Sunday, April 14, 2013

Review of ThredUp

So I was packing up baby clothes to store in the basement (baby items are an exception!) and I thought what a waste! These clothes were barely used and in perfect condition. I think it's so expensive to buy new baby clothes so a lot of my baby girls' clothes come from hand me downs or the local consignment store. The local store is ok, mostly brands from Walmart and Target since that is what is mainly available in our area. I have champagne taste on a beer budget when it comes to dressing my baby girl. Gap, Janie and Jack and Gymboree are my favorites, but I can't justify paying for new items. Unless it's a special occasion....ok, I can justify actually.

A mommy friend told me about ThredUp, an online clothing store with gently used items from 12 months to junior sizes. It works by requesting a bag which you then fill with excellent quality clothes and send it. The company covers shipping. ThredUp goes through the items and pays you for the items that are accepted. The non accepted items are donated, or you can select a new feature and for a fee they will return the clothes to you. You likely won't make what you would consigning the clothes, but for busy moms this is a great option. They are even expanding to womens' clothing! So I went ahead and checked it out. The website has a feature that allows you to sort but gender, age and even your favorite brands. They have reasonable prices on tons of brands, even carrying items new with tags.

I would say set aside a half hour to browse the site. Shipping can be expensive if you aren't ordering the minimum amount to qualify for free shipping, so in my opinion the savings cancel out if you are only looking to order one item. Also, I found that gymboree items tend to be priced high. They base the prices off of MSRP, however all moms know that Gymboree has frequent sales, plus 20% off coupons and gymbucks that make even brand new items 50% off MSRP. No one pays full price at that store! Because of this, the used gymboree items cost just as much as shopping at the retail store while a sale is going on and you have a coupon.

But anyway, filter is set for Gap and Janie and Jack. Even narrowing the brands down still gives you a huge selection! I ordered 16 items (1 new!) for $99.38 and free shipping. Here are a few images below. Missing is a skirt and top from Janie and Jack, and a few shirts from Baby Gap. Overall I am really please with the quality. ThredUp also included a complimentary bag for me to send items back in for them to sell, and now that they accept women's clothing I will see what I can get for some of my brand name gently used items!


Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Email from mom!

Took a little hiatus. Had a beautiful baby girl in November and she has kept me busy and tired!! Now that I can finally start to eat meals sitting down, I figured I needed to get back to posting!

My main prompt that made me think "OMG I need to blog" was this email below from my mom:

Subject: 3rd floor/basement

Found:

3rd floor closet:
Lavender prom dress and shaw
wedding veil and blusher
wedding slip
misc marketing books
 really cute dance outfits
 little sewing machines
 old jewelry boxes

basement:
 nanny's ceramic tree and some houses
 vases all shapes and sizes

Any takers, let me know.


Ok...the most recent thing in that post that was "found" would be my wedding accessories from 5 years ago. Everything else listed are items we have already told mom to trash at least 5 times. I'm fairly certain I won't fit in my dance costumes from when I was 5-13 years old. I keep trying to say I'll take it all, but then she won't give me anything since she claims I will throw it out. Don't offer it then. Really the last line should have read, "Anyone willing to store these items for the next 15 years?"