Top Ten eBay Tips

As you all will know I’m a fashion and style loving lass. When I need to save a few pennies for beauty products or a new camera my go to place is eBay. You can literally find a real hidden gem every day of you know how to search properly. Most of my friends call me the eBay Queen.

I will share with you my top ten eBay tips so you too can look stylish on a measly budget. Whether you missed out on that perfect little summer dress that sold out in a flash or just a tasty bargain waiting to be snapped up. These tips will help you look stylish and turn heads. Enable you to be a little individual but most importantly save you a packet!

Top 10 eBay Tips-5 Top 10 eBay Tips-5

1. Get the app on your smart phone. This way you will be able to look for things 24/7 if you so please.
2. Search for specific things or things that pop into your head. Or items you might have missed out on even years gone by. Like “Wit & Wisdom pink dress” I did this for a few months after longing to find one I didn’t purchase 15 years ago and it popped up for £3.50!
3. Be prepared to wait….ref to No2!
4. Haggle and contact sellers to see if they will take items out of auction. You might be surprised how many just want to get rid of unwanted items.
5. Set a budget each month and stick to it.
6. Watch items all the time as your iPhone or smartphone will let you know when they are coming to an end.
7. Refine settings, like price. Type in max price £1.00. Free postage or distance to you.
8. This brings me to the next tip, avoid overseas sellers that use descriptions like “May look different to image due to lighting” as you won’t end up with what you see!
9. This next tip is one my buddy Claire told me…Type in wrongly spelt terms like “Soze 8” as you will be amazed at how many items are listed spelt incorrectly!
10. Have fun with it. But don’t get too carried away!

Top 10 eBay Tips-5

I hope these little tips help you get a budget wardrobe just like mine!

American Pop Culture & Fast Food Fashion Leaves Brits Hungry For More

Have a crazing for some fast food? Well, what about some fast fashion: The fash pack’s tastes for food-inspired fashion, sees a super-size demand for delicious designs on eBay

Since Andy Warhol transformed a Campbell’s Soup can and boxes of Brillo soap pads into Pop Art in the 1960s, artists and fashion designers alike, have looked to everyday domestic products and beloved food brands for inspiration. This season has seen an explosion of Brits favourite ‘food on the move’ brands translated into must-have clothing and accessories, like never before.

caraonesiepepperoni

mileycyrus

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From Rita Ora modelling the McDonald’s ‘Golden Arches’ around London, to Vanessa Hudgens gracing the cover of super cool US magazine NYLON, swathed in Coca-Cola sequins, us Brits can’t get enough of all things kitsch and delicious – with sales of similar women’s apparel rising on eBay.co.uk 119%* over the summer months.

Most recently model and red carpet regular Cara Delevingne was seen taking the trend to another level. Whilst journeying home from her wild birthday celebrations she was snapped wearing an outfit inspired by what’s inside your fast food wrappers and rocking a pepperoni pizza patterned onesie. Across the pond, Katy Perry was spotted the week before wearing a similar all-in-one to The Philadelphia Museum of Art.

 

So where did this tasty trend begin?

 

British designer Ashish sent models down the runway for Spring Summer ’14 drenched in Coca-Cola t-shirts and vests, emblazoned with the brand’s unforgettable logo in his signature sequins. Not forgetting his UK roots, looks were complete with sequin shopping bags reminiscent of designs by superbrands ‘Tesco’ and ‘M&S’.

Autumn Winter ‘14 saw Moschino Creative Director, Jeremy Scott, showcase the chicest of McDonald’s uniforms, perfectly paired with ‘french fries’ iPhone cases and handbags, sparking a craze on eBay.co.uk with over 50** types of fast food phone cases available to buy instantly. Not just for ‘McFashion’ fans, Scott also created show-stopping silk dresses with prints taken from beloved food products including: Fruit Loops cereal, Hershey chocolate and Cheetos chips.

Whilst over in Paris, Lagerfeld’s Chanel runway was converted into a high-end luxury supermarket, with grocery aisles constructed in the iconic Grand Palais. Models including new face Kendall Jenner, Cara Delevingne and pal Rihanna, shopped the aisles with Chanel wire baskets and trolleys, and sported a range of tongue in cheek grocery ‘accessories’, from Chanel egg tray clutches to Chanel milk carton shoulder bags.

 

 

High-Cut 90s Swimsuits Make a Splash Thanks To Miley Cyrus & Cameron Diaz

The iconic high-cut ‘90s swimsuit makes a splash on eBay as Miley Cyrus and Cameron Diaz champion the one piece this summer

highcutswimsuit MILEY CYRUS CAMERON DIAZ

The infamous high-waisted Baywatch style bathing suit is back with a vengeance this season, as British sun seekers turn up the heat and embrace the dare-to-bare trend of the ‘90s.

In the last month alone, eBay, one of the world’s largest marketplaces, has seen a huge surge in sales of the high-cut poolside apparel by 329%*.

Leading the charge for the ‘90s revival is wild child Miley Cyrus, who pioneered a new slim line silhouette when undergoing her radical transformation from Disney ‘girl next door’ to pop rebel. Consistently flaunting an eye-catching hip-high suit, Miley wore on her Bangerz Tour creations by Marc Jacobs, Roberto Cavalli and The Blonds, reigniting a thirst for lycra in a variety of vibrant shades and prints.

New on the scene, Aussie rapper Iggy Azalea has also been donning glamorous swimsuits by American designers Marco Marco and Betsey Johnson in the past few months. Not for the fainthearted, Iggy has been reinventing the meaning of Riviera chic, confirming that tan lines are trophies and hipbones are the ‘new cleavage’ for 2014.

By contrast, America’s sweetheart Cameron Diaz showcased a sleek and sophisticated interpretation of the trend, appearing on the cover of this month’s Esquire magazine. Cameron exuded elegance in a jaw-dropping LBS (Little Black Swimsuit), perfectly accessorised with a pair of gold pumps. For those that are inspired by Ms Diaz’s alluring one-shoulder black swimsuit, eBay.co.uk currently lists 850** options to choose from.

The one piece has also proven popular amongst the most fierce and fearless females too. Both Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé have recently made onstage appearances in garments that caress every curve in an array of colours and cuts, proving that all a diva really needs is a showstopping one piece.

 

 

Streets of London Launch New Charity Auction

GET YOUR HANDS ON MERCHANDISE SIGNED BY SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN MUSIC

 FROM 9pm THURSDAY 20TH – SUNDAY 30TH MARCH

Homelessness charity Streets of London will be holding a special online auction to raise money and awareness for homeless people in the capital. Bidding on eBay kicks off at 9pm on Thursday 20th March and runs until Sunday 30th March. Items include Artwork, CDs, T-Shirts and Vinyl. Taking part in this amazingcause and supporting the charity are an incredible array of world-class names including The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Biffy Clyro, Emeli Sande, The Vaccines and many more! For more information and to get involved, visit www.streetsoflondon.org.uk

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Justin Young from The Vaccines said: “After the bad weather of the last few months, more than ever is it easy for me to appreciate just how tough and awful living on the streets without structure and support is. And I think whatever people can do to contribute to making the lives of those people easier goes an incredibly long way.”

 

Ronnie Wood from The Rolling Stones said: “We’re delighted to support Streets of London and their wonderful work helping London’s homeless.”

 

Ian Steuart Fothringham, director of Streets of London said: “We’re excited to have the support of so many major artists – including some of the biggest names in music – for this important cause. We fund specialist support for people who are homeless in London, ensuring that they have the advice and support they need to be able to move on and make lasting changes in their lives. Every penny raised at this auction will help. 2014 is shaping up to be an exciting year for us. We’re finalising the line-up for our next Concert for Homelessness, and we’ll be announcing the details in the coming few weeks!”

 

Streets of London puts on exciting live events, including annual charity concerts, giving music fans the opportunity to see big-name acts performing in intimate venues. It uses the proceeds to fund support for homeless people in the capital, ensuring they receive the advice and supportive guidance needed to move forward with their lives. The charity also works to increase general understanding about homelessness, challenging preconceptions and stereotyping.

 

To join in supporting this amazing worthycause, head to www.streetsoflondon.org.uk for more information – the eBay auction starts at 9pm on Thursday 20th March.

 

@StreetsofL

 

 

Rally For The Rainforest At Online Celebrity Auction

Want to shop and do good? Of course you do.

‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, the RFUK’s fabulous and exclusive public auction of one-off gifts donated by celebrities, luxury labels and esteemed Foundation friends, returns for a fourth year. Open to everyone through an RFUK pop-up shop on eBay, the 12 day auction, running from November 20 to December 1, will offer various gleaming goodies for every savvy shopper ready to raise funds to protect the world’s rainforests.

James Bates - collage in a white box frame

James Bates – collage in a white box frame.

The auction can be found at www.ebay.co.uk/12days

 

As well as countless surprises to be announced in the lead up to the auction launch, lots currently include: A catered day out at the Wiltshire Lakehouse Estate home from Sting and Trudie Styler, VIP autographed guest tickets to the filming of QI from Stephen Fry, signed goodies from Sir Bruce Forsyth and Mark Rylance, signed sporting goods from members of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspurs FCs, Tea for Four in Parliament with The Rt Hon Zac Goldsmith MP, many course meals with wine from the OXO Tower Restaurant, Terre a Terre and the Michelin-starred Quilon, tickets for award winning London shows including Spamalot, Woman In Black  and The English National Ballet’s Le Corsaire, exclusive London Fashion Week items from Volcom, Emma J Shipley, Eda London and Begg Scotland, a stunning bracelet from Zoe & Morgan plus limited edition signed art from Rob Ryan, Kid Acne, Ben Frost, Eelus, Rosie Emerson, Russell Marshall, Graham Carter and a very rare 1 of 3 paint on canvas from acclaimed artist Fin DAC worth over £1,000 (kindly donated by art concept store Beautiful Crime) and much, much more! This is just a sample of what is available at what will no doubt be a spectacular fourth year for the 12 Days of Christmas event. More lots to be announced soon via @RFUK, Facebook and the RFUK website.

82% Of Couples Admit To Selling Wedding Gifts Online

  • 42% of guests admit that they find buying a wedding gift ‘stressful’
  • More than one in ten wedding guests (12%) said they were often embarrassed by their gift choice
  • One in five fully expect their gifts to be left unused, returned or sold
  • One in ten will decline a wedding invitation altogether because of worries over the gift
Bride, bridal make up, tips for wedding day, wedding, marriage, wedding day, tips, beauty, make up, tips

Photo credit: TrueMalyugin

New research reveals that 82% of newlyweds admit to selling wedding gifts on internet sites like Ebay.

Despite the use of wedding lists and the amount of thought guests put into selecting the perfect present, it seems that most newlyweds still end up with impractical presents that they just don’t want or need.

Couples taking part in the research revealed some very strange gifts indeed, with one receiving a tarantula and another couple who were presented with a gift-wrapped banana.

It also seems that many guests give presents expecting them to be sold on. More than one in ten wedding guests (12%) said they were often embarrassed by their gifts and one in five fully expect their gifts to be left unused, returned or sold.

The research indicates that more practical gifts or even group gifts are the solution, for example contributions to the honeymoon or money for house improvements would be welcomed.

42% of guests admit that they find buying a wedding gift ‘stressful’.

Worries over what gift to purchase have resulted in one in ten Brits declining a wedding invitation altogether, believing that a bad gift decision could cause an argument between friends. 6% even believe it could end a friendship.

The research was done by One4all, a gift card from the Post Office,

Sort Your Finances Out In 2013

January is the month that people make resolutions and try to sort their lives out. So, in the true spirit of January why not take the time out to sort your finances? Here are three top tips if you are needing some financial help.

1. Sell Your stuff: Sell unwanted stuff that is cluttering your home on Ebay, Ebid, the Amazon Marketplace or the ASOS marketplace. People generally have a lot of clothes they never wear and books that they have read. You will feel immediately better. I have regular clear outs.

2. Try lower brands at the supermarket. In the past supermarket own brand goods were not very good but the quality has really improved in recent years. Pound stores are also incredibly popular now and their is no stigma attached in shopping in them. The cost of living does not have to be expensive.

3. If you really need to borrow money take out a safe and secure affordable loan from a legitimate regulated lender. Many people are currently borrowing money from pay day lender sites which have annual interest rates in the thousands of percent. You could be wasting a fortune. The same is true of credit cards which often charge very high levels of interest. This interest can compound as the debt increases turn into a nightmare. As long as you are smart, taking out a loan to pay for a new home, car or a big purchase is fine.

Disclaimer: Consult a qualified financial advisor first before you take any action. Everyone’s situation is different and taking out a loan may not be the right decision for you depending on your personal circumstances.

Clydesdale Bank’s instant decision loan offers an APR representative of 5.1% on all loans between £7,500 and £15,000 (subject to conditions). http://www.cbonline.co.uk/personal/loans/personal-loan

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eBay & CFDA’s You Can’t Fake Fashion Debuts at Fashion Week

eBay’s Alan Marks, CFDA’s Steve Kolb; The 2013 Tote; IMG’s Peter Levy, Chris Benz, Jauretsi, Alan Marks, Steven Kolb, and Ruffian’s Brian Wolk and Claude Morais; The Exhibit; Chris Benz; Ruffians Brian Wolk and Claude Morais

 

eBay and CFDA are collaborating for a third year to advance the YOU CAN’T FAKE FASHION campaign, to continue to raise awareness against counterfeit goods and celebrate original design within the fashion industry. To properly celebrate our third iteration of this important partnership, we’re previewing the new 2013 tote at an exclusive exhibit at Lincoln Center during MBFW as of yesterday.  If you are at London Fashion Week find some time between shows to stop by and check it out!

 

Following two consecutive sold-out collections, the 2013 collection will include a new version of the limited-edition standard tote bearing the signature tagline as well as one-of-a-kind designer totes, customized by nearly 100 of America’s foremost designers like CFDA President Diane von Furstenberg, Chris Benz, Ruffian, Tory Burch, Rachel Zoe, and Oliver Theyskens.

 

The entire collection will be available exclusively on eBay in March 2013, with all proceeds benefitting the CFDA Foundation. visit ebay.com/youcantfakefashion and be sure to include the hashtag #ebayfashion if you stop by the exhibit and share any photos on Instagram!