A Good Time For Resale (Buying)

Today’s sale PSA from around the web: This season’s very popular retro sunglasses from Prada, in both black and tortoiseshell for 25% off, classic pumps from Manolo Blahnik with a glittery buckle detail, now 35% off, a vibrant fuschia mini wrap dress from DVF that you can wear year round, now 40% off, and an easy to pair/casual army jacket from Free People, now 25% off.

Occasionally, when I find myself with some nice chunks of free time (aka commercial breaks of Bravo shows), I like to trawl the various resale sites (Fashionphile, The Real Real and the like) as well as eBay, looking for old season items that got away. Lately, I’ve been noticing a trend – prices seem to be going down, down, down – on everything from bags, to clothes, to other accessories like scarves and jewelry.

While this is good news (unless you’re a designer bag flipper), it’s been very tempting on my wallet. There seem to be quite a few items out there going for less than they would have a year or two ago. Why this is happening, I don’t know why – maybe it’s due to the still weak international economy, currency fluctuations, or some combination of the two. Here’s an example – I remember when this Chanel black metallic flap was so in demand, and here’s one in very nice condition for almost half off.

And another example below (of all the resale sites, I’ve been finding that Fashionphile has the best prices generally, along with regular eBay auctions).

Agh! An almost new, limited edition Bottega Veneta Cabat bag for $2,700? Amazing. I watched this one for a good few weeks, but then it got sold (of course). So there’s a lesson – there are some great deals out there right now, but you still need to act fast for the steals.

As for me, I’ve largely been good and watching from the sidelines…envious of all the deals that are being had. Well okay, I did just pick up a limited/seasonal Chanel bag that I had been looking for, for probably the last five years (I’ll share when it comes). My advice for if you’re in the market for some second hand/pre loved luxury accessories right now? Try not to get sale goggles…and take advantage of some of the great prices!

Have any of you noticed a trend in prices declining lately? Where are you based? I’d love to hear more details!