Hi Belle,

I know you buy clothes on eBay. I’ve tried several times, with varied success. Do you have any strategy / tips / suggestions for buying quality items on eBay? If something doesn’t fit quite right, do you return it? 

Thanks so much, eBay Illiterate

Very rarely can an item purchased on eBay be returned.  This is why I only buy brands where I am certain of my size or items that can be easily tailored.  If I do end up with an item that does not fit, I try to give it away or sell it on eBay for cost.  This is also why I always ask the seller for measurements if they are not provided.

As for eBay tips, I keep a list of items that I’m looking to buy.  Nanette Lepore suits, J.Crew pencil skirts, Kate Spade jewelry, Rebecca Minkoff bags, Milly dresses, Cole Haan heels etc.  Then, once a week or so, I jump on eBay and go looking for items.  I’ve found some amazing dresses and suits for less than $75.  

Lastly, feedback is king.  I don’t buy from anyone who has less than 99% positive feedback especially if they’ve only sold a few items.

Dear Belle,

I’m searching for a pair of summer sandals that won’t bust my budget.  I want to spend around $75, do you have any suggestions for a casual summer sandal?

Kelly

I prefer a structured sandal to leather thong sandal.  They offer more support, better traction and they look a little more “dressed up” than a thong or God forbid, a plastic flip flop.  Here are some options under-$75:

From the Left: Seychelles Caw Sandal (DSW, $50), DV Pansey Sandal (Piperlime, $69), Aldo Sprouls Sandal ($60)

Full disclosure, I own the pair in the middle.  I love them.  They’re the perfect mix of casual and structure.  I still need a metallic sandal to wear with summer dresses (these are just a tuch too masculine-Gladiator for that), but I love this pair with denim and casual attire.  I love them so much in fact, that I’ve stopped myself from buying the neon pink pair at least twice this week.

The other two pair are great all-purpose summer sandals.  They would look lovely with denim or dresses.  And I think that if you work in a more casual office, you could even get away with them at work.  

Belle,

What do you think about building a wardrobe around a particular color palette – do you recommend it? I’ve often thought that staying to a group of colors would help me create outfits more easily, but I’m drawn to a variety of different colors and oftentimes I’m not sure how to pair them, or if they’ll really work with what I already have in my closet.

Thanks, Heidi

If you came to my house and opened my closet right now, you’d notice two things: my mad organizational skills and the fact that I don’t really own any brown (I have one camel sweater.).  In the winter, I wear black.  In the summer, I wear navy, often referred to in my house as “summer black.”  And during the year, I mix in greys and whites depending on season.  

This did not start out as a conscious decision.  The truth is, I just hate tan.  I find it to be so boring and dependable.  If I were a psychologist, I would probably say that my hatred stems from the fact that my Father used to buy my school clothes, and most often, would dress me in khaki pants and sweaters.  Or khaki pants and button downs.  I called it the Safari Look, all I needed was the pith hat.  But I digress…

There are many woman who stick to a certain color palette to keep things simpler.  My advice? Choose one neutral that works for you and then build from there.  A navy wardrobe or grey wardrobe mixed with jewel tones could be really pretty.  You could also do a black wardrobe mixed with shades of white, ivory and grey and then, add in brights and bolds as needed.  If you think this could make your life easier, why not try it?  Just make sure to choose the color palette that is most flattering on you.