Think all those genuine Louis Vuitton bags and Louboutin heels you see all over the city are first generation? Think again. Aspiring Socialites everywhere are discovering the wonderful world of consignment. reFINEstyle.com is an online marketplace of pre-loved designer fashion and accessories. Curated by a hand selected team of sellers across the country, an ever-changing selection of consignment merchandise is offered to the fashion-minded buyer at greatly reduced prices.  Buying designer goods from a respected consignment website is a lot better than buying from eBay.  In fact, I don’t suggest buying designer goods, especially bags from eBay.  Unlike on eBay where it is basically the luck of the draw, reFINEstyle.com works with reputable sellers vetted by the website that only supply the real thing.

Having bought used designer goods myself, I can tell you that much of this so-called “pre-loved” couture, looks as if it has never been touched.  The Dallas-based website founded by former HR exec, Megan Masoner, (I love it when fashionistas start their own businesses) has an ever-changing selection of over 800 premier brands. Sales last between 7-14 days.  Buyers on reFINEstyle can either “bid” on items or select the “buy it now” option for the price listed.  G3 sales (“Going, going, gone!”) allow for the possibility of scoring great deals on items whose prices are reduced up to 15 times over the course of the sale.  So start strategizing now on how to navigate this dynamic site full of designer treasures.  It’s every Aspiring Socialite’s best-kept secret.

P.S. – This $2,000+ Chanel probably wasn’t the best choice to display affordability, but it was so cute that I had to use it.  However, they do actually have  a lot more affordable pre-loved designer bags.