check on the markers that detect the original from the copycat.
Take your time
Patience is the virtue of a hunter. Take your time in surveying designer items and wait till you get what you really want. It will be convenient to have yourself listed in the guestlist of your favorite store so that they’ll inform you right away when new stocks have arrived.
