So you like designer clothing, and paging through this month's Vogue, you realize that you don't have 2 grand to drop on health insurance, let alone one single dress. Go figure.

You're not alone. The world is full of girls who want designer clothing, but cannot afford it. However, you are unique in that you're doing some research. So congrats! You're on your way.

This, my friends, is the first rule on my list of buying designer dresses on ebay. In the ensuing months, I will post additional guides. For now, we're going to focus on fit-- because it is the most important and cardinal rule of dress buying.

FLATTERY: this is the most important rule of fashion. I don't care if it's juicy. I don't care it the dress retailed for $600 and you paid $2. I don't care if it's trendy, if it's the 'it' dress, and all over the runways. Finally, and most important, I don't care if Paris Hilton or Jessica Simpson have the very same dress. What matters is if it fits, and how it fits. Here are the questions to ask yourself:

1. DESCRIPTION: how does it fit? does the seller describe the fit, neckline, back, skirt or length? does the description suggest that the seller actually knows the garment? does the seller respond to your questions politely and with helpful information?

2. PICTURES: how are the pictures? i hereby forbid you to buy a dress which does not have at LEAST four detailed pictures. look for dresses which are pictured on a mannequin, or, preferably, on a model.  mannequins are better than nothing, but did you know that most mannequins have a 6'2 frame and a 18" waist? yes, most mannequins are virtual barbies. and while i know you're fabulous, darling. you are not barbie. so look for dresses which are pictured on a model even if it's just a stock photo. this will give you the best idea of how the dress is going to look on you.

3. QUESTIONS: did you ask questions? another good tip: send the seller a message and ask her the measurements of her model or mannequin. compare them to your own. ask yourself what your shape is (are you a pear? an hourglass?) and compare it to the shape of the model or mannequin.

4. CASH: depending on the occasion, you should be prepared to fork over some cash for a designer or boutique label dress-- even on ebay. however, on average, you should expect to pay about 70% off of the retail price. do NOT pay more than that. if you're paying less than that if it seems to good to be true-- it probably is. do NOT pay less than 70% off for a dress UNLESS you have gone through rules 1-3 above and done your research.

5. RESEARCH: google it. google the brand, color, style, description. look at other pictures online, find out what the dress retailed for. find out who sold it on sale and for what. educate yourself.

Ok that's all for now. Stay tuned for more helpful hints and if you're wondering who I am and who gave me the authority to speak with passion-- check out myworld ebay page.