I want to talk about vintage and secondhand clothing today. In a world full of cheap clothing, it’s good to take a step back and re-evaluate your clothing spending habits. Here’s the deal, I love clothes, I really do, but I love really beautiful nice clothes and I can’t always afford really nice clothing all the time. And to be honest, I don’t want to contribute to the whole let’s produce so much shit and then throw it away game.
There are so many beautiful secondhand and vintage garments just waiting for you to love them. Secondhand has a bit of a stigma, but I think most people think of secondhand has shit charity shop finds, which I will say you can find some real gems in charity shops so don’t rule it out. What I’m talking about is pre-loved beautiful pieces. You can get yourself some really nice designer pieces for a fraction of the retail price because someone may have worn it once or twice. To me this is a clear no brainer.
Now vintage, oh how I do love myself a beautiful vintage dress or an amazing pair of vintage jeans. Not everyone is a lover of vintage, but when you find a beautiful vintage piece there is nothing like it. The quality of the garment, the design and the fit, yes the fit is usually phenomenal. Vintage usually fits me pretty well. Depending on the era. 20’s, 30’s, 40’s are great on me, 50’s absolutely not.
Now there is some super shit vintage out there too, you just have to know where to look and sift through the crap, but if you’re patient you can find some absolute gems.
I miss all the secondhand and vintage shops back in my hometown because a lot of the owners don’t actually know the true value of the garment. I once found beautiful tweed Oscar de la Renta blazer for like $40, which I loved, but I gave that blazer away, it still haunts me to this day. I have the best vintage Coach bag I bought from an antique shop for $20 as well. I still use that bag and I bought it 12 years ago. It’s a classic.
Now I know we aren’t in the States, we are in London, England where vintage shop owners know what they are doing and they price accordingly. I think some vintage pieces are worth spending some money on. If they are in immaculate condition and you know you won’t find that piece anywhere else, I would definitely consider paying more money for it.
There’s nothing greater than rocking up at a party or wedding wearing a beautiful vintage piece that no one else will have. It’s priceless.
There are some great vintage and second hand shops on online and also instagram is a great way to buy some lovely pieces too.
*all outfits I'm wearing in the photos are designer secondhand clothing.
Buying vintage and secondhand garments is a great way to recycle clothing that is already out there. It’s away to save yourself some money and also contribute to saving the environment. It’s also just plain smart.
I’ve complied a little list of some shops you should definitely check out:
Charity shops like Farrah, Cancer Research, Mary’s Living & Giving Charity Shops
These are all online shops. There are several physical shops all over London and I'm sure in your area. I shop on a local designer secondhand shop in my area called Change of Heart and they have a wonderful selection. If you have any secondhand or vintage shops you love, please let me know.
kelly xx