Katie Reviews: {re}Fashion{er}!

There’s never been a better time to take advantage of bargains and Knickers own Bargainister, Katie, knows more than a thing or two about how to shop wisely! Take her advice and you will be on your way to filling your lingerie drawers without going broke…

Katie Tells All!

Recently I’ve read several articles encouraging people to spend their hard earned money on “throw away clothes”, including one article from the NY Times. This is such a bad idea and it’s insulting, considering the countless hours spent trying to lower our carbon footprint, buying fair trade products and shunning unnecessary toxins.  Yet these articles are promoting exactly the opposite by suggesting you buy clothing produced in sweatshops, made using toxic dyes and that (once washed) will be thrown into  a landfill.  If your goal is a bit loftier than wearing future garbage but the current economy has you strapped for cash try Designer Clothes Swapping.

A fashion conscience Recessionista and a savvy shopping Bargainista came together to create clothes swapping, first in the U.K.  (called “‘swishing”) and now in the U.S.  This week I’m reviewing curated site  Re-{FASHION}-er and next I’ll review the free for all site The Big Wardrobe.

ReFashioner boasts that most of the pieces have only been worn a handful of times and lots of items still have tags on (all of the lingerie must be unworn, with tags on).  The “ReFashion Police” also thoroughly vets each piece to insure against designer fakes.  Right now you’ll find lingerie from Janet Reger, Naughty Janet, Cosabella, VPL, Leigh Bantivoglio and Annabelle Joule as well as  swimsuit cover-ups and caftans from Melissa Odabash, Jim Thompson and so much more.

It’s a fun way to find new homes for the good stuff in the back of your closet, while picking up some gems for yourself! It’s worth noting however that this is a true ‘Membership Only’ site and joining is by invitation or application only.  Kate Sekules -a fashion magazine refugee, with a very keen eye, is the curator and while there’s no guarantee you’ll be accepted, if you are, oh the fun you will have!  Also the site just went live on July 7th., so there are a couple of bugs still to be worked out; none the less it’s worth the effort and it’s kind of addictive (I’m constantly checking to see if anything new has been posted)!

Here’s How To Do It!

Before I go on, I must let you know: the Agent Provocateur mule slippers (above) are now gone, I received them with in a week -mint in box!  I also pick-up a Hermes scarf and a Dior tweed dress all for a total of $35 and some clothes from the back of my closet!

And here’s how to join in on the fun:

Step 1: Visit Refashioner and see what members have posted lately.   If you’re interested in joining just Email them, telling about yourself (size, where you live…), your clothes (name, names), and why you need to refashion (lifestyle change, closet downsizing…)

Step 2: Once accepted, photograph your pieces (Front, Back & Label) fill out the description, tell their stories (if you like) and upload and have your paypal account readied. The ReFashion Police then prices them in ReDollars (If any pieces are rejected, please don’t take it personally.) As soon as you accept the price, the piece appears in your closet and on the site, available to ReFashioners.

Step 3: Half the {$} value of your garments is yours to spend immediately. Shop like any site: load your bag (commit within ten minutes, or it goes back on the rack). On checkout, you pay $5 AND a (flat rate – up to $15 within the U.S.) mailing charge per item paid via Paypal. ***Make sure the piece you’re buying is within your country or expect a much higher postage fee***

Step 4: When a fellow ReFer takes your piece, you receive an email with the prepaid mailing label.  Put the item in a USPS box (order online, it’s totally free), stick on the label and mail it.  Now you’ve earn a Ruby and the other half of your garment’s value.  Rubies get you treats like elite status and Fashion Police membership.   Follow through is essential or you’ll earn a Stain and Bad ReFers get thrown out of the playground.