Photos by Alex Grace Jones
What’s mine is yours…
Let’s talk about shopping secondhand for a second… I’ve spoken a little bit about finding vintage pieces as a size 18, but I thought I’d expand on the other way that I buy secondhand: online! I don’t really go out shopping anymore, so buying secondhand online is the main way I add things to my wardrobe! Mainly I use eBay and Depop, and I’m sharing a few tips for how to find things! I really love secondhand shopping, and learning to shop secondhand online has really helped me!
Photos by Alex Grace Jones
Would you believe me if I told you that everything I’m wearing in these photos (for the most part) was bought secondhand online? On Depop specifically! While I’m no expert, I have been able to find some really great bits this way. Now on to the pointers!
1. Be Specific Where You Can: When it comes to adding pieces to my wardrobe, I’m usually looking for something specific. A check blazer. A pair of leopard print flats. I’m currently on the hunt for some brogue chelsea boots. By being specific, I’m able to narrow down the field and make the hunt a bit more manageable. When there are thousands of results it can get a little bit overwhelming!
2. Make Use Of The Filters: Where you can’t be specific, or you just want to browse, I’d definitely recommend making use of the filters. Every single place I’ve gone to buy secondhand clothing online has had filters. Filter by size, filter by brand, filter by category. I’ve done this when I’m looking for more general things, like cardigans or dungarees. I also make sure I select a few size options as they differ so much from brand to brand. I’m a size 18, but will select 16, 18 and 20, as well as XL or XXL. It means I can find more options.
3. Ask Questions: When I find items I’m interested in, I then usually take some time to ask questions of the seller. What’s the fabric like? Does it have any stretch? Is it true to size? What are the measurements? Since I can’t physically see the garment, I think asking questions helps a great deal. I know my body and how things fit me well enough to know if something will work.
It’s been pretty important to me to make the shift toward secondhand shopping, though I’ll admit, it’s not always so easy being a bigger size. So learning to navigate where to shop secondhand has been a journey. I’ve not quite explored charity shops yet, but we’ll get there too at some point. At the moment though, finding things online to add to my wardrobe is an online endeavour! Don’t worry, I’m still following the Three Outfit Rule as well!
Let me know how you get on with your secondhand shopping!
Thanks so much for the tips!
Candice x
NatalyaAmour.com
When shopping for clothes, there’s nothing more exciting than getting your hands on a secondhand item that fits the bill. I’m completely with you on using filters, but definitely need to get better at focusing down my search. I think my lack of fashion knowledge – in terms of names of cuts, patterns and styles or knowing what belongs to which era – holds me back, but I’m sure I can figure that out! (PS I love your bag SO much!)