My Tips For Finding Amazing Pieces On Vinted

Faux fur jacket and earmuffs: Vinted

With the arrival of Vinted in Ireland, I know I'm not the only one who has developed a bit of an addiction to shopping second hand online! Here are some of my tips for finding hidden gems on Vinted..

Shopping on Vinted has been so much fun and I've found so many amazing pieces! It's reminding me of when Depop first arrived on the scene and was much more affordable. While I don't think it will beat the magic of thrifting in-store, it's my new favourite place to shop.

 ♥ Some other gorgeous wool finds from Vinted

It took me a while to get used to browsing on the site, but I'm quite confident I have a good eye at this point. Having placed more than 15 orders I can say most of the pieces I received were even more beautiful that the photos and with the convenient ship to a collection point, there's literally no reason not to snag yourself some second hand treasure. I've also been really impressed with the algorithm and its ability to recommend me items based on the items I've liked as well as my purchase history. 

1. Use the filters and get specific

What I absolutely love about Vinted is that you can actually filter your search for specific materials like cotton, wool, silk or cashmere. This makes it soo easy to find beautiful affordable yet luxurious pieces that will last. You can also obviously sort results based on your budget - there's usually so many results at a wide range of price points.

2. Know what you're looking for

If you're on the hunt for something specific, like for example some elegant leather gloves, or a silk blouse - it's much easier to find what you want.

3. Keep your eyes peeled for composition labels

I love when I find a product and the seller has posted a photo of the label where I can confirm for myself that the item is in fact, wool, or silk! It gives me confidence when shopping that I know what I'm getting. This can be hit or miss obviously as not every piece will have a photo of the label, but looking for one has helped me find some really wonderful pieces.

4. Like anything that catches your eye!

When you like items you find, they get added to your favourites, making it easy to find them later. If you're lucky, sometimes the seller will reach out and offer you a discount!

5. Haggle

If you've found something you love, don't be shy and put in an offer, you never know if the buyer will take you up on it - you could make savings so do try and get a good deal!

Pieces to Thrift This Winter

Irish Cancer Society Charity Shop, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

I've heard that nothing is actually trending this winter, all the pieces we're wearing are staples every year - brown, burgundy, suede etc. So you likely already have some good pieces, but on the off chance you don't, the charity shop is the perfect spot to start hunting..

Chocolate Brown

This shade is everywhere right now and I for one love it. I recently snagged a chocolate brown velvet dress in the charity shop - perfect for pairing with tights, brown boots and a giant wool coat.

Pointed Boots

Pointed boots are everywhere right now, bonus points if you can get them in brown or burgundy. I found a perfect leather pair of pointed ankle boots and I'm so excited to wear them everywhere. 

Suede

You probably have something suede hidden in the back of the wardrobe somewhere so now's the time to pull it out. The charity shop is a wonderful place to snag some suede though. I happened upon the perfect suede shacket at a flea market and I'm obsessed with it.

Wool Coat

A wool coat is a timeless fashion staple that comes back season after season. Over the years I've snagged beautiful wool coats in the charity shop time and again. Camel, navy or black, if you search hard enough you're sure to come across something you like.

Trendy Trench

The main thing it should be is an ankle grazer, and if you can get it in leather or pleather, even better. 

Slouchy Shoulder Bag

The it bag of the moment is most definitely the Soft Margaux 17 Bag in Suede from The Row. A hobo bag is another one that's everywhere as well shoulder bags shaped like the Lana Shoulder Bag from Coach. I've snagged several gorgeous brown bags at the charity shop that I pull out when the seasons change.

Burgundy

This shade is everywhere and while burgundy for autumn is hardly groundbreaking, it is a beautiful shade. 

Leopard Print

This is absolutely everywhere right now, so you may as well incorporate a little into your look. Bags and accessories are a safe way to incorporate the trend, but if you're feeling bold hunt for a leopard print coat.

Mary Janes

The Mary Jane is everywhere and while I would love a pair from Sezane, I will keep my eyes peeled at the thrift shop too just in case.

Shopping a Vintage Kilo Sale | My Tips

From battered leather jackets to vintage denim and cool outerwear: discover ten tips to help you quickly scour and snag the best pieces at a vintage sale

1. Look for high quality materials like, wool, linen, cotton, cashmere and so on. These fabrics usually indicate the piece is of higher quality and will likely have a better cut and fall better on your frame. 

2. I recommend wearing a bodysuit, some leggings and shoes you can get in and out of easily to a kilo sale. This just means you can try on pieces quickly and easily both in and out of the changing room. I love to quickly try on coats and blazers to see if they're a good fit or not, otherwise I get weighed down carrying loads of stuff around - outerwear is heavy!

3. Picking up lighter items means you can get more for less. As the items are sold by weight, it makes sense that if you pick up lighter weight pieces, you can get more for your money. Once I snagged several beautiful silk vests at a kilo sale and got a really great deal.

4. Grab anything you like. Once you've made your way round, you can then try everything on and leave the stuff you don't want. It's better than missing out on something you're not sure about. 

5. Try everything on. Often a kilo sale things are quite chaotic. Also because the stock is second hand, the visual merchandising isn't the best so it's hard to see things and you have to root around quite a bit. Be prepared for that, and do have a good look, that's how you find treasure!

6. Bring a friend - it's always good to get a second opinion from someone you trust when shopping! You can also lend each other a hand when you get a bit bogged down with stuff.

7. Shop intentionally. While it's nice to go to a kilo sale without a plan because you don't know what you might find, it's also a good idea to have a solid idea what you're looking for. It makes the experience less overwhelming if you know okay, I'm looking for a blazer, or knitwear, denim etc. 

8. Make a Pinterest board of pieces you want - it will make it easier to spot something you really want.

9. Stay hydrated and maybe even bring some essential oil with you. Sometimes vintage clothing has a well, musty scent that isn't the most appealing - bringing a little DIY Febreze might help. Also bring hand sanitizer - rooting around in random piles of stuff can sometimes be a bit icky.

10. Make sure to bring a tote bag(s) to carry away all you amazing finds. And wash or clean your pieces when you get home!

What I Bought in Italy

Some shots of the pieces I picked in Catania.

Moving Around and the Things We Carry

This is simply a handbag appreciation moment - I love the light in each of these shots - and I honestly am finding this little bag - which I snagged for €2 in a Dublin charity shop is such a handy number - it's super lightweight and roomy for something so compact. I think it's inspired by the iconic Longchamp bags - I love how neat and chic is.

I'm packing up boxes at the moment and it makes me think about the things we carry with us, both physically and otherwise as we move from place to place - our attachments to the objects in our lives. Moving through and living in lots of different spaces has shown me that what is out of sight is usually out of mind - coming back to a clothes and bags I haven't looked at for months for example - they almost feel new again. A reminder that even when things are hard, there is still light to be found if you know where to look.