https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:36:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea/page/2#post-414429 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:05:56 +0000 rute 414429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the ideia! Go for it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea/page/2#post-414363 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:14:50 +0000 catgirl 414363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would pay to have someone scour the internet for me looking for things I "need" (as opposed to when I'm just browsing)... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea/page/2#post-414362 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:07:25 +0000 Angie 414362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots to think about, Rae! </p> <p>As someone who runs her own business, you need to spend some time doing the sums. How much can you actually make in a good month - and will it be enough? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea/page/2#post-414328 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 02:58:41 +0000 Suz 414328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Liz is onto something. I think what you'd be selling, as much as specific products, is YOU—your smarts, practicality, warmth, verve, and unique style. And I think you COULD make a go of this, absolutely. You have something that many others do not have, and it goes beyond access to thrift stores. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea/page/2#post-414229 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:11:05 +0000 Liz 414229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder if you could also brainstorm ways to go after the women who have more money than time. What could you do that they'd pay you to do for them? I'm thinking of the lawyer who is longing for a small touch of something unique. Or a marketing exec who needs a stylish edge but doesn't have time to search it out and put it together. They want "unique" but don't have time to scour all the little places and find all the local designers. Can you build a reputation as their personal vintage-and-boutique-and- hand-crafted-jewelry shopper and stylist? Could the women over at corporette tell you if they'd hire someone to do this for them? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea/page/2#post-414209 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:30:09 +0000 Carole 414209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Clever idea! Sunds like you have a gret idea that wouldn't cost abundle to initiate. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea/page/2#post-414203 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:24:18 +0000 Aida 414203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another benefit to having some sort of online storefront is that it's great to have somewhere to send people who've attended your parties; it gives them the option to continue benefiting from your curated boutique on their own time schedule. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea/page/2#post-414183 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:53:44 +0000 rae 414183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>re: online, I've been selling online for about 8 years. it's still a decent market, but some brands don't sell well because people just aren't familiar enough with the brands to search for them. Plus all the pain of measuring and describing fabric. My best moving stuff is AT and J. Crew. </p> <p>I would still probably continue my online selling, but the party idea *could* actually end up being less of a time commitment for me and bring in more $/time, since I won't have to ship, pay for shipping materials, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea/page/2#post-414179 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:50:42 +0000 Aida 414179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a cool idea!! Great advice in here already, just wanted to throw this thought into the mix: Because it will take a lot of your time, and because it's something fairly specialized, you are likely going to need to have multiple outlets for income. So for example, hosting parties, personalized trips to the shops, continue selling some stuff on ebay, possibly opening an etsy shop for vintage stuff, having a more curated selection in a small online shop, offering additional custom services like dying either customer items or purchased items, etc. Especially when starting out you'll likely need a few outlets then as you become more well known and get some stability and experience, you can then eliminate or expand those that are working the best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea/page/2#post-414158 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:30:15 +0000 Queen Mum 414158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is a fabulous idea Rae... I love the idea of a home "party" because it would allow you to help the gals style the items as well.. which will be the selling point. Keep us posted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea/page/2#post-414153 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:25:55 +0000 nicoleb 414153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae i know this could work -- i've seen sellers online who do this. I think it will also require a lot of your time as i'm sure you know thrift store shopping can be quite time consuming and if you're not just going for yourself but multiples sizes as well even more so. But if you can get your name out there and find a good client base -- go for it! If you're going to try to start online i think styling plays a big roll in who gets the bids and sales. </p> <p>Here's a link to one of my favorite bloggers who does this sort of thing:<br /> <a href="http://fancytreehouse.bigcartel.com/" rel="nofollow">http://fancytreehouse.bigcartel.com/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-414147 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:19:54 +0000 ironkurtin 414147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What I was told about ebay from experienced buyers and sellers is that ebay is seldom a bargain. That was when the economy was good, though. Now, who knows? *My* items seldom get more than a single bid these days, and I sell some high-end stuff, so - go with your gut and then adjust. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-414134 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:10:20 +0000 annagybe 414134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's a NYC based re-seller that is always mentioned on blogs</p> <p><a href="http://www.beaconscloset.com/collections/new-arrivals" rel="nofollow">http://www.beaconscloset.com/c.....w-arrivals</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-414131 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:05:09 +0000 rae 414131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, I see. I *thought* I had a good handle on prices, based on my Ebay experience - but as you have pointed out, that is not a localized market. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-414114 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:46:44 +0000 catgirl 414114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, get out there and do a bunch of research! Consignment shops are all over the place, depending on how upscale, and I take my stuff to different places based on what it is. My Missoni would be going to the fancy place, and my BR/j. crew stuff goes to the middle-end one. Generally they want stuff that either designer brand that holds value (DVF, Prada) or is current within two years, and will sell for 1/2 to 1/3 of the original price (of which the consignor gets half). For new items with tags on, maybe more. </p> <p>Your market will probably be people who don't frequent either thrift or consignment stores - at least here, I feel like those two things overlap. You also want to play up (I think) the advantage of funky unique stuff that may not be CURRENT, but is still interesting. </p> <p>If you offer advice on styling the items, that would probably be a big help! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-414109 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:43:32 +0000 ironkurtin 414109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It totally depends on the consignment store and what they sell, I think. I'm not sure where you're located, but the thing to do is to figure out what the demand is in your area and stock accordingly.</p> <p>For example, in NYC, people were keen on used designer clothes but also on a sort of thrift-groovy polyester-chic. Beacon's Closet (think they have a site), catered to these sorts. Higher-end shops like INA in Soho did high-end designer consignment. There are stores in LA that sell nothing but high-end dead stock like Norell, next to stores that focus on cowboy boots and blankets. Each of them have figured out their market and swing only to that.</p> <p>If your approach is a curated boutique, you'll probably get a good sense of what people respond to after you throw a few events and see what moves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-414098 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:29:06 +0000 rae 414098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Question for the consignment shoppers: what are prices like there? I have never seen or been to one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-414091 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:25:40 +0000 rachylou 414091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A nice succinct explanation of the swap meet process. Definitely you'd be providing a real service. That's too much work for me, LOL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-414056 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:24:17 +0000 amyreh 414056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great idea, but definitely charge more for the convenience! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-414055 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:23:19 +0000 Makrame 414055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It seems like the real problem would be figuring out how much inventory to keep on hand since you'll have to invest your own money (well, your business funds) to buy it. I guess you'll need to figure out how much you can afford to spend on items that may or may not sell, and what your profit margin is going to be on the items you do sell. It is also impractical to keep inventory too small, then people will be disappointed because they cannot find what they like. Like ironkurtin said, a business plan would be essential, even if you only try it out as a side gig.</p> <p>Una's idea of an online "window-shopping" store with a running tally of the available inventory sounds great, and so does the idea of having a mainstay that always sells, like jewelry or scarves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-414004 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:39:35 +0000 Heather 414004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, this sounds like an awesome idea. You know the thrill of buying vintage or thrifting is that you can't think on it for very long and you may not find one like it again. You have a terrific eye and a real knack for thrifting. I foresee this as being a very rewarding venture. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-413997 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:30:09 +0000 Debbie 413997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely try it. I agree with Julie though I think accessories could be a mainstay for you. Vintage costume jewelry is very sought after. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-413981 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:06:41 +0000 RoseandJoan 413981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is a great idea Rae, you would be able to grade your prices according to quality and age (you know that adding vintage adds $$$). I also think it would be prudent to sell accessories which cut across age, size and body shape. GOOD LUCK! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-413978 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:01:16 +0000 ironkurtin 413978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is a great idea. Present pre-sorted, clean, attractive solutions, and people will come!</p> <p>On a practical level, I would make up a business plan and think about supply/flow etc. Are you going to depend on commissions? Or do you charge a flat fee for pre-shopping and showing up, then commissions on top of that? You'll need to rent storage space and arrange for alterations and cleaning. Perhaps there are bulk discounts that can be arranged, or an agreement with a tailor that you *always* recommend. Perhaps you rent a small space to be both storage and display/boutique. That way people can come to you, instead of you going to them, which would save wear and tear on the items, and ensure proper mirrors etc.</p> <p>Just some ideas, I think this could be very fun and exciting for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-413975 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:57:43 +0000 MsMary 413975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, I think you'd be surprised what the market will bear, pricewise! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-413971 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:53:42 +0000 catgirl 413971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely, Rae. You could also have an online store so your regular customers could check in to see what's available! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-413969 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:49:07 +0000 rae 413969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, one other idea I had: </p> <p>I'd probably have to keep a running inventory at home to help combat the fact that secondhand stores don't always have what you want when you want it. I'd try to constantly buy good stuff in a variety of sizes, so that I'd always have some things on hand even if my sources happened to be dry. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-413967 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:46:49 +0000 rae 413967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, the positive feedback is exciting! </p> <p>AG, MaryK, and others - thanks for the tip on pricing. I was afraid that charging too much would scare people off and not give the incentive to try out an unconventional idea. Perhaps I'm wrong. </p> <p>AJ - I've sorta kinda tried the stylist idea in the past... this is the part I mentioned where people get bored/overwhelmed when they have to actually come with me to the stores. The other downside is that some days might yield lots of stuff, while some might be a total bust. </p> <p>Modgrl - this would DEFINITELY be something I do on the side, while still holding my "day job." It's mainly to make me *think* I'm doing something I love, even though I'm still a drone IRL. </p> <p>BJ - the travelling shop is seriously cool! </p> <p>Rachylou - the swap meet process in a nutshell: dig through dirty clothes for 2+ hours without mirrors and without being able to try anything on. I can't figure out why people get so turned off! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-413953 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:11:49 +0000 esenin 413953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That sounds incredible-a really innovative idea that could work if you put energy (which you have) into it.<br /> I hope you don't live near me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/sort-of-ot-critique-my-hairbrained-fashionbusiness-idea#post-413937 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:01:01 +0000 Anonymous 413937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic idea, Rae!!! Definitely charge what you're worth. Your time and expertise are very valuable. </p>