Green Living: A Guide to Shopping Vintage and Second-Hand

The last few weeks has seen about 15 parcels arrive on my doorstep as I started buying second-hand and vintage pieces for Spring and Summer. I got lucky in that everything I've bought so far has fit really well, but from now on I don't really want to leave it to luck.

I've put together a list of tips so you can get the most out of your second-hand and vintage shopping, both online and in person.

1. Have a list of what you need. Etsy and eBay have tens of thousands of items of clothing, that it really is overwhelming to just browse. You may end up with lots of great pieces, but if there are things you need (for example, I needed flat leather sandals, 3 or 4 dresses, some denim shorts and at least one maxi dress) you should keep that list next to the computer or in your purse.

2. Know your measurements! This post on FreckledNest sums up everything you need to know about taking measurements for buying vintage dresses - it's incredibly helpful and well worth a look. Keep a note with your measurements beside the computer and another one in your purse.

3. Work with what you know. If you have favourite current labels that you know fit well, then it's worth scouting for second-hand or even BNWT (Brand New With Tags) pieces on eBay. I picked up 4 Anthropologie dresses recently for between $20-$90 because I now know that their size 6US fits perfectly. Keep a note of these too and you can snap up a bargain if you see it.

4. Be patient. Set up searches for the things you're really after (I use the eBay app on my iPhone, which keeps track of new listings for things I'm looking for) and don't settle for anything you're not 100% sure of.When shopping in person, understand that it may take a few visits to your local second-hand/vintage/op-shop to strike gold. Plus chatting with the staff will help you figure out when they restock the store, when they have discount days and if there's anything exciting waiting out the back.

5. Read carefully! When shopping online, be sure to read the descriptions carefully, as well as the sales conditions, shipping estimates and other essentials. Nothing worse than just skimming the description, only to find there is a stain on the garment or a button missing.

I'm certainly no expert, but I've been amazed at how much further my dollar stretches when shopping this way, plus that buzz you get knowing you're wearing something one-of-a-kind. I do also love the environmental benefits of buying vintage and second-hand, plus it's kind of like a scavenger hunt, with really good prizes!

Trove's Farewell Fire Sale over on Etsy

 As you now know, I've been making a move towards a simpler life these past twelve months. This has been a move that came about initially from a massive case of burnout while running my jewellery business, Trove.

In July last year I was at the absolute end of my wits trying to juggle work plus being a full-time mum plus running the house and managing a big renovation/extension plus being pregnant. I came to a point where I realised I was not committed fully to anything, and that I needed to make a massive shift in the way I was living.

Fast forward to now and I'm a fair way along that path, still hurdling obstacles but at least I have a clear goal in mind.

I've been slowly clearing our home of extraneous objects and things that have been weighing us down, but up until now I hadn't been able to open a few of the boxes in our storeroom. They hold the last of my Trove stock (around 300 pieces) and I think I was subconciously holding on to them, as selling them off would be to finally admit defeat.

But I've made a shift lately and I know that I need to clear the decks completely so I can keep moving forward, so here's my opportunity to you and anyone you may know who loves beautiful, handmade jewellery - at a CRACKING discount no less.

Over the next few days I'll be listing the rest of my Trove stock for sale on Etsy, and there is nothing over $20AUD. My retail prices used to range from $35 - $90, so this is seriously good shopping.

Go on, tell your friends, your mum, your kids and your work friends to pop on over to the shop. It'll be worth their while!

Rings $35 $10

Earrings $55 $18

Necklaces $66 $20

Statement Necklaces $79 $20

Neckplates $79 $20

Earrings $55 $15

Studs $40 $10

Necklaces $60 $15

Chamberpot Madness

So Saturday we made our way in the rain (seriously, crazy amounts of rain here. crazy) back to Dave's Furniture Bargains in Windsor, and my beautiful chamber pot was still there! Score 1 for the Brooke.

Unfortunately, it was $25. Score 1 for the Dave.

We bought it anyway. Score 2 for the Dave.

The Dave wins.

We have since decided that garage sales need to be part of our life. No-one is going to charge you $25 for a chamberpot at a garage sale.

And here endeth the lesson.

Second-Hand Clothing Store Score!

Vintage is a catchier phrase than "second-hand clothing", I'm sure you'd agree, but there is not much vintage about the amazing finds I had at our local vintage/retro/second-hand clothing store during the week.

I have a kid swap with one of my sisters that gives each of us a few hours smalls-free once a fortnight. It's awesome. Just a few hours to ourselves, to go for a walk, have a coffee, read the paper, browse the shops - whatever.

Anyway, I found three great tops and one brand new dress for $40. Colour me stoked! Check it out:

mustard blouse = $9

cliche, yes, but i really, truly love stripes. sucker for stripes. plus this tee was only $6.

brand new dress = $17. looks frumpy off but cute on.

apple print top from wesc (one of my favourite labels) = $8. so chuffed.

I also found a couple of glass jars at the local Vinnies for the princely sum of $2.50. These are going straight to the laundry to hold my washing soda and bicarb soda.

'Cause I'm rock and roll like that.

I Went Second-Hand Furniture Shopping...

...and all I got were these over-priced glass jars.

On the upside though, they are really sweet, and we did find a wicked second-hand furniture place in Windsor. We've been past before but it's always been closed, so we were pretty stoked to check it out.

There was some great furniture, but we do still need to figure out the spaces in our house yet, and it would be good if the painting was done before we bought anything new. It's hard to be disciplined though - there were some gems there!

Already there were a couple of things I wish we had've bought - a powder blue chamber pot that I'd use as a succulents planter, a beeeyooootiful timber framed lounge ripe for reupholstering and some great dining chairs. But I'm sure there will be plenty of goodies to be found when the time's right.

We went driving on Saturday and ended up at Wisemans Ferry. So beautiful. I'd highly recommend the drive. Then Sunday we had an excavator around to quote for taking up the huge slab in the backyard (progress!!) and I made a valiant attempt to get organised around the house again. Fun things like sorting out the kids' clothes, paying bills, filing, tidying up the spare room etc etc.

I hope you had a fabulous weekend!