Selling Fashion Items on Apps + Secondhand Stores

Now that we’re near the end of summer and ‘Back to School’ + Fall shopping is about to begin everyone is going through their closets to find what items they can part ways with. For me, I have quite a few long sleeve/cold weather gear from NC that I no longer need now that I’m living in FL. Most end up selling their items to Plato’s Closet and secondhand boutiques or apps like Thread up, Mercari, Poshmark, Instagram, etc. 

Today’s post is getting the nitty gritty on how to determine what’s best to sell to a secondhand store/app, the proper etiquette for app selling, and some pointer on how to make the buy feel appreciated! I’ll include the websites if you want to read additional information or leave a question in the comment box below!

What do I do? I start with selling on an app and after 2-3 weeks I take the items to a store, whatever is remaining gets donated! I only sell my goods on Poshmark. It’s an app I’m comfortable using and I like how they do discount shipping days or the option for the seller to pay shipping.

Selecting and prepping

Selecting items best to sell is very important. Secondhand stores only want gently used and name brand (Secondhand stores are SUPER picky!) They only sell what’s currently being sold in malls so something from 2015 isn’t going to make the cut. Selling on apps is more flexible for aged items. BUT You just HAVE to be honest. If it’s from a few years ago, very worn or a vintage piece, mention it. Honesty is important on selling apps. Also on selling apps you need to take good quality photos. If the dress is missing a button show the area the button is gone. If the top has a snag (please) show it.
What do I do???? For secondhand stores. I wash with gentle detergent and no perfumes (smells can be a turn down!). I use my college days retail folding skills and fold everything neatly, then place all the goods in a large tote bag. On selling apps I always hang my items on a brown wooden hanger and have a white backdrop. If it has to lie flat I use a neutral color background. I take pictures of the size tag and the care label. For lighting, I open my blinds and turn on my overhead light + lamp. I DO NOT use any filters for that can be misleading. In the description I give as many details as possible (size, mesaurements, fabric contents/care, how many times it was worn, etc).

It’s sold!
If you sell some goods congrats! In store make your choice on accepting or declining their offer. Always thank the associate! On selling apps you have to print and package the item then mail it out. Most selling apps give you 2 days to mail and then you’ll be notified via email that the person is waiting.
What do I do??? In store I almost always accept the offer. I have declined before. On selling apps I immediately print the label and prepare the package. I hand write thank you cards (I also enjoy adding an extra gift!), I fold the item, and wrap everything in my color scheme tissue paper and stick a cute sticker to keep it all in place. I have on my posh-page my selling info which is what the buyer to expect. I always mail same day until 3pm central time and if sold by 11am central time Saturday it’ll be mailed on Monday morning. I make a detailed ‘selling info’ so the buyer will know when the item is sent out and its my way of keeping my busy life in balance. 

Below is the 4 steps I use when mailing out an item I sold!

Step 1: Collect the sold item, tissue wrappings, shipping label and everything else I need to package! Today I'm showing how I mail out a top. As you can see the top is folded nicely.	Step 2: fill out the thank you card! I always write something sweet like "Thank you for your purchase. Enjoy ____". When I can, I include a present & my blog handle.
Step 3: Neatly fold and wrap the item. I use a sticker to hold the tissue wrapping in place. If the box is big I add some bubble wrap to keep the product from moving.	Step 4: When posting the shipping label I make sure the box I use has all barcodes removed or "X'ed" out to prevent shipping confusion.

When do you see that money?
In store you get the money immediately. On selling apps the buyer has to accept the package and then the money will be placed into your app bank account. You can withdraw the money via direct deposit, in a check form, or use the money to buy off the site! Deposit and check times vary. 

My package is missing?
If you use a selling app and the buyer notifies you that the package isn’t on their doorstep and it’s tracking info says it’s arrived THEY must contact the selling app’s help desk. Once the item is scanned out the seller ISN’T responsible for it.
Has this happened to me? Yes, Sadly I have had a package go missing. What happens is Poshmark still gave me my earnings and refunded the buyer. It’s a longer process on collecting the earnings because Poshmark has to contact the post office and contact the buyer. 

What if I’m selling luxury goods?
If you’re selling luxury items to a secondhand store bring proof (receipt from the store, the dust bag, item serial number, etc). You have to sell to the consignment associate that the item is 100% authentic.
If you’re selling luxury items on a selling app take photographs of your receipt from the store, the accessories that came with the luxury good, item number, etc. Selling apps provide shipping insurance on luxury goods and they have the item shipped to the apps HQ to be viewed before giving the item to the buyer. It’s "a proof of authenticity" test. It's an extra step to make sure the buyer is getting what she/he is paying for. 

And there you have it! If you have any additional questions feel free to message me below,send me a private message on my instagram (you can click this link!), or use the links below to view the app websites help page!

For more information on selling to Platos Closet view their website here.
For more information on selling to Poshmark view their website here.
For more information on selling to Mercari view their website here.
Form more information on selling to Thread Up view their website here.

Longer Lasting Pedicures

Hello lovelies. While my mom visited Florida we went to my favorite nail salon in Pensacola, Herbal Nails. If you travel to Pensacola you must visit this salon! Complimentary wine (or other beverages), tons of treatment options, spotless clean environment, and the best staff ever. I always get The Deluxe Pedicure ($45; takes 1-1.5 hours) but let me tell you, its worth it. Fresh fruit bath soak & fresh fruit scrub, callus treatment, fruit foot masque, therapeutic hot towel wrap, and your choice of hot stone massage or hot paraffin wax treatment and more! 

A day or two after my spa visit I start the basic and easy tricks to double my pedicure lifespan.
Today I’m sharing my tips so you can have an extended life on your pedi-toes.

1. Shea infused socks.
Shea infused socks have a permeant spot in my sock drawer. I throw these babies on right when I hop out of the shower (so my skin can soak up the shea) and at night while I’m working on blog content.

2. Ditch the crappy sandals.
We all have sandals that look cute but do a number on your feet. Invest in some sandals that have some support and rock em.

3. Bath soak.
My favorite thing to use on keeping feet “pedicure soft”. I use a good 1-2 hand fulls of salts, soak feet for 10-15 minutes in hot water. I prefer the lavender salts because I soak my feet late and night and this helps me rest more soundly. I also put my shea socks on after a good salt soak.

These socks are similar to the ones I use which I purchased at Bath & Body Works

You can find this just about anywhere, Walmart, Ulta, even TJ Maxx! I like the lavender one to help me rest too.

4. Foot cream.
Foot cream works amazing. Give yourself (or ask your significant other) a foot massage.

5. Don’t walk barefooted outside.
In the summer everyone wants to be barefooted but after a pedicure its very damaging. Avoid rocky gravel or concrete.

6. Chlorine pools = Avoid.
I’ve literally been in chlorine pools where my nail color faded. Stick with freshwater or salt water. Its better for your skin and it doesn’t eat away at your nail color.

7. Clear coat-top coat.
If you want your nail color to stay looking shiny purchase Sally Hansen clear top coat. After a week or 1.5 weeks I do one thin top coat to give a shine reboot.

8. Drink Water.
Keeping water in your body does wonders. Not only does it take bad toxins out but it also keeps moisture in your skin (including your feet!). 

This is one of those items you could get anywhere. Ultra, CVS, Walmart, etc.

I love Fiji water but wish it would fit in my Jeeps cup holder!

Fall Pieces You Already Own

With Autumn just around the corner a lot of us ladies are preparing for a Autumn wardrobe. We’re scrolling on Pinterest for outfit ideas, constantly checking our favorite store websites to get the newest looks to showcase on our blogs, and creating new trendy posts with catchy quotes to draw attention. But I’m a blogger on a budget. Dumping my entire wardrobe for a new one isn’t going to happen. And my financial state isn’t built for new wardrobe shopping sprees. Luckily, there’s many items from previous years that always makes a reappearance. Today’s post is giving the run down on wardrobe pieces that never go out of style for Autumn that you can wear year after year and still be “on trend”.

- Plaids. Plaids will forever be a ‘it piece’. This very versatile garment can be worn countless ways and the colors of plaids always seem to return year after year with little amount of changes.

- Dark Denim. Dark denim is a staple for the cooler months. Any shades ranging from dark blue, dark grey, or black. You will always see this trend. 

- Trench Coats. This look is a classic. Audrey Hepburn yelling “cat” in an alley or Serena Van Der Woodsen rocking her Burberry on the way to school. Colors like tan, cream, dark green, navy or black. Each year this coat is in trend and the perfect way to shake things up is with new accessories.

Simple plaid. You can wear this look so many ways and the colors are always a classic staple.

Trench coats are literally the best. They are timeless, easy to wear, and can be dressed up or dressed down.

- Boots. Boots are that one shoe that if treated kindly, can last a long time. And boot trends don’t change often either. You’ll always have the ankle boot, mid-boot, knee high’s, and equestrian style. And the colors always stay in the lines of cognac, chocolate brown, black. I have a pair of Ralph Lauren equestrian boots from 5 years ago and I still get compliments on them. 

- Simple cozy sweaters. You know what I’m talking about. That sweater in creamy winter white, blush, hunter green, or soft grey. And that sweater feels like a blanket. These beauties are so perfect when it’s cool out and you’re drinking Starbucks but also a trend that keeps coming back. 

- Knee high socks. I felt this is one of the best accessory pieces to mention. Each year I always see the same exact style of knee-high wool socks. These socks go so well with cozy sweaters and boots. This accessory trend will not fall out of style anytime soon. 

the perfect cozy sweater. In the early fall you can wear with shorts and in the winter leggings and boots!

Boots + Boot Socks combo!

Wedding Invitations: Save the Date, RSVP's, and When to Mail

One question I’ve been asked by many is the details on invitations.  

- When to mail “Save the Date”?
- When to mail the actual invitation?
- Is the RSVP important?
- On website it states “as low as $___” so is how much will I actually pay, etc?

Today I will answer all the questions I’ve been asked, details on selecting the best way to purchase invites, and be very open about my invites too (Yes, I will tell you where I purchased mine and how much I spent!).

“Save the Date” vs The Invitation + When to mail out.
I like to think “Save the Date” as a 'look who's getting married!!!' flyer. The “Save the Date” isn’t the invitation and doesn’t guarantee an invite either. Many couples send out these cards to literally EVERYONE (family, friends, coworkers, people you attended school with, etc) but only send a fraction of Invitations. “Save the Date” can also preview the theme your wedding too.
- Are they necessary? No.
- Are they costly? Possibly. It depends on how detailed the card is and how many you have to order (don’t forget postage cost!).
- When to send? Send your “Save the Date” minimum 6 months before your wedding.

The Invitation is the official invite. This tells your guest the date your wedding is, the location, and any other important details. This is where you showcase the theme as well.  I’m big on having beautiful invitations. I think it’s important to set aside a budget on the invitations because the is where you (the bride and groom) are requesting your guest to set aside a day to celebrate with you!
- What can you include in the invitation? Anything. RSVP response cards, directions, food allergy requests, wedding gift info, formal or casual attire, etc.
- Are they costly? Depends. If you add additional cards like food allergy requests, directions, etc it can add up.
- When to send? Send your Invitations 6-8 weeks before your wedding.

What did I do? Continue reading to find out!

RSVP Information
- IS RSVP’s important? Yes and No. Sadly, about 75% of guest don’t reply to RSVP’s (even when you include the response envelope with address already printed). The RSVP to me is very important especially if the wedding is a destination or on a major holiday. RSVP's also help with final chair rental cost, food catering costs, and venue size.

If you do RSVP, I recommend including an area on the card where guest can write number of attendants too. Tip to get people to reply to RSVP's: Post a reminder on Facebook for family and friends to reply to the RSVP or send a massive group text. 

The “as low as ” trick when ordering your invitations.
When it comes to ordering invitations online you will see “as low as ___”. What does this mean? This is the lowest possible cost per card. Sounds great but the only way to get the card at such a low price requires you to order a bulk amount (sadly if you only order 50-300 invitations you won’t be getting that low amount). To be frank, the only way to get that low price is to order a massive amount of invitations (some websites the ‘low’ price requires you to order 1,000+ invitations!). 

When I shopped for invitations I ignored that “as low as” badge. I shopped for what style I liked and when it came to customizing I kept the budget low by only ordering white envelopes and keeping the colors simple (so no glittery stones or special custom ribbons that I can add on myself). 

Where to get Invitations
Just like wedding dresses, invitations can be purchased many different ways. Chain stores, specialty stores, or online.
- Chain stores range from Hobby Lobby, Target, Walmart, etc. I've even seen invitations at Homegoods and TJ Maxx! These cards are basic but in current trends. The cost is SUPER affordable and great if you need to mail out extras. This option is great for brides who don’t want to invest a lot in invitation. 
- Specialty stores have A LOT of varieties and can do customization. The cost is pricy but results are amazing. Some require appointments and you will need to invest time to give the designer details on what you envision. Some specialty stores can be mom + pop boutiques, Paper Source, and Swoozies.
- Online is a combination of chain and specialty. You can get the budget price + the customization. Online you must shop around for the best price, look for promotional codes, and invest your time in customizing (you're in charge of the customization).  When ordering you HAVE to proof read and accept your order has been finalized. If you accidentally approve the wrong date its not the websites fault (so no refunds).  Online shops are Shutterfly, BasicInvite, VistaPrint, and Minted.

What did I do? I ordered my invitations online from basicinvites.com. For about 3 weeks off/on I customized my cards. I wanted to add special touches. I ordered invitation, rsvp cards, and gift info cards. I kept the budget low by using stock envelopes and opted to hand write the addresses, ordered the amount I truly needed + used stock paper to create my own direction inserts. My invites was exactly $200.00. I ordered a total of 25 cards, 20 rsvps, and 20 gift info cards. *remember my wedding is very exclusive*

If you have any questions about ordering invitations, what websites I created sample cards on, or need a opinion just drop a question below, email me, or DM me on my instagram!

These Shells seen in the photos will be used as center pieces at my wedding reception tables! 

have a Sunny Day

- Pomp and Palms