Tips to buy pre-owned clothes like an expert and fashionista

Fortunately, the times are gone when it was judged or 'frowned upon' to buy pre-owned garments (either clothes or accessories) (that is, vintage or with a previous owner). And, finally, we have realized that it is a sustainable fashion alternative that allows us to continue refreshing our closet and acquire luxury pieces, and with good quality, at unimaginable prices (especially we do it from the Internet).

For these powerful reasons, today we will give you some star tips to have a sustainable closet with pre-owned clothes and full of style! Ready to start?

ADVANTAGES OF BUYING VINTAGE CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES ONLINE

We have already mentioned the main ones (obtaining vintage items from prestigious brands much more cheaply and reducing our ecological footprint in the world of fashion), but other benefits that you obtain by doing it through the web is that you take care of your health (in this Covid-19 pandemic, since you don't need to go out), you will save time (because that it bag you have dreamed of for years could be just a few clicks away), you strengthen the national economy (in case you buy in 100% Mexican platforms and independent businesswomen, such as PORTÈLO , founded by the talented Balbina Garza and Jimena Ruíz), you contribute to breaking negative taboos about buying pre-loved clothes and you can find that luxury item from past collections that you already it will not return to stores in the future (because it was a limited edition or it is already a design that is too retro, but that you love with all your heart anyway).

TIPS FOR CHOOSING QUALITY VINTAGE PIECES

Yes, we know that the photos and descriptions on the Internet can be misleading and that you are afraid to buy used clothes or pre-owned luxury items that are in terrible condition and that you end up paying an unfair price for them, we are aware that Are you afraid of acquiring a fake item? What to do to be sure that you will not run these risks? Take note of the following fashion tips shared exclusively with us by Balbina Garza (Co-Founders of PORTÈLO).

'There is a study that says that we only use 20% of the things we have in our closet', Balbina told us and made us reflect on all those times when we swear that we have 'nothing to wear', when in fact we have a large accumulation of garments and accessories that have been hanging for months (or years) at the bottom of the closet, because we always tend to wear a very select number of pieces (the ones we like the most and generally fit us best).

So before buying we must be aware of everything we already have, what suits us best and what is needed in our wardrobe to give it an upgrade.

'There is an exercise that we follow, where we put all the hooks turning on one side and everything you are using you put on the side, then, suddenly, in three months you turn to see your closet and you realize that you use almost always the same things and you don't touch the rest', confessed Balbina and shared with us this great exercise in style to make a better cleaning and a more intelligent use of our closet. Do not hesitate to put it into practice, every season of the year!

1. BET ON REGISTERED FASHION PLATFORMS

As tempting as that offer may be, if you suspect it's coming from an unknown, untrustworthy website of dubious origin, RESIST! It is better to miss an opportunity than to regret it later and not be able to recover your money (in case what you bought does not correspond to what you received).

2. CHECK IF THE PLACE WHERE YOU WILL BUY HAS A PHYSICAL CHECKPOINT

What does this mean? That you investigate if there are people on that luxury or vintage fashion platform who carefully check that the clothes and accessories that come to them from their users (who sell their pieces on the same page) are in perfect condition (well cared for, clean and undamaged). physical) and fully match the description they published (this benefit distinguishes the PÓRTELO website and app).

3. PAY UNTIL YOU RECEIVE THE PRODUCT

The best platforms for buying and selling second-hand clothing, such as PÓRTELO, have secure payment methods and will not commit any type of fraud, since they will not only give you the opportunity to pay after receiving the item (and in case of being dissatisfied you can return it, with all the facilities) but also have all the legal documentation of the people who sell through their platform.

In addition, these sites have support and guidance so that users who buy, as well as those who sell pre-loved clothes and other types of luxury accessories, do not travel this path alone.

4. WHAT ARE THE MOST SOLD VINTAGE ITEMS?

If you keep wondering how to buy vintage clothing and accessories as a fashion expert and true fashionista, you should know that the most popular pre-loved garments on these sites, in all seasons of the year, are, according to Balbina's expertise, bags (in the first place) and shoes (second). So if you are going to buy a piece from these categories soon, we suggest you constantly check these sites and not let too much time go by before finalizing your purchase (because those it shoes or seductive bag could sell out in record time).

5. AND WHAT ARE THE MOST DESIRED FASHION BRANDS?

Balbina Garza assures that YSL, Gucci and Chanellas are often the most demanded firms on her platform and that they leave as soon as they are announced on it, so if you get a bargain on items from these brands, take advantage of the opportunity!

6. KNOW YOUR CLOSET TO PERFECTION

Because in this way you will know which are those pieces that you need and that will make a perfect match with the rest of your wardrobe, as well as those garments or accessories that can completely reinvent your look, according to your personality and essence. UNIQUE!

7. WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO BUY USED CLOTHING?

According to Balbina, the time of the year when people tend to buy fewer pre-owned items is during the sales season (because they prefer to buy new items and at much lower prices than usual, especially on holidays like Thanksgiving). .

Therefore, what you should do is just THE OPPOSITE! Constantly review the latest pieces that arrive on luxury pre-loved online shopping platforms, because you will surely have more possibilities (and less competition) when buying the TOP items of the moment on that site.

Another good idea is to get into unusual hours and on days when you know that few people will be buying, how about taking advantage of that sleepless night doing the most glam virtual shopping? Don't have a plan for Valentine's Day or on weekend nights? Perfect time also to hunt for irresistible offers of items from the most prestigious brands in the world!

However, the truth is that there is no magic formula that guarantees that you will always get exactly what you want most when buying pieces with a previous owner, because you never know exactly when someone could put that object of desire that is around for sale. in your head. So another of our tips for buying vintage clothing is to constantly check the app or the official site of your favorite luxury goods platform.