There’s no denying that online shopping is an integral part of the way we consume these days. Even though shopping in person can’t ever be replaced (especially with second hand and vintage) it’s still very useful to have a few tricks up our sleeves when purchasing second hand pieces online.
Here are my go to tips and tricks, in no particular order:
- Have an ongoing wishlist of pieces you're on the hunt for (the more specific the easier to narrow down and not get distracted)
- Try to shop seasonally to ensure that you get immediate wear and satisfaction from your purchases.
- Take stock of what’s missing in your wardrobe to complete outfits and or highlight other items you love wearing.
- Have a list of designers in mind and shop specifically by searching for their vintage and second hand pieces.
- Leave a little wiggle room for the unexpected and to try something out of your comfort zone.
- Last but not least, know your measurements and know them well!
Let me get a bit more specific about my tips here. Knowing how different silhouettes tend to fit me and which items I prefer fitted vs. oversized is a huge plus. For example I love an oversized blazer and I know that vintage runs smaller than your modern day brands.. So when I'm shopping for a vintage blazer and I want the item to be oversized I'm comfortable going 4 or even up to 6 sizes bigger than my modern day size. When I'm shopping for items like a dress or top, I pay close attention to the bust, waist and don’t forget the length! I've been disappointed with lengths of items in the past because I've ignored that important measurement. Even though we can usually shorten items without an issue, buying something that's too short doesn't usually work out so be mindful of what length you like your tops and dresses to be.
Shopping in color palettes and stories has also been a great way to unify my closet and make my style feel cohesive and put together. Maybe I'm having a blue and white summer? And maybe my fall closet wants to be full of rich chocolate browns and burgundies. Having these simple outlines of what you're going for can really help your search and narrow down pieces you will really cherish and wear on repeat.
A way that I enjoy spicing things up in my closet is with shoes and accessories (these items can also be easier to buy without seeing in person). Sometimes the perfect vintage handbag (I'm especially fond of an unexpected dressier handbag at the moment) or fun shoe can spice up a simple pair of jeans and a Tshirt.
Knowing which online shops to go to for specific types of items can also be a time and energy saver! I have several go to places for online vintage shopping with the Housing Works eShop heavy on rotation! What I love most about the eShop are the unexpected gems from amazing designers that surprise you every time.
Vintage hunting has been a hobby and passion of mine for decades and I just feel so lucky to live in a city with accessibility to such great thrifting such as Housing Works. If you're unable to stop by one of their many thrift stores around the city, check out their great online selection of vintage and second hand items and pay special attention to the Pretty in Thrift Vintage collection that’s available now.
- Stefany Moheban