Category Archives: Consignment Shops

Consignment advice, insights and tips for scoring the best second-hand deals.

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Our Social Spaces

Using social media is a great way to connect with your current audience on a different platform and an easy way to grow your followers through similar interests. Best of all, it’s free and fun! Here are a few places you can find us online and how we’re using those spaces to connect the dots…

Facebook – We maintain two Facebook pages. One is our Tag Sell It page and the other is our Flea Market Events page. Our Tag Sell It page is our social company page where we interact with current users and new friends. We post a variety of updates including blog posts, funny second-hand related pictures, items found on the tagsellit.com website and more. Our Flea Market Events page is just for Flea Market enthusiasts.

Pinterest – Whenever something really, really cool is posted for sale on our site, we’ll share it on Pinterest. Same thing with our blog and other random fun images we find! We maintain 9 Pinterest boards. They include:

Tumblr – Tumblr is where we share content from 2nd Hand Social. Check it out sometime. You might just tumble across some other cool blogs that we follow or that follow us. Have fun!

Twitter – Tweeting daily, or trying to. Be sure to follow us, @tagsellit for fun tweets about anything and everything second-hand marketplace related. Get educated. Get your laugh on. Get your sharing on.

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Choose Your Own Adventure Decorating

When I was a kid, I loved the Choose Your Own Adventure books. Do you remember them? At the end of each chapter the reader gets to choose from several scenarios and each time you read the book it ends differently.  I realized the other day that this was also my approach to decorating. Who knew?
Case in point…my new to me dining room rug  lead me on a new adventure in decorating. It was a steal at auction for only $27.50; it’s a hand loomed antique and measures 9ft. x 10 ft. Now I needed to figure out how to add blue to my dining room to make it more cohesive with the rug.  If I had an unlimited budget and could purchase any rug I wanted to perfectly coordinate my room, I wouldn’t have the fun of noodling on this decorating dilemma! Thus, this decorating dilemma becomes a decorating adventure! The search for blue accent pieces took me to thrift stores, estate sales, auctions and flea markets in search of the perfect pieces at the right prices.

Decorating analysis:

Plate Wall $35–various blue plates purchased at thrift stores–this price includes the Disc Hangers I used to hang the plates
Lamp $24–$4 for the thrift store lamp from Savers and $20 for the shade from Bed, Bath and Beyond
Porcelain Carpet Balls=$8–consignment store find from Ivana’s Trunk in Thiensville, Wisconson
1920s Walnut Dining Room Set–a family antique inherited from my Great Aunt
Victorian Dresser with Marble top–purchased at antique store in Cedarburg, Wisconsin to hold clock–see next note
1820s Ives clock–purchased on Ebay and drove to New Jersey with 3 kids to pick it up
Vintage oil painting dated 1907 from Door County artist–purchased on Ebay
Stone fruit–vintage and antique Italian pieces purchased at garage sales
Royal Worchester China–$22 for whole set purchased at auction
Window Treatments–Infinity Curtains and Infinity Tie Backs from my Etsy shop
Antique Oriental Rug–$27.50 “stolen” at auction

I love the art of mixing antiques, thrift store finds and vintage accents to put my signature look on my home.  What decorating adventure have you been on lately?

Tips for Being An Adventurous Decorator:

*Keep an Open Mind–you never know when you will find something unique that will lead you to rearrange your whole room

*Shop Everywhere–thrift stores, online, flea markets, the clearance section, high end stores–look everywhere for items you love–even your Grandma’s attic

*Purchase What You Love–don’t buy things to just fill a space. Search for pieces that mean something to you

*Take Your Time–Embrace the adventure and go on one often

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An Overview of Second-Hand Marketplaces

Several second hand online marketplaces exist and each has their own strengths and weaknesses but we’re going to avoid the “which is best” question because we believe that is a question best suited for the seller to answer. We’re simply going to give a broad overview of the major second hand marketplaces and what makes them unique.

eBay – The most popular auction website with global reach. eBay has expanded since it’s early days of simple online auctions to add “buy it now” options and “storefronts” features for business owners. eBay is a great site to research items and learn about the trends of items that have sold or identify price ranges for your items and what the current market value of those items is. It’s important to note that a large part of eBay’s business is still auction-based, so while you might fall in love with a second hand treasure, there’s also the risk of getting caught up in a bidding war over an item (which can be fun or painful). One of the greatest things about eBay is their user rating system. With this technology, you can choose which users you wish to do business with and which ones to avoid, based on other users feedback after a transaction was completed.

Craigslist – The most popular e-classified website on the web with a dominant presence in the US, but it has a more limited global reach than corporate second-hand websites like Amazon and Ebay. Craigslist has virtually put newspaper classifieds out of business (thankfully), who reads the printed version of the newspaper anymore? Just kidding. It’s great that the world has had a web-based e-classifieds option, saving millions of forests and trees each year (yes, I’m a tree hugger). Craigslist has everything you’d expect from a newspaper classified but in digital form. While the service is geographically limiting and your risk of being scammed is increased over corporate sites like eBay and Amazon, it’s still not a bad site to use as long as you proceed with caution and heed basic safety rules. One thing that really SUCKS about Craigslist’s garage sale section:

  • Most sale events posted are not responsibly managed by users, so you’re likely to find sale events posted on the site from days, even weeks ago. That’s not entirely Craigslist’s fault, some users are just irresponsible for not removing their ads when the event is over. (On Tagsellit.com, we do this automatically so the user doesn’t have to go in and delete their sale – it automatically expires at the end of the scheduled sale event on the last scheduled day. Technology is pretty sweet.)

    • One thing that’s really awesome but they don’t do anything about (Again, stressing user irresponsibility too):

  • Oh and for the love of whatever, please keep “virtual garage sales” off Craigslist – they clearly discourage this, yet people still abuse it. Nonsense, respect their rules!

    • Amazon.com – A global department store with both a corporate business model and successful entrepreneurial business model. You can find a lot of goods on Amazon.com but if you’re looking for second hand treasures, there are alternatives, like going to a Flea Market. Amazon.com is great for getting deals on pre-owned media, like books and DVD’s. Their individual seller platform is a bit more confusing and complex to use than other sites but has gotten much easier recently. From new to used and everything in between, chances are good you’ll find at least some information about what you’re looking for or looking to sell when using Amazon.com.

    Tagsellit.com – While not yet a household name, the founders of this site did have the foresight to come up with an interesting way of revolutionizing yard sales, especially for folks who don’t physically have a front yard or garage, or who may even be restricted by neighborhood ordinances to have a garage sale. Founded in 2007 and launched in 2008, the idea behind Tagsellit.com is simple, a second hand marketplace with nationwide reach where virtual garage sales can take place, 24/7 and serve as a resource for folks looking for services from professionals specializing in the second hand industry (including Consignment Services, Pawnbroker Services and Estate Sale Services). The beauty of a virtual garage sale is simple: Even if you’re hosting a garage sale it makes sense to advertise your event and items in advance. By listing them on Tagsellit.com, you immediately get a nationwide reach. So, someone in California might really like that trinket that was listed for sale in New York – that buyer wouldn’t travel all the way to California for a garage sale, but shopping virtual garage sales online, now that’s genius!

    It’s important to note that not one single website has all the answers or all the solutions to everyone’s online buying and selling needs. Having options such as these makes life easier, and more fun, for everyone!

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    Thrift Style Fashion Competition

    Here is the game for those interested:

    Before you go out for the night, possibly after a few drinks, make a competition for best outfit for under $20, then roll out to the bars. The people at the bars dictate who wins. You may wear your own underwear!

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    Book Review of Killer Stuff and Tons of Money

    I found out about the book, Killer Stuff and Tons of Money,  here on the Second Hand Social blog where I am a regular contributor. I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of the book from its author, Maureen Stanton. She also will be giving a copy away at my blog, Upscale Downhome, so be sure to leave a comment and get entered for a chance to win. I received my autographed copy in the mail early in December and I felt like it was my own holiday surprise just waiting to be opened.
    From the onset of the book it’s clear this work was a labor of love for Maureen. She spent over 6 years traveling to flea markets and antique shows to do her hands-on research by shadowing Curt Avery an East Coast dealer. Curt Avery is a pseudonym because he does not want the book to be about him but more about the the antiques themselves. He is an extremely knowledgeable man who has spent years acquiring that knowledge; he can scan flea market tables and find jewels worth thousands of dollars hidden amid the mundane.
    The book was written in a creative nonfiction style and it kept me coming back for more with each chapter. I really wanted to know the next score that Avery would find. One of my favorites was a yarn winder that he purchased from another dealer for $90. After he brought the yarn winder home and gave the construction a closer examination he realized it was made by the Shakers. He ended up selling it an auction but you’ll have to read the book to find out his return on investment. It was absolutely amazing to me that a piece with that kind of history could sit at an antique show all the day surrounded by hundreds of dealers and enthusiasts and not be noticed. In the antique business knowledge is a super power.
    You get a backstage pass to the famous Brimfield flea market, Antiques Roadshow and to the daily life and struggles of someone who makes their living by selling antiques. I was not surprised to learn that most antique dealers don’t do it for the money but for their love of the objects, the history contained in each one, and their passion for sharing this information with others.
    Killer Stuff and Tons of Money is a must read for all antique lovers and anyone who would even consider selling antiques themselves. I devoured it in a matter of days and it would make perfect reading for this winter season. It can give you your flea market fix without leaving the comforts of your own home.

    Leave a comment on my blog, Upscale Downhome, to be entered to win a free copy of Maureen’s book, Killer Stuff and Tons of Money. Also, show her some Facebook love and like her page for another entry. The contest will close on January 31, 2013. The winner will be notified by email.

    There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.

    Ernest Hemingway

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    Create a Collected Look with Second Hand Finds

    In times past you had to be a world traveler to achieve a collected look but today you can achieve it in a much shorter time period by visiting a few thrift stores, estate sales or flea markets. Today I’ll be breaking down the time and cost of a vignette from my master bedroom and showing you some of the great finds from second hand venues that  I use to decorate my home.The lamp on the left is a garage sale find for $1 and the shade is one I had on hand. The mirror was also purchased at a garage sale for only $5. It was treated to several coats of bright white spray paint. The dark blue wooden tool chest is an estate sale find from 2 summers ago; I paid $35 for it.

    Vintage boxes

    The tool chest is topped with a vintage biscuit tin with a beautiful pastoral scene lithographed on it. I splurged and spent $25 but it was something I really loved. The large shell was also an estate sale find ringing in at only $2.

    Antique marble bust

    I won the antique marble bust at a local auction house for only $25. I like how she looks modeling my vintage beaded chokers. The whole vignette sits on an antique chest that I found at the Maxwell Street Days flea market in Cedarburg, Wisconsin over 12 years ago. It’s handmade with traces of original paint and was $350. I’ve used it in many places in my home—in the dining room as a buffet, in the living room to hold board games, and now in my bedroom to hold clothes. I adore it’s patina and how versatile it is. The key to a collected look is to mix old and new, with higher priced and lower priced items. It can take a little time but the result is a home that reflects your true tastes, interests, and passions.

    TOTAL COST=$483 TOTAL TIME=12 years

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    Treasure Hunting

    American Pickers, Storage Wars, and Pawn Stars are such popular shows and have shined the light on the resale and antique industry. You might think with so many people aware of the value of antique items that it’s almost impossible to find something unique at your average thrift store. Today I am going to debunk that thought and let you know that there are still treasures out there. Case in point…

    Victorian Shell Cameo

    I found this Victorian cameo pin which was hand carved out of a shell and surrounded by  gold at a Savers store…for $.99.

    Victorian Shell Cameo

    Keep on hunting you never know when you will stumble across a treasure large or small.

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    The World Wide Thrift Store!

    Hello Again!

    So, we’ve established that thrift stores are an awesome way to find clothes…it saves you money, it keeps your look unique and it’s a green way to shop. However, you are definitely at the mercy of whatever has been brought into the store without size variety or much selection. What if there was a gigantic store that let everyone bring their clothing together so that the second-hand cycle can be expanded throughout the whole country and even the world? Oh wait, there is one! Ebay is my OG when it comes to great deals on clothes/bags/shoes/accessories. It’s how I got started with second hand fashion and is especially beneficial to people living in smaller cities that can’t get to the great re-sale shops the more urban areas offer. I want to share with you some great tips and even search techniques that may have you paying more for shipping than the actual item…

    Necessity is definitely the mother of invention.
    I spent 6-years living in a small town in southwest Colorado and although it was beautiful, it was voted one of the worst dressed towns in America. We affectionately called the mall “The Hall” because it was a short run of a few shops and a pretzel place. The other stores in town were geared toward tourists and their bank accounts, leaving the locals starving for fashion variety and consequently, a little creative with their fashion. (Read: out of date and super casual). I don’t know about you but when I am shopping for a specific event, I know what I want to wear and I shop to find it. When you’re in a small town you more than likely aren’t going to find it. It was through panic inducing shopping trips to these limited stores that I decided I needed a new option. I was 6 hours away from any good shopping, so the internet it was.


    Shoes!
    Hurray for shoes!! Let’s just get that out of the way. The right pair of shoes is the cheese to the macaroni of any good outfit. I’m sure we’ve all purchased a pair of cheap shoes that have cut into our feet and made blisters in a way that had you wondering if you may have missed a safety recall notice about them. Ouch. Then there is the moment you put on a quality, non-synthetic pair of shoes and you realize that you really do get what you pay for. Ebay is the perfect spot to pick up nearly new designer shoes at a fraction of the cost, but it’s important to do your research before you begin bidding on every Manolo that comes across the screen. Take a trip to Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom’s or any other large chain that carries high quality shoes and try some on. Figure out what size you wear in different brands and record them. (Put Siri to work!) After you’ve got a feel for what you need as well as what you like, get yourself set up with an ebay account. Then use the search option to type in as specific or generalized search as you would like. If you are looking for; “brown heels size 8” then type that, or if you know specifically; “Tribtoo 105 Yves St Laurent pump, size 8 Tan/Nude.” You can narrow your search by color, style, size, heel height, condition etc. More often than not you’ll have a several sellers to choose from as well as a variety of photos that show all angles and any wear and tear on the shoes.

    These are classic black peep toe pumps by Vince Camuto. They are the most comfortable and versitle heels I own despite being 5 inches. I paid $68 when I bought mine from Nordstrom Rack and this pair is being offered for $5 on ebay, only worn once. Score!

     

    Bags!
    Good lord I love bags…It only took that first animal cracker box/purse when I was four and I was hooked. The same basic criteria apply for bags on ebay as it does to shoes. Do your due diligence shopping before to figure out which bags or designers you like, and then begin the search. The amount of designer bags that are being hocked online is a little overwhelming so be discerning. As I mentioned in my previous post, if it looks gross, it probably is. Bags with rips, tears or stains on them are a pass and any bag that is used but listed close to what it cost new is also a pass. A downfall of not doing business face to face is the chance of getting a knockoff bag at a designer price. Make sure you read the sellers reviews and make sure they are the real deal. Any seller with very little feedback rating or few transactions is one to avoid. Lastly, don’t be hung up on labels. Some of the coolest bags I have are vintage finds or even from overseas. Let your style guide you.

    This Vintage Gucci satchel is listed for $19, with $10 shipping. What a stylish school bag, carry on, purse, or diaper bag!

    Clothes!
    When I see someone in an outfit I admire, I take a mental note of what it is and I’ll search it through ebay. Many times the clothes that I’m feeling aren’t what’s in stores at the moment, and ebay can be a great way to find what I want, not what every store says I should want. For example, I saw a beautiful sundress that I loved and asked the girl wearing it what brand it was (And no, people generally don’t find you crazy for asking, but are rather flattered that you like what they’re wearing enough to ask). I ran the brand name and a few details such as “sundress and lace-up” though the search filter and immediately found several of the dresses for under $30. Retail price showed $85. Another option is to bid on “Lots” which are a group of items that you bid on all at once. If you really love tops from Guess then you can search “Guess tops lot” and will be shown groups of clothing that you can get at one low price. More than likely you won’t like everything is the lot, but there should be more things that you like than do not. Feel free to ask the seller for more detailed pictures or descriptions of the items condition, color, etc. The amount of clothing that people are looking to sell because they are either over it, or didn’t like it in the first place is staggering and they are happy to make any profit they can, which is completely your gain!

    A gently used Juicy Tracksuit that is listed for $27. Retail cost would be well over $100 and this seller is offering free shipping.

    Spelling Fail
    There are times that people are in such a hurry to list their items that they incorrectly spell the name of the designer or brand. So, by putting in variations of the designer or brand you’ll come across these misspelled items that have no minimum bid and aren’t coming up in a search for that item. For example: Michael Korrs (incorrect) instead of Michael Kors (correct), Victoria Secret (incorrect) instead of Victoria’s Secret (correct). By just transposing a few letters you’ll find many items that have fallen through the proverbial cracks.

    PayPal really is your Pal
    As in many parts of life, there will always be a few bad apples that will either not send your product or send a misrepresented item. If you paid the seller through PayPal, fear not! They will refund your money so you can shop with the peace of mind that you’re not only relying upon some stranger to get it together and send you your purchases in a timely manner. Also, they keep your financial information secure and it’s never given to the seller, a middle man if you will. In the 6 years that I have been getting shoes/bags and clothes from ebay I have only had one time that my item was never sent, and I was refunded in full by PayPal.

    In closing, don’t buy it just because it’s cheap; buy it because you are making a quality investment in your wardrobe. By taking the time to seek out these gently used items you’ll save enough to invest in other quality pieces and create a collection that really speaks to who you are and you’ll actually have some money left over to go out and show off those amazing second hand scores!

    Have a wonderful week!
    -Kelly xoxo

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    Second Hand Fashion-A Starter’s Guide

    Hello!

    I feel like I am forever trying to get my friends into second hand fashion, and I get a little resistance. Until they try it that is. Getting started with second hand fashion can seem a little overwhelming and to be frank…a little gross. Wearing a strangers clothes? No thanks. Calm those fears and get ready to save some money because I can assure you that with a few pointers, you’ll be on your way to creating a well rounded wardrobe of quality clothing for a fraction of what it cost brand new.

    1.) What do you need?

    It’s important to consider what kind of clothing you are looking for BEFORE you set out shopping. Do you needs basics? Work clothes? Shoes? You get the picture. This is key because second hand stores are not laid out in the traditional retail style with multiple size runs in each garment. Instead clothing will by categorized by style and gender. By knowing what you’re looking for, you can breeze through the racks without being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of…stuff.

    2.) Where should I go?

    Thrift stores are generally reflective of the neighborhood they are housed in. So consequently, more affluent neighborhoods are going to have higher quality, name brand clothing that has more than likely been gently used and occasionally still have tags attached. Find out what second hand stores are in the wealthy neighborhoods in your community and chances are it will be more like thrift score than thrift store.

    3.) Brand name blinders

    Ideally we’re all looking to score a great designer piece at an amazingly low price…but don’t be focused on tags alone. That great Ralph Lauren blazer you scored for work does indeed have a Ralph Lauren tag in it, but all anyone will be able to see are the shoulder pads and the large brass buttons. Don’t do that. Designers have been designers for a long time and the pieces found in a second hand store can be reflective of a different time in fashion. Try to look at the items that spark your interest for what they are, not who they are made by. On the flip side of this coin, you will find the occasional piece that is not only designer, but totally fabulous in fit and styling. In this case, high five yourself and buy it quickly!

    4.) Modification in moderation

    Some pieces are so great..if the sleeves were just a little shorter or the rosettes on the lapel were’t there. Much like DIY projects for the house it’s easy to ge real crafty in your head and imagine a total overhaul of an outfit at your own hands because it’s SUCH a good deal. You’re enthusiasm is in the right place but be sure to be realistic. Do you know how to sew, or to the ability to seriously modify the garment? Are you up for paying a tailor to make the changes for you? Small changes such as lengths of hems or missing buttons are an easy fix that shouldn’t detour you from a purchase but a major makeover is probably a waste of money.

    5.) “This looks gross…”

    It probably is…anything that looks really heavily worn is a pass. Just keep on moving.

    6.) HAVE FUN!

    This is probably the most important tip of all. Whether you go to brunch with girlfriends and hit the second hand stores after or embark on a solo mission, this is great R+R. There will be days you find nothing and there will be days you can’t choose because there is so much. There is no one else like you in the whole world so make your style your own…when you feel good about yourself it shows.

    Check out the video below as I take you to some of Denver’s best thrift stores…

    XOXOX

    Kelly

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    Second Hand Gift Wrap?

    Seriously, when you read the title of this post what did you picture in your mind–a wrinkly gift bag with some tissue paper that has seen better days? Believe it or not, you can find wonderful gift wrap at second hand venues; you just have to think outside of the box. Today we’ll focus on vintage scarves and 3 different ways you can use them to wrap holiday goodies.
    Use a scarf to wrap small gifts. They are colorful, plentiful and a fun, eco-friendly alternative to gift bags and they are just as quick and easy to use.

    Vintage scarves are perfect for wrapping small presents

    Use a scarf to wrap your favorite libations. Don’t they just look like they are ready for a party?

    Scarf Gift Wrap

    Chiffon for Champagne

    Scarf Gift Wrap
    A quick and easy gift idea

    Use a scarf to replace bows and ribbon. I purchased these scarves for $.25 each at a thrift store so they are just as inexpensive as a throw away paper product but so much more stylish.

    Scarf Gift Wrap

    Use scarves as an alternative to ribbons and bows

    An honest friend is a precious gift; wrapped carefully with sincerity, affection, trust, concern and love.

    Unknown

    Have you started wrapping your gifts yet?

    Visit Upscale Downhome.net for more inspiration with vintage finds.