10 REASONS TO BUY SECOND-HAND

(About a 4-minute read)

By now you know my recent revelations about shopping, fast fashion and having less. You also know my thoughts on accessories, keeping only the things that bring you joy, and that if you must shop for anything other than the timeless, “stand the test of time" pieces, shop accessories! Now...I want to grab your ear to talk vintage, consignment and thrift. IE. SECOND-HAND.

Yes, some of you might squirm. “I don’t want anyone’s old crap.” BUT…I have to be honest…I still have a very soft spot for this kind of “shopping.”  

It gives me a bit of a high...the kind of high you get when you know you are sorting through what, often times, can only be described as junk, and there is that small possibility you might come across a true gem.

I spoke a lot about the idea that “shopping” used to be such a pleasure for me. I never bought just to buy. Every purchase was because I was in love. Because it was special or had a story. And then something happened, and now it is very clear to me what that was. You can read that spiel here, if you haven’t already. I am SURE some of you can relate. Am I right?

These days, I rarely shop unless I am buying the classic wardrobe staples. And when I do have that hankering for something new (which is most often an accessory to pair with these wardrobe staples) it is often vintage, consignment or thrift, and here are all the reasons why....

1. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

With vintage, you know you are most likely getting quality. Anything that can last 30+ years must have either been kept in pristine condition, or have really been well-made. This is exactly how I want people to feel about Classic Six 50 years from now. I want the pieces to be so beautiful and well-made that we are passing them down to our daughters, or sifting through a vintage shop and finding a Classic Six gem. 

2. A STORY FOR THE BOOKS

Second-hand very often has a story to be told. I love telling people a good story when I get complimented on a piece. It is so much more fun than saying it's from a random department store. 

 3. OWN YOUR LOOK

Pairing random one-off finds with the staples in your wardrobe is the most effective way to make any look your own. More on that here. 

4. SINGULAR SENSATION

You are most likely getting one of a kind. Or at the very least you may feel like they are more special and unique. 

5. SUSTAINABLE IS THE NEW BLACK

Second-hand is the best kind of “sustainable fashion.” We are relieving the earth of items that are otherwise headed for a landfill. Buying vintage, and pieces that might one day be vintage, (ehhhemmm, Classic Six ;) is the greatest kind of shopping for our environment!

6. A DIFFERENT KIND OF DRUG

The high of thrifting and digging through junk is unlike any other. I mean do you guys remember my Aquazurra stilettos I found in Goodwill for $20? Yea. That was a good day. 

7. WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

Fashion is cyclical. The unique pieces that people discard of because they may not be “in-style” at the moment are very often what is soon to be. Another reason not to let trends dictate your style. Buy what speaks to YOU.  

8. NOTHING LIKE A BARGAIN

The price! Luxury consignment is like an endless sale rack, and thrift is basically pennies if you are looking in the right spots. 

9. SPREAD THE LOVE

Well-loved secondhand is not garbage. Yes. I clean everything. The first thing I did with my vintage Hermes scarf was a good hand wash in The Laundress.

10. SOMEONE'S TRASH IS YOUR TREASURE

This couldn’t be more true when it comes to second-hand. “Why on earth is this woman getting rid of those fabulous Prada stilettos? Is she crazy?” Point made. 

Shopping second-hand is thrilling in action, but what about on the web, you ask?

I love two online spots for secondhand. One is The Real Real, because they employ 50+ brand authenticators, gemologists, horologists and art curators, to inspect thousands of items each day, so you can be sure every item is 100% authentic. The other is Etsy. Such a great spot for vintage and thrift. I can get lost on their site. In a good way.

I gathered a little shop of swoon-worthy accessories from both spots and linked below!

Disclaimer: For all of these pieces, make sure you look carefully at each of the photos and ask the seller any questions you have regarding condition. You want assurance that you are getting exactly what you expect! And on Etsy, be sure the seller can guarantee authenticity! xo- D

THE REAL REAL SHOP

ETSY SHOP