Tuesday, April 24, 2012

4 tips for buying Diane von Furstenberg dresses for cheap on eBay

I've averaged $81 (including shipping fees) for buying 43 dresses on eBay.  This is only dresses I still have in my possesion, not including dresses I've sold back.  How do I get dresses that usually retail for  around $400 (with tax) for 20% of the price?


  1. Know the goods.
  2. Know fake from real
  3. Know your size
  4. Know your price limit
Know the goods--have a good, working knowledge of what a Julian, Jeanne, Justin, Jessica, Jillia and Jude are.  Browse Saks, Bloomingdales, DvF.  Know what dress styles are.  If someone puts up an unnamed style, it might be a genuine dress.  I've scooped up some dresses for very little due to a bad picture or unlabeled style.   Also, as you don't get to try on, know what the dress looks and feels like. 

Know fake from real.  Here's an article on some quick tips.  In general, look for a style tag!  Look for pictures!  If the only picture is a stock picture, ask for more.  If it's labeled as New with tags, ask to see a photo of the STORE tag.  

Know your size.  Are you a small 2?  An 8 that can squeeze into a 6 or upsize to a 10?  If you've never bought a DvF, try on a few at a store to get a feel for what they are sized.  Be aware that wraps can be dramatically different from fitted dresses.

Know your price range.  I'm willing to pay up to $150 for a highly desirable dress but would like to pay under $100.  Don't get caught up in a bidding war.  Conversely, when a dress I want (China Vine Olivier) appeared, I bought it for very close to my limit.  

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Diane von Furstenberg Sheath Dresses

Though Diane von Furstenberg is famous for her wrap dresses, she does make non-wrap dresses too.  Some show up for a season, others have started becoming repeats.  Here's my thoughts on what sheaths I like, how flattering they are, and how appropriate for work.  First, my opionion is strictly on my own body shape.  I've compared myself to a T-Rex-  little up top, huge hips & thighs.  And a tummy.  In wraps I'm usually an 8, though I've squeezed down to a 4 if it's a rare pattern.  In my own personal preference order:

Thane, Marbled Pesto.  I LOVE this dress.  It's not too tight at the waist.  The wool is a comfy stretch (this dress is 100% wool, Bluefly is wrong in listing it as silk".  The keyhole back is interesting but not work inappropriate.  If it's cold, I can layer a cardigan. In fall/winter, this dress gets heavy rotation.  The dress came in several other patterns (Eva Longira wore it in red) but it doesn't pop up much on eBay.
Description "Crewneck, Cut-out back with button closure, Pleated cap sleeve, Empire waist seam, Ruching at side skirt, Unlined"

Jamila, Tiger Print.  I also LOVE this dress.  With the obi waist it's surprisingly forgiving of my stomach.  The top is a soft silk, the bottom a stretchy silk.  I think the tiger print is a little much for work, and usually only wear with a sweater. I tried on the Jamila in Cayenne at the DVF in NYC, and thought "it'll go on sale".  It didn't, and I still regret not getting it in Cayenne or in blue.  The tiger keeps popping up on eBay.
Description "wide scooped neckline, keyhole button closure at the back of the neck, capped shoulders, chiffon overlay (top), banded waist, ruching at the sides, straight skirt, and a slip on design."

Holland, Navy Blue.  I got a 10 as I'd read this ran big.  wrong!  the 10 split neckline is way too low on me.  It's a cute dress but I can only wear it on weekends.
Description " Sporty mandarin-collared splitneck dress with cap-sleeves, white panels on both sides of silhouette, and built-in hip pockets "

Marchona Hot Pink. This dress hits my stomach in the worst place and makes my butt look like meatballs.  Somehow I still like wearing it, perhaps because it reminds me of the fun I had at the DvF sample sale. A wool blend. Not work appropriate (on me) but a fun going out dress with the zipper detail.
Description "Round neckline, Cap sleeves, Straight skirt; high waistline, Black-lined zipper adorns left shoulder."

Taran. Regetta weave blue.  I'm a sucker for pockets!  Barely work appropriate.  The scoop neckline is a little low.  Good for a warm day as it's 100% silk with cap sleeves.
Description "scooped neckline, sleeveless cut, banded waist, scooped pockets at the hips, pleated detailing, and a hem that should fall just above knee level."

Carpeena.  in Hazelnut. I got this dress in 10, but it's still a bit small for me.  I like the back zipper, but still haven't worn it. 
 "sleeveless, crew-neck dress features on-seam hip pockets and a full-length, exposed back zip. Darting at bust and waist. Vertical seam at skirt.  * 33" long, measured from shoulder."  

Helen. Navy Pinstripe wool. I got this for $97 from Neiman Last Call in a size 12, and I still haven't worn it. I feel like I'm all tummy as it's so clingy.  I read reviews on Saks of how "flattering" it is.  huh.  I love this dress in theory and it's my goal dress.
Description "Wide neck, v back, cap sleeves with vents, elasticized shoulders. Seam detail through front and back, concealed back zip closure"

New Domina. Ok, this is truly my goal dress.  It's basically a bandage style dress.  Very tight.  I got mine at the DvF sample sale for $20.  It was a true sample so no size.  someday, someday, I'll fit in this!
Description "square neck and back, capped sleeves, a side zip fastening and seam and stitch detailing "

Jori.  I don't actually have this one.  A lady at the sample sale took it off the rack right before me!  No big loss, when I'd tried it on (full price) it was tummyful.