How to Save on Designer Clothes

Just because you aren't a millionaire doesn't mean you can't look like a million bucks. Smart women know that the key to looking fabulous isn't about how much money you spend; it's all about how you spend it. From childhood I mastered the ins and outs of savvy shopping thanks to my mother and grandmother. Both women inconspicuously guided me in the ways and means of bargain hunting for the glamor gal. Armed with those skills and my wallet in tow, I have managed to come up on some fabulous designer deals and non-fabulous prices. Here's a few tips to help you do the same:

Shop Sales. Of course this is obvious, but there is an art to shopping sales. A sale is a sale is a sale, but being in the loop at your favorite store or boutique can give you a heads up on upcoming sales and discount opportunities.

Read the fashion magazines. Elle, Vogue, Lucky, InStyle, Marie Claire and People StyleWatch. Nearly all these magazines advertise special events or special discount opportunities, many of them online. Lucy Magazine usually features monthly discounts in each issue for readers with select retailers. I highly recommend getting a subscription to the magazine. Magazines also come in handy for knowing what's hot and what's not. I have binders with tear sheets from my favorite magazines for putting together looks. It's fun and a great way to plan your wardrobe. Other fun magazines to check out, the celebrity tabloids: Us Weekly, Life & Style, and OK.

Get on the list. Many local boutiques offer customer discounts and have mailing lists for their sales. Getting to know the store staff at your favorite boutiques puts you in the know. You'll also be invited to events that the stores may host.

Get the Card. If you don't mind paying the monthly bill, apply for a credit card at your favorite store. Bloomingdale's, Saks, Macy's and Neiman's all have great designer clothes. They also have rewards and huge discounts for cardholders.

Befriend a stylist. Having friends in high places can work to your advantage. I have a friend who is a stylist and connections for getting great clothes. If you know someone like this, tell them you want the hook-up!

Visit the discount retailers. Stores like Loehmanns, Off Fifth (Saks Fifth Avenue's Outlet), and Last Call (Neiman Marcus' Outlet) have great stuff at huge discount prices. I love Off Fifth, you can find great brands like Louboutin, Prada, and Versace here, and the shoes department is fabulous. Loehmanns features very high end brand name clothing for up to 70% off.

Know when a deal is a deal. If you're in a store and you find a designer item that retails for $1500 but it's $500 in the store, yes, that's a deal. Buy it, own it, love it. Some things are just too good to pass up!

Shop Online. Online shopping is one of the best ways to get designer deals. With websites. Some of the best sites like Eluxury and Bluefly can save you up to 80% off. Other great sites: www.HauteLook.com, www.DesignerApparel.com, and www.Shopbop.com, and www.Ideeli.com.

Join the Club. I joined Top Button.com a few years ago and since have been invited to several private sales, sample sales, and events. My club Shopgirls also consisted of buyers and fashionistas who networked. We had a variety of activities centered around shopping.

Don't feel like you have to miss out on designer clothes because you don't have the budget. Follow these tips and you can and will be fabulous!