Monday, December 29, 2014

Permanent Marker and American Girl Dolls, Just Like You!

I hope that each and everyone enjoyed their time with family and friends during the Christmas Holiday.  Well now we shall prepare to end this year 2014 and start 2015 soaring high and striving daily for success.  I pray that we will all have a very prosperous year.  Despite whatever stumbling blocks that come our way they will be made into stepping stones as we journey towards our goals. 


Let me jump right into it...

First I wanted to let you all know that I have a bad habit of packing things away, and not listing them when I get them.  That is my resolution this year.  Stop hoarding and start listing.  No if ands or buts! 
A few months ago I picked up two American Girl Dolls, Just Like You.  They were fully clothed in the store and for $1.91 each I couldn't go wrong.  One of the dolls had really dirty clothes on and the other doll, well her dress was torn and ripped.  I got home and undressed them and when I did I was totally shocked.  Both dolls had the words MOMO written on their cloth bodies.  One had it on the front and the other had it on the back.  I googled and inquired with Ebay Mommy group on Facebook about how to remove the permanent marker.  I decided to try a few methods and none of them worked.  Kind of bummed!  I put them in a tote in my garage and put them off for a later date.  Well the later date was more like months down the line.  I pulled them out about 4 days ago and decided to list them just as they were.  I had to once again inquire to help identify them and once I got that taken care of I took some pictures and got them listed.  Well not quite, I quickly became undecided on what price point to start them at or should I just list them as BIN aka Buy it Now.  The struggle!  Finally the lights upstairs came on and I was astonished with a brilliant idea.  List them as auctions, duhhhh!  I started them both at a price that I would be okay with getting if I only got 1 bid.  $19.99, yes that's right I was okay with making $20 a piece of both dolls.  I paid a total of $4 and making $40 was not bad at all.  Before you judge me and my ignorance when it comes to these dolls, let me just say I didn't think they would be worth anything due to the permanent marker and the hair had definitely been cut.  I knew that they were heavily sought after, just not sure how people felt about buying them with flaws.

3 day auction, lets see how this will go...........


Dark Hair Blue Eyes

Blonde Hair Blue Eyes
 
The Bidding wars had begun...........
 
Lets see what has taken place with both dolls
With only 1 hour left, checkout the bids on both dolls
 
 
 

 
 
This is the doll that has the permanent marker on the back.
 
 
 
These dolls definitely gave me a new realization.  I can't sell myself short on damaged items.  Don't be afraid to take a chance.  To think I was only going to list them for $40 had I listed them as Buy It Now!
 
 
I can't wait to update you on the ending auction.
 
Part 2 coming soon!!!!
 
 
 
Happy Thrifting
 
Angela~ 
 
 

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Wednesday Thrift Haul and Sales Update!

Hope that you all are gearing up for the upcoming Holidays and full of Christmas cheer.....


 
I have been sourcing this week and I don't plan on doing any more sourcing for the rest of the week.  At least I hope that I don't!  I am so excited about my recent finds and ready to get them listed and sold!  Without delay let me get right to it.  I sourced at Goodwill Outlet yesterday and Salvation Army today. 
 
I will give you my cost and then my projected sale or any insight that I have deemed important to the sale.
 
 
SHOES
 
NaNa Trading Boots, Made in England $2/???
I am still in the process of getting more information on these boots so my sales projection is unavailable.  My hope is that I can make $50-$100 on them.  We will see, I'll keep you updated on them.

MBT Velcro sandals $2/$45-$70
I have sold MBT in the past and they usually sell for about $50 and higher

Ralph Lauren Slip On Mules Polka Dot $2.50/$22-$35
I picked these up because of the size and the polka dots, go figure.
 

J-41 $3/$19-$30
Not a huge profit on these

Tory Burch Thandie Flip Flops $1.45/$30-$55
Birki's Calais Sandals $2.45/$30-$49
 
 
Osgoode Marley Leather Backpack $3.50/$45-$100 
This was great find today!


NWT Koret Quilted Handbag Tote it was 1/2 off $3/$55
The vintage bags sell at this price, they are considerably smaller than this bag.  Sold a quilted leather handbag back in May by Koret for $70. 
 
Holt Renfrew Silk Jacket $2/$75
Misook Dress $1.69/$90

 

Vintage D.B. Sweater $1.49/$25-$48
Tuscan Sweater $1.49/$30-$60
Jones New York Sweater $1/$20-$30
The first two sweaters mentioned are made in Italy. 
The Jones New York is not a bid seller but it will sell, it is sweater weather!

Bernard Zins Paris Blazer $2/$45-$99
 

Yak Magik Jacket  $2/$27-$65
I had never heard of this brand before, looked it up and not a bad return.  I think the uniqueness will make a difference in the price.
 
 

Marc Jacobs 100% Silk Blouse $2/$20-$88
 
 

Vintage Double D Ranch Wear $2/$35-$124
 
 
Sales Update and My Refund!
 
Biggest sale of the week, posted this on a FB group
I started this top at $69.99, I had no clue that it would go for this amount. 
 
 

Burberry Sweater

This sweater looked very nice but it was "No Good".  Upon packaging my nail ripped the sleeve only to realize that this cardigan was dry rotted.
Returned buyer money instantly and apologized.  Things do happen in this business.

 
Betsey Johnson took me about a month to sell but it is sold!  
 
Did a 5 day auction started at $29.99
 
 
Thanks for reading, feel free to leave comments below.
 
~Angela  


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Saturday, December 13, 2014

Show & Tell Thrift Haul & Sales Update and a BOLO!

I Just Love To Thrift.....
Of course that's no secret.  I went to several stores over the course of about 2 weeks, Goodwill Outlet, Community Thrift Stores, Garage Sales and Salvation Army and I picked up some pretty amazing pieces.  Let me get right to my "Show & Tell" blog!


1960s Lilli Ann Coat, $5



1980s Silk Bolero, $1 

1980s Hand Woven Sweater, $1.75

Tuttle Distinctive Sweater Alpaca, $1.50

Ladies jacket with Leather floral patches, $1.69
 

Carole Little Art to Wear Maxi Dress $.75
This dress was a find from Goodwill Outlet.  It was an unwanted item.  I often hear people say that they hate the GWO because of the crowds etc etc.  I don't mind going because most people don't want what I want.  I  have been able to sale Vintage Carole Little for $20 and up!
 
 

Vintage Creola Sweater, $1.69
Italian designer established in 1953, here is a link about this brand http://www.creola.it/indexEN.html
 
 
Carole Little Maxi Dress 1980s
This dress sold within an hour of listing....
Carole Little usually sells quickly
 
Sales Update:
 
Below is just some recent sales that I've had.  I believe that 4 of the 5 items below were featured in my last blog. 
 
 

This is my BOLO this brand is worth picking up however very rare!  I paid $1.57 for this cardigan. 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Picked up this blanket back in September from Salvation Army just decided to list and sold in less than a week.  $2.00 
 
 
Hope that you all enjoyed viewing my blog.
Feel free to leave comments below and ask questions
 
Happy Thrifting~
 

 
 
 
Angela~

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Black Friday Thrift Haul & More!

Hope that you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving.  I sure did, it always a blessing to spend the Holidays with the ones you love.  I had intentions of posting this blog but I got so wrapped up in mommy duties that I had not had the time to do so.  But here I am again sharing with you my fantastic finds from Black Friday and the days to follow.

Off Subject:
I started this blog for the purpose of sharing information and also interacting with like minded individuals.  I am apart of several Facebook groups that also have a wealth of information and one group in particular I like to share my finds and also I attach the link to my blog there for those who like to see my hauls.  Well I encountered someone who was having a horrible day and lashed out at me for the way I run my business, which by the way is total ethical and logical.  I knew that this person wasn't coming from a genuine place however I remained humble and I did not allow her negative and disrespectful comments to bother me to the point that I stoop to her level.  I did however make it clear that she was wrong and that she should be held accountable for her actions.  She later apologized and admitted that she had some negative vibes going on and she came at me for no reason.  I accepted her apology and moved along.  I wrote this in my blog to remind you to not be discouraged when stumbling blocks get in your way.  Stumbling blocks are only stepping stones to something greater!  I could have easily lashed out back at her but instead I stated my opinion and others stated their opinion as well.  She was wrong and she needed to take responsibility for that.  Too many times we don't hold people accountable for their actions!

Some recent finds.......

Marcia Hammond Chenille Silk & Cotton Open Cardigan these retail for $600 and are handwoven.  Check out her video http://youtu.be/RKN9LpibtHY


Marc by Marc Jacobs Hoodie
 
 
 Coogi Sweater

 


Theory Rabbit Fur Coat SOLD*                                       Joseph Ribkoff Dress                


Soft Surroundings Shrug
 
 
Papillio by Birkenstock

St John by Marie Gray Pumps
 

Escada Nautical Sweater 

Michael Simon Art to Wear Sweater Cardigan
 
 
Last but not least......
 
Authentic Vintage Gucci Envelope Clutch Bag* Keeping for myself*
 
 
 
 
Thank you and Happy Thrifting!!!
 
 
 
 





Sunday, November 23, 2014

Small Thrift Haul with Big Names and Sales Update!

Happy Sunday.....

Picked up a few good pieces today....  This was on a 1/2 off color tag sale so all the items were 50% off except for 1 item which was $1. 

Elitelle Paris Dress paid $1.87
Armani Exchange Wool Sweater $1.57
Kimichi Blue Sweater paid $1.87
Braemar Scotland Cashmere Cardigan paid $1.57
Tory Burch Knit Top paid $1.57
Zanella Blazer paid $2
Como Dress Shirt paid $1
Let me give credit where it is absolutely due and she is so appreciated Maxine at http://fulltimeebayseller.com/ she posted that she sold a Kimichi Blue sweater recently.  I probably would have passed this sweater up a few times before looking it up to see its value.  Thanks again, you are my inspiration!
 
I did not research much of these items in the store.  I took a chance that the names that I wasn't familiar with would still bring me a profit based on what I paid for them.  I have been known for not doing research on certain clothing pieces.  It is kind of like seeing a rare piece and just instant knowing that it might be worth something just from the look.  I have a story to share about that in just a little bit so don't leave just yet!
 
************
 

 
Vintage Floral Sweater by Espirit not the cutest, but hey not so cute sells well too. 
 
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All That Jazz Dress paid $1.87
 
So I didn't have a whole lot of items but I had some great name brands! 
I know that it almost seems to good to be true but it isn't.  I am sourcing most these items from a very great Thrift Store.  But someone's else lack of knowledge when it comes to brands is my financial gain.  These items aren't just sitting on the rack like a sore thumb I actually have to look through the racks in order to score these few pieces.  There is definitely time put in!  
 
 
***************
 
Sales Update time woo hoo!!!!
 
 
 
I have had these listed for less than 2 weeks

 
Listed for less than 24 hours
 
 
 

 
Listed for less than 2 weeks
 
 

 
Had these in my inventory for some time, sourced these at Salvation Army!
 
 
Feel free to leave comments and ask questions!!!
 
Happy Thrifting
 
Angela~