Rokit stocks amazing denim while Etsy is great for sweet vintage dresses and jewellery. while EBay literally has everything and if you’re searching for designer pieces, sign up to Vestiaire Collective for a global curation of high end brands. And you don’t need us to tell you that Depop is a mine of pre-loved treasure.
There have also been a huge boom in Instagrammers using the platform as a shopfront, so have a look at your favourite follows. Blogger Sophia Rosemary has opened up a store, Top Of The Town Vintage, to sell quirky retro finds. Second Stories founder Nicci Fletcher arranges her vintage drops to follow perfectly aligned seasonal themes while Manifesto Woman sells an eclectic range of statement pieces - currently Marni, Ganni and Loewe are all for sale on the site.
What’s the best way to shop charity stores?
If you have a certain charity that you love to support, head to their online storefront first. Cancer Research, Royal Trinity Hospice and British Red Cross Vintage all have shop-fronts on ASOS Marketplace while eBay also hosts a hub for charities. The Children’s Society is full of high-end designer names.
You’ll need to set aside some serious browsing time to make the most of a charity shop visit. The antithesis to fast fashion, proper pre-loved shopping takes time and dedication. If you know exactly what you're after, shopping online is best, but hunting for second-hand gems in store can be time-consuming (but tons of fun, obvs). Make a day of it. It takes time to discover where the great shops are but, as a general rule head for the more boujee areas. This might sound like a generalisation but if you want designer pieces, hit up the charity shops in affluent areas.
Ignore the size on the label, too. Vintage sizing can vary enormously so if you can't try on, check out the measurements. If in doubt, go bigger as larger items can always be tailored. Speaking of which, if you really want to turn a vintage buy into a forever piece, get crafty with a needle, thread and a pair of scissors, and learn how to take up hems, tailor waists, remove sleeves or even embroider. Or, if you cba, get to know your local seamstress.
Keep an eye out for out of season items too. Stores tend to merchandise in seasons but if there’s a great coat you spot in summer, don’t leave it on the rail or it will haunt you forever as ‘the one that got away.’
These are our favourite second hand finds to shop right now...
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8aao6Wdoq58tLHCqKWdZZiWu6V50qGmqaiZo7RuwMipqg%3D%3D