Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Buy Know Your Style This is the first time I've ever had on a Missoni piece. It's pretty wild. The knit is … [Read More...]
How To Successfully Shop Secondhand Online
I shop secondhand in person most of the time but when I'm looking for a specific item I sometimes shop used online. I'm sharing my best tips on how to … [Read More...]
We Are Not Our Age We Are Individuals
Does your age influence how you are perceived by others? I sometimes wonder when someone looks at me if they see a stereotypical fifty-three year old … [Read More...]
Learning To Let Go Of Things That No Longer Serve Me
What kind of things do you hold onto for too long? Learning To Let Go Of Things That No Longer Serve Me Objects It could be physical objects with … [Read More...]
Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Buy
Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Buy
Know Your Style
This is the first time I’ve ever had on a Missoni piece.
It’s pretty wild. The knit is lightweight, possibly a viscose blend and excellent quality. I can see where it would last forever.
Look at the cut!
Insane right?
I believe I can fly! LOL
It’s like I’m wearing an oversized cardigan made for SpongeBob SquarePants.
Doesn’t everyone take their fashion cues from SpongeBob?
SpongeBob understands the style hardships of being short waisted.
It’s not often that you see how to dress a square body shape. Rectangles yes, squares not-so-much.
Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Buy
Initially I thought I wanted to hang onto this designer cardigan as I’m unlikely to come across another in the future but I came to realize it’s just not my vibe.
It’s taken me a long time to learn what works and more importantly, what I’ll actually wear.
What Works For My Body And My Life
My days often consist of walking the dog and photographing/listing items in my Etsy store. My daily stay-at-home outfits need to be pug hair friendly and easily tossed in the wash. That usually means jeans, a tee and a sweater or hoodie. Not very blog-worthy but they are practical.
When I go out thrifting, to meetings or appointments I wear the outfits I show on my blog.
Most days though only my pug and husband see me and although Zoë can be judgemental I find as long as I’m not late feeding her she doesn’t care what I’m wearing.
Know Your Style Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Buy
1. Do I love it more than..?
A great way to tell if something works for you is to ask yourself, “Would I reach for this piece over everything else I own?” That’s a quick way of knowing where it stacks up in your priorities.
2. What’s wrong with this piece?
Thinking of all the reasons you wouldn’t opt to wear a piece will help you cull your wardrobe and avoid adding pieces that take up valuable space.
3. Does it work with what I already own?
Obviously if it doesn’t work with other pieces in your closet you shouldn’t be buying it. That’s a given. Don’t trick yourself into thinking otherwise.
4. Does it fit my lifestyle?
If you dress casually 99% of the time you don’t need a closet filled with cocktail dresses. I will admit that I struggle with this sometimes and find myself taking home items that are better suited to someone that attends red carpet events and galas weekly. I blame some of that on my love of vintage. There are so many fabulous vintage gowns just waiting to be worn.
5. Do I own something similar?
I mean how many bold print maxi dresses does one really need?
Don’t answer that.
6. Does it make me feel good about myself?
This should be a no-brainer. If something doesn’t make you feel good about yourself you won’t wear it.
7. Does it fit me correctly?
Items that pinch, hurt, make you sweat, ride up or otherwise make you constantly adjust yourself should be an immediate no.
8. Do I feel like myself when I’m wearing this?
We’ve all been there, you put on something only to see some unhappy stranger staring back at you in the mirror. If it doesn’t feel like you don’t buy it. Bottom line, you can do better.
Missoni Cardigan
This cardigan is a groovy statement piece and will make a fine addition to someone’s closet, just not mine.
Are you good at recognizing what fashion works best for your body and life?
I’m heading off to visit family and friends out west soon, I’ll catch up with you again upon my return.
If you want to see what mischief I get up to I’ll most likely be posting to my Instagram while I’m gone.
Learn how to create your own Style Statement.
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl
Please follow and like us:
How To Successfully Shop Secondhand Online
I shop secondhand in person most of the time but when I’m looking for a specific item I sometimes shop used online.
I’m sharing my best tips on how to successfully shop secondhand online.
How To Successfully Shop Secondhand Online
Use Accurate Measurements
Sizing is subjective so don’t go by the size indicated, small medium or large, instead refer to the measurements in the description. Learn how to accurately measure your body here. Knowing your correct measurements when shopping online is paramount.
What if no one is around to help you accurately measure your body? You can measure another piece of clothing you already own that fits you well and compare those measurements to the item you’re interested in purchasing. Be sure to compare similar items of clothing for the best results, (jeans with jeans, dresses with dresses).
If you’re buying a hat you will need an accurate head size measurement. Learn how to correctly measure your head here.
I find buying shoes online tricky as shoe brand sizing can vary. Most often I avoid buying shoes online unless I can return them. I make an exception for buying used boots online as I’ve come to prefer buying one full size up so I can add in thick insoles. This allows some room for error.
Pay Attention To Fabric Contents
Some fabrics have stretch which aides in proper fit. Look for fabrics that include elastane, nylon or Lycra in the contents. Some wool, polyester and most knits will have some stretch. If in doubt you can always ask the seller.
Elastic or tie waists are ideal for online shopping as they fit a variety of sizes.
Read The Reviews
No matter where I shop online I always read the reviews. I don’t expect spotless reviews because I know one can’t satisfy everyone all the time but I do expect an overwhelming majority of satisfied customers. Reviews are the easiest way to know that you can trust the seller to deliver on their promises.
Look Closely At The Photos
This seems obvious but did you know you can often enlarge the photos? Clicking the item and enlarging the photos helps you assess the wear of the item.
Ask Questions
If you’re unsure of something simply contact the seller. Sellers prefer dealing with questions prior to shipping rather than returns afterwards.
Narrow Down Your Search Parameters
Most online shops have dropdown menus to help you narrow your search parameters. Using them will save you lots of time.
I was able to locate these sequinned Anthropologie jeans on Poshmark because I knew the product name that Anthro sold them under.
Browsing to search for items on large websites works best with modifiers from the drop down menus such as color or style.
Often times when I shop for vintage items through Ebay I will narrow down my searches by opting to only look at items listed in auctions ending the soonest. You have many modifiers you can add to narrow your search parameters.
Do They Offer Returns?
Many secondhand resellers will not offer returns. Some resellers offer returns but will not cover the cost of return shipping or the initial shipping charges you paid. Some sellers also charge a restocking fee for returned items.
Shipping
Pay Attention To Shipping Customs And Duty
Often if you are located outside of the United States shipping charges can really add up. Some online sellers won’t ship outside of the US.
Most of the time if you are ordering online internationally you will be held responsible for any additional customs or duty charges. These fees are usually due upon delivery.
Places To Shop Secondhand Online
Etsy for vintage and of course my Etsy store, Vintage By Suzanne
Ebay, Poshmark (Poshmark US), Thred Up (now delivers to Canada) and Swap (US only)
High End Luxury Brands can be found at The Real Real or Tradesy
Some resellers sell directly from Instagram. Just put in the hashtag #reseller #forsale or if you’re looking for vintage items #vintage.
What about you?
Have you shopped secondhand online? Were you happy with your experience?
Please share any secondhand online shopping tips you have.
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl
Please follow and like us:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 961
- Next Page »