There are people who save for the best and people who just love to get the wear out of something special as quickly as possible. I definitely fall into the latter camp and have done since my love for fashion began. My first word was “shoes,” and it was certainly a sign of the very full wardrobe that was to come. Being a keen instant-wearer means that I have to think hard about what I buy, as I don’t want to waste money, time or precious closet space. You won’t find items lurking around for months with tags on in this editor’s house. As such, I’ve implemented a strategy that balances out a desire to step out in something fabulous ASAP with a desire for longevity. I like to make considered, capsule wardrobe–inspired choices that still feel exciting.
One way I’ve been able to really hone my edit is to become a resale expert, both as a seller and as a buyer. Some of my best-ever purchases have been preloved designer buys: a classic chain-print Hermès shirt, a golden Fendi Baguette bag and a tweed Aquascutum blazer are all up there as classics with a twist that I know I’ll love and wear forever. But in order to accommodate these new items, I aim to enforce a one-in, one-out policy, and that’s where selling the pieces I’m no longer prioritising can help. It often pains me to part with such lovely things, but in a bid to be less wasteful and more circular—and to have a selection of clothes, bags, shoes and accessories that get plenty of airtime—it’s important to stay on top of my inventory.
That’s why I’m thrilled that there’s a luxury resale site making waves in the UK right now, and it’s a name you’re going to want to bookmark: Cudoni. I’ve tried many international options, but having something on home turf that is particularly focused on a great seller experience (more on the super-easy concierge service later), very careful vetting (only the best of the best make it online) and a selection of really hard-to-find It items (everything from rare Birkins to the most coveted Rixo dresses) makes this high-fashion hot spot a new most-visited destination for me. Keep scrolling to learn more about Cudoni, see which pieces I’m selling and the items I’ve wish-listed for the future, unless you snap them up first…
Some resale sites are overwhelmingly stacked with random, not-really-designer-designer products and are far too complicated to use (both as a seller and a buyer), but Cudoni prides itself on making things as concise, curated and effortless as possible. Instead of hundreds of thousands of pieces on offer, you’ll find the hidden gems here are actually very easy to unearth thanks to the luxury expert’s careful editing process and understanding of what shoppers really want to buy. And if it’s super brands you’re looking for, this is the hub. We’re talking Chanel, Dior, Gucci and the like, all available in abundance.
This is a marketplace where you can trust the authenticity and craftsmanship of the items available because they are so minutely analysed before becoming available, and nothing subpar is allowed to sneak in. The Trustpilot reviews speak for themselves: With 4.9 out of five, it has an unusually high percentage of happy customers!
The team at Cudoni are fully aware of the laborious process sellers are often burdened with when trying to sell their preloved goods, so their outlook is to do everything in their power to make this end-to-end service as easy, quick and pain-free as possible. Not only that but being based in the UK makes the whole process of selling so much faster, with the added bonus of an international network of buyers primed to purchase your items.
Using data and a slick concierge-style service (see below), you’ll find that basically all the thought and hassle is taken out of your hands, leaving you to simply let the magic happen, watch the profits roll in and research what’s next for your wardrobe.
The best thing? Who What Wear readers can benefit from reduced seller commission on their first basket by quoting WhoWhatWear on introduction to the Client Concierge. Offer ends Thursday, 30 September. T&Cs apply.
From the moment a client signs up, they are allocated a personal account manager, aka Client Concierge, who will assist throughout the whole process from start to finish. It’s all about giving you the most luxurious gift of all: time! Things start with a free home collection at a time and place of your choosing. Once the items are picked up they are insured by Cudoni. Then, it’s on to item authentication and expert valuations based on real-time data from Cudoni’s international network of shoppers in order to get you the optimum price for your beloved pieces. Finally, the nitty-gritty and time-consuming faff of photography, listing and uploading are totally taken off your plate—the dream. Throughout this process you can liaise with your dedicated Cudoni rep to ensure you feel happy with the valuations, or the items can be returned to you free of charge. You can earn up to 70% of your pieces’ sale price, and the more you sell, the cheaper it becomes to sell.
The new season is just around the corner, so it makes sense that anything on my shopping list right now nods to the autumn 2021 trends. What’s great for my current closet and my interest in resale is that the runways were full of really classic ideas and items that never really fall out of favour. Designer logos, for example, will continue to be key, and I’ll never get bored of a timeless Louis Vuitton or Gucci monogrammed bag. Heels are making a comeback, and right now it’s all about platforms—something that Prada has always provided. In terms of clothes, I’m looking to fill a few noticeable gaps in my closet for autumn essentials: a fantastic wool coat, a Breton knit and great midi dresses are more than welcome.
SELLER
Be ruthless with your own items: If you haven’t worn something for a long time and it doesn’t work with anything else you own, it’s time to part ways, unless it has sentimental value. Conversely, you have to know when something in your own closet is too love-worn or too low-value to really be worth selling.
Think about what others want: Look to trends and consider key outfit moments, such as fabulous dresses being snapped up during wedding guest season.
Remember it’s all about improving your wardrobe: Far better to own one fantastic designer coat that fits beautifully and will last a lifetime than to own multiple styles that don’t pass muster, so use resale as an opportunity to refine your personal style.
BUYER
Set up a wish list: Yes, you have the wish-list functionality on Cudoni, and that’s great for curating your shopping basket, but I also mean a list of key items you want to be able to track down. For example, I’m forever on the lookout for a classic Max Mara camel coat, Sonia Rykiel knitwear and vintage Lacroix earrings. It’s good to know what those most-desired items are so you can keep checking in.
Get to know your sizes: All brands size differently, even if the label says the same thing, so it’s a good idea to get to know which brands suit your body shape, and try items on IRL. For example, I know that I can make Prada shoes work in a 36.5 and a 37, which gives me more options to play with. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Cudoni do offer returns—a service that’s very rare in the world of resale.
Don’t buy on a whim, but do act fast: Rare items are rare for a reason! So if you find that perfect preloved piece you’ve been hunting for and you’re certain of it, then it’s wise to respond quickly. This doesn’t mean I’m encouraging you to go wild on a spending bender every time you see something that makes your heart skip a beat, but just remember that many items are not widely available, and it may take you a while to find something again.
Pictured here is a black floral Preen by Thornton Bregazzi dress I bought for a wedding. (Yes, it’s okay to choose black.) I absolutely loved wearing it, and this is one heck of a cool dress, but my wardrobe is currently inundated with fancy frocks, and I need to streamline down to the day-ready options I can use on repeat for work, so it’s time for us to part ways and for someone else to enjoy her. In the mix, I also have decided to give someone else the chance to accessorise any and every outfit with Staud’s cult-favourite Bissett bag and (old) Celine’s perfect visor sunglasses. Keep scrolling to see the pieces I’ve listed.
