I never used to be into consignment shopping. Mainly because, when I walk into a secondhand store, I don’t know where to look. Everything looks like a mess and I don’t have a keen eye to spot never-been-worn designer pieces like some people I know.
Take my friend Emily. She’s a fashion designer with a killer wardrobe who lives and dies by consignment shops. She actually took me to one last year, eyed the racks and grabbed five or six amazing pieces, all of which have since become staples in my wardrobe. I don’t know how she did it. I tried to duplicate the experience on my own with no such luck. I just don’t have what it takes to weed through everything to unearth the good stuff. In my size. That isn’t stained. Or the time to go to a store when it’s so hit or miss.
Then a secondhand clothing company called thredUP challenged me to shop their site for my holiday outfits. I love a good challenge so I thought I would give it a shot, but to be honest, I did not have high hopes.
ThredUP sells high-quality, women’s and kid’s secondhand clothes and accessories, but as I found when I went on their site, they make it much easier to unearth things you are actually looking for. You can shop by category, size or designer. Then you can narrow down things even further with specific options like short sleeves (in the shirt category) or straight leg (in the jeans category.) Everything is pictured like a regular online shop with descriptions of the product that include helpful details like “good as new” or “pilling slightly.”
So what did I find? I looked up designer/dresses/long sleeve and found this great sweater dress from BCBG and black/size 9 Brazilian leather heels from Faryl Robin.
I also scored this amazing silver designer/clutch from Henri Bendel.
Here I am laughing at the ridiculousness of posing in my bedroom in evening wear.
I wanted to find something for a more casual holiday gathering so I looked through the shirts and jeans section and found this awesome elastic-waisted shirt from Michael Kors.
While I was at it, I decided to look for a very specific item in the outerwear category. I always have a crucial element missing from my coat closet— a jacket that exists somewhere between slightly-chilly-fall-weather and my-nipples-are-about-to-freeze-off-winter-tundra-weather. I found this short puffy jacket with a faux fur collar, also from Michael Kors, which was seriously exactly what I wanted.
When I placed the order, the confirmation email showed me that on my total purchase I had saved 73% off the original item prices! The clothes arrived in a nice big box, wrapped in tissue paper, with cute thredUP tags attached to each piece. I tried everything on and SUCCESS!!! Except for a pair of jeans I bought to go with the Michael Kors shirt. They were too tight and too short, but jeans are tough. On the plus side, thredUP makes it easy to return anything you don’t love.
The best part? I can send in some of my secondhand clothes to sell on consignment and then use the money to buy new stuff! In fact, if you check my Snapchat (ilanawiles) next week, you might catch me giving away some of my clothes.
Giveaway:
Today, I’m giving away a $250 thredUP gift card! To enter, just visit the site, find an item you would be excited to purchase and then leave the link to the item in the comments below.
Winner Update:
Congratulations to Samantha B! Please contact allie@mommyshorts.com to claim your prize!
Special Offer:
If you want to shop right now? The first 100 people to use code MOMMYSHORTS40 will get 40% off their first purchase at thredUP! (New, US customers only. Discount up to $50.)
Winner will be announced on December 23, 2016. Happy secondhand shopping!
————————
This post was sponsored by thredUP, but I am totally wearing my new black dress on New Year’s Eve.
Do I have to pick just one?
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-banana-republic-black-casual-dress/20675093?sizing_id=795%2C778%2C790%2C781%2C798
This is super cute!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-banana-republic-gray-cocktail-dress/20437132?shortcut=4143
Would love this! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-silk-diane-von-furstenberg-beige-silk-dress/20260739?sizing_id=791%2C778%2C790%2C563
I’ve window shopped a thredup but have never made a purchase. I would totally purchase this Kate Spade dress https://www.thredup.com/product/women-viscose-kate-spade-new-york-navy-blue-casual-dress/20634552
I would this brown handbag to go to my brown short boots and jeans mommy uniform hahaha
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-leather-michael-michael-kors-brown-leather-hobo/19968234
BTW thanks for the review at least once a year I browse around but never had the courage to buy something to scared to waste my money on something I felt not reliable. Merry Christmas
Oh I LOVE this dress! How have I not looked at this site before?!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-susana-monaco-black-casual-dress/20676242
I NEED this: https://www.thredup.com/product/women-viscose-kate-spade-new-york-navy-blue-casual-dress/20634552
It’s so cool that they sell maternity clothing for mama’s to be!! I would love this black dress from Gap for the holidays! I’d spruce it up with a great statement necklace and sparkly flats 🙂
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-rayon-gap-maternity-black-casual-dress/20436294?sizing_id=812
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-foley-corinna-tan-tote/20451024?sizing_id=795%2C798%2C813%2C822%2C825%2C563
I want all the designer purses.
This! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-helen-wang-black-casual-dress/20608422?sizing_id=790%2C791%2C554
Thanks for introducing me to Thread Up! I’ve heard about the site but never really looked at it. I found quite a few things I might just order today based on your experience. Here’s one piece that I found.
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-lauren-by-ralph-lauren-black-long-sleeve-blouse/20136582?sizing_id=812%2C825%2C568
This would be great for work! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-catherine-catherine-malandrino-navy-blue-tote/20519798
Thanks for finding me somewhere else to go when procrastinating. At least it won’t break my bank account! Seriously, this site is adorable! I’m particularly in love with the cut out on this dress: https://www.thredup.com/product/women-virgin-wool-paige-black-label-black-wool-dress/19209706?sizing_id=795%2C790 and I like this one a lot too: https://www.thredup.com/product/women-dolan-gray-casual-dress/19019156?sizing_id=795%2C790
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-rayon-alice-olivia-black-casual-dress/17806115?sizing_id=812%2C832%2C563%2C825
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-leather-michael-michael-kors-brown-leather-wristlet/19961024?sizing_id=795
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-bcbgmaxazria-navy-blue-casual-dress/20666103?sizing_id=778%2C782%2C563
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-j-crew-tan-flats/20414508?sizing_id=579%2C584%2C798%2C799%2C812
Thank you for introducing me to this website!!! I would love this dress!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-the-limited-black-casual-dress/19509263
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-as-u-wish-brown-cocktail-dress/20615356?sizing_id=812
This dress though! I am hoping the code still works and I can get this for a super steal and wear it on NYE!
https://www.thredup.com/sl?u=1154849&i=12819783&p=204
Love this Coach purse!
Of course, by posting this i guarantee someone else will buy it… http://www.thredup.com/sl?u=1085566&i=14399460&p=101
https://www.thredup.com/product/16137794
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-romeo-and-juliet-couture-brown-34-sleeve-blouse/20510654
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-alberto-makali-gray-long-sleeve-blouse/20613892
Love this cardigan!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-for-cynthia-black-cardigan/19498122?sizing_id=588%2C829
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-acrylic-renee-c-black-short-sleeve-blouse/19286903?sizing_id=812%2C842%2C829%2C571%2C832%2C841
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-dkny-jeans-gray-cardigan/20518949
I love using ThredUP for wedding outfits. It’s so hard to find designer outfits where I’m from. This is an adorable dress I might have to order just for fun. https://www.thredup.com/product/women-rayon-rory-beca-tan-casual-dress/20508946?sizing_id=795
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-the-sak-red-hobo/20603951. Love this purse!
This green fossil wallet is perfect! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-fossil-dark-green-leather-wallet/17488256
This dress!!! Which i may buy as soon as I’m done leaving this comment. I had no idea this stuff would be so beautiful!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-max-and-cleo-dark-green-cocktail-dress/17251318?shortcut=4144
Always looking for new athletic wear.
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-nike-black-track-jacket/20591652
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-acetate-laundry-by-design-black-cocktail-dress/15827177?shortcut=4142
I love this bag!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-leather-michael-michael-kors-ivory-leather-shoulder-bag/20535534?sizing_id=795%2C559%2C791%2C806
I’d rock this! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-acrylic-gap-light-pink-pullover-sweater/20603399?sizing_id=812%2C559
I think I could wear this one everyday!!! Loved it!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-michael-michael-kors-black-pullover-sweater/20305817?sizing_id=795%2C563%2C778%2C781%2C790
Two important things you didn’t mention so I will: 1. they have plus sizes!!! So many sites forget about us bigger ladies and ThredUp allows us to get stylish pieces without paying a fortune and 2. You can set your sizes and apply that filter so you always see exactly what will fit you. I Love that feature.
Now to enter, I want this blazer (there is a matchi g skirt too so I am probably buying this right now!)
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-lane-bryant-gray-blazer/20131030?sizing_id=563%2C844%2C858%2C870
I love this dress! I might just treat myself.
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-silk-bcbgmaxazria-red-silk-dress/16404061?sizing_id=812
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-acetate-donna-ricco-black-cocktail-dress/17132616?shortcut=4143&sizing_id=781%2C790%2C795%2C778%2C559
I’ve wanted a Michael Kors for so long but haven’t been able to ever spend the money so this would be a great purchase for me. Plus I love sunny yellow.
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-michael-michael-kors-tan-crossbody-bag/20642763
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-jill-jill-stuart-black-cocktail-dress/20631872?sizing_id=926%2C829%2C841%2C584%2C588
Love that dress!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-lane-bryant-burgundy-sleeveless-blouse/20522705?sizing_id=925%2C844
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-white-house-black-market-black-cocktail-dress/16710885?shortcut=4141
So many great finds! Here’s my favorite so far!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-kors-michael-kors-brown-boots/20280115?sizing_id=795%2C579
Oh my word this cocktail dress!!!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-alice-olivia-black-cocktail-dress/16295227?shortcut=4141&sizing_id=812%2C813%2C798%2C790%2C576
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-tory-burch-dark-blue-casual-dress/19988640?sizing_id=795%2C568
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-petunia-pickle-bottom-brown-diaper-bag/20570436?sizing_id=926%2C841 Totally bought 6 things while looking for a link 🙂 thank you!!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-vans-orange-sneakers/20401271?sizing_id=576
These are adorable! Pick me 😉
I love thredup! It was great to expand and spruce up my postpartum work wardrobe! Was so sick of maternity pants but my regular pants still didn’t quite fit. I browse all the time! Here’s one I currently have my eye on http://www.thredup.com/sl?u=13209945&i=17088299&p=102
I got sucked in looming for an itwm I was browsing for over an hour haha there were hundreds of items i would love. But, I went with this one for my daughter. Oh and I love that you can link your amazon account! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-prana-gray-zip-up-hoodie/20694143
Ugh, of course I didn’t proof read my comment. Oops.
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-apt-9-black-cocktail-dress/17765663?shortcut=4143&sizing_id=778%2C781%2C791%2C782%2C568
https://www.thredup.com/product/girls-cotton-sprockets-brown-cords/14785832?sizing_id=841%2C18
i love this site! Recently scored a $250 dress for $20! And I’m eyeing this bag next!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-kate-spade-new-york-black-crossbody-bag/18859999
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-bcbgmaxazria-black-casual-dress/17881059?sizing_id=778%2C791%2C559
Going on vacation in January. Would totally buy this.
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-bcbgmaxazria-green-casual-dress/20599219
I like how they have plus sized clothing that doesnt look like curtains.
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-coldwater-creek-orange-jacket/20168602?sizing_id=806%2C926%2C588
I’m glad to see they have maternity clothes too! I like this sweater https://www.thredup.com/product/women-viscose-h-and-m-mama-gray-pullover-sweater/20112778?sizing_id=795%2C825%2C563%2C568
I have only used thredup for my kids in the past, but these pieces fit you so well I would love to try it for myself!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-the-limited-black-casual-dress/20564543
nice black dress https://www.thredup.com/product/women-triacetate-mimi-maternity-black-casual-dress/20514011?sizing_id=795%2C790%2C563
Omg their maternity clothes!!! So cute and would save me so much money!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-acrylic-jessica-simpson-maternity-beige-pullover-sweater/20480051?sizing_id=795%2C791%2C563
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-the-limited-black-blazer/17564298?sizing_id=825%2C813%2C798%2C795
I am always cold in my classroom and this blazer is a lot nicer than the old cardigan I normally reach for! Love ThreadUp! I’ve bought my kids clothes from them before.
I would love this!!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-elementz-dark-green-34-sleeve-blouse/20620024?sizing_id=844%2C858%2C925
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-michael-michael-kors-tan-shoulder-bag/19971408
I have wanted a mk bag for years but being a mom of 4 boys I out myself last a lot. Would be so awesome go win it! 🙂
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-eddie-bauer-pink-long-sleeve-button-down-shirt/20485644?sizing_id=778
Id4love this cute shirt!
Love this maternity dress! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-silk-hale-bob-dark-purple-silk-dress/20359800?sizing_id=812%2C829%2C822
I didn’t save any of my maternity clothes from my twins and this is the last baby for us. I don’t want to spend a ton of money so thredUP sounds like a great option for me.
I always seem to be carrying extra stuff in my purse. Water bottles, wallet, phone, charger, crochet projects and a book! This would be prefect! !
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-coach-factory-dark-blue-tote/20423250?sizing_id=795%2C778%2C825%2C563%2C568
I love this black dress! Considering changing my dress plans for NYE and snagging this beauty!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-david-david-meister-black-cocktail-dress/17184615?sizing_id=568%2C822%2C832
https://www.thredup.com/product/20706351
This is SO me… and my daughter. That’s the advantage of having daughters. As they grow closer to your size, your wardrobe potentially increases every time you give them a gift…
Check it out — Dkny Wool Dress for $60.99 on thredUP!
Love it? Use this link for $10 off. New customers only.
https://www.thredup.com/sl?u=4887266&i=16255324&p=204
Love this! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-david-meister-black-casual-dress/20226299?sizing_id=798%2C795%2C554
Pretty sweater and under $15!!!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-gap-pink-pullover-sweater/16745989?shortcut=4020&sizing_id=778
ThredUP is my jam. I’m obsessed. It’s the only place I look for designer jeans.
Check it out — Paige Jeans for $33.99 on thredUP!
https://www.thredup.com/sl?u=1268652&i=16001090&p=204
This one please! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-merino-wool-j-crew-beige-wool-pullover-sweater/20523260?sizing_id=778
I love this outfit
So cute! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-j-crew-beige-casual-dress/17755132?sizing_id=806%2C795%2C812%2C568
This looks so cozy. https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cashmere-robert-rodriguez-gray-cashmere-pullover-sweater/20355042?sizing_id=812
I have been looking for a new bag for work…
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-michael-michael-kors-navy-blue-shoulder-bag/18618911
I love this dress!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-viscose-lauren-by-ralph-lauren-black-casual-dress/20414901?sizing_id=841
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-ya-los-angeles-black-casual-dress/17564752?shortcut=4142
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-elastane-milly-dark-blue-casual-dress/20215680
This would be perfect for a conference I have to attend in January!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-masterson-boot-co-tan-boots/20334342?sizing_id=568
I love these!!!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-laundry-by-shelli-segal-black-coat/20449121?sizing_id=829%2C812
I actually ordered a few things yesterday. This is cute too!
https://www.thredup.com/product/girls-cotton-carters-gray-dress/17803359?shortcut=3552
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-paige-dark-blue-jeans/20471266
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-jealous-tomato-tan-casual-dress/16906985?shortcut=4142
This! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-clarks-purple-ankle-boots/20328544
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-lilly-pulitzer-dark-blue-casual-dress/17005753?sizing_id=778%2C782%2C563
Love this! I have never shipped this site before!
This is fab!!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-viscose-tracy-reese-brown-cocktail-dress/19707470?sizing_id=795%2C798
I’m a sucker for designer jeans!! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-club-monaco-navy-blue-jeans/19672053?sizing_id=756%2C559
Woohoo! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-nylon-boston-proper-brown-casual-dress/16027699?shortcut=4141
Of course, like always, I started to peruse the kid’s clothing. Then I had to tell myself, “Find something for yourself for once”. I love to wear dresses during the hot summer months and these prices are very reasonable. If I had place to wear it, I would have picked out a cocktail dress. BUT this one looks FUN!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-bisou-bisou-pink-casual-dress/20309894?shortcut=4142&sizing_id=795%2C781%2C554
I’ve been looking for a cute evening bag but hate to spend too much for something I would only use once in awhile. I love this!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-leather-michael-michael-kors-black-leather-shoulder-bag/20711434
i love this dress https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-xhilaration-dark-blue-casual-dress/20120725
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-suite-7-black-cocktail-dress/19438796?shortcut=4144&sizing_id=812%2C813%2C579%2C576
cute!!! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-taylor-dark-blue-casual-dress/19968203
Ive gained a little weight that I couldnt drop since having #2 and its sad how nothing i have is flattering on me anymore 🙁
This is just beautiful! I would love this. https://www.thredup.com/product/women-rayon-carmen-marc-valvo-brown-casual-dress/18932842?shortcut=4141&sizing_id=755%2C778%2C765%2C750%2C756%2C774%2C563%2C568%2C571
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-chicos-design-black-dress-pants/20630016?sizing_id=829
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-banana-republic-black-casual-dress/20675093?sizing_id=795%2C778%2C790%2C781%2C798
I’d love this dress. https://www.thredup.com/product/women-silk-donna-ricco-purple-silk-dress/18875863?sizing_id=844%2C847%2C853