consignment

consignment

The Real Real Is the Real Deal in Designer Consignment Shopping

We've all done our fair share of scrounging around vintage and consignment boutiques in hopes of finding a great designer deal, but we all know how hard that can be.
The Real Real Designer Consignment Store

We've all done our fair share of scrounging around vintage and consignment boutiques in hopes of finding a great designer deal, but we all know how hard that can be. Now, what if we told you we found a shop where you can buy some amazing vintage and past-season designer shoes, clothing, and bags — from the likes of Celine, Dolce & Gabbana, and Thakoon to name a few — all online. Amazing, yes? That's where newly conceived online designer consignment shop The Real Real comes into play. Not only did we check out and shop the site ourselves (one of our editors scored on an amazing pair of Chanel shoes for $145!), we spoke with one of its founders, Marcy Carmack, to learn more:

FabSugar: How do you determine authenticity with the items you receive?
Marcy Carmack: We rely on a team of experts across the US including former executives in all top fashion houses.

FS: How many new items do you receive on a weekly basis?
MC: It just depends, we got 500 pieces in one day from a celebrity. That is not an everyday occurrence, yet!

FS: Your site sells past season and vintage items, what are some timeless designer pieces every girl should invest in?
MC: Chanel, Louis Vuitton luggage, Hermés handbags, and quality costume jewelry. Good design is not just this season but there is good design every year.

Now that you have the down low, check out our top ten designer picks from today's curated selections then sign up (it's free) to be a member and start shopping!

Shopping

Consignment: Buy or Sell?

I decided to get an early head start on Spring cleaning and get to work with a little housekeeping post holidays.

I decided to get an early head start on Spring cleaning and get to work with a little housekeeping post holidays. For starters, I went through my whole closet, tackling years of unworn, forgotten clothing — prom dresses included, yikes! After cataloging the goods, I realized that there was some pretty decent loot there, regardless of whether it still fit me or not. My next step is to head to the closest consignment store to unload the goods and hopefully score a small sum. It's a chance to make a little money back, especially in the case of any designer pieces I can no longer wear.

But recently I've noticed a trend among my friends — tons of them are hitting the consignment shops to load up on discounted, designer finds. It's a thrifty way to get some great pieces. Still, when I'm on a run to consignment, I'm hoping to make money, not spend it, even if it is at a smaller cost. What about you? Are you a consignment buyer or seller?

Fab Site

Turn Your Ex-Covets Into Covets

Who here has a side job as a consigner?

Who here has a side job as a consigner? I've been working this gig for years — sadly, I'm not at a place where I end up loving all my purchases years later. If you're like me (shopaholic), you may find extra work with CovetShop. Their selection is pretty impressive: Chanel bags, Miu Miu pumps, Moschino booties, DVF dresses, the YSL Mombasa Horn Handbag. The prices? Solid. And you guessed it: you can hook up with the e-tailer and put your ex-coveted items up for sale.

Maternity Clothes

Baby Bump: Bargain Maternity Clothes

Not interested in spending a wad of money on maternity clothes that will only fit you for a few months?

Not interested in spending a wad of money on maternity clothes that will only fit you for a few months?

Smarty pants are turning to Belly Bundles to pick out a few bumpalicious items to carry them through those "bigger" months. The on–line consignment boutique offers dresses, jeans, tops and swimsuits that are in good condition.

If you don't have a friend who can get some wear and tear out of your stretchy jeans and you just can't stomach to look at them again, try to make a buck with Belly Bundles by shipping them your goodies. When they sell, you'll get 50 percent of the sale price!

Baby

Fab Site: ChristabellesCloset.com

Are your designer duds not finding a comfy home on eBay?

Are your designer duds not finding a comfy home on eBay? If not, Christabelle's Closet may be the humble abode for you, or better yet, your clothes. This full service luxury consignment e-boutique is the best way to get rid of high-end items without having to carry them in bags to a consignment store. Don't feel bad if you've got nothing to sell because you can always buy! Choose from bags, shoes, dresses, outerwear and more. You'll even find baby items for your little one and menswear for your hubby or boyfriend. But remember, all sales are final so shop carefully!