Want to know what's hot for the holiday season? The best way to do it? Go straight to the source. We spoke to eight top eBay sellers in the Clothing, Shoes and Accessories Categories to find out what's flying off the virtual shelves in their eBay stores right now.
1. Andrea Perini, of VagaBondnyc
A former Vogue editor with a lifelong obsession with vintage, Perini and partner Naveed Hussain launched VagaBondnyc on eBay in 2006. Characterized by stylized photography that could launch 1,000 outfits, their eBay stores offers hard-to-find, high-end brands from last half century, including Dolce & Gabbana, Marni, Valentino, and Versace.
This Helmut Lang Gold Layering Piece (buy it now price, $168) from the 1990s is "one of our most popular and frequently looked at items," Perini says. A collectors' item, it's also practically impossible to find elsewhere. "Helmut Lang is considered one of a handful of designers whose clean lines, streamlined asymetry and cut-outs embodied the look and feel of 90s fashion, [which is making a comeback today]," Perini says. She also notes that it's a great piece to give or wear during the gilded holiday season.
2. Anne Aaranson of A Slave to Fashion
Selling exclusively on eBay since 2004, A Slave to Fashion has the largest selection of classic sportwear line Eskandar on eBay (owner Anne Aaranson claims to have more than twice the inventory of her closest competitor) as well as select pieces from Chanel. Aaronson is a top-rated Platinum Power Seller who had sales last year of over $375,000.
In a flattering shade of plum, this Eskandar Ribbed Cashmere Cardian (buy it now price, $560.15) is, says Aaronson, "one of the nicest cashmere sweaters I have ever seen." It sold at retail for $1,690 and is now available on her store for a third of the price.
3. Debbie Imlay of DebsCouture
Offering clothing and undergarments at accessible prices, Debbie Imlay has been selling on eBay for over six years. Her store, DebsCouture, focuses on hard-to-find shapewear and clothing in a wide variety of colors and sizes, including regular and plus sizes, all made in Los Angeles. She also just launched Scrubs4us, a new eBay business that sells scrubs, lab coats and other apparel for the healthcare industry.
"I have been selling a lot of shrugs for many months," Imlay says, like this Grey Crop Bolero (buy it now price, $19.79). "They come in short sleeve, three-quarter sleeve and cap-sleeve sizes, and are fun and stylish additions to a women's bare-shoulder blouse or dress." They are a top selling category in Imlay's store; close to 400 have been sold in the past 90 days.
4. Kathy Simpson of Kat's Kloset
Selling solely Switchflops by Lindsay Phillips and OneSoles by Dominique, Kat's Kloset specializes in convertible shoes—shoes and flip flops with interchangeable tops. Founder Kathy Simpson has been selling since 1997 and has over 200 items listed in her store.
"The Lilly Kitten Heel (buy it now price, $54.99) is my most popular style from the SwitchFlops line. It takes the flip flop concept into a more dressy style, with it's sleek finish and sexy kitten heel," Simpson says. Shoppers can purchase a variety of straps to add color and interest to the solid black style.
5. Lori DeAgostino of Jordan and Jack's
Skilled at identifying hot brands and styles on eBay, Lori DeAgostino focuses on men's and women's clothing from well-known brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Coach, Anthropologie and Victoria's Secret. She left a high-powered career to start her eBay business over five years ago and now has about 500 products for sale on her store.
"Holden Ski Jackets like this one (buy it now price, $169.99) are wonderful because they are stylish and functional. You can go right from the slopes to the lodge and look great," DeAgostino says. The jacket retails for $384.
6. Linda Lightman of Linda's Stuff
With over 32,000 auctions on her site each day, Linda Lightman is among eBay's top sellers of clothing, shoes and accessories. Lightman compares her site, Linda's Stuff, to Bergdorf Goodman or Barney's, saying that while those stores may be the best places to find designer styles at full retail prices, her store is the best place to find the same items at steep discounts. Her most popular brands include Chanel, Hermes, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Chloe, Coach, Balenciaga, Gucci and Prada.
After 18 bids, these White Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings recently sold for $455. Describing diamond hoops as "the gift that always fits," Lightman says that they are the "means by which a day outfit transforms into and evening out and a conservative look becomes sexy." Other recent big sellers on Linda's Stuff include a Chanel black quilted handbag that went for $1,152.77 and a Louis Vuitton Speedy back that sold for $465 after 36 bids.
7. Stacie Sefton of BH Factory Outlet
With over 2,000 new items listed daily, BH Factory outlet liquidates brand new designer shoes and clothing for men, women and kids. Top brands include BCBG Max Azria, Jones New York, Coach, Betsey Johnson, Stuart Weitzman, Calvin Klein, Zegna and Ugg. Owner Stacie Sefton has been in business for over six years and prides herself on the quality of her customer service.
With a current bid as of this writing at $100 and 16 bids already under way, these Ugg Women's Ultimate Cuff Brown Boots are already a clear hit. "No one’s wardrobe should be without a pair of Uggs, and at this price, it makes it possible," Sefton says.
8. Joseph Adamson of Silver Dollar Outpost
At "Uncle Joe" Adamson's Silver Dollar Outpost, it's all about high-quality tie dyed clothing, including made-to-order t-shirts (as well as Star Wars memorabilia). The store sells two main tie dye brands. According to Adamson, "Our Planet Tie Dye brand is ultra-premium wear, emphasizing the best in artistic styles and the highest quality garment possible. Our SDO brand is a line of premium tie dye that balances smart style and fun with great value. All of our items are hand-made, tied and dyed individually by professional artisans in the USA."
This Modern Rainbow Tie Dye T-shirt (buy it now price, $9.99) is a popular style for events and concerts, with musicians and attendees alike. Adamson likes it popping out from an open coat or jacket.
Meredith Barnett is the Editorial Director of The Inside Source.
