Imagine if you will…
It’s a beautiful Sunday. Not too hot, not too cold. Mimosa in hand. Brunch on the table… you’re wearing the perfect little black dress. It’s Chanel…
*records scratch*
Okay, so Chanel might be a little over budget for Sunday brunch.
But guess what, ladies? It doesn’t have to be.
Slow fashion is becoming a huge trend, and for good reason! Buying used, repurposing and up-cycling clothing and accessories is a fun way to help our planet while keeping our wallets full! It’s sustainable and creative. It keeps our discarded items out of landfills, saves water, and slows the distribution of fast-fashion corporations. There are so many reasons to adopt the slow-fashion lifestyle, and nowadays, there’s no need to sacrifice your style! We have plenty of options for finding an amazing designer and quality piece, and most of them are at our fingertips!
Here are 4 ways to finally get your hands on that dreamy designer piece without breaking the bank.
Option # 1
BUY ON CONSIGNMENT
Buying on consignment is easier than ever with places like The Real Real & ThredUp. There’s a large number of items that you can shop for, making it that much easier to find something in your size and style. These platforms tend to have a higher price point in comparison to a smaller consignment shop. Typically, items run at about 30% – 50% off, but occasionally you’ll be able to find an absolute gem for 80%-90% off! Patience is key!
For those who would like to save on shipping, or like to try clothes on before buying them, there are plenty of consignment stores around the country. A quick google search can help you find the nearest shop to you. Try visiting shops in city centers where business is plentiful. They tend to have more options when it comes to quality and style.
If you are from the Los Angeles County area, I urge you to check out Walker/Viden in Pasadena. The store is located on the famously quaint Green Street and lacks nothing in style. It’s merchandised well and the selection of art on the wall really pulls the whole vibe together. They have a great selection of items from the neighboring Pasadena elite. Handbags, shoes, and clothes from Louis Vuitton to Chanel to Prada. You name the brand, they probably have it. If you aren’t near the LA area, fear not, they have an eBay page that lists most of their items.
Option # 2
HUNT AT A THRIFT STORE
Thrifting might be my favorite way to shop. There’s something about the thrill of the hunt, that leaves me so satisfied when I find that incredible piece. It’s truly amazing what people are willing to just give away, and with a creative mind, you can make just about any look happen, for pennies on the dollar.
Take High Fashion Thrift for example. Run by Brownie Brown, this business focuses on up-cycling and repurposing thrifted items, and turning them into high fashion pieces. Do yourself a favor and follow her account @highfashionthrift. Brownie’s eye and creative vision are impeccable. She can create just about any look, including all of the amazing looks from the 2021 Inauguration. (Yes, that includes Lady Gaga AND her golden bird pin)
Imagine spending $20 to walk into your next meeting with complete Michelle Obama vibes!?
THAT’S what thrifting is all about. The possibilities are endless and AFFORDABLE.
Option # 3
GO TO A LOCAL ESTATE SALE OR AUCTION HOUSE
If you’re looking for luxurious or antique items, it great to look for local Estate Sales and Auction Houses. Of course, with the hand-dandy-internet, Estate Sales and Auctions are easier than ever to access and much less intimidating.
Everything but the House (EBTH) is my go-to app to browse hundreds of options from estates all over the country. The company is based out of Ohio, and pretty popular, so name brand name items bid higher, and shipping can be pricey. However, with some patience and an open mind, you can find some AMAZING pieces that will keep your closet beautifully eclectic.
I also like to browse estatesales.net as we inch closer to the weekends. On this app, you can browse your area for scheduled Estate Sales while previewing the items up for sale. In my experience, this app is by far the most organized and user-friendly, and I have found some incredible deals through it. I love that most of the sales will show a photo gallery of the estate, so you immediately known whether the home is worth going to. If you do decide to attend an Estate Sale or Auction, be sure you show up early and follow the rules.
Option # 4
JOIN A FACEBOOK GROUP OR FOLLOW A SMALL BUSINESS ON IG
By far, the most valuable way to buy used clothes and accessories is through a Facebook group. There are so many groups you can join in your area, whose sole purpose is to buy and sell to other locals. My local Facebook group has people who post incredible, useful items every single day. Not just fashion!
I try to browse the group page first thing in the morning, as the good items go quickly! Especially in the more populated groups. Again, patience is your best friend when it comes to snagging a great find!
My last suggestion is to follow a small business IG. I love following vintage accounts and browsing through the unique items the stores find. Trust me when I say there are THOUSANDS of these accounts. Go down the rabbit hole and you’ll be amazed at all the incredible pieces out there.
I buy most of my vintage clothes from these online stores. I’m a working mom and a wife; sifting through clothes for hours on end, is now considered a luxury. This is the next best thing!
A Current Affair is one of the more popular vintage accounts out there. They host hundreds of exhibitors from all over the world. Pre-Covid, A Current Affair was hosting 3 – 5 events a year in LA, San Fran, New York. Now, they are adapting to our new way of living (socially distanced that is) and host monthly virtual boutiques on Instagram Live! It’s one of the few things I looked forward to while staying home. I find myself inspired after every single event. Follow @acurrentaffair on IG and discover amazing vintage boutiques all around the world.
Here are more of my fav online vintage boutiques:
IG: @centurygirlvintage – NOLA-based. Gorgeous Mid Century designer items.
IG: @thriftwares – Staple pieces. Vintage and quality items.
IG: @midnightdollsvintage – Mid-Century dresses and gowns.
IG: @shopgossamer – NY Based. Vintage evening gowns. Organza, lace & romantic styles
IG: @goldenbirdboutique – 80’s & 90’s Vintage. Staple pieces. Amazing prices!
It’s true. Buying fast fashion just to save a few bucks isn’t all that necessary in today’s world. There are so many accessible outlets for pretty much any price range and any style. The bestpart? Your closet doesn’t need to suffer! Stay patient, do your research and you’ll look fab every day! What are some of your favorite ways to shop? Do you have any tips and tricks? Let us know!
Written by: Aryanna Salazar
