Sustainable Style: Unveiling the Best Preloved Fashion Sites and Smart Shopping Tips
In today's ferociously fast-paced fashion world, embracing sustainability has become more important than ever. And with David Attenborough being one of my biggest heroes, it is only logical for me to embrace conscious consumerism. Preloved fashion sites offer a fabulous solution, allowing fashion lovers (or fanatics, depending on who you ask) like me to indulge in our love for style while reducing their environmental impact. In this blog post, I’ll share some of my favourite preloved fashion sites and share the clever shopping tips to make the most of your sustainable fashion experience… all while saving some major dosh. Ready, set, enter CVC!
Poshmark is not just a marketplace; it's a fashion-forward community where sellers and buyers interact to share their love for all things gorgeous. To make the most of Poshmark, engage with the community by following users, attend virtual “Posh Parties”, and participate in themed shopping events. Negotiate with sellers using the "Make an Offer" feature to secure the very best deals.
Depop caters to a trend-focused audience and is a dream for vintage and unique pieces. Cleverly use Depop by exploring curated collections, discovering new sellers through mutual follows, and keeping an eye on the "Explore" page for trending styles. Don't shy away from direct messaging sellers to find out about custom-made orders or bundle deals. If you don’t ask, you don’t get!
If you have a penchant for high-end fash, Vestiaire Collective is the preloved site for you. It boasts a carefully thought-out selection of high-end designer pieces. To shop smart on Vestiaire, use the "Price Drop" feature to monitor price reductions on your favourite items. Also, verify the item's authenticity by checking the seller's ratings and the site's authentication process. Did someone say Chanel?
It’s often overlooked but Facebook Marketplace can be an absolute treat for preloved fashion finds, especially on a local level. Make sure you specify your location and preferred distance to find nearby sellers offering gorgeous goodies. Bargain with sellers by negotiating and bundling multiple items for better deals.
Similar to Vestiaire, The RealReal specialises in authenticated luxury goods. A good tip for The RealReal, is to subscribe to their newsletter for promotions and flash sales. Check out their "The Outlet" section for additional discounts and take advantage of their trade-in program to earn credit towards new purchases. Out with the old…
Vinted is an awesome online marketplace to buy, sell, and swap clothes, shoes and accessories. It's like Aladdin’s cave, bustling with secondhand gems waiting to be discovered. From vintage finds to trendy pieces, you can browse through a wide selection of items. It’s a sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe and give your beloved garms a new home. My top tip is to save your searches and check back regularly to snap up new listings.
In the vast ocean of preloved shopping, eBay stands tall as a versatile platform for hidden gems and exceptional deals. From vintage to high-end, this truly is a one-stop shop. However, with millions of listings and ever-changing inventory, navigating eBay can be overwhelming. So without further ado, here are my top tips and tricks to make the most of this fantastic site:
Set Up Personalised Alerts:
Don't let the perfect find slip through your fingers. Take advantage of eBay's personalised alerts feature. Save your specific searches, including detailed keywords, brand names, sizes, and styles, and opt to receive email notifications when new listings match your criteria. This ensures you’ll be the first to know about any fab, new listings.
Explore Auctions Atrategically:
Auctions are a thrilling (sometimes nail-biting) way to secure incredible deals. However, bidding wars can escalate quickly. Avoid bidding too early, as it can drive up the price. Instead, wait until the final minutes of the auction to place your bid strategically. Use auction sniping tools (include these 2 links: https://auctionsniper.com/ and https://www.gixen.com/main/index.php) to place last-minute bids, increasing your chances of winning without getting caught up in an extended bidding war.
Embrace "Make An Offer":
Many eBay sellers allow potential buyers to "Make an Offer" on fixed-price listings. Use this feature to your advantage by negotiating a price with the seller. Make a reasonable (or not… you never know how low a seller would go) offer, taking into account the item's condition, market value, and your budget. Friendly (and sometimes cheeky) negotiations often mean fantastic bargains.
Use The eBay App:
The app's user-friendly interface allows you to shop on the go, enabling you to catch time-sensitive deals and auctions anytime, anywhere. It also offers features such as barcode scanning, making it easier to find specific fashion items and compare prices instantly.
Leverage Bundle Deals:
Keep an eye out for sellers offering bundle deals. Bundling several items from the same seller could mean quite significant savings on combined shipping costs. Also, you might be able to negotiate a package deal for a better price. The shoes and the bag… go on then.
Timing Is Everything:
Knowing when to shop on eBay can make a huge difference. If you take advantage of seasonal sales, holiday promotions, and events like Black Friday, you can score fab discounts. Also consider shopping during off-peak times (think 11am on a Monday morning) when there's less competition, increasing your chances of winning auctions and finding better deals.
And there you have it, friends, my favourite sustainable bargain sites, tips and tricks. Embrace the double whammy of saving money whilst doing your bit for the environment – it’s the perfect excuse for buying that pair of shoes you already have… in two more colours. Because you know what they say: a bargain is something you don’t need at a price you can’t resist
Happy thrifting!
Love,
Lisa