By now, I think it is safe to say we have all heard of eBay or as I like to call it, ‘the bay’ – a place where pretty much anything can be put up for auction. The only problem is, and I am certain Style Melbourne readers would agree, the words ‘authentic,’ ‘genuine’ and definitely ‘vintage’ have completely gone out the eBay window, losing all meaning. Hundreds and thousands of so-called designer and vintage clothing are put up for sale by the minute, asking for high end prices, when in fact they are nothing short of a knock-off.
Miss Money Penny, a new online clothing emporium, decided to put an end to all that trawling through countless pages of fakes, over priced and frankly, crappy clothing.
“When I came up with the idea I surveyed over 150 female shoppers. The strongest responses were they were all sick of looking through the hundreds of listings of almost the same clothing, the fakes and the fact that anyone can put anything on there means the offering is mass – Miss Money Penny offers niche products,”
Creator, Penny Flanders says, “I felt that if my merchandise was personally edited and reviewed by a stylist I could take the hard work out of searching for my buyers.”
Miss Money Penny, was created in October 2008 when Penny had no less than five girlfriends complain that they had wardrobes full of never worn or near new clothing they never touched.
“They were too good for charity, and they didn’t want to go through the hassle of selling it at markets, hauling it down to snooty consignment stores or swap – they just wanted money back to contribute to new clothes,” Penny says. “On the other hand I had friends tired of buying cheap on trend fast fashion, instead wanting quality garments and fabrics with great design credentials without paying a small fortune.”
Miss Money Penny was born.
So how does it all work? Unlike some online stores, it is REALLY easy.
To buy you can search by designers, size, or by category. (The site stocks the most amazing Aussie designers like Willow, Camilla & Marc, Akira Isogowa, Kirrily Johhnston, Life With Bird and Colette Dinnigan). You simply add the item to your shopping cart and check out all from the comfort of your desk!
If you are wanting to sell those goodies you have neglected and left in the depths of your closet, that is easy peasey too. Simply click ‘Sell My Gear’ and fill out the form.
“All garments must be approved by me and a professional stylist. People can’t just put any old thing up there. The product doesn’t necessarily have to be extremely high end or expensive, selection criteria is more along the lines of cut and quality as opposed to brand – we’re quality first not brand snobs,” Penny says.
“Some competitive sites offer anything and everything and anyone can sell on there with no quality control. Others are simply too exclusive and still quite expensive. We’re more at the mid level.”
So where does Miss Penny herself see the site going in the future?
“I would love to grow the brand and offer Mini Money Penny, Mr Money Penny and Mummy Money Penny – but we’ll see,” Penny says. “We are also planning some fabulous events where people can sell (not swap) and buy in a chic environment (as opposed to a market situation) clothing, so stay tuned!”
Random Final Five:
What is your favourite item in your closet?
Such a difficult question. I’m like the builder whose own place is a wreck. My wardrobe lacks some oomph! But my favourite item would have to be a Black and White couture coat, which belonged to my super chic grandmother when she was alive. I adore it and always get comments when I wear it.
What era of fashion best suits you?
1960’s and today. I love the current Australian designers and feel great when I buy something new (often with tags ) from the site. It’s highly addictive. I also like the classic cuts and silhouettes of the 1960’s.
Apart from fashion, what can’t you live without?
Cliché as it is – my gorgeous hubby, 2 pre-school boys and fabulous family and friends – life is nothing without them. Oh and my Blackberry.
If you could steal one person’s wardrobe, who’s would it be and why?
Elle Macpherson’s. She does effortless chic so well and blends classics with on trend pieces beautifully – and she’s a Mum like me!
What is your favourite thing about Melbourne?
The hidden treasures (shops, cafes, museums, galleries) and the fact that there is no place like home!
Words – Aja Denman
Image courtesy Miss Money Penny
