Hola Lovlies!
We're taking the summer off to enjoy some sunshine and new adventures. We'll be back in the Fall, around September 15, 2020, so come back and check us out then.
In the meantime, go out and get some sunshine 🌼
]]>For instance, every time I’m ready to take scissors to my hair, it’ll suddenly decide it wants to cooperate and it lives to see another day. Once again it’s been pulling the same Jedi mind tricks with me.
Ever since returning from Europe last spring I’ve been considering getting an Ari Westphal style haircut. It was torture trying to properly care for these curls while on the road. I suffered many a bad hair day during that two month long Eurotour, thankfully I survived without too much embarrassment.
But last week, after wearing my hair in twists and buns for the past 5 months, I actually wore my hair out and was shocked to find that my hair is now waist length (when I stretch it, not when curly). Not only is it longer than it’s been since I was about 9 years old, it’s looking pretty healthy too!
So, if you’re on the precipice of chopping but not quite sold on going short here are my top 3 tips for growing long, curly hair:
Strange as this may sound, it’s true. Prior to 6 months ago I hardly ever, very close to NEVER, deep conditioned my hair. I just didn't want to be bothered. I’ll tell ya, it makes a huge difference. For a good 3 months (until I ran out of deep conditioner) I did this every time I washed and even sat under the dryer for 20-30 minutes so the conditioner could really work its magic. I’m so proud of myself!
For those of you who really enjoy rocking different hairstyles this will probably be difficult, but for me this has been super easy, because the last thing I want to do is fuss with my hair.
As I mentioned, for the past 5 months I’ve worn my hair in twists and a bun. I do believe the only time it’s been out was the day after Christmas when I went wine tasting. The very next day it was back in twists!
I wasn’t doing this with the intention of growing my hair but I know the minimal manipulation has been a big contributing factor in its growth. For the record, I stopped using heat on my hair over 2 years ago. I don’t even diffuse it nowadays.
Do you follow the once a week rule? So did I. For some reason, unbeknownst to me, I’ve switched to washing once every two weeks. Since I use minimal product in my hair and don’t spend much time styling it I’m able to stretch out the time between washes.
The thing with my curls is that they get super dry which results in split ends and breakage. Extending the time between washes means that my hair is staying moisturized with my hairs natural oils instead of washing them away every week.
Funny thing is I wasn’t trying to grow my hair. My goal was to have healthier hair, which is why I started with the deep conditioning and another reason why I wanted to cut it.
As of now the cut is off and the goal to get waist length hair (when curly) is on! I hope I don’t jinx myself by setting this goal. I’ll be sharing my progress, more curly hair care tips as well as how to care for your curls when on the road in future Curl Talk posts.
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Curly girls, leave a comment with your top curly hair care tips!
]]>Wow! It's over. The first ever Preloved Month has officially come to an end. I want to send a huge love hug to everyone who tweeted, blogged and used the #PrelovedMonth and #PrelovedPledge hashtags. You were all key factors in spreading the word about this campaign to reduce landfill waste. When you put something out into the world you never know how its going to be received. But, woah, women across the globe participated in the very first Preloved Month...
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
The goal of Preloved Month is to help reduce textile waste in landfills. Something I see as relatively easy to achieve as long as we keep spreading the word. Therefore, I encourage you all to continue shopping second hand and be sure to recycle or donate those old rags instead of tossing them in the garbage. Try to get your friends and fam involved too. Have a Preloved Month of your own or maybe take a weekend to go opshop-hopping instead of hitting the malls. Little steps equate to huge changes, we have to start on the individual level in order to see a mass shift.
Another goal of Preloved Month is to celebrate sustainable style. Confession. My favorite part of this campaign has been seeing all the chic, second hand style. It's been so inspiring to look at how all kinds of women rock their thrifted finds. More proof that buying new is not a necessity. Be warned, I'll definitely be stealing some of your looks in the coming days.
Believe it or not I conceptualized the idea for Preloved Month in late January. I know I could have launched the campaign later in the year but sometimes you're called to do it now. So I did. I had approximately 10 days to prepare for the initiative. That's like no time! I'm thrilled that to have an entire year to prepare for Preloved Month 2018. I've got so many ideas to make it even bigger and better next year. Stay tuned.
Of course this is what you really want to know. Who won the limited edition Prelovely Bundle Box?
I'm excited to announce that it's Brady aka @happyreverie on IG. She's a photographer and vintage enthusiast with her very own Etsy store. Thanks Brady for consistently taking part in the campaign and showing off your darling second hand style!
If your name isn't Brady don't be too bummed. Subscribe to the Lovelies List. By doing so you'll be entered to win a $75 shop credit. We pick one winner every quarter.
That's all for now. It's been an incredible month and I couldn't have done it without your support.
]]>Fiona's eye-catching, British style pops amongst the safe zone of normcore. Apparently, she's got every look mastered. From 70s boho babe to subtle, rocker chic. And I don't think there's a pair of sunnies that don't perfectly frame her face!
But, as you'll read, its not all about vanity with this extraordinary being. She has a true passion for reforming our planet through fashion. That's definitely something I stand behind.
Lets get into the interview so you can find out more about this lovely lady...
How/when did you start thrifting?
My name is Fifi and I am the owner and founder of ‘Fifi’s Closet’ on Depop!
I've been a thrifter for longer than I can remember. There's something about finding that vintage gem in your local second hand shop or those funky hand picked pieces that are completely unique that just hits the spot! I started thrifting because I realised that I could usually get more for my money whilst giving back to smaller businesses and creatives. With the constant uprise of different apps such as Depop, online shops and organisations that support and push sustainable ethics it’s now easy to find your perfect piece whilst doing your bit for the planet.
How would you describe your style?
I like bright, colourful and easy to wear pieces. I rework and upcycle clothing a lot, mixing and matching different materials to create different looks. I find that my style is constantly evolving, thrifting gives me the confidence to try new and exciting shapes and textures. Since it’s totally freezing in the UK at the moment I’ve been working with different layers of colours and patterns. I use the Depop explore page as one source of inspiration. I also follow my favourite fashion bloggers who usually have something funky up for grabs!
Your favorite designer/era for clothing?
I love the positive influence young designers and smaller businesses are having on the industry, it's important that we support each other and create a community where the designer and the consumer feel comfortable to grow and share their values. At the moment I’m totally digging a mixture of different 90’s vibes! I find the best inspiration comes from your friends, the best bit about wearing something cool is sharing it with the world!
Some expert tips on thriting?
One great tip for my fellow thrifters? Look in the places you would never expect, these places usually have the most amazing finds and they will probably have an even better price tag. For online thrifting especially when on Depop, remember that there is nothing wrong with a little bargaining. Message the seller and see if they will lower the price and you will usually snatch a deal!
Random fact about yourself?
A random fact that you may not know about me is that I currently study Textile Design at Chelsea College of Arts in London. At the moment I am working towards my very first fashion show that will take place in April 2017!
What does sustainable fashion mean to you?
Sustainable fashion to me means unity, coming together to create a difference with the power we have as consumers and sellers! I believe sustainable fashion is something we can all take part in, together we can change the world! As conscious consumers we can share the wonderful world of thrifting with the people we love through social media! Take the #prelovedpledge this month and move a step closer to a healthier, happier planet.
Please tell us where to find you around the web?
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Told you. She rocks! Thanks so much Fifi for sharing with all of us just how easy it is to effect change in our world. And thanks for joining in on the inaugural celebration of Preloved Month, honored to have you behind this cause. Lovelies, be sure to check out her Depop shop and do follow her on IG for more sustainable style inspiration.
]]>Now, now. No need to get frantic. Allow me to introduce you to Eliza. This Daring of Depop likes clothes and probably has just the dress you're looking for. Depop? Oh, you're not familiar. Its only the most major second hand marketplace in the UK. Lucky for you, its not strictly a British thing. Depop is open to the world.
But, wait! Before getting lost on Depop's wide open, second hand sea, let me navigate you to an island of gems. This weekly series, Darlings of Depop, features interviews with curators of the most colorful shops on the site.
All aboard! We're off to Elizaland...
How/when did you start thrifting?
I’ve been a thrift store obsessive for a long time now. I think it all stemmed from living on a student budget but forever wanting new outfits for Friday night. I studied theatre in Leeds so I’d run to the end of town in between workshops and frantically search the charity shops until I had some new sparkles to wear that evening. That’s where it all began and I’ve shopped off the high street ever since. Once you get the knack for thrifting it becomes your normal shopping routine. I love the chance element of it. You never know what will be there but it’s so exciting when you find a velvet two-piece or Ghost silk dress. For a fashion lover it’s literally like finding gold dust.
How would you describe your style?
It’s street style with some sequins thrown in for good measure. I don’t think you ever have to just stick to just one look. I dress to suit my mood. I love to contrast casual pieces with something quite chic, like wearing Nike classics with a Parisian mini dress or fishnet tights with tennis socks and Docs. A lot of velvet goes on and I’m a sucker for a slip dress and an oversized sweater.
Your favorite designer/era for clothing?
My friends would probably say I dress like an extra from Clueless… I grew up listening to Wannabe with Baby Spice’s haircut so I’m a true 90s girl. The shapes of 90s dresses and tops really suit my figure. I’m quite petite so spaghetti straps and high necklines work for me.
I love checking out all the upcoming designers, they always feel super current and fresh. I think every time I go on Instagram I fall in love with a new collection. Ida Klamborn is my style crush of the week, the dresses are the things of dreams and the insta feed is impeccably cool. Discount Universe will always be a favourite because we share a mutual appreciation for sparkly things! I also regularly consider how great my outfits would look if I owned a Moschino mini backpack… I thought the Chanel Spring 2017 Couture Show was stunning and if I had the occasion to wear that many pink feathers then I would.
Some expert tips on thriting?
If you go out thrifting in charity shops have persistence! The outfits are always there but you’ve got to be willing to rummage and it often takes going to a few stores to get a good haul.
Keep an eye out for sales. Just like regular stores charity shops do amazing sales where you can grab amazing bargains. Sue Ryder often has buy one get one free sales.
Google vintage kilo sales – these are a fab way to bulk buy second hand style. Judy’s affordable vintage fair is one to check out.
Depop, Depop, Depop. It’s probably the coolest marketplace I know.
Random fact about yourself?
Some of the best thrift shopping I’ve ever done was in Australia where I lived for a year studying acting and sculpture.
What does sustainable fashion means to you?
Aside from helping reduce clothing waste, I think sustainable fashion encourages personal style and creativity. Shopping second hand guarantees you an outfit that is totally unique. If you want to avoid arriving at a party in the same outfit as the girl next door to you, then steer away from the high street and start shopping second hand - there’s endless outfit possibilities out there.
Please tell us where to find you around the web?
Shop my style at Depop @elizaholly
Follow my style on Instagram @elizalikesclothes
www.elizalikesclothes.com is launching soon and will be full of sublime thrift store style!
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So chic. So sparkly. We couldn't think of a better gal to kick off this series. Big thanks to Darling, Eliza. Be sure to check her out online. Do come back next week to see where this stylish, second hand adventure is off to.
]]>But with all the second hand shopping sites popping up which ones are worth spending your bandwidth on?
Before launching prelovely.com I started selling my wares on various marketplaces, though I am definitely more experienced on the seller side, I have purchased from a few of these sites too. I’ll let you know the best apps for picking up (or off loading) your preloved garms and the pros/cons of each.
Disclaimer: I’m based in the U.S. and my experience with these marketplaces are all from an American perspective. If you find it to be different in your country, please leave a comment and let us know!
Is good if you’re still into the fast fashion/cheap clothes thing. When I started selling there (2 years ago) the marketplace was more diverse than it is now. As of January 1, 2017 I stopped selling there altogether. Mainly because they kept making changes to the platform that resulted in a decrease of sells and it just wasn’t worth my time anymore. Buyers also make lowball offers that are borderline offensive or bid on items and never end up buying.
If you’re a buyer and like F21, Charlotte Russe, AF and other “mall brands” as I call them, this is the place for you. You can probably score lots of these brands at prices below $10.
If you’re a seller and have lots of “mall brands” to get rid of, go here. Don’t expect premium prices on fast fashion brands, but that kind of goes without saying. Vinted shines when it comes to seller fees, there are none! They also have a way for you to boost your listings for a fee. This was implemented right after I left so I can’t say how well it works BUT paying slightly less than a $1 to boost a single listing isn’t worth it in my eyes.
Vinted grade: C
Its one of the last places I recommend buying or selling.
Deep pockets? This is your spot. Head to Tradesy if you’re into high end, designer goods. They have a stunning range of preloved designer shoes and handbags that will leave you drooling all over your keyboard. It is not a bargain shopping site. Please do not expect to pay $50 for a pair of Chanel booties.
If you’re a buyer, there are frequent sitewide sales, sometimes as much as $200 off (if you spend $1000) which might get you those Chanel booties for $500 or so. Finding covetable pieces on this site is definitely not the problem, the only problem here may be related to your bank account. Scroll mindfully!
If you’re a seller, don’t list cheap brands here. The more luxurious the better. Shoes, handbags and accessories sell faster than clothes. If clothes is your thing don’t expect them to fly off the site. However, when they do sell, you will most likely get a higher price for them than you would on other sites. Also, unless you’re selling high end, designer vintage don’t bother listing your retro frocks here. One of the best aspects of selling on Tradesy is they let you keep the funds on returned items.
Tradesy grade: A
I’d recommend it to anyone in the designer market.
This app is all about reciprocity. There is no paid promotion of listings. Users share listings of other users which show up on your feed. There is both a positive and negative side to this.
The good. There’s no “pay to play”. Its fair game for all.
The bad. It’s time consuming. As a seller, expect to spend a lot of time on this app sharing your listings and others listings. If it was possible I would pay to advertise here because I really don’t want to spend all my time on one app. My preference is to list and let it go.
The sharing concept can also be overwhelming if you’re a buyer. If you follow a bunch of people your feed will most likely become full of things that aren’t your style since sellers tend to binge share in the hope of building relationships with other sellers who will binge share their items. This problem is solved by using the Prelovely philosophy of more style + less stuff. Simply find a few closets who really suit your style, follow them and keep your follows minimal. If you like perusing through things you’d never ever buy, kinda like you would at a thrift store IRL, then follow away!
For sellers who don’t mind Poshing all day then the “share everything you can” strategy absolutely does work. Prefer to spend your time elsewhere? My biggest tip is sell product that sells itself. Posh has pretty great search capabilities, if your listings stand out buyers will find you via search. Take lovely pics, sell brands in demand, respond promptly to buyer inquiries and you’re pretty much guaranteed to make sells on a regular basis. Even when taking the latter approach, it’s still a smart move to create alliances with other Poshers who suit your style and happily share your listings.
Buyers, as for what you can expect to find here, well, a bit of everything. It’s quite like the mall in a nice neighborhood with high end boutique shops and your standard department stores. Whatever your style, I think Poshmark has you covered.
Poshmark grade: B+One word. Vintage. If you’re a buyer of vintage, if you’re a seller of vintage, this is my number one recommended place to go.
Its fantastic if you’re a buyer because this is a global marketplace and the offerings are endless yet reasonably easy to find. Sellers on Etsy tend to be really reliable so the likelihood of you getting something completely different than what you ordered is low.
If you’re a vintage seller this is where you’ll get premium prices for your vintage. There is no “make an offer” button on Etsy so the price you list at is most likely the price you’ll sell at. Another reason I love Etsy is there’s a cost effective way to promote your listings so you can get on with your life once an item is listed. Just remember, you can only sell vintage items here. That means anything at least 20 years old.
Etsy grade: A+
I’d recommend it to all conscious buyers and sellers with a taste for charm, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Of course I had to write about the master of all second hand marketplaces! You’re probably somewhat familiar with eBay but I’ll give you my take.
If you’re a buyer, I don’t have much to say. I’ve not purchased any fashion related item on Ebay since the early 2000s. Much of your experience depends on the seller. I do recommend reading reviews before you buy. Its also wise to know how to measure yourself. Many sellers do not offer returns so you need to be proactive in making sure the item fits.
If you’re a seller and not selling on ebay you’re missing out on the moolah! This is most definitely the biggest marketplace on the list. Its super easy to sell globally here by using eBay’s Global Shipping Program. And duh, selling globally greatly increases your chances of selling. eBay has always been my biggest sales channel. It does have a downside though.
Some buyers are dishonest and make false claims, essentially stealing the item from the seller. Of the many items I’ve sold on eBay this has only happened to me once. Maybe I have good luck! I wouldn’t let that stop you from selling here. Imagine if you had a brick & mortar store, that ratio would be much higher.
Ebay grade: B+
I’d recommend it for sure to sellers and to buyers who have a bit more browsing patience.
This site is strictly for buyers. We cater to fashion connoisseurs looking for a bespoke preloved experience. Our collection of designer, contemporary and vintage preloved clothing is keenly curated with a bohemian-minimalist flare. You’ll find distinct pieces for wanderlusting souls and not so boring basics ideal for capsule wardrobes.
Most importantly, we're committed to building an eco-conscious fashion destination and strive to inspire the world to live a life of more style + less stuff.
Make sure you join us for #PrelovedMonth. An annual campaign celebrating sustainable fashion practices with the goal of keeping clothing and textiles out of landfills.
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Expert online seller? Power buyer? Leave a comment letting us know your favorite place to shop secondhand on the web.
]]>When I started Prelovely I did not intend on building an eco-conscious brand. I can’t lie to you and say I’ve spent my life as a champion for environmental causes. Sure, I do all the typical things. Recycle plastic & paper waste via my city’s curbside pick up, avoid littering and strive to be conscious of my water usage. Like I said, the typical stuff.
What I have been my entire life is a lover of fashion. It started way back in the day when me, my mom and grandmother would spend our weekends in malls, boutiques and department stores. Shopping! We went from Nordstrom, to Robinsons May to Target, to a lovely Korean-owned boutique where my Grama bought her church suits. It was our way of bonding and spending quality time together. From my recollection we did this nearly every weekend.
As a young girl I never really paid attention to the amount of clothing the three of us were accumulating. It just seemed natural. Unbeknownst to my mom & grama, they were grooming me to be a good ole’ American consumer.
Oh how the grooming worked famously! As I grew into adulthood my habits did not change. I continued to shop unconsciously and fill my closet with clothes I would never wear. Rinse and repeat. I did this for years, until rather recently when something changed.
What changed?
It is, in fact, being in this business that inspired me to become more environmentally conscious. Over the 2+ years I’ve spent reselling, I’ve found myself awestruck at the over abundance of beautiful, preloved clothing (and other “stuff”) all waiting for a new home. I’ve spent endless hours in thrift stores, going from Stockholm, Sweden to Encinitas, Mexico, scoring absolute treasures. Things that had become useless to their former owners.
Wherever I go in the world I continue to find everything from loads and loads of unworn Forever 21 & Urban Outfitters to pristine, preloved, designer pieces by Acne, AllSaints, Rag & Bone, Marc Jacobs and many more. All of them sitting in a dusty charity shop, hoping to avoid a landfill.
This being the case, I can no longer justify my frivolous, former pastime. I’ve virtually ceased buying new and am committed to living a life of more style + less stuff.
In terms of building my biz, what exactly does this mean?
Prelovely inherently has an environmentally conscious component to it. We sell preloved clothes. Keeping things out of landfills, re-using whats already here and we're not extracting earth's resources to create something new. That's great. As an individual and a brand I know there's room to do more. I've identified other areas where Prelovely can improve, starting with our packaging. I'm currently sourcing eco-friendly options and look forward to sharing my finds and progress with you here in this journal.
Whether you're a buyer, a brand-builder or both, the key to making these changes is starting small. Let us all go forth, taking baby steps that lead to giant leaps!
My beautiful grama. Before she transitioned (in June of 2016), I would take her on thrift-store-treasure-hunts with me. She loved shopping second hand just as much as buying new. I miss her so very much.
Descending into heaven. A peek at what thrifting in Paris, France looks like. I'm wearing a pair of vintage shoes I scored in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Speaking of Denmark check out all the lovely, preloved things in this Danish shop. Swoon, if only I owned a container!
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SPEAK! Leave a comment with any suggestions you have for living a more eco-conscious life or for building an eco-friendly brand. It'll help us all!
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