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New App Lets You Turn Your Closet Into Cash

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Some budding fashionistas are turning to their smart phones and tablets to help them clean out their closets.

An app called Poshmark works like an online consignment store. Users post gently-worn items that they don't want anymore, and other users buy them – often at a deep discount.

Alicia Alonso says the app has helped her turn unwanted items in her closet into cash.

"In fashion, it's really hard to say you're going to get the money back that you spent on the item, but I'm a savvy shopper," says Alonso. "I've made a nice chunk of change. That's just a side business for me."

Alonso has been using Poshmark for two years. She has sold more than 200 gently-worn items, and made about $8,000 in the process.

Other people are turning to Poshmark to help locate hard-to-find items. Alonso says they are easier to find using the app, because users can plug in their sizes and scroll through a list of items that match their search criteria.

There are even luxury brands like Diane von Furstenburg, Michael Kors and Coach.

Many users say the shopping experience is more personal because you can contact the seller of each item.

"If I see a dress I like, I can say, 'Tell me about the dress,'" says Alonso. "Through that process, you just get more personal and you know the woman. I think that's a huge part of the success of Poshmark. You get to meet really empowering women who all have similar interests, obviously fashion."

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