Building My Dream Wardrobe

with vintage and second hand items

I am obsessed with the second-hand market for clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories. I am on my journey to build my dream wardrobe, and have found my favorite items second hand.

Here is a list of some of my favorite things to buy second hand (an easy way to get started with shopping second hand if you don’t already). I find when shopping on second platforms online, you have to know what you are looking for, to make the search less overwhelming - there are a ton of items out there! For example, search “vintage Chanel rimless sunglasses” - the more specific you can be, the better! 

Sunglasses

There is a huge markup on designer sunglasses. They are basically plastic, and although they are really nice, they aren’t worth those designer prices. That is why I buy mine second hand. I bought a pair of Celine sunglasses on Poshmark that were in new condition, for less than half of their retail price. I love them and I wear them all of the time! (You can see me pictured wearing them below)

Bags

You can find some incredible vintage and second hand bags on The RealReal, eBay, Grailed, and Fashionphile. I found an amazing Balenciaga bag (pre-scandal) on Grailed that was in new condition, and less than half the retail price! Another piece that I get a lot of wear out of.

Cardigans

Shopping second hand is a great way to get an affordable yet high quality wool or cashmere cardigan. Cashmere cardigans can get quite pricey, especially buying new designer ones. I find that on most of the second hand platforms, there is a wide variety of options of great cardigans. Cardigans are classic and timeless, and worth investing in something high-quality, that you love and can get a lot of wear out of.

Blouses

The RealReal has so many incredible silk blouses. My favorite designers to shop for blouses are Etro, Pucci, and Roberto Cavalli. The patterns and colors are always so unique, and a silk blouse is so comfortable and timeless. 

Jeans

You have to know your measurements, but jeans are another great item to get second hand. If you buy from brands that you are familiar with, then you will have a better idea of sizing too. 

Blazers

The second hand market is full of amazing blazers! Again, you have to know your measurements, especially waist and shoulders, to make sure the fit will be what you are looking for. You can find classic blazers, colorful blazers, wool blazers, all kinds! 

Some inspiration

I recently visited my mom in Toronto, and we visited a fabulous consignment shop called Second Nature. I got a pair of NWT (new with tags) mother jeans for $77 (which typically retail at around $280), a cool color block cardigan for $39, and an Etro blazer for $315. I wore this outfit the next day, with my Balenciaga bag and Celine sunglasses that I mentioned above, and a pair of Docs that I bought in 2013! I love this outfit which was all second hand, except for the docs I bought ten years ago!

Here are some similar Etro blazers from the RealReal that I love! 

I also styled the outfit in the picture below for my mom, with a 100% wool Helmut Lang Dress I bought from The RealReal, and a Gucci belt she bought at Second Nature.