The Due Dilligence of Designer Shopping

Why My Net-a-Porter Wishlist Deserves a CFA Charter

For lent I have given up shopping. But just because I can’t buy, doesn’t mean I haven’t been browsing.

Tabs open, Wishlist’s finely tuned. The Outnet is bookmarked right next to the AFR. I’m not purchasing but I am preparing. Consider the scrolling… strategy if you will, in fact I’d go to the lengths of saying it’s pre-acquisition analysis. And let’s be fair, due diligence has never looked so good.

The Target Pipeline

Like any savvy operator, I’ve built a robust pipeline.

Vestiaire, Net-a-Porter, The Outnet, Farfetch, MyTheresa, SSENSE… the platforms vary, but I have a clear goal: source only the best targets. Think vintage Loewe, discounted Totême, a rare Jacquemus in the right colourway. This is high-conviction investing. Some people trade crypto, I track Chloé. I know what holds its value (The Row). A classic Khaite knit? Retains equity. A feathered mini that screams “2021 influencer drop”? Sunk cost wrapped in silk.

Valuation Methodology

Every piece undergoes rigorous assessment. Cost-per-wear is my baseline metric. If it’s $500 and I’ll wear it 50 times? That’s a $10 daily rate - cheaper than my loco love habit. (Girl Math)

But that’s just the start. I calculate retail vs resale spreads, consult RealReal comps, and monitor sold out alerts like market indicators. Carted has been a great tool to help track sales. If you’re not across this it’s the ‘ultimate Wishlist app’ you can save any product from any store and are notified of restocks and price drops!

Then there’s emotional yield (deeply important to me) Sometimes the ROI isn’t tangible - it’s the flutter you feel knowing you’ve secured the piece. But even that gets evaluated: “Is this joy scalable… or is it just serotonin in disguise?”

If the piece doesn’t deliver returns, it’s out of the portfolio.

Red Flags & Risk

Every deal has its risks.

• Dry-clean only? Operationally intensive.

• Final sale? No exit strategy.

• Seasonal colour in chartreuse? Niche market, limited liquidity.

• The “It” Bag of 2020? Honey, that’s a distressed asset.

The Term Sheet

Even when the analysis checks out, I tread cautiously.

• Financing strategy? No Afterpay - I’m cash-flow positive only.

• Timing the market? Do I strike now or wait for a click frenzy or TAF?

• FOMO factor? Irrelevant. If it’s truly meant for me, it’ll come back in stock.

Most importantly: I know when to walk away. It’s not about the thrill of the cart - it’s about discipline. If the numbers don’t make sense, the deal doesn’t close.

Some see a Wishlist, I see a well-researched portfolio.

This isn’t impulsive consumption; it’s meticulous curation. A study in taste, timing, and knowing when to walk away. Every item is a calculated consideration, not a click of chaos.

Luxury isn’t about having more - it’s about choosing wisely. The real flex? Restraint.

Selected assets currently under consideration:

With Love,

Mufaro