A Second Chance
This Moncler jacket was atop my the-ones-that-got-away list. When it popped up (new with tags!) on The RealReal listed under Fair Isle, my heart skipped a beat. The jacket is still available on numerous e-commerce sites, but my size is long gone.
Sometimes it takes me a bit to really love something and by the time I want it, it’s sold out. If it shows up on a resale site, I’m thrilled to have a second chance. My buying credo is to acquire pieces that go the distance, so I am not concerned about which season they come from, just that I can find them. Thanks to the plethora of resale sites, it’s now so much easier to find items that I regret having taken a pass on.
On another note, these Eddie Bauer boots are my recent fashion hack — comfortable, waterproof, inexpensive — perfect for urban hiking.
SHOP
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MAX MARA
Rosa wool-blend midi dress
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Floral stretch-lace tights
JIL SANDER
Slanted-cuff leather knee-high boots
SAINT LAURENT
Wool-twill coat
HM
Textured-knit tights
SAINT LAURENT
Oversized hooded cable-knit wool and mohair-blend cardigan
ANN DEMEULEMEESTER
Cavalier wool blazer
SABLYN
Aiden sleeveless cashmere top
GABRIELA HEARST
Hawes T-bar cutout leather pumps
JIL SANDER
Oversized cashmere knit top
GANNI
Wool-blend turtleneck vest
VICTORIA BECKHAM
Piped knee-high leather boots
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I love buying resale and the real real is my go to site for buying and selling. I know from being a seller what GREAT prices you can get on most everything. I’ve recently made some wonderful Dior purchases! Fashionphile is another site I really like and they mark down on an assigned schedule so you know exactly when something you are watching will be reduced. And Fashionphile let’s you return everything including handbags ( they don’t sell clothing). But being able to return is a huge plus! Buying used items is great for the environment and the only way I will buy fur from now on!
Love FASHIONPHILE for all of the reasons Paula cited, plus they have a 60 day “reserve policy” (read “layaway” for us old schoolers). Great way to get those dream pieces!
Thank you for the description of your rejected take-off. It sounds harrowing. I wonder if you were past V-1? Taking off in a Nor’Easter. In the Orient, as you may know, they routinely take-off into typhoons.
Great get, Preston! @Paula B. Agree wholeheartedly. Both the realreal and fashionphile are terrific sites for resale and buying. I’m a frequent buyer/seller on both sites. Given the state of our economy and environment, which are intrinsically linked, those of us who love fashion should rethink our buying habits and buy for the long haul, buy fewer pieces and buy for quality always.
Miss you!
Amen Preston! Visiting the resale sites for items I missed the first go- round either that were sold out or just plain pricey when first released. And Ronica is so right to eschew fast fashion and invest in pieces that give and get a second life.
Preston, so sorry to hear about your aborted flight to London. My sister, Sue, also flew to London yesterday from Florida.
I am off for LA on Sun. for shopping with a girlfriend… no husband! We will be going to the RealReal on Melrose. Such a fun store. We have a 15 page spreadsheet we have been working on for all these years of going there! Love from NorCal, Pamela Taft
The most important thing is that you are safe. There will be plenty of trips in the future, London included.
Eddie Bauer boots look perfect for everyday life. Do they run true to size?
Yes, true to size. Love the low profile and they are not super heavy.
On the topic of resale and more conscious consumption generally, I highly recommend “The Conscious Closet” by Elizabeth L. Cline. She dives deep into how and where our clothes are made, what’s in them, and how to curate our wardrobes by buying fewer, better items, wearing what we have, and reselling or recycling responsibly. She is a big fan of resale and secondhand shopping. It gives you a larger perspective on the fashion and apparel industries generally–in a good way– and it changed the way I think about fashion, shopping, and my wardrobe. Also a great read.
Oh girl, you look great wearing this jacket! I hope your next trip to London will be more relaxing…
I was never sure about buying on second hand sites although I use VC and private sellers to sell my things second hand. However, I recently bought a pair of unworn Blahnik Hangisi satin pumps on HEWI at 33% less than the retail price. Thrilled!
Fun boots and great look w leggings. Don’t need but maybe must get LOL. Nice change from my beloved knee high riding and moto boots, for my mom on the go lifestyle. THX
I am a true minimalist and my last two shoe purchases have been your recommendations, Preston! Just ordered the Eddie Bauer boots for a hiking bachelorette party next weekend and cannot wait for them to arrive. I will report back x