▎❝ How to buy preloved designer online. ❞

There is a huge stigma around designer fashion. Either you love it or you hate it. You think it’s high quality or you think it’s a nothing more than a vanity symbol of wealth. I’m annoyed by anyone who assumes you have to have a mountain of gold in your bank account to have nice things. Not only is it a depressing thought but it’s quite fatalistic, don’t you think?

It’s simply not true. Of course everything is easier and more accessible the more coin you have but finding luxury items on a pauper’s budget is not impossible. At times it may admittedly be difficult but not impossible. If you can find your ex boyfriend’s new wife’s ex husband on the internet, you can find yourself a good deal. In this day and age, don’t pretend that you don’t already use the internet for trivial things like social media stalking. Use those skills for the good of your closet. I’d like to think that’s strictly what the web is meant for anyway!

Far too often I’ve been judged or had assumptions made about me based on how I look. If I dress well, it can’t be because I have good taste or am an expert shopper. No, it has to be because I have way more than everyone else around me. If I’m dressed simply, I must have way less or been hit with hard times. It’s a myth. Most people would be shocked at just how much time I spend shopping and I do it to get the best price. They’d also be surprised to know that most of what I have is vintage or second hand which means I didn’t buy it new and I have no shame! Sustainability is the future.

Some of my most expensive looking outfits have actually been my cheapest but you’d never know. Looking stylish is very much attainable to everyone who wants to. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel less then for what you have or you don’t. I’ve had everything and I’ve had nothing and I dressed the same regardless. People will find any reason to hate you. How you look is usually just the easiest reason.

Now with all of this out of the way, let’s discuss how to shop online for second hand designer items to upgrade your wardrobe! I will probably write a separate post for shopping second hand clothing in broader terms because there are a few differences but we’ll start with designer since I feel it’s the most interesting and will probably be the most in depth posts that I will ever write but there’s a lot to know.

Sustainable vintage pieces

In this day and age, many of us have heard the term, “Sustainable fashion” or were already aware of its importance in the fashion industry. Shopping vintage pieces can be a fantastic way to be responsible with your wardrobe. If we can all agree on one thing, I think almost everyone would concede that wasting less is definitely for the best.

It makes me sad to think that thrifting and second hand shops are looked down upon as a graveyard of old clothes when really, they should be considered a sacred waiting room of preworn treasures who’ve already faithfully served the fashion world with pride. They’re just resting until someone new to takes them home and breathes life into them once again.

My personal opinion is that buying vintage designer puts me closer to the original founder’s vision for their label. Most of the founders of major fashion houses are deceased and their brands have been taken over by new talent which can vastly vary from their creator. While it’s lovely that a designer’s life work still lives on in their companies, those of us interested in fashion history or couture like to get as near to the earlier catalogues as possible. This is especially true if you’re a collector. Like with art, the price of couture fashion is often inflated after the death of it’s designer. It’s just something I keep in mind but it doesn’t define every purchase that I make.

I always shop for vintage Gianni Versace and if I had a choice of something new from Versace or something vintage from Gianni, it’s more likely that I would choose the item designed by Gianni even if it’s used. I adore Donatella and I still shop her designs as well but there’s an added weight to having a piece from Gianni partly because he founded the label and partly because of how his designs hold value even now. This is nothing against Donatella or her fabulous new designs. She’s a legend and she does her brother proud! I’m giving an example for what I explained in the paragraph above. It’s no secret that any Versace is good Versace and it’s my favorite brand.

Luxury resale

The modern world is full of wonderful things including the internet. Luckily, it’s much easier to shop for vintage pieces with the help of websites. There’s those that are specifically marketed towards designer items such as; Vestiaire Collective, The RealReal, and Poshmark just to name a few. Many of these websites also offer authentication services to ensure you’re buying a real piece and not a knock off.

Vestiaire Collective is the only website from the ones I’ve listed above that I have used and I think it’s a great way to buy designer! After you purchase, your order is shipped to their headquarters in New York from the seller where it’s authenticated by Vestiaire. They will not only let you know if the item is real but they will also tell you if the seller lied about it’s condition and give you the opportunity to decline and get your money back. If you choose to do so, Vestiaire just ships the item back to the seller.

At least that was how it worked for me a few years ago when someone lied about the “good” condition of their button up blouse. Unfortunately, it was not in good condition and it was flagged. They sat on a throne of lies. Thankfully Vestiaire caught it and gave me the option to keep it or return it before it ever even got to me. I didn’t even have to gaze upon it with disappointment. Problem solved. So if you’re offered any authentication when you’re buying designer, take it.

The only caveat that I’ve noticed to shopping on sites marketed for luxury resale is that the prices tend to still be high. They’re not as high as the original price tag—though in some cases they are—but they’re still above what I’ve seen on other sites such as Ebay and Etsy. Of course, you do get the added buyer protection with some of them so it might be worth it. It’s honestly just up to you and what you feel most comfortable doing.

You can still find good deals on these sites, the price difference was just something I noticed in my travels. I know Vestiaire also gives you the option to make an offer on an item to get a lower price or receive offers from sellers once you heart their item. It’s worth noting that with any second hand online shopping, prices are dependent upon individual sellers so it’s hard for me to summarize though I’ll do my best. Just know that I can only speak from my experience and give you ideas based on what I’ve seen but that pricing is subject to fluctuate and it’s controlled by the seller’s market.

Designer deals

When I shop vintage designer, I typically use the easy E’s ( Ebay & Etsy ), for my shopping needs. Though Ebay only recently started marketing some authentication, as far as I know, neither of these sites do it the same way as the luxury resale sites so if you’re new to fashion or don’t trust yourself to be able to tell a fake, you might do better with them. Ebay and Etsy are just my personal preference. There’s no wrong answer!

The best deals and pricing that I have found have been through Ebay and Etsy. I don’t know why. I suppose that perhaps it’s because they sell so many other things outside of clothing that designer goods are kind of an after thought which keeps prices down? I honestly do not know but I’ve been trying to crack the algorithm for awhile now. Doesn’t matter. What matters is that it’s affordable!

Like Vestiaire, Ebay sellers will often send you a discount on items you’ve added to your watchlist as incentive for you to buy them. This is lovely because if you find something reasonably priced and you add it to your watchlist and you wait, you might just get even more off the original price. It doesn’t always happen but it happens frequently. This is especially true during the holiday seasons when sellers want you to buy their goods over someone else’s and want to sell fast. It’s a win for everyone.

If, however, you add something to your watchlist that you have your heart set on and you do not get a discount from the seller, be prepared to buy it anyway. The discount should be looked at extra savings only. Don’t wait around for an offer that might not come if you really want the item. Give it time but don’t loiter. Someone will snatch, trust me.

Also like Vestiaire, Ebay and Etsy give you the option to make an offer to the seller but I don’t recommend that you go around insulting anyone by purposefully making low ones. Don’t do that. It’s rude. Most sellers are proactive and will be the one to reach out to you, though, as I explained with Ebay, keep in mind that the higher the price tag, the less likely a seller is to come down. It’s just the truth. If it’s already inflated, what’s the point in trying to talk reason?

Bidding is also a thing on Ebay so there’s that. I never win anything. It’s like trying to win at one of those awful claw machines but my mother wins every bid. I don’t know how she does it. Personally, I think it’s witchcraft. I’m convinced that there’s no way anyone can win those. I’ve asked her to explain it but all she says is that it’s a timing thing so whatever. If you want to attempt that, Godspeed and good fortune to you.

Know your prices

Buying online is no different than shopping in person—it’s still a practiced art that takes time and endurance to build. The more you do it, the better you become at selecting pieces and understanding prices. It doesn’t happen over night. Sometimes you just scroll through to price compare before seriously contemplating a purchase.

When it comes to designer pieces, most pricing will depend on the brand, the condition, and the seller. There’s really no set formula for this other than taking your time to really look before you buy. I will tell you that the more popular the brand, the more expensive the items but they’re also the pieces that hold the most value.

For example, even second hand, Chanel is practically untouchable. It is so far out of reach for pricing despite the fact you’re not buying it new. This is just a fact. I had to claw around the internet for about 3 years to find a decently priced Chanel handbag for my collection and even then, I only was able to get it because it had defects that I had to fix myself but that’s what it took. I am not exaggerating.

Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Alexander Mcqueen, Burberry, and Versace would probably be next in the pricing tier beneath sister Chanel. Of the three, Versace is the most affordable unless you’re shopping a special collection. You can find Versace pieces under $100 if you know what you’re doing while Prada and Gucci stay higher. Versace, Moschino, and Burberry are designer brands that I’ve found with the widest price range. You can have something from the Versace Jungle collection going for $3,000 or a Versus sweater for $85.

Ferragamo, Moschino, Escada, Christian Dior, Blumarine, Yves Saint Laurent, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Vivienne Westwood, Balmain, and Dolce & Gabanna, are all middle of the road when it comes to designer pricing from what I’ve seen but there’s a range. You might be able to get a Valentino dress for much less than you could get a Gucci handbag and it would take you the price of two or three Gucci handbags to equal one Chanel handbag. Fashion math!

Again, this is all dependent on the current inventory, market, and sellers. Because everything is being sold by individuals rather than one company, all prices may not be consistent. I am giving you ideas but this is all subject to fluctuate which is why you have to keep your eye on things. Utilize the tools these websites give you like watchlists, favorite’s lists, and hearting. Many of them will also give you a notification if the price of an item in your watchlist drops or changes. These are essential tools for good shopping.

Some of the most affordable designers are; Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach, Marc Jacobs, Vince Camuto, and Karl Lagerfeld. You can get your hands on most of these designers for $50 or under depending on what you’re looking for. These brands are the most competitive with other non-luxury brands and you can get a Michael Kors blouse for the same price you’d get a shirt from Target or Walmart if you pay attention which makes them particularly attractive because it doesn’t feel like you’re paying any more than you ordinarily would for clothing and yet you’re getting something much nicer. They’re still designer and luxury, by the way. Don’t think that just because they’re more affordable that they’re any less fancy. No, no.

Pricing is also dependent on whether an item is a collector’s piece or whether it was mass produced. Designer items that have been mass produced are cheaper and much more cost effective than certain collections. An example of this is comparing the Versace Tresor De La Mer collection against the Versace Versus collection. Huge price difference. You can get collector’s items cheaper depending on their condition. There’s also discrepancies between a designer’s couture label and their line for everyday wear.

Sizing and measurements

Vintage sizing varies from today’s which is something to keep in mind when you’re shopping anything vintage. The same is true for European sizing which is what most designer clothing is marked as. The most common sizing in designer fashion are Italian sizes because many brands make their clothing in Italy even if they’re based elsewhere. If you can’t try it on in person, I suggest only buying pieces that have their measurements listed so that you can be sure it’s a proper fit before you buy. Do not get something that doesn’t have measurements listed. You’re asking for trouble. I don’t care how tempting it is.

When looking at garment measurements in inches, be sure to double them to see their true circumference. For example, if the chest of a garment measures 19 inches across, it’s actually 38 inches total. If a skirt’s waist measures 15 inches across, it’s 30 inches. You get it. Be prepared that some people will just list an item’s measurements in cm. Just use a converter if you need one. More fashion math!

Also keep an international size converter close by at all times. Refer to it religiously. If you don’t, you could easily make a mistake because some sizes seem the same but they’re actually for two different countries. A UK size 8 and a US size 8 are completely different and I’ve also run across listings that didn’t distinguish whether the item they were selling was a US size 8 or not. It’s confusing, I know.

Most designer clothing brands are international and their sizing may look very different from your own country depending on where you’re located. Don’t buy anything until you’ve double and triple checked all sizes to ensure a likely fit. Avoid items that have been altered as they’re no longer true to size. Vintage sizes can be smaller than modern ones which is why you need the measurements. I am a size 6/8 but for vintage, I tend to shop for size 10 just because I don’t want to feel corseted and a vintage 10 is closest to a modern 6/8. Again, check your measurements.

Conditions, alterations, and brand new

There is no set guide for how to choose which designer pieces to invest in because everyone’s personal styles and taste are different. Many people will only be interested in acquiring handbags while others are in search of a whole outfit. It’s whatever strikes your interest the most. I will give you a few good things to look out for, however.

As I stated previously, avoid items that have been altered. Not only does this diminish the cost and resale value (yes, even if you’re buying second hand designer, it still has resale value), but it tampers with the overall fit on you. Also, tailor’s skill and experience differs. I have one blazer that I got not realizing it’d been altered. When I went to put it on, I realized the entire interior had been horribly butchered. Now, when it’s worn you can’t tell but when it’s hanging, it’s a monster. Avoid this like the plague. The value will never be the same again and I’d never try to resell it even if I disclosed it’s flaws.

I call them Frankenclothes.

Get something that is in decent condition! Now it’s second hand which means you shouldn’t expect it to be in pristine condition unless it says it’s never been used or only worn once however you don’t need to settle for something that’s in poor condition either. There is a happy medium, believe it or not.

If an item is marked “NWT” it means that it is “new with tags” and you should expect it to arrive in the mail unworn and with it’s original price tag from when it was purchased from the store. If an item is marked as “NWOT” it means that it is “new without tags” and it should be unworn but with the original tags already removed. Keep an eye on NWOT listings because some sellers will lie in the title and say that an item is unworn but admit further down in the description that it was worn once or twice. That is not NWOT. That’s something that’s in “very good condition.” It may be a technicality but it’s worth noting.

Whether an item is vintage or not, you can still buy new clothing second hand. For example, I buy my mother Michael Kors NWT for a fraction of the price it would cost to buy it from a department store but it’s not vintage—it’s brand new and literally from this season. It’s fresher than the paint on her car. This most pertains the to the affordable designer brands I listed earlier; Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, etc. You don’t always have to buy vintage designer, you can just buy second hand designer that’s new. It’s all the same, really, which is why I’m putting it all here in one long post even if it’s labeled vintage designer.

If you aren’t interested in wearing something someone else already wore or you just want modern trends in your wardrobe, this guide is still for you! Just shop NWT instead. Most sites have an option where you can check which condition you’re looking for. Only select the new option and that’s all you should see.

Should you be interested in pricing from a collecting stand point, you may sometimes have to sacrifice condition in order to get your hands on something more rare and that’s normal. I have a vintage pistachio Gianni Versace handbag from the 1990’s that I could afford because it was still in good condition but showed some wear. My mother thought I shouldn’t get it because it didn’t look new and she figured I could do better but it turned out that my investment paid off and it’s worth much more than I got it for even as it is. It also happens to be my favorite handbag. You can see it pictured above in the first picture. This is not for everyone, this is just a side note for anyone contemplating becoming a collector.

Make sure you spend extra time looking at all the pictures so that you don’t miss any picks, scuffs, scrapes, etc. Double check the bottoms of shoes because some seller’s won’t show them. Blow up pictures to make sure you’re seeing all that you need to—I’m talking 200% zoom, people. Know what you’re getting. Don’t get something that you’re unsure or uncomfortable about. If you have questions about an item’s condition, always ask before purchase, sending an offer, or bidding. When you approach the seller, do so politely and ask for more pictures if you’ve stumbled across a listing with only one.

Another tip I have is that if a seller has an item you’re interested in, be sure to check the rest of their shop for anything else they have that you might be interested in. A lot of sellers will kindly combine shipping or offer discounts if you buy more than just one item from their shop. That Balmain blouse might look really good with a pair Escada trousers from the same store and you might get 10% off. Bundle, babe.

Know that men’s vintage designer clothing is typically less expensive than women’s—upsetting but true. Ladies, don’t be afraid to switch it up and get something to wear oversized like button ups. It doesn’t matter that it’s menswear. Many of the button up shirts that I have are actually men’s clothing because it was what was most affordable and I don’t mind because I know how to style it for my body type despite the size discrepancy. Maybe tie it around your waist or tuck it in with a nice belt. This is also fun if you enjoy swapping clothes with your significant other. One shirt, two people, countless outfits. The potential is endless.

Diamonds in the rough

Some days you can feel as if you’ve been shopping online for hours without seeing a single thing that looks inexpensive enough to snatch while other days you can come across deal after deal wondering how you got to be so lucky. It just depends—such is life. Shopping is not unlike fishing. You sit at the pier and wait.

We’ve come to the end of our sojourn through the do’s and don’ts of buying vintage fashion. I’ve tried to sum my knowledge up as best as I can. This post was ridiculously long and if you made it to the end, you deserve a gold star. I hope that I’ve written in enough detail that my guide is easy to navigate. Even if you only learned one thing, I pray it helps you navigate the tricky world of designer shopping like a professional.

These are all things I wish I’d known when I first started shopping vintage luxury because it can be very overwhelming. It’s taken me a hundred years but I’ve finally learned enough tricks to do it in a way that’s reasonable for myself. In time, you’ll be just as confident in your ability to do the same.