Prego Fashionista? Diane von Furstenberg makes pregnancy chic!

I don't know about you, but I absolutely adore Diane von Furstenberg. That doesn't mean I can fit into the clothing, if we're being honest. However, I'm used to perusing her website, magazines and catalogs and dreaming of the day I'll be a 12 or very small 14 (and be able to afford them).

Every now and then I'll stumble across a piece at Goodwill. I've found several wrap dresses, a couple of skirts and some gorgeous little tops. I've come to recognize her tag. There are some specialty lines, but I've only ever seen the "Vintage" line.

So you can imagine my surprise (and excitement) when I spotted this gorgeous little number. It was one of those instances where I saw it a mile away. When I swept it into my hands, I was shocked to see it was DvF...Maternity?

I of course went straight to the internet and started to do some research. First I need to ensure that this isn't a fake. Luckily, it's got all the info I need it to have. I now know the name is "Bohemette". Odd.

According to Bellymaternity.ca., DvF maternity can only be purchased online at this maternity boutique, or by visiting the Belly maternity store in Canada. Here I am in Atlanta, GA wondering how in the world this beauty made it's way here.

Apparently the brand will be sold in Neiman Marcus store soon enough. Then I can expect to see much more of it in Goodwill stores.

Here's my opinion on the matter. Yes I love DvF, yes I love the look of pregnancy. But it just seems so odd to spend so much on the clothing that can only be worn for a few months. But, I get it. It's the answer to the "What will I wear to that wedding/cocktail party/Gala?" question that Fashionista Mommies occasionally ask.

Now, to be more "top specific", here are a few details about this gorgeous piece. It's silk, of course. Has a bold and beautiful abstract floral print. Mandarin style collar that ties at the neck. Plenty of belly bump room. Completely sheer. Completely gorgeous. Ok, I get it. Of course I paid $5 for it. So it's a steal for me. And I'm passing along the deal to another fortunate Mommy in waiting.

One more thing, before you go. Can you explain pregnancy spanx to me? Doesn't that just seem wrong?

Click here to check out other fashionable items at rock bottom prices.

French Chic in Goodwill?

I search and search, daily almost, for that one piece of clothing that will give me a slight rush. I peak  at the end of the rack I'm currently searching and spy a beautiful ruby red garment. I can see from several feet away that that piece is special.


I know it's there, but I've committed to scanning each item on this rack, and admit that I like to prolong that little rush I know will take over me as I pick up that red beauty. So, I stay where I am and keep that number in the corner of my eye. I find a beautiful silk floral Banana Republic frock and a classy chic Calvin Klein powder blue shirt dress along the way. And then I'm there. 


From experience, I know a designer item can be spotted from a mile away. The structured design, expensive material and interesting print make a dress by Diane von Furstenberg, for example, stick out like a sore thumb amidst the polyester of cheaper brands. No offense. 


So as I sweep this silk 'Feather' off the rack and into my cart (I'm in the zone, there is no stopping me now! I'll examine closely later) I quickly eye the brand. Moulinette Soeurs.


Part of running a successful Ebay store is knowing your brands and selling them accurately. In other words, ensuring the item is not a fake. Anthropologie has been a hot keyword on Ebay for quite some time, and sellers have discovered that simply adding the name Anthropologie to their listing will drive buyers into their stores. Unfortunately, the item for sale may not in fact be from an Anthropologie store.


I've spent hours on the Anthropologie website compiling a list of brands currently sold in stores. This master list has been revised so many times that it's become a file in my brain. So, I know from accessing my brain file, that Moulinette Soeurs is an Anthropologie regular.


Score! 

Gorgeous Ruffled Neckline

So let's discuss this beauty in more detail, shall we? First off, it's a size 14. Sleeveless, scoop neck front and back. A delicate ruffle accents the bust. The waist is accentuated by a thin ribbon detail. It's delicate, feminine and rich. Stunning ruby red silk. It is, simply put, French Chic discarded un-lovingly to a Goodwill. Luckily, I can give it a good home. Click here to see the listing.


I paid a whopping $5.89. It's average selling price is $60.99 on Ebay. 


Click here to Check out other AMAZING Items at Quality.Finds on Ebay.Com!

What's the Opposite of Christmas in July? December 2010

I suppose it would be July in December?

Selling on Ebay is all about trends. A seller must stay on top of these trends, on a day by day basis. Fashion is full of fads, changes, additions, etc. A savvy seller sees these changes and adjusts their inventory as needed.

Perhaps the most obvious change on Ebay is a seasonal one. It seems obvious, but you'd be surprised  how many stores are still jam packed with tanks and tees in January, while there is only one sweater for all the millions of Ebay shoppers to share.

As Fall began this year, I marked down my Spring and Summer items. I began to fill up for Fall in Winter in August.

(Some brands sell no matter what time of year it is. A gal in Alaska  in the dead of Winter is just as likely to pick up a Free People tank as a surfer chick in California. Labels, labels, labels.)

In the colder months, you'll find me scanning the Spring and Summer items (shhh don't share this secret!). The average bargain hunter isn't in the market for a tank top when it's snowing outside. These racks fill and fill until they practically overflow with amazing items. The designer labels are more available because I'm the only one in town checking for them!

My own rule has been with each trip to my favorite bargain spot, I pick up at least one quality Spring and Summer item.

Recently, I hit the jackpot. The average brand watcher may not know this label, but the true Fashionistas will. Kay Unger New York. To me, she is especially interesting as she has a background in Fine Art (did I mention I also have a passion for art?) and in fact depends on her "eye" as an artist when designing and choosing prints. Particularly, her color composition is wonderful. I would guess that this is exactly what has made her a coveted designer. Each bright, colorful, striking piece is a show stopper!

Kay Unger New York

Kay Unger New York is  'hit or miss' on Ebay.com. You just never know. I always give her a chance, and have had average luck with her garments. Generally, a silk skirt will sell around $25.

This featured dress is the epitome of my above descriptions. It's tropical. It's bright. It's interesting. It's unique. (It retails well over $300!!!)

At maxi-dress length, layers of silk, sheer and stunning, this dress truly is a show stopper! It's a halter with a plunge V-neck, which Kay Unger smartly lined with tons of uber-feminine ruffles. It's a rare size 14 also.

I've personally always found Hawaiian print to look tacky, but if I had to choose a Hawaiian print for myself, this would be it. The palette is limited to shades of 3 colors, vs tons of crazy colors thrown every which way. Also, the leaf is the star here, not the flower itself. What a nice switch!

Oh, and  "pssst"....I paid $5.79!

As always, I welcome your comments! Please stop by my store also: Quality.Finds.Iconic.Clothing on Ebay.com

http://www.kayunger.com/

Free as a Bird, Free People Finds. December 2010

Free People embodies the ultimate style trends in each and every design. It's funky, it's crafty and it always a bit suprising. Much like viewing a work of art, a Free People top or dress (or anything really) can be viewed from multiple angles. It can offer a different perspective for each person, and a new surprise around every corner.

It's also expensive. On http://www.freepeople.com/ your looking to spend between $48-$200 for a piece. So, I'm always thrilled to find a Free People treasure to offer to my Fashionista followers.

I'm showcasing my most recent favorites!

I'm loving this Southwest inspired skirt, pictured below. The skirt is textured with muted tones. The A-line shape is of course flattering, and the textured accents take this skirt from "eh" the average skirt to "yeah", that's it. Um, not to mention...it's a size 12! A real girls size!

Free People Southwestern Inspired Skirt

I think one of the most interesting things about Free People is, you just never know what's next. The lack of cohesion from piece to piece has sort of become the unifying element in any line of Free People clothing. It makes it so exciting for someone like myself, who find tons of Free People items, but never the same too. You just never know what people will love! ( I love it all, what can I say!)

This angora skirt is the perfect example of two items from the same label coming out completely differently. It's nothing like the above skirt. From Southwestern to modern! The shape of this skirt reminds me of something out of The Fifth Element, futuristic and funky.
The color is amazing, the nylon side panels are strange, and it's fun and sexy.
The sweater material includes angora, which makes for rich feeling super soft stretchiness (I just made up that word).




Free People Angora Sweater Skirt

 I try to keep my store full of Free People items. Check everyday, because you really just never know!

Nanette Lepore Fringed Skirt. December 2010

I've always been a Nanette Lepore fan. It's one of those labels that I can love and read about, and peruse, but I'd never be able to afford.

Her lines are funky, bohemian almost, with a dash of preppy. I've always adored her prints, but maybe more, her embellishments.

Each piece tells a detailed little story from beginning (the style) to the climax (the print) and lastly, the finale (the embellishments). You never know what you may find, from strange ribbons, pieces of canvas to a subtle fringe.

This skirt doesn't disappoint. It is perhaps, the ultimate example of Nanette's stories. From the style (A-line mini skirt) to the print (a sort of vintage inspired blue and burgundy perfection) and lastly, the embellishments (fringe galore!).

I adore this little piece, that I paid a 'hefty' $4.79 for. It would retail for well over $250.

Anthropologie Lovers Rejoice! December 2010

Ever wandered into an Anthropologie store?
The true Anthropologie lover knows what I'm talking about.
Feminine fabrics, unique patterns dressed up in the most creative ways and bold accessories galore.
I also know that  for me, the prices are too high to buy regularly. It's a save up, buy an investment piece, and head back to Target for the rest.

After months of research, I've accumulated the most accurate list of brands sold within Anthropologie stores possible (including cross checking brands on Anthropologie.com). I've searched for these brands specifically, and you may be surprised, but I find them on a regular basis, at "For-A-Song" prices!

My personal favorite brands are Odille, Fei, Language Los Angeles, Moth and Deletta.

To feature a few, I've added pictures of a few current pieces within my store.

First, you see an Odille strapless piece. This is the ultimate Odille example. Sheer, beautifully printed material. Ruched bust for the ultimate flattering fit. Flexible boning to showcase the amazing craftsmanship of Odille. Don't forget the super sexy black lace trim! Retails in stores around $80

My personal favorite is a navy Deletta tunic with embroidered embellishments! With over sized sleeves and body, rich stretch jersey like material and metallic accents, this piece is festive AND casual! There is nothing quite like a piece that can be dressed up and down as needed. Retails in stores around $80

Last, but certainly not least, an Fei ruffled tunic. Casual, girly and funky! Contrasting prints make this top a little more like a piece of art that just a garment in your closet. A large ruffled collar allow this top to go dressy under a structured blazer for work wear! The tunic is textured cotton, making this more of an everyday girl's piece. Retails in stores around $80

I paid less that $15 for all 3 items!

Keep checking in. Anthropologie items are always available!

Diane Von Furstenberg. November 2010

I'm skimming through the skirt rack, quickly and efficiently. The hangers click together loudly and with each flip of my wrist, I feel the fabric and check the brand tag.

Through experience, I've become very familiar with materials. My fingertips can feel the difference between a Charlotte Russe polyester skirt and a Banana Republic silk frock with my eyes closed.

Mindlessly I work the racks, occasionally spotting something from a distance that I know will be "something". I continue my pace with great anticipation as I near the piece that I've  already selected to purchase in my mind.

Today, its a Diane Von Furstenberg skirt. My mind screams "Score!"

This red, snakeskin printed skirt is a must have. Layers of gorgeous sheer silk paired with sparkly silk blends and amazing craftsmanship basically guarantee a significant sale.

Turns out, this one is rare. This was the signature print in DVF's "Rialto" line. Spicy, sexy, bold. Uncommon. The perfect equation.

This skirt retails at about $250, however it's not available for sale anywhere that I could find!

I paid LESS than $5!

We'll call this Amazing Designer Steal #1!