{Shopping} Guide: How to Shop on eBay

I'll admit it - I ♥ eBay.  It is a gigantic, somewhat scary universe of shopping possibilities but once you get the hang of it, can bring forth real gems at fabulous prices.

Is is the internet's top auction site (well at least in the US and parts of Europe).  The key here is the sheer volume of sellers and items available.  I've come up with a set of guidelines that has helped shopping on eBay a little easier for me.

1. Buy only authentic items
Of course you need to be careful that the seller is reputable and the item is authentic.  Check both the seller's feedback and try to check the authenticity of the item independently as well.  I have used Purse Forum for checking against a Prada bag to a Hermes scarf (its users will use their own knowledge to verify authenticity).  Putting aside the politics of purchasing fake goods, you also don't want to pay top dollar for what you thought was real and is actually an item that is a (sometimes even well-made) imitation.

Love vintage Hermes scarves (Bluefly is another great source!)

2. Be patient and use saved searches
You can find many coveted items as well as items for a discount.  Some items may pop up right away while you may have to wait for other items.  Try my tips for creating a saved search so you receive e-mails whenever an item is listed that matches your search.  Remember my veil?  Yep, I got the silk tulle for $50 from eBay (it's usually more than twice that amount in any store) when I saw it pop up in a saved search.  Keep searching and you may find exactly what you've wanted for less!

3. Use broad search terms.

If you are looking for a very specific item, e.g. I was looking for the Alexander McQueen studded skull pump, you may want to go to a broader search if you can't initially find the item.  Use advanced search and use the other criteria that fit for you - you may need to check the box for Search including "Title and Description".  Or you may just search for the brand itself and put in variations of your search term (shoes or heels instead of pumps).  You can save all of these searches.

Alexander McQueen skull pump - sigh, waiting for a pair to pop up in my size!

4. Get to know a seller

If you've bought an item from a seller and like her service or selection, save the seller to your favorite sellers list (when you are looking at an item's page, go to the upper right corner of the page and press "Save seller" link).  You can get an option to receive e-mail updates from your favorite sellers (several sellers are usually presented in one e-mail from eBay).   I've also gotten to know sellers and had the inside scoop on when items are being listed so I know when to bid.

5. Know what to bid and when to walk away

It's natural to get caught up in the excitement of bidding in the final few minutes of an auction.  Resist the urge and come up with your own maximum price prior to the auction end.  Use a bidding tool like biddingscheduler.com to do the bidding for you.  I've used this successfully for many auctions (with one or two misses as well).  But it has allowed me to enter an early bid amount but let the tool bid for me in the final moments of an auction - it's the best of bidding at the end and setting your limits!  The application also e-mails you if your bid is surpassed so you can adjust it if you'd like.

LOTC: Top High Street/Mass Market retailers for Chic Wedding gowns in your budget

High street stores now have a great selection for brides Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC).  If you're looking for a silk gown, head to your mass retailer first.  They have really done a great job of creating light colored silk gowns with great draping, flattering cuts, and sometimes even a little additional embroidered or beaded detail.

If you're looking for more embellishment or specialty material (e.g. I wanted alencon lace which retails for $150/yard), head to sample sales, vintage sites, and trunk sales for wedding gown designers.  You will not find silk glass chiffon, French lace or other materials at these retailers simply because the materials are too costly.  But you will find simple, chic, and fashion forward gowns that may be a great option for you or your friends (p.s. and check out the upcoming Vera Wang for David's Bridal collection too.)  You will also likely find these dresses for a price lower than the one I've posted because all these retailers have sales!

1. The Limited makes cute clothing with just a little feminine edge.  I believe blogger buddy Los Angeles Love tried this gown too.  The cascading silk tendrils are too fun and I can totally see something like this for my original vineyard wedding.

$298 (though I've also seen it on sale for $178) here

2. J. Crew has been a creative force that has evolved to include some chic options like this simple white Sophia gown.

On sale for $250 here

3. eDressme has a few inspired gowns that are truly gorgeous.  Beaded straps, dropped waist, and flowing silk come together beautifully in this elegant gown.

$578 here

4. BCBG pairs fanciful feather details and a lovely defined waist in this vintage inspired gown.

$219.20 here

5. Ann Taylor has a few silk gowns with great draping - the v-neck on this looks so flattering!

$295 here

6. White House Black Market also has simple striking styles with silk and tulle details 

$598 here

7. David's Bridal and Vera Wang seem to be at opposite ends of the bridal spectrum.  Not anymore with the launch of White by Vera Wang for David's Bridal launching Feb. 2011 (I'll post pictures when it comes out).  Prices range from $600 - $1400.

Price TBD, source

8. Nordstrom has a diverse selection of white gowns from known designers,  like this Lauren by Ralph Lauren Sheila sequin trim jersey dress.  This is such a cool and mod look for a wedding (seriously how comfortable would it be for dancing at the reception!)

$154 here

9. eBay and Etsy are also worthy mentions because they can either connect you with a seller/reseller with potentially great prices for designer gowns (I found Lazaro and my Monique Lhuillier alencon lace gown there) or with custom designers.  Etsy has a fantastic array of vintage sellers and designers (Amy Jo Tatum at Bridechic is one and her gowns are under $2000 for a CUSTOM gown!)  Read the seller's ratings carefully and be careful of fakes!

Yolanda $1995 here

What do you think of wedding gowns from high street retailers?

eBay finds - Vera Wang wedding dresses

I love eBay and used it a lot for the wedding. I thought I'd start sharing random eBay deals I see online.

Vera Wang strapless silk a-line with cute crinoline. Starting at $199.

Vera Wang ivory tulle sheath gown. Gorgeous, could have totally seen this for my original vineyard wedding. Starting at $149.

Disclaimer: I'm not advertising for anyone and think these are authentic, but am no expert. These are just pretty things I see on eBay.

p.s. Sorry about lack of pictures, I couldn't figure out how to save the images.

Finding the right tux, especially the elusive vented tux

Mr. Chic 'n Cheap and I have had an ongoing debate about me buying his tux.

He says it was a control thing because he wanted to own that aspect. That was hard for me since I had been stalking eBay for months looking for his tux. But it was his thing so I just let him be eventually.

He knew he wanted a vented tux and pleated pants to accommodate his booty.

This led me to some informal style tips regarding tuxedos:
Jacket

• 1-2 button - better for a shorter torso or to not draw attention to the stomach
• 3 button - better for slimmer or longer fits
• vents (side or back) - good for movement and space around the midsection

Pants

• pleated - allows for more movement and better draping
• flat front - tighter around booty and thighs possibly causing bunching

Materials

• polyester - may look a bit shiny and may irritate certain skin
• wool - usually all-season, but may be still be warm

So he went to Men's Wearhouse and they do NOT have vented tuxedos. We were both surprised - aren't they a warehouse for men's clothing? But apparently it's not popular. Weird.

I went back to eBay and after some back and forth bought him a tux that just came. It's a perfect fit, matched all his requirements, and now he has to cancel his order.
It was a vintage Louis Roth tux that cost $61 with shipping and insurance. Gotta love it when everyone is happy.

Quirky brooches starting at $5

$5 buys:

• 2 McDonald's snack wraps and small fries
• venti frappuccino from Starbucks
  
• 3 Beard Papa's cream puffs

It could also buy adorable brooches on eBay from seller tintansalon.
His auctions start at .99 and shipping is $4.50 to the US. Nice.

Here are a few favorites:
Vintage flowersDogs in their blue coatsKey to your heart
and my favorite...your favorite chick
I already have a brooch that came with a Priscilla of Boston dress. I would love something quirky though. Which ones do you like?

Finding Hot Deals on apparel from eBay and Effectively searching for what you want

I got my dad's tux from eBay and it arrived! It is in perfect condition and fit both him and Mr. Chic n Cheap. It is a Southwick label tux and cost $56 from eBay. It also has grosgrain detailing vs. more shiny satin and is more subtle than typical tuxes.

I highly recommend eBay for apparel, favors, and fabric. My favorite tool is "Saved searches". Here is how it works:

1. Type in something like "44R Tux" in the Search field.
2. The list of items will appear.
   
3. Near the top of the page on the left side, click on "Save Search".
4. A pop-up window will appear with "Email me daily when new items match my search."  Click the "Save" button to confirm.
5. You will get an e-mail daily with links and pictures of up to 12 items that match (and the full list).

I got my silk tulle on eBay as well for a bit under $50 (great considering it is usually more than $120 a yard!). There's a lot of crappy stuff on there too so be careful about what you buy!

Next search - reception dress! What is everyone else getting on the internet for their weddings?