Tag: luxury

Matches is Going Out of Business: Here is What I Think You Should Buy

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Sadly its another one bites the dust for Matches(f/k/a Matches Fashion) (and if you missed it Farfetch and Net-A-Porter are struggling as well). But, if your a savvy shopper, this can be a good time for you to score a deal on some great pieces! You need to make sure that you use the “OFFER30” for 30% off! (I originally bought my items at 25% off so the deal has gotten better but the longer the sale goes on the more things sell out.)

Also, since they are going out of business, you do have to pay for shipping and a restocking fee of $20 for returns.

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SAs to Know for the 2023 Fall/Winter Designer Sales

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As mentioned in my YouTube video (and as promised), here is the list of Sales Associates (SAs) for big US department stores. I have shopped with all the SAs listed below and recommend them. As I mentioned please follow the procedure they lay out for ordering with them and please do not waste their time!

Nordstrom

– Jesse James: https://instagram.com/designer.mens?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

– Anthony: https://instagram.com/nordstrom.designer?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

– Paul: https://instagram.com/shopdesignershoes?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

– Brian: https://instagram.com/shopdesignernordstrom?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Saks

– Kitty: https://instagram.com/kittyibarra?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Neiman Marcus

– Chase: https://instagram.com/cavinselects?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

– Jill: https://instagram.com/instylewithjill?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

– Robert: https://instagram.com/designer_everything?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==

Bloomingdales

– Melina: https://instagram.com/bayarealuxuryshopperr?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

– Stacey: https://instagram.com/shopwithstacey?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The Best Luxury Sandal Dupes from Target for Spring/ Summer 2022

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*** Disclaimer: These are the best luxury sandal dupes from Target for Spring/ Summer 2022. I put this at the top of every dupe post but if you are looking for replicas, fakes, 1:1 copies this is not the page for you! This is a list of the best luxury sandal dupes from Target for Spring/ Summer 2022.but do not try to be or directly replicate these shoes. I do not promote those types of inauthentic goods and never will. What I do promote is everyone being able to afford the look they are going for without copying a brands protected IP. For more check out this post.

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Buying Designer Goods Not During Sales But Cheaper Than Retail

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All of us luxury addicts out there know that we should wait for a lot of luxury pieces to go on sale. Especially if the item is not a classic piece it will go on sale. But sometimes we cannot wait. We might “need” it for an event, or season, or just because we feel we do. So when that happens what is a fashionista to do? Below are the steps I take whenever I “need” an item I know will go on sale.

1- Check the Other Country’s Websites (especially the European ones) 

Check out sites like MyTheresa, Luisaviaroma, FarFetch, Italist, Tessabit, Ssense, Matchesfashion, and Selfridges. Since a lot of these sites are based in Europe they often pass on their cheaper prices to you. A lot of these sites also do not require that you pay taxes and if you spend over a certain amount (aka most luxury goods) the shipping is free.

But of note-depending on where you live you will have to pay taxes ( I can tell you as a CA person I always have to pay tax if the company collect taxes). Plus if the item is over $800 you will likely have to pay import duties. With some of these sites the duties are already included in the good and with others the duties are included at check out much like tax.

2- Check Ebates and TopCashBack

topcashback logo        ebates.rakuten video

One way to save money, albeit not at the time of purchase, is through cashback sites. My two personal favorites are Ebates (now referred to as Rakuten but still the same service) and TopCashBack. I have been using Ebates since December of 2016 and TopCashBack since April of 2018. The highest cash back I have ever seen was 15% and the lowest at 1%.

Out of the two I prefer TopCashBack because they pay out as soon as the purchase is confirmed and they are paid by the retailer so that means money is always rolling in. Ebates does this slightly differently and pays out for a couple months on a specific date. But ultimately both pay out so I normally go with the site that has the higher percentage.

Plus you can easily do tip 2 in combination with either 1 or 3.

3- “Wait” for a Sak’s or Neiman’s Promotions 

neimans giftcard event

Both Sak’s Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus run roughly monthly sales where you either get a discount if you spend so much or you get a gift card when you spend so much.

The discount when you spend so much if obviously going to impact how much you are spending at the time of sale but if often has heavy brand restrictions which can be beyond frustrating. (Think of basically anything you want to buy on sale and its probably excluded- sometimes you get lucky and Saint Laurent, Loewe and/or Chloe will not be excluded.) Also I noticed that the amount off (especially if it has a unique discount code) will vary based on person. So one person could spend $1,000 and get $100 off and another person could spend $1,000 and get $200 off.

My personal favorite is the gift card promotions. The gift card promotion often includes more brands and the gift card is like a normal department store gift card. That means the gift card can be used on any item in store including Gucci and Chanel which are often excluded from every promotion. I have seen gift card amounts range from $20-$500. Make sure if you are trying to use this promotion that you buy the items that qualify for the promotion AND put in the code.

Also with both of these sites make sure you are getting free shipping (especially on Saks). You often have to enter a specific discount code or log into shoprunner if you have that service.

And as always there is the preloved option especially if you are looking at handbags. Even if its not a handbag you can also check Tradesy, Poshmark, Mercari or Depop because you never know what people might be selling!

Buying Preloved- Getting Your Luxury Goods Authenticated

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The first question I get when talking to someone about buying a preloved luxury good is how do you know it’s authentic? The answer is to get it authenticated. Even if you have bought and how much of an “expert” you may think you are fakes have gotten really really good. (Super fakes are literally the scariest things ever and one of the reasons if I was to buy more current season Chanel I would likely buy straight from the boutique.)

The second question inevitably is a combination of what company should I use and how does it work? If those are the questions you have then this article is here to help.

What Company should I use?

REAL AUTHENTICATION

Real Authentication allows you to authenticate from literally anywhere. They also authenticate a wide variety of luxury items including clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry. Create an account and once you have done that just upload your images. Their turn around time is between 12 to 24 hours for their basic services but if you need it quicker they even have instant turnaround. Every item is looked at by two authenticators to confirm whether the item is authentic or not. This is my preferred authentication service and the one I currently use.

Real Authentication‘s pricing is as follows:

  • Basic authentication is $20. The following chart shows the additions you can make to your basic authentication.
  • real authentication pricing.PNG

Real Authentication authenticates all the following brands- 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Audemars Piguet, Balenciaga, Baume & Mercier, Bell & Ross, Blancpain, Bottega Veneta, Breitling, Bulgari (Bvlgari), Burberry, Carrera Y Carrera, Cartier (High- Res Photos Required), Celine, Chanel, Charles Krypell, Charriol, Chloe, Chopard, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Coach, Corum, David Yurman, Dolce & Gabbana, Doony & Bourke, Fendi, George Jensen, Girard Jensen, Girard- Perregaux, Givenchy, Goyard, Graff, Gucci, Hermes, Hublot (High-Res Photo Required), IWC, Jager Le- Coulter, Jimmy Choo, John Hardy, Judith Leiber, Judith Ripka, Lago, Lanvin, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Michelle, Mikimoto, Miu Miu, Montblanc, Mulberry, Nancy Gonzalez, Oliver Peoples, Omega, Panerai, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Prada, Proenza Schouler, Roberto Coin, Rolex, Simon G, Stella McCartney, Stuart Weitzman (shoes only), Saint Laurent, Tacori, Tag Heuer, Tiffany & Co., Tissot, Tom Ford, Ulysee Nardin, Valentino Garavani, Van Cleef and Arpels, Versace, Yeezy, Yves Saint Laurent and Zenith.

AUTHENTICATE FIRST

I have used Authenticate First before and have had a good experience with them. They also had great customer service when I had an issue with a certificate I got from a seller on Tradesy. (To learn more click here.) They do have a slower turn around time of 2 days. This timeline can be shortened if you pay for expedited service. They do a photo authentication service and an in-house authentication service where you send it your item to them to be reviewed.

Authenticate First has a more complicated pricing structure so I attached the pricing chart below. They are more expensive on the Hermes front (unless its an SLG email opinion) but are cheaper for most brands email opinion authentications then Real Authentication.

authenticate first price chart

Authenticate First authenticates all the following brands- 3.1 phillip lim, Adamo, Adidas, Alaia, Aldo Cipullo, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Alice + Olivia, Alviero Martini, Anya Hindmarch, Armani (Giorgio Armani), Auguste Raymond (watches only),B Makowsky, BCBG Max Azria, Baccarat Crystal, Baccini, Badgley Michka, Balenciaga, Bally, Balmain, Bebe, Belstaff, Botkier, Bottega Veneta, Brahmin, Breil Watches & Jewels, Breitling Watches, Bruno Cucinelli, Bulgari (Bvlgari), Burberry, Caludio Orciani, Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Cartier (Handbags and wallets only – no jewelry), Cavalli, Celine, Certina (watches only), Chanel (16 series and below ONLY), Chloe, Chopard, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Christian Louboutin, Chrome Hearts, Ciccinelle, Coach, Coccinelle, Cole Haan, David Yurman, Delvaux, Diane von Furstenberg, Dior (Christian Dior), Dodo Jewels, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Dooney & Bourke, DSquared2, Edox (watches only), Elizabeth & James, Emanuel Ungaro (handbags only), Emilio Pucci, Erdem, ETRO, Equipment, Fede, Fendi, Ferragamo (Salvatore Ferragamo), Ferrari, Fossil, Francesco Biasia, Frye, Furla, Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Goyard, Gucci, Guess, Guiseppe Zanotti, Halston, Hartmann, Harley Davidson, Haute Hippie, Helzberg Diamonds, Hermes, Herve Leger, Hogan, Hugo Boss (sunglasses only), Isaac Mizrahi, Isabel Marant, Issa, Jason Wu, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jimmy Choo, John Hardy, Johnstons (scarves only), Judith Leiber, Judith Ripka, Juicy Couture, Karl Lagerfeld (jewelry only), Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Kieselstein-Cord, L.A.M.B., Lacoste, Lagos, Lana Marks, Lanvin, Liu-Jo, Loewe, Longchamp, Loro Piana, Louis Vuitton, Luella, Manolo Blahnik, Mansur Gavriel, Marc Jacobs (Marc by Marc Jacobs), Marino Orlandi, Marni, Max Aria, MCM, Michael Kors, Michele Watches, Mikimoto, Miu Miu, Moncler, Mont Blanc, Moschino, Mou, Movado, Mulberry, Murano Glass/Crystal, Nancy Gonzalez, Nanni Milano, Nike, Nina Ricci, Oakley, Oliver Peoples, Omega, Oscar de la Renta, Paloma Picasso, Pandora, Peuterey, Phillip Lim, Prada, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Ralph Lauren, Ray Ban, Rebecca Minkoff, ReCarlo Jewels, Roberto Cavalli, Rock and Republic Jeans, Roger Vivier Shoes, Rolex, Saint Laurent (Yves Saint Laurent), Salvatore Ferragamo, Salvini Jewels, Seiko, Sergio Rossi, Sophie Hulme, Stella McCartney, Stuart Weitzman, Swarovski, Tag Heuer, The North Face, Tiffany & Co., Tissot (watches only), Tods, Tom Ford, Tory Burch, True Religion Jeans, Tumi, UGG, Valentino, Valentino Garavani, Vera Wang, Versace, Victoria Beckham, Vivienne Westwood, Waterford Crystal, Yves Saint Laurent, and Zac Posen.

There is an exception to their Chanel photo services based on the series number.

authenticate first chanel

PROAUTHENTICATORS

Proauthenticators is not a service I have used before but has come highly recommended especially when buying Louis Vuitton products on Ebay. The authentication service focuses solely on Louis Vuitton.

Proauthenticators pricing is as follows:

  • Item Identification is $5.
  • Pricing Estimation is $10. (The price is reduced to $5 if combined with authentication)
  • Verbal authentication is $10. This means that you get your results via Facebook messenger, email or text.
  • An authentication letter is $20. This included an emailed PDF letter.
  • An authentication letter that is printed and mailed out is $25.
  • An authentication letter for insurance/ appraisal purposes is $35.
  • An authentication letter for claim or dispute purposes is $70.
  • Also please note that any item that is pre-1990 has an extra $5 service fee attached to it.

Proauthenticators only does Louis Vuitton Products.

Overall I now solely use Real Authentication just because of their speed and mobile app function.

How does it work?

Let’s take the service I use and love the most- Real Authentication. I always use their Mobile Authentication services which means I can upload all my photos and get my results via my phone.

real authentication

Real Authentication requires the following information for your authentication:

  • Front
  • Exterior Log (if there is one)
  • Made In Tag (if there is one)
  • Serial Number/ Date Code (if there is one)
  • Hardware engravings
  • ** If they need more photos they will message you and ask

Once you check out that is all you have to do! Its really simple and a great service.

When your authentication is ready they email you. You then log in and will see a screen like this:

real authentication how to

Hopefully you see the green check mark because that means its authentic. If not you will see a red a mark like below. If they need more pictures they will email you that and tell you what pictures they require.

real authentication counterfeit

What should I get authenticated?

Honestly the sad answer is everything. I would obviously authenticate anything that does not come pre- authenticated. So that would be anything from Ebay, Tradesy, Poshmark (even the items over $500 because I do not trust their authentication services), Mercari, and Depop to name but a few. Even companies like Fashionphile and The Real Real have been known to let fakes slip buy even though they allegedly authenticate everything.

Also return fraud to luxury stores is a real thing so always be careful when purchasing in store and ask questions. For example when I am at Louis Vuitton I always ask where the date code is in a piece that I am buying.

More Questions?

Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or leave a comment on this article!

 

2019 New Year Resolutions- Shopping Edition

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I am not a big New Year’s resolution person. I find that if there is something i need to change in my life i do not wait for the New Year to do it. For example I decided back in August that I wanted to be more heathy than i had in the past year (thanks work), so I now go to the gym 3-5 times a week (and believe me I HATE going but i love candy too much so) and i don’t do scales (literally my doctor hates me) so I just focus on eating healthy. I didn’t wait for the New yYar because I knew it was a change I needed to make then. But as 2019 came around I decided I wanted to get better about my shopping habits. Maybe it was all the great deals i scored during the holiday sales or my over flowing closet or my new obsession with learning about fast fashion, but I knew I wanted to make a change to how and what I buy. Below are the guidelines I am going to try to stick to for 2019. Will I slip up- probably but will i let that stop me from trying to follow my goals- no!

  • 1- Stick to Basics– I often get distracted by trends. I will see the same style all over Instagram and everyone will look so cute in the pieces. Deep down I know that’s not the look for me but I often find myself buying the item…and then it sits in the closet. Plus a lot of the trendier items are from fast fashion retailers like Zara and Forever21 which is something I am trying to stay away from.
  • 2- Conscious Buying– I want to be clear about my new fast fashion kick- I am not saying don’t ever buy fast fashion. I think fast fashion definitely has its time and place. I am not a billionaire and therefore love the cost savings of fast fashion. What I am saying is that I don’t want to buy a piece just because it is cheap. I often find myself wandering around in a big fast fashion retailer buying something because its “only $10”. That should not be the reason you pick up something. The reason should be because you need it in your wardrobe and it is a good addition to your closet. So with every piece I am buying I am going to think how does this work in my wardrobe? Where can i wear it? How many times will I wear it?
  • 3- Follow the Wishlist– I love to write out lists and I especially love to write out wishlists. Items on my wishlist are things I have been eyeing for awhile and have researched. Therefore they are way better purchases then the random designer item I find on sales. Sales often lure us in because of the deal. But if not the exact color, size, or item you want there is a good chance you buy the sale item AND the one you really wanted on your wishlist.
  • 4- Don’t buy multiples (unless it really is your favorite shirt)- I have a tendency to find something on sale and buy it in ten colors when all I really needed was one. I normally have a clear favorite and will only wear that one color. So again I need to make sure not to fall prey to the sales.

2019 Wishlist

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As I look forward to 2019 (the year I get married!) I figured I would share with you all my 2019 wishlist. Some things about my wishlist:

    I will not buy everything on my wishlist
    I try to only purchase off my wishlist to stop impulse buying when I see a deal
    My wishlist is everything I am interested in that I keep an eye out for a good deal. Something might be number one on my wishlist but if I don’t see it for a good price then I will likely wait.

Chanel

So I have never bought anything new from the Chanel store (the shoes I have bought new have been from Neiman Marcus). This is because of their crazy price increases and their incredibly rude staff. I was recently in Zurich with one of my best friends (who is also an attorney) and the doorman wouldn’t let us in. Mind you it was cold out so we were wearing lots of layers and windwipped but apparently my Louis Vuitton handbag wasn’t up to par. After that I will probably never frequent a Chanel boutique. With that in mind these pieces might be harder to find for me.

  • Beige and Black Espadrilles- I did own these and then my fiancé didn’t like them so I sold them- worst mistake ever!
  • Beige and Black Sling Back Heels- I think these are a classic and I have yet to find them in my size.
  • Beige and Black Vanity Bag- I love the look of this bag and actually was considering buying this new in store when in Paris but now I am unsure.
  • Navy Flap Bag- I really want a vintage navy double flap with the bijoux/ Mademoiselle chain.
  • Red Bag- I love the classic Chanel red and am at the moment undecided between a red flap bag and a red camera bag.
  • Black Caviar Tote– I am not sure if I like the GST or one of the more vintage styles but I do know this would be a great work bag!
  • Triple Coco Bucket Bag– vintage gold hardware and black caviar- enough said!
  • Maybes- The new Tiffany blue flap in lambskin (this is such a dream bag but I know I’ll likely never purchase it); a Chanel backpack (I haven’t decided if I am a backpack person or not and want to see if I get enough wear out of my LV bag.); Chevron flap (I love this style but rarely if ever see them on the preloved market for a good price); vintage black square mini

Hermes

    Birkin (I would love to buy one new in Paris but that probably won’t happen when I go this year)
    Kelly 28 ( I want a vintage box leather one in Navy or the gold)
    Twillies (I need more for my bags as I really think they save the handles)
    Oran sandals (I have been hunting for these for over a year in the gold in my size)
    Calvi (I want a bright colored epsom one to add a pop of color!)
    Constance (vintage black on in box with gold hardware)
    Petite H charms (I really want to go to the Serves store!)

Louis Vuitton

    Saint Cloud GM- I really want a vintage one of these bags for stagecoach
    Palm Springs MM- I am traveling a lot in 2018 and would love to have a backpack to carry my stuff in. I love my GM Neverfulls but prefer them for work than traveling.
    Palm Spring Mini- Yes I know two backpacks but I cannot help but love how different these two are and I wouldn’t wear the mini as a backpack but as a crossbody!
    Capucines BB or PM- I love this bag but am undecided on sizes even though I have tried it on like 4 times!
    Toiletry 26- to use as a clutch
    Pochette Metis in Empriente- I love this bag and have been wanting to try this leather in something besides an SLG
    Speedy B 30 in Damier Ebene or Monogram- I want to try a speedy b and have finally decided this is the right size for me but am still undecided on print!
    Boite Chapeau Souple- I am so so so in love with this bag and its probably my number one LV bag on my wishlist!

Saint Laurent

    Medium Sunset Bag- I love this bag and have been eyeing a preloved on for awhile
    maybes- ysl Small Wallet ; neutral pebbled small sac de jour

Celine

    a medium box bag- I am so in love with the box bag and have been for awhile. I think they are such understated elegance.
    maybes: Celine mini luggage or a Celine phantom (I love the look of these bags but am worried they would be too heavy for me to carry.)

Dior

    Lady Dior Medium- likely vintage but it has to have the strap; I like both the beige and the black. Plus some of the new blues and greys are beautiful.
    Medium Diorama- I think this bag is so beautiful and would be a great addition to my collection. I like the more neutral colors for this bag as well.

Cartier

    love wedding band in the white gold (I prefer the smaller size on my fingers fro some reason but am not using it as a wedding band.)

Goyard

    either a St. Louis GM tote or an Anjou or Artois (not all three 😂)

Some brands that might surprise you

    Pop and Suki – Box Bag with Luggage Tag (Black)
    Strathberry- East/West (color TBD but I like the ruby and the green and the light grey)
    Polene- Numero Uno and Numero Uno Mini I am coming for you (loved these for two years)

Currently I don’t see myself adding any more

  • Senreve
  • Gucci (even though I would love a Gucci T-shirt but that price I cannot stomach)
  • Chloe
  • Fendi (I preordered a defender cover that will come in 2019 but was a 2018 purchase!)
  • Mansur Gavriel
  • Prada
  • Balenciaga (though I have been tempted by the city edge in the small or mini but am still thinking about it!)
  • Givenchy
  • Burberry (I would be tempted to get a trench or a scarf but their bags/ slgs do not appeal to me)
  • Loewe
  • MCM
  • Stella McCartney
  • Valentino