City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

Style Savvy, Planet Friendly

The Ultimate Guide to Chic Secondhand Finds with Living with Leah

What if I told you that you could have a well-decorated home and a stylish wardrobe for a fraction of today's retail pricing? What if I also told you that you could help save the planet in the process? Both are possible.

When I was a broke college student, I still wanted to look and live fabulously, so I started shopping second-hand out of necessity. My best friend and I would scour thrift stores and flea markets and even pick up discarded furniture off the side of the road to repurpose. Years later, I still prefer shopping second-hand over buying new. Part of it is the thrill of the hunt, of course, but as I’ve gotten older, a larger purpose has emerged: contributing to a healthier planet. 

Did you know that currently there is enough clothing on Earth to clothe the next six generations? Most of these garments end up in landfills thanks to the surge in cheap, trend-driven clothing retailers, known as “fast fashion.” The same is happening in the furniture industry. As furniture prices continue to rise, consumers have turned to more cost-efficient retailers that use cheaper materials to produce furniture more quickly and inexpensively. As a result, those pieces don’t last very long. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans threw away 12 million tons of furnishings and home decor last year alone. 

Not only is most of the furniture and clothing sold at second-hand stores of better quality than the products being mass produced today, it’s also an affordable way to find unique pieces to elevate your own personal sense of style. New to shopping second-hand? Here are some of my favorite tips to get you started:

  1. Go Often: Second-hand stores get new inventory every day. It pays to go often because when good pieces come in, they don’t last long. 

  2. Alterations: If you find the perfect skirt for $3 but the waist needs to be taken in just a bit, take it to a tailor. Even with the price of most alterations, your second-hand find will still be less expensive than paying retail. What is more, you now have a custom piece made to fit you perfectly. 

  3. Shop Off Season: People usually clean out their closets when the seasons change. In the spring, you can expect people to be offloading sweaters and jackets to make room for a new summer wardrobe. That is the perfect time to pick up cashmere sweaters and fabulous coats. And right after the holidays is the best time to shop for holiday decorations for a fraction of the price. 

  4. Shop in Upscale Neighborhoods: Hit up thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales in the nicest parts of your city. This is where you are likely to find the best quality furnishings, home decor, and brand-name clothing.

  5. Shop Second-Hand Online: These days there are amazing second-hand retailers online. Etsy, Ebay and Facebook Marketplace are my favorite sites for quality furnishings and even high-end designer pieces. 

  6. Overwhelmed? Start With A Staple: Does the thought of shifting through a sea of used clothing feel overwhelming? Start by looking for a wardrobe staple like a great oversized blazer or a crisp, white button-down top. When it comes to home decor, I like to start by looking in the basket section. Baskets are a chic way to organize the clutter in your home, and most second-hand stores sell them for a few dollars. Once you stumble upon that first find, you will be motivated to keep going! 

@livingwithleah