Find Chic, Cheap (Ever So Slightly Used) Stuff Online.. And Not On eBay

Everybody is sick of hearing about how bad the economy is… and what it’s doing to shopping habits. But what they’re not talking about is the hottest trend to hit our cold, cold retail world: shoppers are buying more pre-owned goods than ever. Sure, eBay comes to mind, but what if you want something from some place, well, different?

Check out Portero, a luxury auction style e-shop that we’ve tested and love. Why do we heart it so much? It actually guarantees the authenticity of its products. It may not have the chaotic variety of eBay, but it does stock brands like  Burberry, Tiffany & Co, and Hermes and categories like jewelery, handbags, shoes, art, and housewares. I found this Marc Jacobs leather bag for $458 (about $540 off the retail price), but the auction ends this Friday so hurry up if you like it as much as I do.  

RodeoDriveResale is another site we’ve raved about before specializing in new and pre-owned clothing from the high-end designers that grace Rodeo Drive. Yes, THAT Rodeo Drive. It’s not an auction site, so you can purchase the clothes you desire right away. And while you can dress like a star for a fraction of the price, remember that 50% off of $1,000 is still $500. But it’s hard not to lust after items like this Versace dress ($280.50), which seems perfect for a glamorous getaway. 

The Turnabout Shoppe offers an array of designers, and even has its own separate category for all things Chanel. If you’re in the market for shades, these Fendi sunglasses are available for $100.

Need a dress for a formal event but don’t want to shell out the cash? Try Christabelle’s Closet, a designer resale boutique, where we found this swanky Plenty by Tracy Reese red velvet dress for $100. Christabelle’s also offers a wide selection of chic outerwear, jewelry, and designer separates. 

We adore this Tibi coat which brightens our spirits during the dead of winter. Find it at Resale Riches, a boutique that sells designer pieces at incredibly cheap prices.