Does Designer Equal Quality?

I recently bought a David Meister dress through a consignor sale. I rarely find dresses that fit. I am somewhat boney and small through the chest and wider through the hips. But this, it fits so well! The construction is great and even though it is 2 or 3 seasons old, it is a pretty timeless style. Quality counts.

David Meister dress at MyPerfectSale.com

Now, I’m not saying it’s what I do all the time but when able, you bet I go for the designer piece. I try not to pay for the name unless absolutely necessary, meaning, not full price. Much of the full amount price is the name. But, a large part of the price should be, and usually is, about quality and fit. So, I check-out sales, clearance, on-line discount sites, and consignment stores. Bluefly.com, Zappos.com, pixiemarket.com, and Overstock.com are a few good sites to try.

Some designers are doing lines for chain stores like Vera Wang and Dana Buchman at Kohl’s. Target regularly has “guest” designers and just launched this season, H&M has Jimmy Choos. This may sound great and if you just want a piece with a name, fine. But, ultimately, I am a seamstress at heart and the way a dress or pair of pants is made matters to me. Especially if my hard earned pennies are buying it!

Dana Buchman shift dress at Kohls

So, when buying anything, look at seams and seam allowance, hems and hem allowance, buttonholes, lining (always a good thing), fabric content (some natural fiber mixed in is a plus), and fit. On shoes, check straps, buckles, stitching, insole, and make sure any embellishments are well attached.

Jimmy Choo merch at H&M

Hope this helps with your future purchases. Where do you find your quality pieces at great prices? I’d love to hear about them! P.S. I am still playing with formatting, font, etc. so please excuse messups!