5 Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Items

Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Pieces

When it comes to investing in designer pieces, most of us always choose to invest in handbags, shoes or accessories. I am a firm believer in the power of a good designer accessory to elevate any outfit. However, if you really want to take your ootd to the next level, investing in a designer clothing piece could be a good option for you. Nevertheless, there is a certain risk when it comes to purchasing a designer clothing item. What if the item goes out of style? What if it does not fit you properly next season? How can I get a good cost per wear out of it, without looking like an outfit repeater? Girl, don't you worry, because I got you: In this blogpost I am going to share my tips when it comes to investing in designer clothing pieces, so you never have to go through any of these struggles! Also, I am showing you my own very first designer clothing pieces that I purchased: two dresses from Self-Portrait and For Love and Lemons!

Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Pieces

Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Pieces

MY NEW DESIGNER DRESSES


When I was in Mykonos, I finally bit the bullet and bought not one, but two (!) designer dresses. I've never owned any designer clothing before, so I was quite in shock when I got two items at the same time. Shocked, but very happy. I just could not resist when I saw these two particular brands I've been lusting over for ages, especially because they are both very popular on Instagram.

Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Pieces

SELF-PORTRAIT

The first dress that I got is this Floral Broderie Mini Dress from Self-Portrait. Self-Portrait is a London based brand, founded by Han Chong, formerly creative director of luxe brand Three Floor. His designs contain a lot of lace, broderie anglaise, and ruffles. It's feminine, yet wearable and edgy at the same time.

The dress that I got is made from very 'thick' white broderie anglaise and is accented with feminine frill details that are strategically placed throughout to highlight the silhouette. Honestly, when I tried this dress on, I had to get it: it's just so flattering on my figure. The fitted body is defined with a grosgrain waistband and gently flares out at the skirt for a flattering fit. This garment is lined with a bandeau and mini skirt lining, so you don't have to worry about it being see-through. And the best thing? This dress has... Pockets!

I styled this dress with my Gucci Nymphaea Designer Bag, my Gentle Monster sunnies and a pair of New Look sandalettes. This dress is such an eye-catcher, it does not need a lot of styling to work!

You can shop my Self-Portrait Floral Broderie Mini Dress here. The dress retails for €380 and I got it in a size UK 6, which is my normal size.

Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Pieces

FOR LOVE AND LEMONS

After purchasing the Self-Portrait dress, I was not planning on buying another designer item for a while, let alone another designer item on the same day! However, planning your future is like predicting the weather: you think you got it right, but all of a sudden there's a tornado. And that tornado happened to be another perfect designer dress from the brand For Love and Lemons. The dress that I got is the Bowie Star Dress. It's a wrap style dress, made from a soft organza fabric.

What I love about this dress is its pretty icy blue shade, the asymmetrical ruffles around the neck and bottom of the skirt and the little metallic star accents. It is - again - the perfect mix between feminine and edgy. When I tried this dress on, I had the same feeling as with the Self-Portrait dress: this designer piece was just too beautiful and too flattering not to get, and I am very glad that I did.

I styled this dress with my Alexander Wang Aliz Sandals, Gentle Monster sunnies and Gucci Dionysus Designer Bag. Again, this dress is such a stunning piece on its own, you don't really need to put a lot of effort into the styling!

You can shop my For Love & Lemons Bowie Star Organza Dress in Gray here. This dress retails for €239,10 and I got it in a M, because they did not have other sizes at the time that I got it. It does fit, but I would prefer it in a S or maybe even XS.

Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Pieces

KNOW YOUR FABRICS


This is a golden rule you should live by: spending more money on a clothing item does not mean it is also better quality. Even if a clothing item is from a designer brand, it does not mean that it's great quality. If you know your fabrics, you can avoid spending money on items that are not going to last in your wardrobe.

Stay away from items that are mostly made from polyester, acrylic, nylon, scuba, or any other material that's poorly made. These materials are usually not breathable at all and won't last that long. Instead, try to stick to materials such as cotton, silk, leather, suede, wool, cashmere, linen and organza.

Another good option is to go for a polyester blend. Polyester on its own is something to stay away from, but if it's paired with a natural material such as cotton, it gives the fabric a smooth feel.

Conclusion: good fabrics are very important. This way you know you're not only paying for the brand name and the design, but you're actually getting the bang for your buck.

My Self-Portrait Floral Broderie Mini Dress is made from 100% cotton with an extra lining of 100% polyester (because it's lined with polyester, it actually does not affect the quality of the dress). My For Love And Lemons Dress is a combination of organza and a polyester blend.

Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Pieces

Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Pieces

STICK TO YOUR PERSONAL STYLE


When it comes to investing in a designer clothing piece, it's important that you stick to your style. Although experimenting with fashion is fun - especially if it is high end fashion - going for pieces that really suit your personal style will benefit you in the long run. You want to get that cost per wear out of your piece, so finding something that really screams you is a good way to go about it. Don't go for a colorful dress if you're a minimalist and stay away black if you're a romantic girl.

Struggling with figuring out what your personal style is? Check out this blogpost if you want to find your style in 5 easy steps!

Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Pieces

Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Pieces

SPECIAL VERSUS BASIC: WHAT SHOULD YOU GO FOR?


Another thing you should think about is if you want to buy something special or basic. There are arguments pro and contra for both sides, so I am not going to tell you what you should do. It's all up to your personal preferences.

When you go for a special designer piece, you will know that you have something that's one of a kind and will hold its value: everytime that you are going to wear it, you will feel like you are truly slaying. It will always give you that special feeling whenever you wear it.

However, you won't get as many wears out if it, just because it is such an eccentric piece. Also, it is not as versatile when it comes to the styling of the piece, and chances are that it will go out of style. I still feel like some special pieces are meant to last forever, so I would not worry about that too much.

If you go for a basic designer piece, the biggest pro is that you will have a great quality staple piece that will go with EVERYTHING. Think of the perfect pair of jeans, leather jacket or white tee. You will wear these pieces over and over again, and they will never go out of style.

Nevertheless, these pieces will not give you that 'special' feeling that an eccentric designer piece would give you. Plainly stated, they are just a little bit more boring. It's up to you if you want to go all out or stay in the safe zone.

I personally went for two more special designer pieces. I would love to replace all my basic items with designer alternatives, but that's just not in my budget right now. That's why I felt like it was a better decision to go for two special designer pieces and really make a statement with them!

Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Pieces

SAY YES TO THE DRESS


Although I am not particularly a fan of the show on TLC, I do think they are right about one thing: There is something special about finding that perfect dress, and I believe that the only right response in such a case is to indeed say yes to the dress. If you consider investing in a designer clothing piece, I would highly recommend going for a dress. Finding a dress that suits you perfectly is quite difficult, so spending an extra penny for a dress that is really you is worth it in my opinion.

Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Pieces

Tips For Investing in Designer Clothing Pieces

 

IT HAS TO MAKE YOU FEEL AMAZING


Last, but definitely not the least: The item that you buy should make you feel f*cking amazing. If it doesn't, it's just not worth your pretty penny. Buying a designer piece should not be completely rational (I mean, in my opinion there is no real rational argument for spending so much money on a clothing piece); It should be love. That's what happened with these two designer dresses. I was not planning on buying a designer dress to begin with, let alone 2 on the same day. I just fell head over heels for them, and have worn them loads already. So yeah, you could say that I am really in love with these items. And if you are not completely in love with the piece that you are buying, you will regret it.

 

 

 

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF INVESTING IN DESIGNER CLOTHING PIECES?

xo Lilia

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15 Comments

    • Lilia
      Author
      November 7, 2017 / 19:02

      Aw thank you! xo

    • Lilia
      Author
      November 7, 2017 / 19:02

      Thanks! xo

  1. Gabi
    October 4, 2017 / 19:24

    I think about investing in a designer coat for autumn / winter. It is pretty simple, made with 100% wool. But it costs a looot of money. I don’t know if i can afford it couse I am still a student. I must consider it very carefoully 🙂

    • Lilia
      Author
      November 7, 2017 / 19:02

      Don’t go over your budget, but it sounds like it’s definitely worth saving up for 😉

  2. Bria
    October 9, 2017 / 19:43

    I would love if you would make a video or blog post on photo taking and editing. I love your photos!

    • Lilia
      Author
      November 7, 2017 / 19:05

      I have a video on how i edit my Instagram photos! xo

  3. October 16, 2017 / 14:30

    Thank you for sharing these very useful tips! They will sure make my decisions much easier and make me ready to pick out some designer pices. Thanks!

  4. October 31, 2017 / 07:57

    Hello Lilia, I fall in love with these dresses. Your style is looking very good. This is looking gorgeous and attractive. I love it. I like to add a small bit of it with accessories like this wrist watch and handbag. Thanks for updating me. Keep posting.

  5. Vil
    December 28, 2017 / 14:23

    definitely some great advice when purchasing designer pieces. Thnak you for the breakdown Lilia 🙂 The white dress is gorgeous, love it!!

  6. May 16, 2018 / 08:42

    I loved your dressing sense, you look stunning in both the dresses.
    Nice share!

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