Whatsmineisyours.com rejects the term ‘throw away’ fashion. We believe that every item can go on a series of journeys from one loving owner to the next. So, next time you decide you no longer love something, don’t throw it away, add it to whatsmineisyours.com and watch it go to a new home.
Founded in 2004 by fashionista, stylist and personal shopper, Judy Berger, whatsmineisyours.com was launched as a reaction to the limitations posed by existing consumer websites. Judy wanted to appeal to the more 'fashion literate', to create a community between like-minded style addicts, and to make it easy to consume and indulge whilst remaining eco-conscious.
Whatsmineisyours is the original and first British fashion swap website, always at the forefront of the swapping revolution with members from around the world swapping thousands of items. It has built a reputation as the style savvy site to visit if you're looking to build up, edit down or simply replace your current wardrobe.
With over 3 years of swap history and now armed with the knowledge and know-how as to what builds a great swap site, whatsmineisyours has developed a unique way of allowing people to easily swap quality items without compromising on the look and feel of the site.
In 2007 the company secured further investment and had a new state of the art site built with some exciting new sections devised to take the business to the next level. It now houses 3 separate sections:
· Swap - The original whatsmineisyours.com ethos, eco-conscious swapping of clothing and furniture.
· Buy & Sell - A feature differing to the countless other selling sites due to our dedication to quality vintage and contemporary goods.
· Boutiques - whatsmineisyours.com will support and nurture up-and-coming new designers and vintage sellers through this section, providing a much needed portal for new talent to gain exposure for their products.
Whatsmineisyours.com has also added some extra treats for its ever expanding customer base. Each user will have access to the free personal shopper sections and a fashion focused magazine. We have also included a member’s forum allowing our users to communicate independently between themselves' creating an exciting opportunity for the cross-pollination of sartorial junkies.
Judy Berger and whatsmineisyours.com are regularly featured in the press recently including: The Independent, Marie Claire, Grazia and on BBC TV Breakfast news, The Clothes Show and BBC 3’s Spendaholics.
A note from Judy
Whatsmineisyours.com was set up in November 2004, we were the first fashion focused swap/buy/sell site in the world (we think), and it grew organically, from a few home made swap parties in our living room and a few dodgy car boot sales. I realised the idea could be taken on-line so my list of swap friends could grow. At the time eBay was the place to be, selling was in and swapping was… just a distant dream.
Though I’ve had some good business ideas, and a couple of bad ones, this is the business I truly believe in. It’s not about creating stacks of cash so I can escape to that sun-drenched island I often dream of, though that would be lovely. It’s about the industry I’m so fond of, the one I spent 6 years studying about and countless more years working in. Fashion, it seems moves faster than ever, with easily accessible, affordable items, designer deals, and all can be had at knock down prices. People get into debt over it, they horde it, throw it away. And it’s all these lovely items that I want to see on the site. I’m interested in the journey of an item, where it started and where it will end up next. I love to hear swap stories, of those items that lay unloved in the back of a closet for years, but found a new home with a loving new owner.
So, as our tastes and bodies change we need to use what we’ve bought but no longer wear as currency, swap old for new, keep building, but without overspending and stay green by not throwing stuff out.
I’ve recently noticed a few competitors have set up in the last few months; I’m flattered by it, though those who copy our whatsmineisyours wording for their home pages are so not cool.
I have noticed a few differences between us and other swap sites, here’s my top pick:
They take the personal touch out of swapping by making sure you never speak to your fellow swappers. It all spells disaster! We know how important building relationships with your swap buddies is, it builds trust on the site and makes swapping fun, friendly and more importantly safe.
Paying for the pleasure! We’ve come to realise that swapping needs to be a free service. The only reason you should part with your money when trading is to pay for the postage of your item.
We don’t allow swaps for points. There is something fundamentally wrong with allowing people to build up points in return for swaps. What if you built up a huge amount of points and the site goes down, or gets hacked… Doesn’t bear thinking about does it? So, just to clarify, we don’t allow you to swap for points.
Sorry for this one, but some are really ugly. Can I say this? Who knows! But I wanted the site to work well and look good. None of that eBay copying for us! We have our own minds, know how the fashion industry works, understand style and have the vision to create a unique site with a little panache.
Clothes are for life not just for Christmas – join the revolution!
If you are interested in any aspects of the site, would like to talk with us about advertising rates, or maybe you just want to say hello, please contact info@whatsmineisyours.com