I really like eBay shopping: I can get incredible deals on brands I wouldn't be able to afford otherwise, and gently (or never) used items from places like Banana Republic and Ann Taylor. My best advice, however, is 'caveat emptor'-- with no returns or try-ons, you have to cover your bases. Like measurements. And what serves as a 'dress' to some might not to 5'9'' ladies. Despite my best excuses (The leggings are really thick! My bum is covered! Everyone else is doing it!) I am really just wearing a tunic. And no pants.
The solution? A sylvan romp and my best Robin Hood/Elf impression. And my top 3 eBay (and online in general) shopping tips to save you from pantslessness:
1. Take measurements! Shop from brands that you trust, know fit you, and that you have tried before but also get garment measurements. A good seller will give the bust, waist, hip, and length (ahem!) dimensions of the ACTUAL garment (not just the brand size charts). Use a measuring tape and compare them with something similar that fits you well. This works for shoes as well with the insole measurement
2. Don't take risks! As well as purchasing known brands, things like cardigans are low risk and jeans high risk in terms of how exact the fit needs to be. I only buy jeans that I have tried on before and know the style name and number, and I still confirm the dimensions with my trusty measuring tape. Don't take risks with sellers either. Purchase from North American sellers with excellent ratings who guarantee authenticity. Ask about the garment condition and for additional photos if needed
3. Know your prices! Be aware of what something costs retail (just google it!) and only purchase something if it is truly a deal. I like to only buy something if it is 50% or less below the retail price and if the shipping is reasonable. The $10 shoes are not a deal if they cost $30 to ship.
Despite its brevity, I am still pretty happy with this purchase. I love how the print of the silk fabric and pleating detail looks with my ruffled cardigan and flower necklace. And I can always shorten it into a blouse...
Tunic: Nanette Lepore, eBay
Leggings: Lululemon
Cardigan: Mexx
Wedge Boots: Diba, Ross Dress for Less
Necklace: Vintage, Etsy
Sometimes an item of clothing is just perfect. I first saw this Kate Spade blouse last year and slowly stalked it through the wilds of Internet e-tail until I sniped it at a price I was able to afford. Why was this top worth the effort? Behold:
Lips! Smoking! Pleats! Peter Pan/Petal Collar! Whimsy! Irony! You can click on the picture to zoom in on the print for full effect. As my friend Mono commented, it has all the cool rebellion of smoking with none of the lung cancer and COPD.
I chose a black skirt and wedges so the blouse stayed the starring attraction, a role it is used to ever since its appearance on Gossip Girl. It might have worn by a minor minion (Amalia Season # Episode 8) but it is still the closest I'll come to Upper East Side society. 
