How to Buy That Luxe Fashion Item for Less

You have been dreaming, pinning and "hearting" the "it" bag, the latest tassel heel or the bangle. Then you see the price tag, yikes.

Giving up dinner, rent or any other necessary essential just for an epic handbag that will go with anything and look incredible on your arm -- okay, it's not such a bad idea. However, don't bust your budget for fashion if you don't have to.

Luxury fashion items including purses, shoes and jewelry have become investment pieces, their value increasing with time. If you are able to purchase that investment piece at a discount and sell it a premium, you are planning for your future, right? We can justify just about anything.

Investing in your future or really need it, online retailers have created a competitive marketplace for authentic, pre-owned or even new with tags must have luxe items.

The RealReal

If the risk of a potential fake purchase is too much to gamble on via eBay, The RealReal prides itself on "authenticated luxury consignment." Popular luxe brands such as Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Rolex are heavily knocked off and can be difficult to notice a fake. The RealReal handles all of the authentication and stand by their team of authenticators. From jewelry to handbags, even art, this site will be one you can rely on for gently used or new items -- with the paperwork to prove it.

Tradesy

A picture is worth a thousand words and an enhanced photo is worth even more. If you have been victim of the "looks better in pictures" online purchase mishap, Tradesy has a solution, all their items can be returned within four days, except for wedding purchases. If you feel a purchase is not quite what you expected or even if you change your mind, you can return it. They have an expansive collection of high-end clothing, accessories and very popular wedding marketplace including wedding gowns and veils.

eBay

Old faithful, eBay has been the leader in online sales from free items, to cars and the latest Givenchy tote. As the buyer, you run the extreme list of a fake or scammed item. While eBay offers great deals on high-end items, you are on your own for the most part if the item does not work out. eBay will not reimburse you if the item never arrives, is a fake or the seller closes their account during the sale. Do your research before buying, it is not for the novice purchaser.

Luxury Garage Sale

Think of LGS as your fashion forward, all access concierge. They have brick and mortar locations as well as a website and an eBay shop, scouring everywhere for the best luxury fashion pieces, accessories and shoes. Been dreaming about a vintage Pucci dress or Azeeza Khan collar? LGS keeps your wishlist on-file and will let you know as soon as any item arrives in-stock.

Vestiaire Collective

Vestiaire launched in 2009 and similar to Tradesy or The RealReal, offered designer items with a guarantee of authentication. Recently, they began the Vestiaire Collective with a "one that got away" section, where you can search for those hard-to-find pieces via a missed connection board. For the fashion particular, looking for a more select and hard-to-find piece, bookmark this site asap.

e-Drop Off

Chanel, Chanel, Chanel. e-Drop Off caters to the style mavens who love the coveted brand. Offering other off-the-moment brands, e-Drop Off offers something that other sites envy: "The Collection." A curated online storefront that only offers one-of-a-kind pieces, limited edition styles and brands. No haggling or bidding, their items are offered at a fixed rate, authenticated and valued by e-Drop Off.