Chanel, Tod's, and Gucci at deep discounts sounds like something too good to be true, right? Wrong. You just need to know the right address -- web address, that is.
Ann Wood's online boutique, Willow-Wear on eBay, specializes in the resale of consignment items that are seriously high-end yet low in price. Her style philosophy? Why spend money on clothes when they could be paying for themselves.
"You don't need a cluttered closet and nice clothing guilting you as it languishes on the hanger! Sell the good pieces you aren't wearing and use that money to buy new things for the current season," said Wood, bubbling with enthusiasm and gorgeous in an understated, navy Escada dress.
Wood, after more than a decade in business, still clearly relishes her role in her 40-plus client's lives.
"A Judith Leiber bag that was highly limited and only made for the anniversary of New Yorker magazine is my favorite, " she said of the coolest thing she's had the pleasure of selling. Of course, Wood is a professed bag and shoe fanatic.
Of what's currently on sale at Willow-Wear -- Wood's picks are a very pink, sheared mink jacket by Zandra Rhodes; a great Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress from 2007; and Judith Leiber crocodile ankle boots.
The best buy she has to offer right now? "Without a doubt the vintage, black Galanos gown on sale for $1500 which originally retailed for over $10,000," Wood said emphatically.
As for what she wants this Fall, Wood loves fur vests, statement jewelry, anything Prada - "it never goes out of style," she says - and the lovely, orange pieces from Oscar de la Renta.
"I'm also planning to carry my white, Chanel, upside down bag even though it's fall. I sort of feel like breaking the rules right now!" said Wood.
And why not? She is definitely having her moment. With sales that have recently boosted her to eBay's platinum level and the recent profile in D CEO, there couldn't be a better season for her to have a little fun.
For all info on how to shop or sell on Willow-Wear, visit the website.
