When I was pregnant with Sloane, I was horrified by the price of maternity attire.  Paying several hundred dollars for jeans and dresses that I could only wear for a month or two felt like madness.

Target, H&M, and Gap has some nice pieces, but beyond a handful of staples, I didn’t want to buy a wardrobe full of clothesI could only wear for a handful of months.  But, of course, I needed clothes to put on my ever-growing body.  This led me to Poshmark.

If you haven’t used Poshmark before, it’s a clothing consignment community where users sell pieces they no longer wear and buy new ones that they will.  The community utilizes safeguards to protect buyers — shipping is tracked from the sale, payments aren’t authorized until shoppers approve received items, items over $500 are inspected by Poshmark for authenticity (though the diligence of this process is subject to debate).

I use Poshmark to do 30-40% of my shopping.  First, I often re-buy pieces that I’ve worn out.  (I have owned four of the same Ann Taylor dress because I loved it so much.)  Second, I hunt for designer professional brands — The Fold, Boss, Victoria Beckham — at a dramatic discount.  And every now and again, I use Poshmark to sell something where consignment just won’t give me the value back.

The thing I love about Poshmark is I can wishlist items that catch my eye.  Then, I can go back to my list when I want to shop to see what still draws my attention.  Sellers can also offer your discounts on items you’ve favorited.  Monday, I bought a NWT dress from The Fold that was $795 MSRP, marked down to $250, and then, the seller offered it for $150 on private discount.  I snapped it up so fast, smoke flew from my keyboard.  I’ve made a lot of great purchases on Poshmark including my Oscar de la Renta reception dress.

So how do I use Poshmark:

First, I keep a mental list of brands and items that I’m searching for.  Once a week, I sit down and do a bit of searching on my list.  So what am I hunting at the moment?

• Boden Ottoman Dresses — I own two of these, wear them frequently and would like to add some more colors to my collection, if the price is right.
• Clare V. Sweatshirts and T-shirts — These quirky graphic tops are great with jeans for a “cool Mom” look, but they are so expensive off the shelf.
• Sonnet James Play Dresses — These dresses are perfect for the weekend or a casual workplace.  They layer beautifully, wash well, and are so comfortable.  I own this one and I get a stupid amount of compliments when I wear it.
• Smythe Blazers — I’m looking for a fitted blazer from this UK brand, but it has to be the right one at these prices.
• Boss Suits & Dresses — Now is a great time to be searching for professional attire, as so many people are selling wardrobes they don’t need anymore thanks to COVID.  I need two of the Hugo Boss suits I own in a bigger size. Hoping for a miracle.
• MM LaFleur Morandi Sweater — Until MM comes to their senses and re-releases this sweater, I’m stuck hunting for it in new colors.  None today, damn.

Second, I wishlist everything unless I needed it now.  Even if it’s for 20-minutes, many sellers have the automatic tools set up to offer discounts to those who favorite items.  So adding it to your bag might score you 10 to 20-percent-off.

Third, check the brand size guide.  Most sellers don’t add measurements, unless you know your size in that brand, always check the retailer’s size guide.  And make sure to ask about alterations if you’re unsure.

Fourth, I inspect everything when I receive it.  If something’s wrong, you have a limited window to find it.  Only three or four times have I had a problem, but getting a refund means promptly asking for one.

So do you shop on Poshmark?  And if so, what are you looking for?

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