Over the years I've scrimped, saved and gone without in order to have that must have bag or statement shoes.
There’s no denying I’m someone who likes to invest my money where I can see it i.e. in my closet! I’ve been obsessed with luxury and designer fashion since I can remember. I got my first Vogue subscription when I was 8! Over the years I’ve scrimped, saved and gone without in order to have that must have bag or statement shoes. Spending £100s, sometimes £1000s, is an investment and I’ve had some great buys over the years and others that have been a total dud.
High-end fashion is an expensive habit and designer goods are getting more and more ridiculously priced, so I’m always looking for ways I can save a few pennies. There’s two ways of doing this, holding out for the sales or buying second hand. Over the last couple of years I’ve really turned my attention to buying preloved luxury. However, it doesn’t come without its pitfalls, so I thought I’d share everything I’ve learned and a few of the best places to shop.
Fakes
Having something turn out to be a fake is probably the scariest part about buying preloved luxury. My best advice is, know what you’re buying. Make sure you do your research and if you’re thinking of purchasing online then try and visit a boutique to see the item in question or at least something similar before you click buy. Pay attention to the details, such zips, stitching, interior pockets, etc. It’s these details which are the tell tell signs as to whether it’s authentic or not.
If you’re not an expert or you’re just dipping your toe into luxury items for the first time then ask a friend or feel free to email me with questions. I’m always happy to help!
This rule isn’t set in stone but as a general rule of thumb be cautious with eBay and Vestaire Collective. I’ve sold designer goods via eBay and I’ve always been honest and genuine but sadly not everyone is. Just make sure you shop smart, if something seems too good to be true then it is.
The only reason I’ve highlighted Vestaire Collective as one to be careful with is because I’ve heard so many horror stories from other people. I’ve purchased from them twice (one of the items was this Chanel backpack) and I didn’t have an issue either time. However, I do shop with caution and always make sure I’m 100% comfortable before I purchase with them.
Patience
For me, one of the hardest parts about buying preowned is the level of patience it requires as when I fall in love with something I usually want it now! However, the waiting game can really pay off as when the right item comes along at the right price it’s like hitting the fashion jackpot!
Where to Buy
These are just a few of my favourite dress agencies and preloved stores:
Deuxieme – I have to be honest, this is one I’m reluctant to share as Deuxieme is one of London’s best dress agencies for finding high-end pieces at VERY purse friendly prices. I got my Gucci clogs from there which were unworn and current season for less than half of RRP!
Sign of the Times – This is a little pricier than Deuxieme but the stock selection is second to none. Think Hermes, Balmain and plenty of Chanel.
Designer Exchange – If you’re looking for a handbag, Designer Exchange should be your first port of call. You can also sell or swap out your old bags with them too.
Decades Inc. – If you are LA based or headed there for a holiday, stop by this store in West Hollywood. It’s like a museum of incredible pre-owned and vintage designer fashion. Prices are high but if you’re eagle eyed you can spot the odd bargain. You can read everything you need to know about them HERE and HERE.
Buying at the Right Price
Deciding what you want to pay for something is very personal, as people value things differently. For example, I bought this Chanel Medallion Tote, which I absolutely love, from Designer Exchange (mentioned above) about two months ago. It cost £750 and as I was paying for it the girl behind the counter asked me why I went for this particular bag? I completely understood why she was asking this, as this shape has now been a discontinued and isn’t one of the classic Chanel styles. However, the first Chanel bag I ever bought myself was this exact bag in black (see what it looks like HERE).
I bought it with my student loan when I was 19 and I had no money to eat for about 2 months! Still to this day, it’s one of my most treasured possessions and I’ve probably used it more than 1000 times. In reality, I thought £750 was quite good value for this but because of the personal value I associate with it, I’d probably be prepared to pay a little bit more than most.
There are lots of factors which can affect the resale price such as it’s rarity, condition, age or the colour. Be realistic when you set a price in your head, you’re not going to get £2500 bag for £200 (unless it’s really battered and worn out). On the other hand, if you feel someone is asking over the odds, walk away. You always need to feel 100% comfortable with your purchase.
What if You Want to Resell?
If you think you might want to resell your items in the future the most important thing you can do is treasure them and look after them. Keep your items looking as immaculate as possible. This is something I’ve been guilty of not doing, I have the worst habit of throwing my bags and shoes all over the place!
Be one of those people who asks for a chair for their handbag in restaurants and bars! By looking after your items you’re increasing the resale value enormously. It’s amazing just how much some luxury bags hold their value, particularly the likes of Chanel, Hermes and in some cases, Louis Vuitton.
The other thing to do is keep your receipts. This is hugely helpful in proving authenticity and offers reassurance to potential buyers.
I hope this was helpful and if you ever have any questions about buying preloved luxury or just luxury in general, please feel free to reach out to me in the comment section, via email or using any of my social media handles below. I’m always happy to help!
Don’t forget you can also keep up with me on Instagram @thatnewdress, Twitter @thatnewdress, Bloglovin That New Dress, Snapchat thatnewdress and Depop @dominiquew.
Loving the outfits especially the one with the leather jacket and that black bag is amazing.
http://sophieatieno.com
That first outfit is absolutely amazing x
Jessica — NinetyCo
What a great idea and thanks so much for the tips!
Have a lovely day 🙂
Rosanna x
Woah, I had no idea there was so much going on for purchasing and selling preloved goods, that’s so cool! Personally, I think it’s a great way to find some treasures at a lower price. That Chanel backpack wash such a steal! <3
xx BASH || HEY BASH
Gorgeous photos and let me tell you I love your outfits as well as handbags…..great post babe….xx, Neha
http://www.theinstylejournal.com/
Such a helpful post! I´m always in awe of designer pieces but being a student (& loving food way too much) I can´t really afford the real prices out there. I will definitely keep these tips in my head! Also I love that you included places where I could potentially look for some bargains!
xx Lisa | Following Lisa
Loving your outfit and your tips! I’m buying my first designer bag in the next couple of weeks and found this post so helpful thanks!
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
These are great tips, lady- I agree, doing your research and learning patience are both sooo important when it comes to successfully shopping secondhand!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Ahh thanks for sharing this babe! I love designer pieces but retail can be just so expensive! Thanks for sharing all your spots and online shops too! I’ll definitely have to check them out! Have a great rest of your week!
xoxo Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
Love your style!
xxx, Eva
http://www.dark-rebel.com
Loooooooove your chanel backpack, it’s so cute! And that fringed colores skirt, I need it so bad ♥
http://www.heresometimes.com
I love hear tips! I’m also a big fan of looking for older unique designer pieces in second-hand/thrift stores!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
I love this look! You look so great! If you like preloved designer stuff I can recommend you e drop off at ebay! I’ve mentioned this online store here: http://www.naomella.com/2016/06/my-favorite-online-shops/ Happy new year my dear! xoxo
http://www.naomella.com
Hi Dominique, Happy New Year! This was a really great post and I really enjoyed reading it. I love designer fashion and although I do prefer to buy new. I have bought a couple of accessories pre loved in the past with good and bad results. I have used VC once and found it very good. I did pay to get the item authenticated after and it turned out to be good. Ebay however is a different story. Have a great day!
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thank you so much darling! xx
Thank you doll! xx
Pleasure, hope you found them helpful! xx
Hehe yes, shopping preloved is a bit of art but once you get it right the rewards are SO worth it! xx
Thank you so much Neha xx
Haha Lisa you do make laugh – I totally relate to loving food too much! Sometimes a bag or shoes just isn’t worth it! xx
Eeekkk so exciting! Can’t wait to read about it on your blog soon hun xx
Thank you so much sweetie xx
I totally agree that retail pricing is getting more and more ridiculous! Thank you for stopping by the blog hun xx
You’re sweet, thank you hun xx
The skirt is on sale I believe, so you should try and grab it while it’s still in stock. It’s from BCBG xx
Nothing beats finding that amazing something at a fab price. Best feeling ever! Haha! xx
Ooooh I will be sure to check them out, thank you so much for the tip! xx
I’m intrigued to hear your eBay story! Out of interest where did you get your bag from VC authenticated? xx
Love the pictures you have. Thanks for sharing a few great tips on good places to shop from.
Deepti xx | http://www.mademoisellemeetsmaquillageandmacaroons.com
WOW, fantastic outfit, I very like your boots, bag, sweather,..
You look amazing 🙂 HNY 😀
new post
https://www.instagram.com/ilijac/
http://mensfashionobsession.blogspot.rs/
What a wonderful post, love to hear and know your tips. It’s very helpful and your stories are fascinating. I have this cream medallion tote too and I love it to bits even if it’s not a classic. I like your skirt btw, so pretty and cute.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Loved seeing your outfits as well as reading all your tips, which were so so helpful so thanks for sharing them! I had a bad experience with Vestiare Collective – I’d ordered a beautiful vintage Christian Lacroix skirt and instead they sent me some black jumpsuit….when I contacted them they just said my parcel had gone missing and refused to refund!!! Yet I also know of people who’ve bought vintage Chanel bags from them and had no issues., so I guess it just depends!
One day I dream of going to Paris and buying my first vintage Chanel….we’ll see!
You’re so right, gym clothes and accessories have reeeeally stepped up their game off late and they do make the thought of working out a little bit more bearable! Lovely picks, I love the prints on the tops!
Sinéad ♥ fabuleuse, toujours ♥
Loved seeing your outfits as well as reading all your tips, which were so so helpful so thanks for sharing them! I had a bad experience with Vestiare Collective – I’d ordered a beautiful vintage Christian Lacroix skirt and instead they sent me some black jumpsuit….when I contacted them they just said my parcel had gone missing and refused to refund!!! Yet I also know of people who’ve bought vintage Chanel bags from them and had no issues., so I guess it just depends!
One day I dream of going to Paris and buying my first vintage Chanel….we’ll see!
Sinéad ♥ fabuleuse, toujours ♥
No worries, hope it was helpful doll and thanks for commenting! xx
You’re the sweetest! Thank you! xx
Aww sounds like we have similar bag tastes! So glad you enjoyed the post doll! xx
That is absolutely shocking! It’s those kind of stories which make we VERY nervous about using Vestaire. I hope your Paris dream comes true, it would be such a magical thing to do! xx