Second Hand, First Love

In a time of instant access to shopping all hours of the day, it's easy to see why the secondhand market has been facing troubles. Even as a lover of thrift stores and eBay, when I contemplate ideas like only shopping secondhand, I know all too quickly I wont last when endless Banana Republic sales flood my Instagram feed.

Though I wish I could, as I do enjoy the hunt and the victory of finding that coveted piece (or the piece I didn't know I needed) for a fraction of the price. This Rachel Comey sweater is one such piece, I lusted over and stalked eBay for more than a year before it became mine, and I was lucky that the color I wanted turned up, and the size just so happened to work. That is not always the case, as a pair of Loeffler Randall sandals from Poshmark sit unworn as they seem to be about a size and a half lager than marked. The downfall of secondhand shopping (particularly online) is that sales tend to be final, or returns not worth the effort. Which isn't to say I don't have pieces I bought in person that have never once been worn. Sometimes that guilt free 90 day return policy is the only thing that prompts me to shop retail over secondhand.

While inspecting the tag of this sweater (who am I kidding, I knew it would say dry clean) I noticed a note the designer included, which read "Keep Forever". Clearly if the original owner had abided by that request I wouldn't be in possession of the sweater at all, but it did serve as a reminder of all the pieces which come and go from my closet, and made me wonder if I could ever come to terms with the idea of only having things I'd like to keep forever. It's something to keep in mind, next time the velvet jumpsuit from Banana Republic Factory, now half off, crosses my feed.

 fringe sweater, jeans, fur bag, sock booties-6.jpg fringe sweater, jeans, fur bag, sock booties-8.jpg fringe sweater, jeans, fur bag, sock booties-5.jpg fringe sweater, jeans, fur bag, sock booties-7.jpg fringe sweater, jeans, fur bag, sock booties-1.jpg
The Rundown
Fringe Hem Sweater Rachel Comey similar
High Rise Skinny Jeans "Ann" c/o Mott &Bow
 Sock Booties "Neola" Naturalizer
Fur Bag Vintage via Roundabout similar
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
 Nail Color "Bordeaux" Essie


14 comments

  1. I do love that sweater! And I miss thrift shopping too. The only one I still go to is Roundabout when its their crazy sale. We don't have many thrift stores around here so I don't travel to them, haha
    https://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  2. That is such a lovely sweater - I've been so lax these days about shopping second hand, when it used to be something that I did with a great deal of frequency. I just find it entails a lot more time and focus and I don't have the space for it these days, which is regrettable.

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

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  3. I loved thrift shopping growing up. I might need to stop by my old favorites for a look around.

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  4. What a fun find! Love how you styled it! xoxo, Sarah

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  5. I love that Rachel Comey sweater! such a good find!

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  6. It's such a fun knit and I love that you were able to find it second hand! :) I am finding now I have a little more time I'm second hand shopping more. Our online options in Australia are a little limited when shipping costs $9 for the smallest piece, so I do try to get to the opshops (thrift shops) more often. Not always easy with the little ones but now they are bigger I'm finding it a bit easier as they amuse themselves in the toy section while I browse, haha! :) I do still shop retail too but I'm trying to shop second hand more often when I can.

    Hope that your week is going well :)

    Away From Blue

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  7. I tend not to shop second hand only because I'm often wary of wearing someone's previously-worn clothing. However, I see the perks in it as well, and that makes me want to throw caution to the wind and try it anyways. I love that you were able to find the piece you wanted so badly!

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  8. That sweater and the bag are so cute! What a cute outfit!!

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  9. Such a beautiful sweater! I love the fringe! I need to get on eBay more! Such a good find.

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  10. Beautiful piece, the fringe is very cool- I think it would also look great with black wide legged trousers.
    That is such a good question. What would I like to keep forever from my closet.

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  11. The sweater is beautiful and the fur bag is so fun! I'll have to check out eBay more for harder to find and unique pieces that I would want to keep forever.

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  12. I love secondhand shopping in theory. The prospect of getting something unique always entices me - but then the hunt tries my patience. I have made some amazing (and lucky) secondhand finds, but more often than not, I enjoy secondhand shopping for the fun of seeing all the weird things people get rid of, not because I hope to find anything. And most often, I don't. I remain impressed by your dedication to thrifting, which I'm sure is at least part of what makes you so good at it. And I do hope, after all the work you put in to get it, you do keep this sweater forever :)
    xox,
    Cee

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  13. This sweater is such a fabulous find! I love the fringe hem details.

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  14. Loving the sweater on you dear, really compliments the bag!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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