Today’s topic is near and dear to my heart. For starters, I’m a hard core deal hunter and willing to go down any rabbit hole once I have my sights set! Style Stalker might be a better term! There are so many benefits to secondhand shopping but some of my favs:
- Environmental & resource saver
- Easier on your wallet
- Sustainability & slows down the fashion production chain
- Unique pieces you won’t see on everyone else
- It’s really fun
Know Before You Go
If you’re a newbie to secondhand shopping, I got you, Boo. Here are some tips to help you get started online and in person.
Know Your Sizes
Most second hand finds aren’t returnable so know your sizes before you buy & take measurements (bust, waist, hips). For online vintage, always ask measurements if not listed. ALWAYS. Sizes were much different, even in the 90’s.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
You WILL be trying on a ton of stuff because the prices are too good and you should be trying on before you buy. There might not be dressing rooms so I’d wear form fitting and an easy to take on and off outfit.
Follow The Rules
The same shopping rules apply to secondhand. Think about your wardrobe. What items are you missing? What do you need? Don’t be lured by the prices. It’s not a deal if you never wear it. Remember my hard rule: Must create 3 outfits in your mind using current wardrobe to buy.
Where to Shop
* Start locally. Look for secondhand stores and philanthropic thrift stores in your town. Many women unload their unused, barely worn items here and you can find amazing deals on high end clothing and handbags.
* Look for contemporary & high end consignment stores in your area. These are typically highly curated and the shopping experience is just like a small boutique. The prices might be a bit higher, but you won’t have to dig and will still be saving a lot from the original retail price. Great place to get your secondhand shopping feet wet.
* Don’t count out true thrift stores. You will have to dig but everything old is new again so you can find currently trending items for dirt cheap. I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect relaxed trouser on the cheap.
Apps & Online:
There are a TON of options in this area and many amazing secondhand & vintage stores have online boutiques now and more than happy to ship to you. Search on Instagram using hashtags like #vintagestore or #secondhandboutique I’m sharing just a few of my tried and true places to look to get you started.
- Etsy – fantastic for finding vintage items and you will, most likely, be supporting a small business (LOVE!) Double check the shipping when shopping international.
- Ebay – The superstore of all online marketplaces. You can find anything from a vintage 70’s dress to preloved Chanel here. When shopping designer, always verify.
- Poshmark – The app I use to sell my clients & my items. I’ve scored some amazing pieces here, including my Gucci fanny pack and my favorite Isabel Marant dress. You can saves searches for brands and your sizes to receive alerts when a new item lists, and negotiate.
- The Real Real – An incredible shopping experience! All items are verified by the company so everything is as you see it. Just like shopping a fabulous online boutique but with preloved gems. Highly recommend.
If you haven’t tried secondhand shopping, it’s fun, so don’t be intimidated. If you’re a seasoned secondhand shopper and don’t see a favorite tip or store on the list, send my way so I can share! Need a little hand holding, I’m happy to shop with you or for you, just let me know!
Our time is up for this session, but I look forward to seeing you next week, in therapy.
xoxo, Jess
Where to Shop
- Start locally. Look for secondhand stores and check out any philanthropic thrift stores in your town. Many women unload their unused, barely worn items here and you can find amazing deals on high end clothing and handbags.
- Look for contemporary & high-end consignment stores in your area. These are typically highly curated, and the shopping experience is just like a small boutique. The prices might be a bit higher, but you won’t have to dig and will still be saving a lot from the original retail price. Great place to get your secondhand shopping feet wet.
- Don’t count out true thrift stores such Goodwill. You will have to dig but everything old is new again so you can find currently trending items for dirt cheap. I’m currently not he hunt for an oversized plaid blazer on the cheap.
Apps & Online: There are a TON of options in this area and many amazing secondhand & vintage stores have online boutiques now and more than happy to ship to you. Search on Instagram using hashtags like #vintagestore or #secondhandboutique I’m sharing just a few of my tried-and-true places to look to get you started.
- Etsy – fantastic for finding vintage items and you will, most likely, be supporting a small business (LOVE!) Double check the shipping when shopping international.
- Ebay – The superstore of all online marketplaces. You can find anything from a vintage 70’s dress to preloved Chanel here. When shopping designer, always verify.
- Poshmark – The app I use to sell my clients & my items. I’ve scored some amazing pieces here, including my Golden Goose Sneakers and my favorite Isabel Marant dress. You can saves searches for brands and your sizes to receive alerts when a new item lists, and negotiate. Use code JSGRMN2 to save $10 off your first purchase.
- The Real Real – An incredible shopping experience! All items are verified by the company so everything is as you see it. Just like shopping a fabulous online boutique but with preloved gems. Highly recommend.
If you haven’t tried secondhand shopping, it’s really fun so don’t be intimidated. Everyone spent the quarantine cleaning out their closets and the stores are packed with gems! If you’re a seasoned secondhand shopper and don’t see a favorite tip or store on the list, send my way so I can share!
Our time is up for this session but I’ll see you next week, in therapy.
xoxo, Jess
