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!
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This post was sponsored by thredUP, but I am totally wearing my new black dress on New Year’s Eve.
I love ThredUp! They have great children’s clothes too. This is darling for my son!
https://www.thredup.com/product/boys-cotton-old-navy-blue-long-sleeve-button-down-shirt/16745077?sizing_id=94
So many choices! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-viscose-h-and-m-coral-short-sleeve-henley/20001739
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-michael-michael-kors-tan-sneakers/20475357
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-modal-banana-republic-gray-short-sleeve-top/20531129?sizing_id=765%2C778%2C782%2C534%2C538
Like you, I am always wary of consignment shopping. I never know how to find the good stuff. Glad to know you were able to find things you like once you got them home.
This dress is cute, I might just try it:
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-ann-taylor-loft-gray-casual-dress/19683153?sizing_id=829%2C812%2C832
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-bcbgmaxazria-black-ankle-boots/20580110
These booties are super cute!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-acetate-teri-jon-by-rickie-freeman-light-pink-casual-dress/16962349?sizing_id=822%2C825%2C571
Hello color block (aka my best friend)! and Hello amazing deals, this is so cool, thank you for showing me such a great site!
Love this one!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-silk-rag-and-bone-red-silk-dress/19570727?sizing_id=813
This has just a little bit of sparkle for a holiday party without being disco ballish. https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-michael-michael-kors-blue-sleeveless-top/19794483?sizing_id=778
Like you, I am in desperate need of a coat!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-wool-via-spiga-gray-wool-coat/20655961?sizing_id=576%2C829
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-dressbarn-purple-long-sleeve-button-down-shirt/20405043?sizing_id=871%2C861 would be cool
I’ve always been so interested in online clothing companies such as this and never had the nerve to look into it, mostly because they make you sign in immediately! (I don’t know you! Can you allow me to at least peruse first?) But since you did it, I bit the bullet, and allowed them to log me in via FB! I’m glad I did! I’m further intrigued! I am also interested in this totally cheapo but super cute wrap dress for New Years Eve for me and the bump!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-liz-lange-maternity-for-target-black-casual-dress/20492054?sizing_id=755%2C765%2C757%2C768%2C547%2C750%2C756
I love Thredup for maternity clothes. I’m going to wear it for six months tops!
This Marc Jacobs dress is really cute!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-silk-marc-by-marc-jacobs-black-casual-dress/20032452
I love this skirt! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-vue-point-woman-black-casual-skirt/19247551
These boots would go great with me Christmas outfit!
Check it out — Bruno Magli Boots for $115.99 on thredUP!
Love it? Use this link for $10 off. New customers only.
https://www.thredup.com/sl?u=651597&i=17003584&p=204
I’d be excited to buy a jacket with a ThreadUp gift card! I love this site and the idea behind it. I got so excited I just bought two tops for the holiday season!
It is COLD here in South Dakota. I need this!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-wool-max-studio-brown-sweater-dress/17839984?sizing_id=812
I need a new LBD! 🙂
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-rayon-bcbgmaxazria-black-casual-dress/17047709?sizing_id=795%2C790
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-rayon-max-studio-gray-casual-dress/20685906
Because I haven’t owned a dress or wore a dress since Ive had kids.
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-prada-red-flats/15651514?sizing_id=812%2C795%2C813%2C799%2C822%2C559%2C806
I’ve been looking for a decently priced denim vest for a while now!! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-gap-blue-denim-vest/20044851
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-isabella-oliver-black-casual-dress/20270485
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-boden-light-purple-casual-dress/19265822
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-express-tan-cocktail-dress/20649014?sizing_id=795
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-wool-brooks-brothers-black-wool-blazer/20289884?sizing_id=841
This would be great for the office.
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-nylon-taylor-dark-blue-casual-dress/20422588
https://www.thredup.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=blogger_mommyshorts&referral_code=blogger_mommyshortsdec16&new_user=true
I’ve shopped at ThredUp for years for my kids but have never bought anything for myself. My husband and I are taking a cruise in February and this dress would be perfect! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-laundry-by-shelli-segal-black-cocktail-dress/16804441?shortcut=4142&sizing_id=798
It’ll be the first kid-free vacation we’ve taken in our 10 years of marriage. Woo-hoo!!
I LOVE the concept of thredup – sharing great fashion at affordable prices? I’m in! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-tabitha-wild-willow-cocktail-dress/16602900?shortcut=4144
I did not know about this site! It’s amazing! I’m excited to start using it!
https://www.thredup.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=blogger_mommyshorts&referral_code=blogger_mommyshortsdec16&new_user=true
Hard to choose just one thing!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-wool-theory-black-wool-dress/20624546?sizing_id=778
In serious need of clothing that fits! Fingers crossed 🙂 https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-dkny-brown-cardigan/19300235?sizing_id=829
https://www.thredup.com/product/girls-cotton-crewcuts-outlet-purple-skirt/17330147?shortcut=3542
How great is this blazer?? https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-j-crew-blue-blazer/20625688?shortcut=3577
I love this snuggly Michael Stars cashmere cardigan!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cashmere-michael-stars-gray-cashmere-cardigan/20547214?sizing_id=795%2C778%2C790%2C781%2C798
I’m hooked. Never buying anything full price again! Here’s my top pick so far!
https://www.thredup.com/product/18895604
I love three up!! Shopped it twice and good experiences. I need winter coats. It’s my first winter in Washington from Phx! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-zara-basic-dark-green-coat/20476140
Let’s be honest. I would probably spend it on my babies! Look at these shoes! https://www.thredup.com/product/girls-janie-and-jack-gold-dress-shoes/18883591?sizing_id=778%2C774%2C36%2C382
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-rayon-for-love-and-lemons-black-casual-dress/20087221
Second hand is the way to go. Shopping on my own time for those treasures is the best!
Such a cute blouse – perfect under a blazer for work related holiday parties! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-spandex-kim-and-cami-black-tank-top/20649615?sizing_id=778%2C795%2C554%2C559
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-leather-worthington-black-leather-jacket/20699836?sizing_id=812
Love this!
$11.99!! https://www.thredup.com/
I’ve bought several items from thredup for myself & my kids. Great quality!!
This would be cute to wear if we ever get out of Winter. https://www.thredup.com/product/women-franco-sarto-coral-wedges/19475544?sizing_id=554
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-elle-teal-casual-dress/18017376?sizing_id=812%2C795
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-rayon-laundry-by-shelli-segal-black-cocktail-dress/20734942?sizing_id=795%2C790%2C798%2C791%2C547%2C551
this dress is to die for… and the sales are unbelievable!!!
Love this: https://www.thredup.com/product/women-viscose-kate-spade-new-york-navy-blue-casual-dress/20634552
I really like this dress! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-silk-alice-olivia-black-cocktail-dress/17783799?shortcut=4144&sizing_id=822%2C813
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-virgin-wool-j-crew-brown-wool-dress/20026960?sizing_id=778%2C781
Love this! https://www.thredup.com/product/girls-cotton-gymboree-navy-blue-dress/20521817?sizing_id=18
i like the marc jacobs dress https://www.thredup.com/product/women-rayon-marc-by-marc-jacobs-burgundy-casual-dress/20648669
https://www.thredup.com/product/girls-cotton-tea-pink-dress/20884612
So cute! Love threadup!
I really like this skirt: https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-ann-taylor-loft-black-casual-skirt/17339158?shortcut=4123
I keep eyeing Thred-Up, but I’m always skeptical of clothes I can’t try on. But I’d probably pick this lovely Banana Republic dress for work: https://www.thredup.com/product/women-wool-banana-republic-navy-blue-wool-dress/19017928?sizing_id=813
For a rare night out!!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-rayon-la-made-black-cocktail-dress/20421121
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-silk-moulinette-soeurs-navy-blue-silk-dress/20525230?sizing_id=790%2C781
All of my clothes basically are hand me downs or from the clearance rack so shop and site like thredup are nice to have.
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-decree-purple-sleeveless-blouse/20730442?sizing_id=571%2C597%2C829
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-nylon-gap-light-pink-pullover-sweater/20726746?sizing_id=765%2C778
This dress looks perfect for holiday parties!
http://www.thredup.com/sl?u=9571404&i=17428577&p=102
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-leather-cole-haan-black-flats/20760092?sizing_id=559
I have never purchased anything on thread ho
But I think it will be my new addiction!
All you finds are adorable!
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-kate-spade-new-york-light-blue-leather-satchel/20094791
This purse has caught my eye!
I’ve gotten a few great things for my kids on ThredUP before, but this post prompted me to look for something fun for the holidays for myself! This LBD is great!
https://www.thredup.com/sl?u=1519591&i=17384699&p=202
https://www.thredup.com/product/girls-cotton-sara-lynn-togs-red-dress/19341139?shortcut=3552&sizing_id=37
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-marc-jacobs-brown-shoulder-bag/19935737 I really like this purse but the price is fair. I am going to spend some time on this site as I hate shopping in crowds. Thanks
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-wool-pilcro-and-the-letterpress-dark-green-wool-pullover-sweater/20813155
These 🙂 https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-joes-jeans-dark-blue-jeans/20475361?sizing_id=799
I’d love these jeans! https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-silver-jeans-co-dark-blue-jeans/20974551
My 6 year-almost-seven year old needs some new leggings that fit! https://www.thredup.com/product/girls-cotton-crewcuts-light-pink-leggings/20706117?sizing_id=50
I love thredup for both buying and selling!
Stephanie
I love thred up! Been shopping there for awhile now.
I would adore having these boots:
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-kenneth-cole-reaction-brown-boots/20847708?sizing_id=563
Really cute jacket, been wanting a red coat
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-michael-michael-kors-red-trenchcoat/20434229
How fun! Cute outfits! I like the Club Monaco work dress. https://www.thredup.com/product/women-viscose-club-monaco-black-casual-dress/20848497
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-renee-black-casual-dress/20759871
https://www.thredup.com/product/women-cotton-old-navy-white-cardigan/20155184?sizing_id=829
This looks perfect to camouflage my after baby belly!