Luxury Shopping, It ain’t just for the Rich

[one_half padding=”0 15px 0 0″]True story, I didn’t go into a luxury store in New York City until about 5 years ago. I just never thought that those places were for me. Now when I refer to luxury I’m talking Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman even Saks Fifth Avenue. I walked past them all the time peering into the gorgeous windows wondering what was inside but could never bring myself to go into one. My thought process was that those places weren’t for me they were for the rich and I didn’t belong in there. I felt that the people inside would instantly know I couldn’t afford anything. That I’d be followed around the stores and harassed. It never occurred to me to just go and see what was inside until a friend suggested it. She had gotten some beautiful new pumps from Saks Fifth Avenue and when she told me that they were less than $100 I’m pretty sure a huge gong went off inside my head. So one day I put on my finest lewk and I pushed through the doors at Saks Fifth Avenue and leveled up my fashion sense.[/one_half][one_half_last padding=”0 0 0 15px”]To my surprise no one followed me around and no one was looking at me like I didn’t belong. In fact, the sales associates were all super friendly and helpful. I didn’t buy anything that day but I spent hours in Saks Fifth Avenue, just looking and admiring the clothes and the splendid architecture of the store. The mannequins gave me style inspiration and I poured over all the luxury perfumes and makeup. I must have spent an entire hour studying the shoes and the designers of each heel. I left with a pocket full of perfume samples and a new lease on life. The mind is a powerful thing. If you tell yourself something long enough you really will start to believe it. From then, I moved on to Barney’s and finally to Bergdorfs. If nothing else just being in those spaces sparks instant creativity when it comes to fashion. I also learn about new up and coming designers just from perusing the merchandise. So here’s 3 things to know about shopping at luxury stores.[/one_half_last]

Photography by Rose Lazard | Editing by Monroe Steele

Rodarte Sweatshirt via The Real Real | JW Anderson Cargo Pants via Barney’s Sale | Margiela Mules via Yoox Sale | H&M newsboy cap get similar Here 

SHOP THE LOOK


It aint just for the rich

There are plenty of affordable items across the board that can be found at luxury department stores. Just take a look at their online inventory to get a feel for what they have. Luxury Department Stores usually sell perfumes, makeup and beauty products you probably already use on a daily basis. Of course they also sell exorbitantly expensive items too from Christian Louboutin Heels to the latest Céline Bag. So it’s a great place to start if you are thinking about purchasing a luxury item and need to see it up close or try it on before purchasing. 

They have sales too

Even though they are luxury stores they also have sales. Most of the time the sales in store are far better than you can find online. My theory for that is that less people are actually shopping in store these days and brick and mortar stores need better incentives to get people through the door. 

The atmosphere is welcoming

No matter what you are wearing or what you look like the bottom line is that you’re a customer and sales associates want you to have a luxury experience. I’ve never felt out of place or like someone was judging me. On the contrary there are tons of tourist in cargo shorts and crocs walking the marble halls of Bergdorf Goodman without a care in the world. Remember that the next time you think twice about walking into a luxury department store. I actually find that even my browsing experiences are better in luxury stores than if I were in say a Zara or H&M. Remember that for the most part sales associates are regular smegular people like you and I. They aren’t uber rich either.

So next time you pass up that luxury store because you think it isn’t for you or that you can’t afford anything, think back on these key points and give it a go anyway. You could walk away with something amazing. You could stumble upon a stellar designer sale or even better, leave with the creative inspiration to try or do something new in regards to your style.

It also pays to think rich. 

xx

Monroe 

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18 Comments

  1. Nenette
    January 4, 2019 / 9:32 am

    ooohhh love those pants, they’re very utilitarian but with a feminine twist to it. Also, those shoes omg I gotta get my hands on those.

    • monroesteele
      Author
      January 4, 2019 / 9:35 am

      Thanks so much Nanette. I am obsessed with them. I got them 75% Off at Barneys a few weeks ago. Thanks for reading.

      xx
      Monroe

  2. January 4, 2019 / 3:47 pm

    So funny I haven’t been in Barney or Bergdorf in NYC all my life! I’ve been to the Barney’s outlet and to Saks a few times. I share a similar fear about being intimidated and then I feel like I’ll be tempted to buy something that’s way out of my budget just to feel “included”. You’ve kind of inspired me with this post. Maybe I will take a window shopping trip one day this month!

    • monroesteele
      Author
      January 5, 2019 / 5:45 pm

      YAS! I need to know when you go girl LOL. I need all the details. Thanks for reading.

      x
      Monroe

  3. Askia
    January 4, 2019 / 5:54 pm

    I can definitely relate to this. when I used to live in New York I felt the same way and I would always walk past these luxury department stores & just be like I don’t even want to go in just to hurt my own feelings.. LOL!! Funny thing is I did exactly what you did one day .

    • monroesteele
      Author
      January 5, 2019 / 5:44 pm

      YAS! It wasn’t so bad right?!? Our minds are so powerful.

      xx
      Monroe

  4. Shawn
    January 4, 2019 / 11:16 pm

    Love

    • monroesteele
      Author
      January 5, 2019 / 5:44 pm

      Thanks!

  5. April Lynn
    January 5, 2019 / 1:43 am

    OMG…LIKE WHEN DID YOU SHOW UP IN MY HEAD???!!!! I’ve always felt that way…think Pretty Woman n Beverly Hills. Such a fun and clever article while giving me a mental check up….YASSS!!!!!!

    THANKS MONROE 😉

    • monroesteele
      Author
      January 5, 2019 / 5:44 pm

      HAHA! It’s all about the mindset. Thank you for reading!

      x
      Monroe

  6. Marissa
    January 5, 2019 / 8:39 am

    I love this post. I’m just now getting into more luxe brands (thanks to bloggers like you who mix high and low and also give deets on pieces and sales). I made a goal that I would but myself a luxe/designer pair of sandals and boots every year to jumpstart my collection and mindset. I struggle with it though cause my peers and family look at me crazy for the stuff I consider buying.

    • monroesteele
      Author
      January 5, 2019 / 5:43 pm

      Thank you for reading. Looking you’re living your life for you, not anybody else. So do what makes you happy within your means. Good luck on starting your collection! Try The Real Real, they have tons of designer for 75% off.

      x
      Monroe

  7. Angela
    January 5, 2019 / 1:58 pm

    Loved the outfit; the relaxed look…. but, listen, those shoes are the business

    • monroesteele
      Author
      January 5, 2019 / 5:41 pm

      Thanks so much! It’s one of my favorites too.

      xx
      Monroe

  8. January 8, 2019 / 10:03 pm

    WOW!!! I totally I pass by the luxury stores the time and never think to go in. It’s officially of one my goals for 2019.
    Btw, thanks to you I’ve worked up the courage to work on my blog again. xoxo

    • monroesteele
      Author
      January 9, 2019 / 5:51 pm

      YAS! Take a peek in there. They don’t bite. Thanks so much for reading and much success to start blogging again.

      x
      Monroe

    • monroesteele
      Author
      January 13, 2019 / 1:21 pm

      Thanks so much for reading!

      xx
      Monroe

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