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How eBay is changing my style

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Well it's not like eBay changed my life or anything BUT...I have noticed something and wanted to share.

As most of you know, I'm working on a more restrictive wardrobe budget than previously but I am still wanting to buy new things and keep my wardrobe/style moving in a different direction.

I'm wanting to purchase things of better quality (not necessarily equal to more expensive BTW), items with more style longevity, items that are overall classic but with a modern twist and pieces that work more cohesively with other items in my wardrobe. I also am wanting to improve my casual style a wee bit and so would like pieces that can translate between my work wardrobe and my casual wardrobe - at least to some degree.

So I have, as a result, become a fairly savvy eBay shopper. Below are the items I have purchased (or are on their way to me) over the last three months.

#1 - Vince Camuto tube skirt
#2 - Anne Fontaine white shirt (just received yesterday - it is GORGEOUS)
#3 - Kate Spade "vintage" marble necklace
#4 - Theory Lanai blazer
#5 - Joe Jean's in black baroque (on the way)

#6 - Fossil rose gold/black watch

#7 - Kut from the Kloth Diana white jeans (on the way)

It dawned on me when seeing all of these items together that they literally can work in a navy and white capsule - correct? I didn't notice that when choosing the individual items. And these items can indeed switch back and forth between work and casual based on styling and supportive players. I also notice looking at these items that I am indeed moving in the direction of "classic with trendy" mix that I'm going for.

There are a few items here that I never, ever would have purchased at full retail price as they would not have fit my budget. Great sellers with fab return policies, new items with original price tags, and a bit of sleuthing have allowed me to introduce these items to my closet.

Anyway, I'm probably rambling here...

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Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from Lyn D.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So great, Shannon! I love the items. Looks like you got a watch, too?

Do you have any tips for finding the items? I always worry about the duty & taxes adding another big chunk to the price, along with return fees if necessary. But also, I rarely find stuff. I have a feeling I'm not filtering the right way.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Oh yes, living in a shopping desert forces me to shop online and ebay. It's no joke to say 2/3 of my wardrobe was purchased online. It has it's pluses and minuses. You can narrow your search to exactly what you want, but you can't try stuff on before buying or feel the fabric.
I've come around to not doing business without returnability, either. I've had few final sale items that worked out (my MuuBaa blush moto comes to mind) but others that I would have happily refunded asap.
It's a valuable tool if used wisely.

K. Period.

Veteran

Oh, but #6 is a watch, not your jeans! Is there something you are telling us? Or that your subconscious is telling you?!?

All of these are fab items, Shannon! I totally agree with you that they could work as a navy and white capsule, and a super fun one at that. You are very savvy with your ebay buying. Great pieces, every one.

Mellllls

Veteran

Good for you! I've been doing more internet purchasing as well but not eBay yet.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Yes, I bought a rose gold/black Fossil Relic watch. Love it!

I usually start by simply asking in the search component of eBay what I'm looking for and then once those items pop up, further refine by choosing "Buy Now" (I don't waste my time bidding on anything - I find that process incredibly frustrating) and then refine again by location choosing North America. All of the items I've purchased have come from the U.S. and they include duty and taxes into the shipping price, which I always confirm with the seller. I've never had to pay anything additional. When I'm checking a seller's return policy, I confirm if the refund includes the original shipping fees as I want my entire refund. This way when I need to make a return, the only money I'm out is what I paid to ship it back.

I will also ask for specific measurements if not already provided in the listing, laundry instructions, anything really that I want to know before pressing that "Buy Now" button. Maybe I'm just incredibly lucky, but I haven't had a bad experience yet (*crossing fingers*).

I also make sure I know the full retail price of an item for a few sources (such as the price at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, The Bay and Amazon) so I can compare and ensure that the price being offered on eBay is a good one. Some are not.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Whoops - sorry about the errors in the descriptions of the photos. All fixed now.

Mellllls

Veteran

Watch us gorgeous.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Shannon. That is helpful. I guess the main thing is you start off by knowing what you are looking for. You are looking for a specific thing in the first place, e.g. "VC tube skirt" or whatever.

Hmm. I guess it is perhaps less efficient for those who don't know what they want, who want simply to browse?

Then there is the size issue -- you have to be lucky to find it in your size. I looked for the Lanai on Ebay and while they had a couple, only in bright red cotton blend in my size.

Anonymous

Your thrifting luck must have translated to eBay luck!

I haven't had much luck finding what I want in my size. Or, there are no returns or shipping is ridiculous.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Good job Shannon! Love these pieces for you.

Marley

Veteran

I too have had some good experiences with eBay purchasing over the past 6 months;
* Black Brahmin handbag - brand new with tags - purchased it by winning the auction - got it for a steal (kind of felt guilty)
* Three (3) Equipment silk blouses (including the cat print) - all brand new with tags - bought one of them by auction, the other two were BIN.
* One pair of True Religion Cameron Vintage BF jeans - new with tags.
* Black Zella jacket that Rae had at last year's Shopterfest that I couldn't get out of my mind - had been stalking it on eBay ever since - finally popped up in my size - brand new with tags - a 4th of the price that it was being sold for at Nordstroms!
I would not have been able to afford any of these items if I had had to buy them at full price - so, whoo-hoo!
I do remember though, Denise had a bad experience on eBay with the Rag & Bone moto jeans - they were cut funny - probably seconds. Not good!

Just thought of one more item - a brand new with tags Ann Taylor neon lights pink necklace - love it!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I'm finding ebay increasingly interesting, too! Of course it complicates matters that I live overseas, but still, I've had some luck myself. Two J Crew Perfect Shirts, and two No 2 Pencil skirts are now in my wardrobe, and at a very good price, too.

Your selection is lovely, I particularly like the skirt, shirt and the watch. I'm sure your thrifting skills are helping you when you make your decisions - it shows. It's great to source things otherwise not available online, but in general, I much prefer B&M stores to be able to feel and try first. We also have very poor return opportunities where I live.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I am such a lemming that before I even got to the end, I opened a window with ebay and started looking at Anne Fontaine shirts. *sigh*

Great finds Shannon. I will watch to see how the printed jeans work out. I think they are very interesting and something like that would work in my casual work environment. The VC tube is a lovely print as well and since I have two pairs of the Kut Diana's, I am obviously a fan.

Great shopping.

ETA: You can often get great deals on the auctions if you use a program that auto bids for you. The one I use is bidnip.com. There is a very small fee to buy "bids" and then you can enter your max bid and how many seconds before the end you want the bid placed. It uses increments so you don't pay more than needed and it helps to avoid bidding frenzy because you decide up front how much you are willing to pay. I used it to buy the antique crystal chandeliers for my home. I put bidnips on at least a dozen before I got one at a price I was willing to pay.

Anonymous

Shannon, that is dangerously inspiring. I'm at the place in my style journey (as you are) where I know more what I want, and I'm hunting for a specific item. Sometimes it's not even available at retail. I need to expand my search to Ebay as well! Awesome finds!

shedev

Veteran

Great ebay finds You are the queen of the deal. Doing a little sleuthing really helps to result in a better buying experience.

catgirl

Veteran

i have been doing barely any e-baying, but it's entirely a function of not having the time or energy. Shannon, can I hire you to shop for me?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Una - that would be my dream job - shopping for a living!

Suz - it's true that I only look for specific items. The Lanai jacket for example...I knew I wanted to try it but could not afford if at full retail so stalked it and finally one showed up.

Marley and Ingunn - you're had excellent luck too with your great choices.

I do and did remember Denise's bad experience which taught me to be sure about the seller's return policy and ask any and all questions before buying.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Great way to work eBay - fab pieces

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I have found myself filling in for specific wants on Ebay ,but only do brands that I know what size fits me well.

MsLuna

Veteran

Shannon, there is definitely a common thread with your purchased items. They can certainly work in a navy/white capsule, which I know you can rock. Also noticed the timeless and trendy item combination. Very sophisticated looking too! Inspiring!

Deborah

Veteran

This is great Shannon. I have been an Ebay seller for some time but it has taken me awhile to develop confidence as a buyer. To date I have been very happy with my purchases. It's a great avenue for for locating specific items at good prices. I think you have done so well with these purchases and it looks like a mini capsule in itself :). I like the sound of classic with trendy, tho I think the Theory jacket is more edgy:). Classic is a brilliant foundation to build on.

Lantana

Veteran

Brilliant work Shannon. Are you bidding through a service?
ETA Sorry, saw your comment above about Buy it Now only. I've gone that way too, not that I am actively buying anywhere right now.

soobee

Veteran

All these pieces are lovely, AND classic, so versatile Shannon. I need a crisp white shirt, will be looking on ebay for one Love that watch too.

I also live in a "shopping desert", and in the plus size factor and there's barely anything to buy in my area so online purchases are a godsend for me. I do have a few items which I am planning to sell on as they didn't work out for me. Shipping from anywhere outside Australia makes returns not worthwhile, but I am happy to have a few mishaps for a couple of great items. Sure beats nothing at all!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Ebay is really great for Equipment shirts and other things that you already know you want. I can't wait to see you model your new purchases!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

That's great, Shannon! What a great haul! Can't wait to see the Anne Fontaine shirt on you, we can be double collar AF twins! It does look like a great capsule. I'm amazed at your shopping prowess.

I think you are good with eBay because you are a great thrifter already. I don't have such great luck with eBay, most of the things I bought there I would have returned but couldn't because I bought it on eBay. I bought the Equipment kitty shirt and a jellyfish dress that fit fortunately, but the rest haven't worked out. I order a lot online but like to try and return, so I think I need to mostly stick to Nordstrom and other retail stores, otherwise I get burned too often. I do want to figure out how to sell on eBay though!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Oooh, some very pretty finds for a navy capsule, Shannon!

I ebay quite a bit too, and I have only had one negative experience out of 96, so I figure that's pretty good! :3 It does help me get things I want at a more reasonable price - ANTHRO I AM LOOKING AT YOU - and helps me look different than the other Anthro worms at work.

:3 Love the Kate Spade!

Lyn D.

Veteran

These are all great Shannon!
I quite like Ebay as a seller. It is usually the better-quality items that sell, and I did quite well with shoes that had not been worn much- closet orphans.
I sometimes look for Forum items not available in Oz, but haven't had much success so far.