Making a quick buck - eBay

Ebay is my favourite thing in the world. I've been selling odd bits and pieces for around four years and it's saved me many a time when I've been skint and helped me buy that dress I've been desperate to own. It's a fantastic way to make a bit of extra money. I thought I'd pass along a few tricks of the trade I've discovered along the way.

One of the biggest issues of selling on eBay would be how to transport the item to the buyer and how to be sure you're charging the right amount of postage. It's essential to always make sure you weigh your item and work out the correct amount of postage. I have tried to guess this many times in the past and always came unstuck. What's the point in selling something if you're going to lose out on the profit? You won't make much money! Parcelforce is a great option for bulkier items!

Make sure you keep any old jiffy bags to send your items as this can again keep the cost down. I collect mine from work and save them from going in the bin. You really do want to maximise your profits. You can buy a job lot of light plastic postage bags online for a very reasonable price. These are brilliant for sending clothes that don't need protection.

Finally set aside some time to list your items on a Sunday night as it's been proven this is when most people tend to look for bargains and you're more likely to sell. I find around 6-7pm tends to be the best time as people are settling down. Keep your items listed for 7 days and always keep a beady eye out for free listings weekend as they can be a god send!

Do you sell on eBay often? Any words of wisdom you have to share?

This post was written in collaboration with Parcelforce.

Read more

But it was not your fault but mine and it was your heart on the line

Outfit:
Hawaiian print cut out dress: Asos
Demin jacket: Primark
Brown straw bag: eBay
Dove blue and pink heart lady dragons: Vivienne Westwood
Chunky pearls: Gift from friend
Red plastic watch: Toywatch

Finally gave my beautiful new shoes an outing - I figured the boyfriends birthday was a pretty special occasion! They are so easy to walk in and my feet don't sweat like I though they would - too much information I know! This is one of my favourite outfits i've worn in a long time. I love this dress, it's my favourite type of length but the cut outs around the waist stop it from looking frumpy. Just a shame I haven't had much wear out of it thanks to the dreaded rain.  This bag is without a doubt one of the best things i've brought on ebay. It was a mere 99p and it's the perfect holiday/summer bag. Anyone else get drawn to straw during the summer months?

Like I said I wore this out to my boyfriend's birthday for a meal with his family. I completely overindulged with three courses and paid with it at weightwatchers. It tasted so good but i'm really going to have to pull my finger out as all my weight seems to be going back on! I rustled up a chocolate cake for him and was rather pleased with my decorating skills. It's not going to win any prizes but I thought I did ok with my first attempt! The boys going to get fat as I made him a ginger cake and his nan made him another chocolate cake. Think he might need some help finishing them off...

Read more

I buy my own diamonds and I buy my own rings

Outfit:

Black faux fur coat: C/O Motel Rocks

Aran chunky knit jumper: Topshop via eBay

Wine coloured skinny jeans: Primark

Brown fleece lined ankle boots: Topshop

Gold coloured ball necklace: Topshop

This coat makes me look about a hundred times bigger than I actually am but it makes me so warm and cosy that i'm not bothered. It really has be worn to death and without a doubt my all favourite thing I have ever been given.

Wore this today to run some errands in town mostly to the Post Office. I needed to be warm walking home from town! Sold £38 worth of things on ebay yesterday, just a shame it's all going on travel to work! Anyone else dread the Post Office? It just seems to take forever and everyone always make a fuss if you have lots of things to post. Isn't that what it's for?

Not really much planned for tonight thanks to a distinct lack of funds. I've got a cosy night in selling my life on eBay. Ahhh the joys of being young!

Do you all have a exciting weekend ahead?

Read more

Ethical Fashion

Outfit:
Orange full skirt dress: River Island via eBay
Black vintage kelly handbag: Carboot
Vintage silk scarf: Beyond Retro
Blue cameo necklace: Charity shop
Black cardigan: Primark
Black faux suede smoking slippers: Next

This post is part of a competition entry for the Ethical Fashion blog. The competition is open to all fashion bloggers so why not pop over to Style Eyes Ethical Fashion blog to find out more. The prizes are amazing! The only rule is at least one item of your outfit must be upcycled, vintage, second hand, ethical fashion shops, from a jumble, carboot or charity shop.

I must admit I have not fully jumped onto the ethical fashion bandwagon just yet. I am still in the stage of liking to have lots of things rather than just a few things. I am still a fast fashion kinda of girl. I have however fully hopped onto the charity shop and vintage bandwagon and can't see me getting off anytime soon.

It has always been a running joke amongst my friends that I dress like a granny. It's no secret that I lust over things from the bygone eras. As much as I love spending hours in a vintage shop I hate the prices. What do they have to be so darn expensive? Hence why I tend to get most of my vintage from charity shops and carboots. I love the fact that the items have a history behind them and the fact that they are originals. It is so much nicer actually owning a bag from the 1960's rather than having a replica from Topshop. Of course there is always the plus of wearing something that no one else has, I have often been out and spotted someone in the same dress as me. Oh the shame!

This post reminds me how I need to make more of an effort to visit charity shops to pick up some goodies! Nothing beats a charity shop binge.

What are your opinions on ethical fashion? Do you frequent charity shops?

Read more