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Erin’s Guide to Vintage/Used Clothing
🕑 Added 2021-04-01 01:51:55 +0000 UTCHello Everybody,
This has been highly requested after the Sweater episode. I am not claiming I know a lot about this world-but I just wanted to tell you what I do! Browsing for vintage/resold pieces online is just a fun hobby of mine. Also if you can see I’m supporting any company that you know is bad news I would love to know that!
Chances are, we don’t need(or can’t afford) to buy clothes right now. I think we are all just trying to keep our heads above water. But, if you’re ever in a position to buy something online here a few of my tips.
For vintage finds
-I follow some vintage clothes sellers on Instagram(see below). A lot of them sell directly from there if you dm them-but it also links to their Etsy shop if they have them. It seems like it’s a very supportive community because they link each other’s shops all the time. I also go through and follow some of the vintage shops they follow.
-If there is a resell or vintage store you liked going to in your city when the world was open-check to see if you can follow them online- a lot of them have moved to online sales which is very exciting and a great way to support a local business.
Etsy
-I love Etsy so much. I look there first for everything(gifts, home decor, homemade hair care, jewelry,kitchenware) I’d say when I buy clothes now it’s a 95% chance it’s from Etsy.
-A good way to find stores is to type in one piece of clothing that’s just in your minds eye that’s exactly your taste and then the word “vintage”-Like vintage periwinkle nightgown from the 70s (oops I used a real example) Then just follow and browse that shop because chances are they will have A LOT of things you love.
-Etsy is also excellent for homemade clothing or small businesses making clothes. It’s also by far the best and easiest place to find funny/cool old T-shirt’s.
British eBay
Ok so the eBay in England is magical. They just have better vintage everything and chances are it’s probably haunted by a Victorian ghost which is awesome. Obviously shipping costs here are what really hurts. But it’s so much fun to browse. But anyways American eBay for sure has some good vintage stuff too but no ghosts.
Newish Clothing That You Don’t Want to Pay Full Price For
Keep track of expensive clothes you like
I used to work at Nordstrom in Massachusetts and then Chicago. I couldn’t afford any of the clothes. But I used to love when we got to try them on. I started writing down the names of the pieces I really loved on a note in my phone. One example was “Free people downtown brocade plum coat size 6” which was a $400. I found it online a year and a half later and was able to buy it with a missing button for $75. I basically never took it off for 5 years because women and coffee shops would make a deal about it and it would make me feel nice. It usually takes about a year and then the pieces you like start popping up on resell websites online. Make a note in your phone just check up on the stuff in it once or twice a year. I know on the real real you can set up notifications for specific pieces if they ever get them in your size. You can also just look for a brand you like!
Check out these websites for newer clothes
-Poshmark
-Real real
-eBay
-threadup
-If you follow influencers online they will usually sell their old stuff at depop
In person!(if/when it’s safe)
I used to love wandering around Andrersonville in Chicago with a coffee and my roommate Shaina looking at all the thrift and vintage stores. Here are some Chicago ones(a lot of my favorites closed recently which is sad.)
Lost girl Vintage(size inclusive! Two locations! My favorite!)
Dove tail
Ragstock
Buffalo exchange
Cross roads
It’s not something I always kept in mind, but it’s important to remember that places like
Village discount outlet and other deeply discounted places are there for people who need those clothes. I think stores like that are great for buying fabric but mostly shouldn’t be taken advantage of.
Also I know that a lot of in person vintage stores can be limited in sizing they can carry and don’t have many plus sizes options which is lame but I know a few Chicago stores were slowly getting better about that
Leave the name or link if you have a favorite vintage store. I’m sorry that my knowledge on men’s vintage clothing is limited. I am doing some research and will update the comments when I find some cool places. But maybe you’ll find something in the comment in the meantime!
If this helps you find a beautiful dress or coat something that becomes one of your treasures don’t hesitate to DM me to show me! That would make me so happy!
Thank you for reading this! Have a great week!
My favorites!
https://instagram.com/thevintagexromantic?igshid=6pux9odf81sa
https://instagram.com/allegravintij?igshid=ly1kirxgvvxu
https://instagram.com/t.wrecksvintage?igshid=1bwmm27resm57
https://instagram.com/theludlowshop?igshid=yln8ji1r0fzt
https://instagram.com/retrorubyvintage?igshid=laluuq0s9p46
https://instagram.com/esmesdrawertoo?igshid=bfwzj9w6hnjy
https://www.etsy.com/shop/thekissingtree?ref=search_shop_redirect
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Nightofjoyvintage?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=830060366
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SixStonesStore?ref=yr_purchases
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Linenfox?ref=yr_purchases
https://www.etsy.com/listing/776814269/kala-cotton-dress-for-women-red-summer?ref=finds_s
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MAWSUPPLY?ref=shop_sugg
https://instagram.com/your___friendcaroline?igshid=u7025n9aezu4
https://instagram.com/songbirdvintageshop?igshid=g0wbrji4wdtm
Plus size!
https://instagram.com/luvsickplus?igshid=szsorur2onfg
https://instagram.com/greenthumbvintage?igshid=99ise0st0ej7
https://instagram.com/estellaspluscloset?igshid=bisqi5le2q6a
https://instagram.com/thriftinwithp?igshid=1km6871go8bwe
https://instagram.com/thiccmama_thrifts?igshid=1gpqlptv25d1w
https://instagram.com/theplusbus?igshid=1juoz1spg89tk
https://instagram.com/ethicalbodies?igshid=iya261cuqei6
https://instagram.com/shopspellrose?igshid=1vqrmze8zaz0g
Comments
Hey riddle friends. If you're in Chicago, there's also a dope vintage shop at the Belmont red/purple/brown stop. I do not know the name, but its a few doors down from Strings Ramen (best Ramen btw). I did spot Letters -KJ down there too once!
Anna Collins
As someone who used to work at a thrift store I really appreciate you mentioning that heavily discounted stores are some people's only options and to respect that relationship. I almost pulled my hair out during the "find a XXXL shirt at a thrift store and make it a size 2 dress" trend. IMO there's no real harm in getting a few tshirts, or whatever, but please leave the plus size, maternity, work boots, and cold weather clothes sections alone if you don't -need- to shop at those prices.
