Feeding the Shopping Addiction

As a present to myself, I purchased this Alexander McQueen bouclé-tweed dress on eBay.  Happy Birthday to me!

Alexander McQueen's 1995 Highland Rape collection revolved around the Jacobite Risings and the Highland Clearances and introduced the McQueen Tartan for the first time. It was also the collection that cemented McQueen as a mover and shaker in the world of high fashion.  The Widows of Culloden, the 2006 Alexander McQueen Women's Autumn/Winter collection, revisited the Jacobite Risings which culminated with the final defeat of the Jacobites by the English in the Battle of Culloden.

The collection was full of nipped waists and augmented hip lines, all designed to exaggerate a woman's form.  The pieces were beautifully handcrafted.  The below was one of the looks from the runway...


I have long been looking for an Alexander McQueen piece in the tartan.  Lo and behold, eBay had an auction for this skirt a few weeks ago, and I won it.

Here is a photo of the skirt, which is now happily hanging in my closet.  I am still so excited that I was able to find this piece and was fortunate enough to win the auction to add it to my collection.

Less than a week ago I shared how eBay can be addicting with the thrill of the auction and the adrenaline you get from winning.  I had started watching a navy Alexander McQueen skirt suit.

Bidding was set to start at $88.00 and there were no bids on the item.  The auction was scheduled to end on Tuesday around 4:20 pm or so.  I checked back periodically to see if any bids had been placed.  About 2-3 hours before the end of the auction, I noted that a bid had finally been placed.  With about an hour left to go, I placed my bid.  Alas, it was not meant to be.  I was outbid at the very last second (after revising my max bid upward 3-4 times in that last hour) by $2.50.  Alas, that is how eBay works.  So now this suit belongs in my losses gallery.

Prior to the first post about Houston shopping due to drop on July 15th, I thought I would run down a number of online sites that have been my go-to over the years.  So without further ado...

This may sound odd, but if I am looking for something particular, one of the first places I go is...eBay.

For instance, I have started collecting Alexander McQueen red dresses.  I love red, I love Alexander McQueen, and dresses are my fashion weakness, so this is a no-brainer.  In the last 12 months I have scored two red, prior season dresses and have been wildly happy with them.  As usual with online auctions, there is a risk that you will not get the item due to someone outbidding you at the last minute (happened to me with an awesome orange McQueen dress) or simply going past your "what am I willing to pay for this" threshold (this happens frequently).  However, an added bonus of the auction is the added pop of adrenaline and giddiness you feel when you win.  

However, eBay is not without its risks.  As with any online marketplace, there are going to be fraudsters, so buyer beware.  Never be afraid to ask for more pictures of an item or to ask for more details.  Most buyers are more than happy to oblige.  Also, if they require payment via Western Union, stay far, far away.  Lastly, try and stick with sellers who are top-rated and have higher feedback scores.  I have been fortunate in dealing with some folks who are simply eBay newbies who have lower feedback scores, but the feedback they did have was glowing.  Admittedly, I did pepper them with questions and they were all very patient and wonderful sellers.  However, I know this is not the case with everyone, so just be cautious.  Above all else, if a deal is too good to be true (New Hermes Kelly Handbag for $100), it probably is.

Here are a few of my wins...