How to Shop If You Still Have a Helicopter Out Back

"For the modern consumer the placement of a perfect seam or an immaculately-sculpted collar is more awe-inspiring and authentic than any logo." --  from an article in today's Telegraph about the demise of in-your-face status dressing. No more Cavalli for you, missy! Lay off that Swarovski crystal!

The piece goes on to recommend buying deluxe brands like Chanel, Hermes, Jil Sander, Martin Margiela, Bottega Veneta . . .

[If, like so many Telegraph readers, you have a wardrobe budget topping five thou per season.] 

A humble alternative: look for classic vintage labels of equally high design quality: collection Geoffrey Beene, Bill Blass, Branell, Larry Aldrich, Cathy Hardwick, and others. On eBay and at online vintage sellers, they are priced within the budgets of Ladies who Lunch At their Desk.