How Rich Divorcées Do the Garage Sale

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.)