Trend Trunk serves two very practical purposes: it helps retail addicts clean out their cramped wardrobes, and allows bargain-hungry shoppers to score fantastic deals on pre-loved items. The online shop is really a bustling marketplace populated by multiple mini-boutiques, each stocking cut-rate clothing and accessories (some still bearing price tags). Anyone can sign up to sell their stuff, and sellers receive a generous 80 per cent of any profits—a significant step up from the usual 50 per cent offered by most consignment shops. Meanwhile, buyers can follow specific vendors whose sartorial chops they admire, and the site handles all the boring logistical details like payment and shipping.
As with most secondhand shops, finding the best stuff takes a little digging. That’s why we sifted through hundreds of closets to identify the most gifted stylists and the best deals. Here, five virtual boutiques that are worth checking out.
<strong>THE TREND HUNTER</strong><br /><br />
Secondhand shops often struggle to keep up with current trends. <a href="https://www.trendtrunk.com/elizabethlola" target="_blank">Beth’s closet</a> specializes in bold statement pieces, including cool-girl brands like <strong>Asos, Misguided, </strong>and <strong>Vero Moda.</strong> Among the finds: a sleek holographic clutch for $18, black <strong>Zara</strong> ankle booties for $40, and assorted gold necklaces for $23.
<strong>THE QUALITY STICKLER</strong><br />If sporting someone else's cast-offs makes you cringe, <a href="https://www.trendtrunk.com/NavreenGill" target="_blank">Navreen’s closet</a> is flush with brand-new, tags-on items. Top finds include a <strong>BCBG</strong> tutu skirt for $73, <strong>Sam Edelman</strong> pumps for $42, and a wrap dress from <strong>Nordstrom</strong> for $43.
<strong>THE EXPERT THRIFTER</strong><br />Experienced sifters will appreciate <a href="https://www.trendtrunk.com/TiiaWarren13681" target="_blank">Tiia’s closet.</a> Her virtual racks boast over 99 items, including tonnes of cool vintage finds. We loved a gray <strong>Armani</strong> blazer for $133, a pair of white <strong>Ralph Lauren</strong> loafers for $33, and an adorable cropped tweed jacket for $37—the ideal uniform for a Saturday stroll through Trinity Bellwoods.
<strong>THE LABEL LOVER</strong><br /><br />
Posh Yorkvillers and other fashion plates may want to check out <a href="https://www.trendtrunk.com/Manjscloset" target="_blank">Manjit’s closet.</a> She stocks well-priced designer staples, like in-the-box pearl earrings from <strong>Birks</strong> for $133, a <strong>Neiman Marcus </strong> faux-fur coat for $183 and an unworn <strong>Roland Mouret</strong> runway dress for a discounted (but still extravagant) $3,008.
<strong>THE PETITE SHOPPER</strong><br />Women who shop at GAP Kids (but would rather not) will find pretty petite pieces in <a href="https://www.trendtrunk.com/LaLaasCloset" target="_blank">Trista’s closet,</a> including a great selection of work-appropriate wear. Our favourites are an <strong>Anne Klein New York</strong> merino wool jacket for $118, a <strong>Marc Jacobs</strong> sequined crop jacket for $88 and a knitted <strong>BCBG</strong> shirt for $38.