LET'S TALK ABOUT : VESTIAIRE COLLECTIVE

Trends are ever evolving and fashion is FAST!!  So, the best way to get that piece that you've loved and lusted after but can ill afford, is to wait a couple of seasons and then start stalking the pre-owned sites.

Quite often those lucky enough to be able to afford seasonal splurges on high end designer wear are also often those that cast out these items when trends and seasons end.  So mere mortals like myself 😉 😉  can hoover up their cast offs seasons later and get our hands on some classic keepers.

There's no better place to start than the French website, Vestiaire Collective -www.vestiairecollective.com.  A lot of people ask me 'how the hell do you use this site?' as there's so much available and can appear a little like an online designer jumble sale.  Once you've got the  hang of it though it's the best place for second hand sourcing.  One of my favourite features of the site is that you can set up email/mobile alerts which then let you know if a particular item you're on the hunt for is listed.  You are also able to make offers on most items.

The site posts thousands of new listings every week and has possibly the largest selection of pre-owned items.  Every item is verified for authenticity by the company before sending to the buyer and has a loyal community of over 3.5 million shoppers.  

Don't be put off thinking it's just designer items as it also features most of the high street.  There's some amazing vintage too if you're that way inclined.  I have seen some beautiful Ossie Clark pieces and unique JC De Castelbajac items in the vintage section!!! 

Some special pieces I now own are from Lanvin, Chanel (the Chanel trainers I bought are my favourite all time buy), Prada, Chloe, Celine, Isabel Marant/Isabel Marant Etoile (very popular on the site), Miu Miu, Gucci, The Kooples, Zadig & Voltaire and Maje but I've also bought &Other Stories, H&M (collaborations are popular) and Top Shop (Boutique and Unique).  Everything I've purchased I have loved and will continue to love and most haven't cost me much more than I'd pay on a medium/large item in a high street store.  Granted, some items hold their price - you'll very rarely see a Burberry trench for under £200 and if you want any Chanel leather, forget it unless you're willing to splash out near enough 1,000 quid 💰💰 , but it really is worth starting up an account, setting up your alerts and having a good ol' bargain browse!  A word of warning though - it's a pretty addictive pastime!!!

Here's a sample of items I've bought ..........

Top (Isabel Marant)

Velvet Joggers (Rag & Bone)

Silk Scarf (Celine)

Gold Boots (Maje)

(This is the outfit on my Instagram post)

All purchased from Vestiaire Collective

Trainers (Chanel, Veja, Golden Goose)

All purchased from Vestiaire Collective

Military Coat and Lace Top (The Kooples)

Ankle Boots (Prada)

All purchased from Vestiaire Collective

Lace Top (The Kooples) - for some reason this top sells for a fortune on ebay!!

Purchased from Vestiaire Collective

Belt (Gucci)

Purchased from Vestiaire Collective

More and more pre owned sites are popping up now.  See also:

• HEWI - www.hardlyeverwornit.com
• Rewind Vintage - www.rewindvintage.co.uk
• The Real Real - www.therealreal.com (US site - watch out for import duties/taxes)
• Edit Second Hand - www.editsecondhand.com