Being a woman of my word, I like to put my money where my mouth is (when I can afford it!) and personally shop some of the boutiques and brands we feature here on EthicalStyle.com. The beneficiary of my investigation this month was CovetShop.com, a newcomer to the online consignment scene that we profiled in November.

Consignment is awesome because you can get brand-name goods in great condition for a fraction of the price of new. Ethically, it’s a version of reduce-reuse-recycle, since you’re buying something that already exists instead of requiring new materials for the cardigan or shoes of your dreams.

Unlike thrift shopping, consignment boutiques generally limit themselves to a few choice brands, and because they specialize in certain brands or designers, each piece has been thoroughly evaluated for quality and authenticity by the boutique’s staff.

CovetShop.com specializes in upscale contemporary designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, Milly, Balenciaga, and more — typically for hundreds of dollars off the original asking price.

My first foray into online consignment shopping brought us a shift dress by 3.1 Philip Lim for the megasteal price of $90 (it originally sold for $425). It’s in pristine condition, precisely as described, and it shipped across the country in less than five days (including a holiday!). Such a versatile dress — I envision it making many an appearance at brunch this spring.

Consider me a new convert to Covet.