I ♥ Thred Up!

I ♥ ThredUp!

I have been seriously digging online consignment boutique ThredUp. ThredUP is an awesome online consignment boutique based in San Francisco, CA that offers a large selection of womens, juniors and kids(!) clothing.  What makes ThredUP so awesome (and differentiates them from other online consignment boutiques) is their streamlined consignment process.  You do not pay for shipping!  You request a ThredUP bag, fill it with "like new" items and you can either schedule a USPS residential pickup (free); drop it off at USPS, or at FedEX.  All for free!  Furthermore, ThredUP allows groups to consign clothes to raise money for charities and/or events, they pay in cash and donate any unaccepted pieces to charity.  Furthermore, for items they choose from your nifty polka dot ThredUp bag you can choose to consign or get cash up front! 

I haven't consigned yet, but I have shopped! ThredUP offers a variety of different brands, ranging from mall brands like Express to Tory Burch to Valentino (yes I saw a Valentino piece on there).  Since this is a consignment boutique you get up to 90% off retail price!

For my first shopping expedition this is what I bought:

I did not make this graphic, they did!  When my order was ready to ship I got a confirmation with this graphic and it was way better than pictures I took with my camera phone!

My little black dress plunges in the back (it's oh so sexy), and I am going to rock the hell out of that leopard dress (watch me do it, naysayers, watch me). The items I purchased looked new, not like new, but brand new! The t-shirt was supposed to have a flaw (which was disclosed while looking at the item) and I have yet to find it!  ThredUp promises to inspect thoroughly each and every piece and judging from the items in my order you can absolutely trust their guarantee. The items smelled fresh and looked new with absolutely no signs of wear despite the flaw my tee was supposed to have (which again, I have yet to find).

Better yet, with a discount code, I got all of these items for...(drum roll)...$6!  Yes, $6!  With shipping my total came to $12 and some change.  I got 4 pieces for $1.50 each.  How's that for shopping on a budget?!

The discount code I used is expired, however that doesn't mean you can not save on your own order!  For every person you refer you split $20 in credit; $10 for them and $10 for you!  Click here (www.thredup.com) to start referring and earning!

Right now, Refinery29 and ThredUp are sponsoring a contest to win a styling session with a Refinery29 editor and a $1,000 shopping spree!  At ThredUp, that would be like 3-4 new wardrobes! Click below to enter:




Last but definitely not least...I recently got my own ThredUp Style Shop! I am finally sitting at the cool girls table!

My Style Shop is super eclectic and represents me totally.  There is really no way to describe my style as I am a bit of a chameleon.  One day, I'll be totally punk rock with studs, leather and ripped jeans; the next I might be über Tory Burch Hamptons crowd chic, and later that week my style will swing wildly from Nike Dunks and 10 Deep tees to long bohemian skirts and peasant blouses...it all depends on how I am feeling that day. My Style Shop definitely reflects that!  Here are some of my favorites:

7 for all Mankind

BCBG Max Azaria

BCBG Max Azaria

Elie Tahari

J. Brand

L.A.M.B

Ryu

Thread Social

I told you my style was all over the place!  It's a little something for everyone and styles are being updated constantly! So click here (http://bit.ly/1e5SfAm) to shop "my closet"!

As always happy shopping!!

PS Connect with me on:

Instagram: @IHEARTRetailTherapy

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IHEARTRetailTherapy

Twitter: @HEARTRetail

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High End Luxury Items for Less!

High End Luxury Items for Less!

I am currently coveting The Real Real (therealreal.com).  The Real Real offers used high end luxury items.  As well as selling used items, they also offer consignment services.  So if you want to get rid of those Fendi, Prada and Chanel purses, The Real Real is the way to go!

From the site:

The RealReal.com is the world’s premier online luxury resale store. Offering authenticated, pre-owned, designer brands including Chanel, Hermès, Manolo Blahnik, Gucci and Cartier — all at up to 90 percent off retail prices —The RealReal eliminates the uncertainty of purchasing luxury brands online and places the world of luxury at your fingertips.

Our team of luxury experts, authentication specialists and skilled gemologists evaluates, curates and beautifully presents the best clothing, handbags, shoes, watches, fine jewelry, small leather goods and accessories, creating the web’s only destination for women’s and men’s luxury resale. 

That they are!

Here is what I found from today's Real Real Sales:

3.1 Phillip Lim Cream trench coat with center slit at back, pockets, belt and button front.  $125 Click here for details http://bit.ly/1afAquS

Fendi Selleria Click here for details http://bit.ly/1afAquS $345 Sage green leather shoulder bag with fold-over strap button closure and silver-tone hardware.

Givenchy Bootie Retail $1290. Black leather booties with peep-toe, peach ankle elastic band and wooden geometric shaped heels with gold-tone accents. $395 Click here for details http://bit.ly/1afAquS

Valentino Rockstud Pumps Retail $945. Mauve studded pumps with cherry red patent leather toes and covered heels, pale gold-tone hardware and buckle closure at ankle straps. Includes original box and dustbag. In stores now. $395 Click here for details http://bit.ly/1afAquS

Yves Saint Laurent Blush and gold-tone sunglasses with logo at arms and gradient tinted lenses $125 Click here for details http://bit.ly/1afAquS

This online boutique is awesome!  And no worries, if your price point is significantly lower they do offer contemporary designers like Tory Burch and secondary lines like Marc by Marc Jacobs, See by Chloe, MM6 and more for considerably lower prices!

Happy Shopping and Let Me Know What You Bought!

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Revamping the Wardrobe: The Trick to Selling Clothes at Plato's Closet

Revamping the Wardrobe: The Trick to Selling Clothes at Plato's Closet

Now that I have cleaned out my closet...it's time to sell clothes I don't want (or can't fit) to Plato's Closet! Happy Dance time!

For the unfamiliar:

"Plato's Closet® buys and sells the latest looks in brand name gently used clothing and accessories for teen and twenty something guys and girls." (From the site http://www.platoscloset.com/)

Basically, Plato's Closet buys and sells gently used clothes.  As stated on their website, they market their store and clothes towards teenagers and twenty somethings.  That doesn't mean a grown and sexy lady like  myself can't get it in at Plato's however! Wink, wink! 

The "trick" to selling clothes at Plato's is simple.

1) Understanding Plato's is geared towards teenagers and young adults is important.  That means no matter if you have high end luxury goods to sell, if they can't sell it to young people they won't buy it.  They are looking for trendy items!

2) Find out what your particular Plato's location is looking for, by visiting their site, (each location has it's own website) to decide what clothes you will try to sell.

Example from my store:

3) Make sure your clothes are freshly laundered and are devoid of any major staining (the armpits in particular).  When I bring my tote full of clothes in I put a dryer sheet in the bottom so the clothes smell fresh.

*******************Now the fast and dirty rules***********************

4) Never bring a TON of stuff.  Try to keep it to a tote bag or two.  I don't know exactly why this works, but I am guessing by having too much stuff you seem desperate.  Nine times out of ten, they are not going to buy all of it anyway!  

5) I seemingly have a better time selling right after the weekend or right before the weekend.  I think this works because they are trying to get their inventory back up after the weekend, and right before the weekend starts.

6) While you can find Coach, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and other luxury items at Plato's, for the most part, this is a mall brand store.  Meaning, you will find H&M, Hollister, American Eagle, Gap, and even Charlotte Russe there in abundance. With this knowledge, try to include these brands or other popular mall brands in your sell items.

7) Sometimes it depends on who is doing the buying. One guy who was doing the buying...well he looked like Axel Rose circa 88.  Not that there's anything wrong with that! (smile) Well, he turned down a pair of never worn $250 Greedy Genius Ocean Runners for a pair of used Marc Ecko boots bought from TJ Maxx for $7. There is no explaining that other than personal taste.

Here is a video by a Plato's Closet in Colorado that shares some more selling tips



8) Make sure when you go to sell, what you are wearing is hot.  Seriously.  I went in there early one morning with a small tote bag full of trendy, gently (or never) worn garments.  I admit, I had just left the gym (I don't work out in cute outfits) and I looked a hot mess.  I really did.  They did not buy anything! I had followed the first seven rules so I just knew they were going to buy my bag full of goodies. NOPE!

So, I went home, showered, took it easy for an hour or two, and then I got dressed.  I threw on a really nice outfit, with stunning accessories, a face full of makeup and red lipstick. Yes. Red lipstick.  This time around, (just a few hours later with the same workers) they bought everything!  So, the moral of the story is, to sell your clothes at Plato's Closet, make sure you are dressed like you have clothes worth selling!

9) DO NOT bring your clothes in a garbage bag.  Break out your tote bags or a nice shopping bag, like these:


Lastly, sometimes they simply don't need what you're selling.  So don't take it personal.

Also remember, you are not going to get rich by selling to Plato's.  The average pay per piece is between $2-$7.  If you have high end luxury items you will earn more cash per piece.  But not much more. If you want to sell high end luxury goods, you would most likely make more money at a consignment shop.  However, Plato's pays on the spot.  Me personally, I sell pieces for the store credit. Plato's is a great spot to pick up trendier items for cheap.  Really cheap!

On this particular trip I brought a large tote bag full of clothes and two pairs of sneakers.  While I was waiting for them to go through the items I was selling, I perused the store for items I may want to purchase with my store credit.

I brought in about 20 items, they bought 7 of them, and my store credit (or cash) was $42.  While I wanted to buy those Yves Saint Laurent shoes, Prada shoes and a couple of Coach bags, I didn't want to spend any of my money (remember I love shopping, but hate spending money) so I used my store credit to buy...

I know it's Fall but these shoes are so cute!

American Eagle Bag. 

See what I did there? Blue Wedges!  I have been seeing this color allover the runways and fashion mags so you know I had to get these!

I purchased three items and still walked out with $17!  All in all a good shopping trip.  I managed to get rid of 7 items and pick up 3 items, one of which is in this seasons trendy blue color!

Now it's on to getting wardrobe staples!  I hope this post helps you sell to Plato's!

Check back for the next installment of Revamping the Wardrobe! Next week, we will be shopping for the core wardrobe pieces!

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