The Ultimate Guide to Shopping Second Hand

Hello my Dears,

Second Hand market is huge and somehow chaotic. 

TIME & PATIENCE are they key to success and finding some real treasures.
I’ve been shopping second hand for as long as I remember and I know you need a system so you don’t get overwhelmed and you don’t runaway in panick 😅

I know this video is long, I know!
But, there is everything you need to know about shopping second hand - what to focus on and what to ignore. I also organised it into categories which can be found in the time stamps below.

Please share your experience and tips for shopping second hand so we can all benefit and be even more efficient.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING🤍

TIME STAMPS:
00:00 INTRO
01:48 QUALITY CHECK
03:27 AVOID FAST FASHION
04:26 CARE INSTRUCTIONS
06:14 FORGET YOUR SIZE
07:37 IS IT YOUR STYLE?
08:57 CHECK DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS
09:18 ONLY BUY IT IF YOU LOVE IT
10:15 LEATHER
11:22 DENIM
13:45 MENSWEAR & TAILORING
18:52 KNITWEAR
20:30 OCCASSIONWEAR & SILK
21:27 JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES
23:56 TRENDS & EXPERIMENTING WITH CLOTHES
25:30 KIDS
26:48 OUTRO

[maicagarcia]

As vegan i started to buy second hand only for Silk and Wool items. After two years I almost buy 80/100 on second hand 🙏🏻

[Judithmelbourneflorist]

Hi Mariola - another wonderfully crafted video and very inspiring. I am an avid second hand shopper and absolutely love uncovering gems! I often think during the day about the outfit I am wearing and count up the pieces that are second hand! Another item I love to buy is second hand bags - I actually have quite a lot but it is lovely to have a wide range to choose from depending on what I am doing for the day. It is a wonderful pastime because you are buying what is already made and adding a whole new life to it by styling it your way 😊

[FrancesRodriguez-rklz]

I love going to second hand shops. Growing up my mother would find some great items and would tailor them to fit us and also stitch and fix items to make them look new. I like taking an afternoon and just dedicate it to browsing my favorite shops.

[rosej]

Great video, Mariola! I'm envious of those who have secondhand shops that carry good quality vintage clothes in their area. The ones near me all seem to carry fast fashion junk!

[ashenwalls]

I grew up shopping used, and really enjoy the hunt for something good! I appreciate seeing how others approach the subject. I definitely start with fiber content and go from there.

[BetaBetaZZ]

Great video! Lots of my favorite things are from second hand stores. Some people have such a 💎 in their closets and once they do a declutter other people will get lucky!
I’m actually currently bringing lots of clothes to a place near me and hoping to find some good items for me too! I had a baby and my style and size has changed so I need a new persona. Saying bye to some of amazing good quality is sad, but hope someone find them and give them love too!

[carmenmorrondo]

Vintage shopping in London is a dream. I live in Frankfurt, Germany, and we have some interesting vintage and charity shops too, but it is difficult to find something, either the shops are frumpy or very expensive. Thank you for your super interesting video. 🥰

[anndyercervantes]

Really useful advice!. I have been shopping second hand for the last year and have been having so much fun! Have found some amazing pieces, tremendous values. The few mistakes I have made have not been costly (and as you pointed out, I have the option of re-selling them on consignment.) It allows for a little more experimentation, which is great, too.

[CathyHarbidge]

Love this video, such great tips! I have started shopping second hand in the last couple of years and have found some great pieces, thanks for the new ideas and inspiration to keep going! I prefer in person, as sizes are so hard to guess!

[antine]

I shop on Vinted - it's basically an online thrift shop. I absolutely love it! I'd recommend it for anyone in Europe where it's available.

[pved]

Love secondhand, so nice that you put it together. Half of my wardrobe is secondhand. I own peeerfect Calvin Klein jeans and Longchamp crossbody bag, love them❤
I also try to buy sports clothes secondhand, it is made of polyester and I just can't buy new polyester.
We also moved to Sweden a couple of years ago with only 2 suitcases and I bought a lot of home stuff secondhand, it is cheaper and I like old plates, they are so cute and every piece is unique.
I am writing this from my secondhand couch😂

[joanofarcxxi]

I live right next door to the Goodwill store. I don't buy clothes for myself much, but I buy for my son a lot of amazing things, some of them designer brands, and some still with original tags. Also, most of my furniture came from there. I just recently bought a rich brown leather sofa in almost perfect condition, just needed a good cleaning and polishing. This video gave me some good ideas on how to shop for myself. I love thrift stores. ❤.

[hellmarie]

That's the video I needed, thanks !! 🥰

[lynnetrue]

Excellent video! Lots of great tips! Love second hand shopping❤

[suzanschneider]

Such a good video. So many examples help a lot. An excellent reminder that I must LOVE the piece (and how it looks on me.) I now take photos of it on me before I purchase. It’s also good that you mentioned second hand to try a new color or style. I’ve saved money this way!

[marilynguppy]

Such a thoughtful video. I agree with everything you said. More like these would be wonderful.

[prawnenpointe]

I agree London is a really good place for pre-loved clothes and accessories. I don't know south of the river very well but in north London there are good charity shops in Belsize Park, Muswell Hill, Crouch End, St John's wood and Upper St Islington.

[carlamorris]

I am a long-term secondhand shopper and a volunteer in a charity shop. I agree with all your advice! The only difference is that I live in Australia, a warm-weather climate, and so don’t have much luck finding secondhand coats. I wish menswear trousers fit my body shape. I see such great trousers!

[marvawiebe]

Thank you! This is very helpful information. I buy probably 75% second hand. So fun!

[lucyjones]

I bought a Margaret Howell wool and cotton trench coat from Vinted for £100. I’ve never seen one as beautiful in the shops and people always compliment me on it. I was so lucky to find it, even in the most beautiful, flattering taupe colour. It was destined to be mine and I will wear and love it forever! Another great, useful video - thank you, Mariola! xx