How to be a clear-out queen

What do you see when you look in your wardrobe? Well-worn favourites? Those jeans you swore you'd get into? Clutter? A reminder of a previous fashion faux-pas? Whatever it is, I bet you don't see cold hard cash.

But whether it is the recession affecting your previously deep pockets, or a need to recycle those impulse buys, it seems that Dubai is finally opening up to the idea of second-hand clothes.

Even in a consumerist city like Dubai, it is possible to make some cash from your closet and, if you are looking to buy, pick up a real bargain or two.

Personally speaking, I'm an advertising man's dream. I often have to stop myself entering certain shops because of my penchant for popping in to browse and then popping out with one too many bags.

And after living for four years in a stylish city like Dubai, where trends change very fast and there's a desire to keep up with them, the result is obvious: No room for more clothes, and no money for replacements.

I won't say my closet is full, because that would be a lie. I actually have two of them. Half of the pieces I don't even remember buying, and about half of that number are still sporting their original tags.

I had to find a solution, at least for items like party dresses and heels which are of no good use to charity. The lack of charity shops in Dubai that would re-sell them means donating them is not possible.

After plenty of research, I came to find that despite my assumptions about Dubai not being thrift and vintage-friendly, the city was indeed aware of this problem and fashionistas here are doing something about it.

Be it online outlets, second-hand clothes stores or even designer clothing markets, the interest in second-hand fashion has been rising in the past year.

This is especially true when it comes to high-end designer items. Being very fashion savvy, more and more of Dubai's stylish ladies are looking to buy second-hand items like handbags at 50 per cent of the price, which they otherwise cannot afford. The result is a cycle which benefits both people looking to sell undesired pieces and others looking to buy them as a bargain compared to their initial value.

tabloid! guides you through the different ways to sell your clothes — and make some money in the process.

SOUQ.COM

Best for: Anything from lightly-worn shoes and clothes to high-end designer items, and for those looking for hassle-free environment.

Top tips:

• Allow room for negotiation and remember that most people who buy from souq.com know what they want and they actively search for it.
• Size is a deciding factor and can earn you customers, especially when it comes to shoes!

How it works:

• Create an account on souq.com which allows you to sell and buy.
• Link the souq account to your bank account to facilitate money transfers.
• Take photos and provide as much information as possible about your items when listing them.
• Decide if you want to auction your item or put a "buy now" price on it. Go with "buy now" price as this saves you from non-serious buyers who bid on items, but are not willing to pay for them.
• Listings are free. The only fee you pay is 5 per cent of the purchase price once your item is sold.
• Once an item is sold, there is a handy Aramex service which picks up what you sold and delivers it at the buyer's expense.

Dubai Flea Market

Best for: Anything you are willing to sell for less than Dh100.

Top tip: Be considerate with pricing as most people are looking for bargains here. Designer items are a no-no.

 How it works:

Besides being a great way to sell your items, the flea market is an enjoyable experience in itself. Set up every first Saturday of the month in Safa Park, this open market allows you to sell anything second-hand. The market starts at 8am and you can see how popular it is from the long line of people queuing outside an hour before it even opens its doors. Haggling is a must in the market and people expect you to agree on a lower price than quoted. So stick to the Dh10 and Dh20 bins and you'll be surprised how much money you'll make at the end of the day.

 Where: Safa Park from 8 am-1pm. Register at dubaifleamarket.com and pay Dh250 for your stall. Sellers are advised to arrive two hours before the doors open in order to set up their stalls.

Go to: dubai-fleamarket.com

Reem's closet

Best for: High-end designer items, especially handbags

Top tip: Don't go if you feel your items are too precious and you expect more than half its original price.

 How it works:

Reem's closet is the first designer second-hand shop in Dubai and it's been very popular with customers looking to buy designer handbags in good condition for half their retail value. But if you are going to sell, keep in mind the following:

• Contact: Reem's Closet, M34 Mazaya Centre. Phone: 04-3439553

Dubai's Designer Market

Best for: High-end designer items, especially lightly-used handbags and shoes.

TOP TIP: If you don't have many items, share a stall with a friend to divide the fee and keep you company.

How it works:

The concept of the Dubai Designer Market is the same as its sister flea market, except this one is specialised for high-end items and aimed at more well-heeled clients.

• Book a stall throughdubaidesignermarket.com. The fee is Dh300.
• Make sure you lay out your pieces nicely, as aesthetics matter here.
• Some customers looking for handbags will ask you for authentication cards so make sure to bring them if you have them. Although the market has no one to authenticate items officially, the organiser usually asks the help of experts if there's a complaint about a suspicious-looking item. Arrive at least an hour earlier to get a good spot and arrange your items.

• Where and when: The market is on every second Saturday of the month at Jumeirah Beach Plaza from 1pm to 6pm.
• Go to: dubaidesignermarket.com

Meet my dress:

• Brand name: Karen Millen
• Size: UK6, XS
• Material: Silk with embroidery
• Original price: Dh1,400
• Selling price: Dh500

I admit it's not always easy to part with your personal items especially when it is something you love and holds memories for you. But when a dress doesn't fit any more (neither you nor your overcrowded wardrobe!) you have to consider parting with it.

One such dress is my beloved Karen Millen silk dress. I bought this dress about three years ago and wore it once for a wedding. I still love it but sadly I cannot fit in it comfortably any more so I decided to sell it and although it's been on quite a journey, it is not sold yet!

I first listed this dress on souq.com about a year ago and it is still listed there. I got questions from interested people who offered me a mere Dh250 for it and I politely refused. I would rather keep it and make it into a skirt, I thought.

Then, not knowing the nature of the flea market, I thought I'll try and sell it there. It lasted 20 minutes on the stall before I realised that I either have to sell it for less than Dh100 here or watch it being admired and thrown around by people who did not realise its value.

At Reem's Closet, the two months consignment also ended with nothing. But I learned from the owner that dresses this small are very hard to sell and as a result their value in the second-hand market is affected.

The final leg of the journey was the Designer Market. Although the dress was admired by a few people, it sadly didn't seem to fit anyone.

I'll keep trying!