A few weeks ago I was invited to check out a super cool and unique shopping site, HauteTrader. To put it simply, HauteTrader is a way to trade your gently worn designer clothes with other women and also earn points that you can use to purchase pieces. Currently, if you add three items within 24 hours, you'll receive 100 Haute-Points to start you off!

I've found myself checking the site a few times a day to see if there are any new pieces I want to trade for. If you don't want to go through the hassle of selling pieces and making sure you get what they're worth, why not trade for an item(s) of equal value!? The site is so easy and painless to use - read on below my outfit for a breakdown of the process.

Here's an outfit featuring the first piece I acquired through the site, a Diane von Furstenberg dress! It's such a unique piece and I remember liking it when I saw it in passing online when it was readily available. The mix of prints is super fun, I always love a bit of zebra. About a week later someone sent me a trade offer for my ruched Burberry dress and I accepted! You'll see that piece on the blog soon, it's a Missoni dress!

What do you think? Is HauteTrader a site you would use as an alternative to consignment stores and/or eBay? I will definitely be using it in the future when I have designer pieces I no longer love.  Also, just for reading this post, use code TradeWMegan for a free trade!

Dress: Diane von Furstenberg 'Fanny' (HauteTrader), Suede Prism Pumps: Nicholas Kirkwood (NET-A-PORTER)


Let's walk through the process, shall we?! First, you'll need to add to your closet. It's super easy to do. Just take photos of your piece, name it, write a description, and fill in other necessary information (size, condition, etc.) Your items will then go through the approval process. Once they are accepted you can begin making trade offers.

Every accepted label has a Tier value of (1-4). The Tier number shows you the trade value and Haute-Point value of your listing. Tier 1 is 100 Haute-Points while Tier 4 is 400. When you trade a Tier 2 item, you'll receive 200 Haute-Points in addition to the item(s) you traded for!

(I cut out the photos section of this screenshot to save space)

Completed Listing

I chose to add a few pieces that I rarely wear but was holding on to for no other reason than the fact that I spent a good amount of money on them and didn't want to sell them for less than what I paid. What's great about HauteTrader is that you are able to accept or decline any offers for your piece. It made me feel a lot better about parting with pieces when I knew I would get an equally great item, that I would wear more often, in exchange for my unloved pieces.

My Closet as of September 8th

Making offers is very simple! All you have to do is find an item you like, click "Make a Trade-Offer" and then choose up to three options for a trade. You can offer multiple items as part of your trade. The tradee can then choose which option she prefers or deny your trade. Fortunately for me, my first trade request went through without a hitch and was accepted within the 24 hour time limit!

The only thing I think is missing from this site is the ability to private message users. You'll have to write a comment on their profile or the specific item if you need to chat about something.

Once your offer is accepted you'll receive an email letting you know and asking you to pay the trade fee. HauteTrader charges $25 for Standard items and $50 for Premium items which includes signature confirmation shipping and handling. Just for reading this post, use code TradeWMegan for a free trade!

After both you and the person you've traded with have made your payments HauteTrader will send you a pre-paid shipping label so you can send your item to your new friend!