Forget the fleeting trends and embrace a more conscious and sustainable approach to fashion with pre-loved designer pieces! I've embraced a more conscious approach to fashion, and let me tell you, thrifting vintage unveils a treasure trove of secondhand luxury pieces!
I remember my first thrifted treasure, as a 15 year old, thrilled to get my hands on a gorgeous tan vintage Oroton leather saddle bag that I took to school, university, on holiday, and around the world until I literally wore it out. In that same shopping expedition at a charity store in Sydney's suburbs, I also found a gorgeous silk Oroton scarf that I still wear to this day (20 years later!) I learned from this young age to seek timeless quality and unique personality in my wardrobe.
Whether you're on a budget or simply seeking unique styles with timeless quality, the world of online and offline treasures await. These are my current favorite places to find pre-loved luxury goods:
Brick and Mortar:
Local Thrift Stores: Don't underestimate the treasure hunt experience of brick-and-mortar stores! While designer finds may be rarer, the thrill of discovery and the chance to support your local community make it worthwhile. The key is not to be actually looking for anything specific - just browse and see what captures your eye! Look for consignment stores specializing in specific eras or styles for a targeted search. In Chicago, I've found a few great stores in Wicker Park that have an excellent assortment of classic designer clothes and accessories (including a pair of Chanel sandals that I hesitated on and missed out... I learned my lesson)
Estate Sales: Feeling adventurous? Estate sales can be goldmines for vintage treasures! Be prepared to sift through a lot, but the potential rewards, like finding a beautiful Hermès scarf tucked away in an old hatbox, are incredible.
Antique stores (especially in Europe): Explore these hidden gems for beautiful vintage handbags, gloves, scarves, and more. These stores, if they have a fashion sections, can be goldmines for vintage treasures! You can find beautiful Hermès scarves, spectacular costume jewelry, perfect Glomesh bags, and timeless leather purses.
Online Marketplaces:
Vestiaire Collective: This platform for luxury resale allows you to browse and buy authenticated designer pieces directly from sellers. Think everything from Chanel bags, to Hermes scarves, and statement shoes from Christian Louboutin, all at a fraction of the original price. You can buy locally to reduce your carbon footprint, or buy internationally to snag those gorgeous pieces from across the globe! If you are a fan of Emily in Paris, you might recognize the store from where Mindy sells that gorgeous Chanel dress - Vestiaire Collective actually don't have store fronts, but do have a very extensive online network! I've also sold some items on this platform with very minimal fees and commission, which is way more reliable and transparent than any marketplace selling I've experienced. Pro tip: Set up alerts for your dream items and be notified when they appear! Use this code for 20% off: REFQUY5-KTJX
The RealReal: A trusted online destination for authenticated luxury consignment, offering a wide selection of designer clothing, handbags, jewelry, and more in the US. They have stores too in a few cities across the US so that you can go in to browse the luxury goods, or just stick to their online platform. Subscribe to their newsletter and you'll find out when they have sales and promotions giving you further discounts - I managed to grab two pairs of 'as new' Jimmy Choo heels for only $110! Bargain!
Trading In Style: This Australian-based consignment business curates a beautiful selection of pre-owned designer clothing, meticulously inspected, styled, and photographed. They offer pieces from both Australian designers like Zimmerman, Oroton and Aje, alongside international luxury brands like Bottega Veneta, Chanel, and Dior. They also handle authentication and international shipping, making the buying process seamless. Despite me living in the US, I tune in almost daily to watch their fantastic styling shows via instagram stories, where you can buy through direct links!
Cloakroom Consignment and The Closet of Luxe are other luxury consignment instagram pages I follow and have used for authenticated good. They are Australian based, but I have gorgeous handbags that I use constantly, all sourced through these amazing local businesses that have grown a lot over the past years since I started following them! I highly recommend their personal service.
I have just discovered Beni - an App that aggregates deals from 40+ secondhand sites so you can easily find the brands you love, all in the one place! This is saving me time checking on many of the above sites for the same item, and collates them all in the one place for me to find and compare second hand sales. I also love the Beni chrome extension that enables a pop up when you are online shopping when a product can be found on the online re-sell market for less! Genius!
This is just a starting point! With a little exploration and an open mind, you can unlock a world of sustainable style and discover unique pieces that reflect your individuality.
Remember:
Condition is key: Look for well-maintained pieces with minimal wear and tear.
Be open to different styles: If you're looking for something spceific, chances are high that you won't find it. Have something in mind, but be prepared to bend your requirements to really find the best pieces for the best prices. (Read: for high end goods, this season's styles are not going to be cheaper - buy classics and venture back a few years for the best value).
Know your size: Vintage and international sizing can be tricky, so research and double check the measurements! I now have 2 pairs of leather pants that are definitely the wrong size... Again, I have learned my lesson.
Embrace the hunt: Don't get discouraged if you don't find your dream piece right away. The joy is in the discovery (and patience)!
So, fellow fashion enthusiasts, unearth hidden gems, embrace sustainability, and build wardrobes that tell a story. Happy thrifting!
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