Even if you didn’t shop the collection the shopping frenzy that was the H&M x Balmain was impossible to miss. With collabs such as this becoming a regular occurrence–both H&M and Jcrew do them often–I began to wonder, how can you shop them sanely, and most importantly, get what you want? Of course, the more publicized and high end the collaboration is the more you can expect craziness- BUT hopefully these tips help you navigate the crazy, and end up with a shopping coup!
- Game Plan – Through publicity, social media, etc usually these collabs are usually promoted for months, meaning you should know (or be able to find) the launch date and pics of all the pieces offered. Here’s your chance to really do some homework. Go through the collection and see what you like, what you have to have, and what you don’t care for. You may not have a chance to ever try on or the collection before the launch–but this is when you decide what you want. A flawed system, maybe, but I usually try to make a list of my top 3 things that I want, so I can concentrate on them!
- Set your Watch–Besides the actual pieces, before the launch the actual timing information should be released-launch date, launch time, restrictions (if any), etc. Make sure that you note when the collection launches online–as that might be a better option for you. Know that if it is a huge, promoted, collab such as the Balmain there will be lines at stores, and those need to be planned for as well. Personally, I don’t love long lines and craziness at sales (although that is an experience) I usually op to shop online. Know this about shopping online–the site may crash, you will have to refresh your browser maybe once, but the good news is that often the timing of online launch can work to your advantage- for example if the pieces will go live at 12Am–you just have to make sure that you’re up! But chose how you will shop it, and set that time aside.
- Shop it–This is the crazy step. It may get insane. It may sell out. It may be low key and none of these steps may be necessary, I’ve seen both. Some collections are more in demand and sell out in a frenzy. Some are more low key–and lines and setting time aside may not be an issue at all.
- You didn’t get what you wanted, now what? Of course, the first question is, how badly do you want it? If there’s something that you have to have just because it sold out doesn’t mean all hope is gone. While we’ve all read the stories of how prices on eBay on collabs can be insane, eBay (and other resell sites) can be your friend here. It is completely up to you on how much you will spend–and while prices on resell sites can be over the top, some are auctions (and you can set a limit). Also, what works here is time. As time goes on and people move on prices on eBay, etc, lower–and more pieces become available. Ebay and other sites often have a feature where you can follow a search and they will email you new listings–this option is a God-send and can help you get that piece you’re looking for!
I’d love to know–did you shop the collab? Have you ever? What did you buy and what are your strategies?
Happy Shopping! XO RA
