Discount DVF Exists (just not at the semi-annual sale)

The city’s been flush with sales as of late, as Recession + Common Sense = DOOM for any high-end brand that’s ever marked up its merch 300% (read: all of ‘em). Karma’s a bitch, ain’t it? Anyhoo, women are bonkers this week over one sale in particular. I’m talking sneaking into the ‘friends and family’ preview sale, waiting in line for a half an hour just to get in the door, stripping by the racks to try things on, clawing each other over coveted pieces in a PMS-like fury, et. al. It’s the kind of sale that makes women LOSE THEIR SHIT. It’s the Semi-Annual Diane von Furstenberg Sale, and here’s why I’m not going. The Average Retail Price of a DVF Dress is $395. Barf. Dresses at the semi-annual sale go for $150, max, which isn’t entirely absurd in the grand scheme of things. Unless you’re the maharajah of thrift a-la-ME, in which case, you know you can do better. Once upon a time, secondhand DVF was limited to high-end consignment; a barely-worn piece could be had for around $100. Still a deal, fo sho, but I can’t buy $100 dresses on a regular basis. When the recession hit, something magical happened: DVF started showing up in thrift stores. The first documented sighting of the phenomenon occurred six months ago at Buffalo Exchange in the form of a navy blue shirtdress that proved ill-fitting. I did not lose hope. I knew if I stayed the course, I’d eventually find another. A few weeks ago at Beacon’s Closet, the stars finally aligned and BAM! There she was. As you can see, this effing gorgeous satin and chiffon number is almost entirely transparent. What I layered underneath to keep it from looking like lingerie requires another post altogether, as it too was an epic score. For now, let’s focus up on what really matters: The price differential between DVF retail, DVF semi-annual sale, and DVF secondhand. (And for the record, my secondhand DVF was in remarkably good condition – no loose threads, stains, tears, nada. If chiffon had a superlative, it would be Most Likely to Get Caught in Side Zipper, so this is particularly impressive. Point being, I don’t want to hear any crap about how I sacrificed quality for cost or whatever. Moving on.) New DVF Dress at Full Retail Price: $395.00 New DVF Dress at Semi-Annual Sale: $150.00 Gently-Worn DVF Dress at Beacon’s Closet: $22.95 Oh right, you probably want proof. Okay. Paying $127 LESS than everyone at the semi-annual sale and snagging a dress of the same brand, sanity in tact? Fucking priceless. Word to the thrift.