How Rich Divorcées Do the Garage Sale

When a glamorous lifestyle takes a turn toward reality, cue the Divorcée Sale
By Sarah Whitmire,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 6, 2011 12:08 PM CDT
Divorcée Sale Helps Former Socialites Part With Glamorous Possessions
In divorcee sales, former socialites sell their ritzy clothes and accessories, and pocket some of the proceeds.   (Shutterstock)

When ordinary folks have unwanted stuff and a need for cash, they have a garage sale—but when a recently divorced socialite is in that situation, a simple garage sale just won't do. And thus we have Southern California's new trend: divorcée sales held in upscale hotels, reports the Wall Street Journal. It's a way for glamorous women to shed the designer accessories of their formerly opulent lifestyles—and make a little money on the side.

"I have 60 gowns and who needs 60 gowns?" explains one participant. "It's a good feeling to let go." At one recent Divorcée Sale, the women kept 30% of the profits, 25% went to charity, and the organizer—Jill Alexander, a former manager for designer Tory Burch—kept the rest. One shopper walked away with a Chloe bag that sells online for $2,000 for just $495. Its history didn't bother her: "I snatched it up as soon as I saw it." (More divorce stories.)

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