SELLING ON EBAY - LIGHTENING THE LOAD

Been selling my clothes on eBay; beautiful finery that once meant so much, but that I have no use for anymore. Fortunately, there are people who love fine things that have seen better days. I’ve got vintage Hermes, Christian Dior, Saint Laurent, Gucci… you name it.

Once upon a time I thought these things meant something: I've arrived, I’m wealthy, people see me, I wear the symbols of a life many long for but never achieve; that means I’m special. Look at me… blah blah blah bullshit!

Don’t get me wrong; I’m still fond of these beauties, even though I don’t need to own them anymore, and have found myself waxing poetic in my eBay descriptions, allowing the nostalgia overtake me as I photograph & measure... “Worn out but wonderful. Authentic vintage… This darling has seen better days, but it's still a fine piece, with great details. Outside seams are worn. It might be worth repairing or just use it as is and enjoy it…”

I take pains to wrap the things carefully, tenderly laying silk on tissue paper, sliding it into a plastic bag before dropping it into the mailing package. I look at things fondly; remember moments when I wore the Saint Laurent dress, or the Dior shoes, or the Japanese designer skirt.

I put a little note inside the package, requesting, okay, begging for, positive feedback so I can increase my rating as an eBay seller.

Once they’re out I forget about them. They were already forgotten, hanging in my closet year after year with no attention at all. Only now, looking at them again as a source of income have they taken on new meaning.

Soon there’ll be nothing left to sell. The paring & whittling in my closets will be done, and I’ll be down to only things I wear, with a few special occasion things.

My friend wants me to keep a Celine leather bag from the 60’s. He says it would be nice to carry, for a change, glaring at the plastic Le Sportsac bellybag, that I wear around my waist every day.

Life has changed & I don’t mind changing with it. Lighten up is my motto now.