 "Photo: Photo Courtesy of Smashion.com")
How many outfits in your closet do you plan on never wearing again? Maybe that dress that looked amazing at the store but not in your room at home or that skirt that everyone has seen you in a million times?
Instead of going to the mall or shopping online, maybe you can go to Smashion.com, the online free fashion marketplace.
Smashion combines two of the things that many college students hold near and dear to their hearts: social media and fashion. Merging these two concepts to create a new site and a new word, founders hoped to create a place where people could sell NWT (new with the tag) or slightly worn clothes while connecting with other people with similar interests—an online flea market of sorts.
According to Marketing Director, Vanessa Kuo, "Smashion is the first social fashion marketplace designed exclusively to address the trend of mixing and matching new and pre-loved fashion items to create individual looks. We provide sellers with a new and cost-effective channel (no fees) for reaching fashion fanatics in an online environment that is wrapped in style tips and trends and driven by buyer demand."
In just a few minutes and three easy steps, you can become a seller on the site. Take pictures of your item, fill out a description of it, and post it on the site.
From boots to bomber jackets to bangles, any fashion item you could think of is available for purchase on the site. Search the marketplace and place wanted items in your shopping cart but make sure to ask the seller about their return policies.
Smashion uses PayPal for all financial transactions. Both buying and selling can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own dorm room.
Not only for people to sell items purchased from a retailer, Kuo said that the site "is also used by independent fashion designers who are tired of high fees on other sites, as well as brick-and-mortar fashion business owners who are looking for a dedicated online outlet in which to broaden their customer base."
Today's new skirt or shoe purchase could turn into next season's must-have item by the hottest new designer. Smashion helps people create distinctive looks for any style or taste. Items are available from "individual sellers, consignment shops, private boutiques and new designers," according to Kuo.
The marketplace has been so successful since its launch in Oct. 2009, that the site decided to include fashion bloggers because many members want to keep up with the latest fashions, and why not have it all in one place?
The Smashion Lounge is unique because members get to know bloggers and each other on a more personal level. Blogs, videos and tutorials help members follow the latest trends and learn how to make them come to life. Smashion wants everyone who uses the site to have a voice and wants the site to reflect the thoughts of the users.
Smashion is looking for actual college students to write for their blogs, because no one knows what's happening in the world of college fashion better than actual college students. If you love fashion, style, beauty or just want to be published online, message vanessa@smashion.com.
Why pick Smashion when there are so many other stores and online options? Kuo points out how many rare finds are put up for sale on the site such as "limited edition clothes like the Rodarte for Target line or the Jimmy Choo H&M collection." It is the perfect place for anyone on the budget who still wants to have unique senses of style.
So if you can't find the perfect little black dress or blazer or if you have five in your closet that you need to get rid of, log onto Smashion.com today, and join the 10,000 other people already on the site.
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