I remember how I felt when I first started using eBay back in high school. I was nervous… and a bit overwhelmed. But I was so excited about potentially being able to buy items that I couldn’t otherwise afford with my $6/hr cashier job. I made a purchase or two every month. Some worked out… some didn’t. Over time I got more and more competent at buying pre-owned. Now-a-days I’d I can find deals on just about anything I’m looking for (if there are deals to be had).
Some years I shop on eBay extremely often, and other years the purchases are few and far between. If you read this blog, you’ve probably noticed that I’ve made significantly more pre-owned purchases than new ones this year. There are a few reasons for this. First, it seemed as though every blogger was starting to wear the same clothes. That’s not the worst thing in the world, but its certainly annoying (especially when others look better in the stuff!). Next, I just wasn’t finding items that fit my style. This was especially the case this past spring and summer (I swear I couldn’t find anything that was flattering), and this really revved up my eBay shopping. The biggest reason I’ve stuck with shopping pre-owned was the strikingly poor quality of the items available. I’ve been attempting to build a versatile wardrobe (with a focus on professional wear), and I’m looking for high quality, well-fitting (or potentially well-fitting after a trip to the tailor) items that I’ll want to reach for day after day.
Lets talk about pants for a moment. I’ve always struggled to find well-fitting pants (jeans are a problem too, but I’ve given up looking and now stick with my AG stilts and these Citizens ;)). At work last year I lived in my J. Crew Minnies and Ann Taylor trousers. These were the best off-the-rack pants I could find (I tried other popular styles like drapey pants, dressed-up sweat pants, tuxedo pants… but they looked ridiculous on me). Wearing these pants was fine for a while. But my Minnie pants always had to be worn the same way, with bum-covering tunics or sweaters, because they’re closer to leggings than pants. And my Ann Taylor trousers always fit just ok and typically were a little too long or short because I could never justify bringing $40 pants to the tailor for $30 in alterations (I’m between sizes and inseams). Lacking basic pairs of well-fitting, flattering pants really made it difficult to feel good about any outfit! So, as my eBay shopping was increasing, I made it a priority to look for some pre-owned pants. I did some browsing on NAP to become familiar with brands ogle their perfectly styled models featuring an array of pants styles (skinny pants, wide-leg trousers, flare trousers, slim cropped pants, wide-leg crops… gorgeous). Since the pants I was buying were so affordable (high quality brands like Prada at less than $50!), I allowed myself to try so many styles I would have otherwise avoided. It turns out that so many styles of pants can be flattering and comfortable with the right quality material and a little tailoring, even on a petite figure!
I know buying pre-owned isn’t something that everyone is comfortable with, but it works for me and keeps me from getting caught up with the next great trend, like dressed up sweat pants. I know its not overly useful to blog about sold out or unavailable items, but there are probably 2,254,643 fashion blogs right now that link anything and everything you could possibly be looking for. And I’m sure I’ll be back to buying mostly new eventually!
The wash on those jeans is great! I totally get what you’re saying. It is smart of you to look for older styles that are better quality than what is out there today.
Hope you are enjoying some time off during the holidays. 🙂
I don’t usually buy pre-owned clothing but I think it is a great idea to do so since you can find quality items that matches your style and expectations! Thanks for sharing your experience buying from ebay!
(Off topic). Finally! Ever since I stumbled upon your blog, I had this nagging feeling that you remind me of somebody famous. It came to me this morning. You remind me of a younger Amy Acker! Maybe not everyone will see it but in my mind’s eye….
Hey girl! I have been following you for a few years now. I found you shortly after I started blogging (we are both petite professionals) and I found that many others in the petite blogosphere were basically wearing the same outfits. You and I don’t necessarily have the same style but I enjoy your candid posts and seeing your wardrobe come together. I’ve done some consigning and selling on eBay but have always been nervous about shopping pre-loved. But seeing as I work from home atm and end up seeing still ticketed items in my closet go on big sales, I am thinking about adding some eBay finds.
I’d love to hear more about your experiences. I am not between sizes like you but as a shorty, you may know that a weight gain or decrease below 10 pounds can make your size change drastically. So you have me entertaining the thought of eBay shopping for usually pricey items I’d feel happy to further invest in via tailoring. Prada for under $50?! Sign me up.
Btw, when you say NAP, are you referring to Net-a-porter?
I know what you mean about the weight fluctuation. I’m all over the place, especially with water weight! Maybe its more that than being between sizes? I’m just opting for less tight clothes, so if I put on a few pounds I’ll have a little extra room!
It is alright. Sometimes pre-owned is best for the wallet and yourself. I love pre-owned items just because they have stuff that are more my style now than what is in style now. On top of that, some sizes are different and not as consistent anymore. I just love the budget friendly part of it the most.
Is that scarf a pashmina? Btw, who is your photographer? An absolute master.
Nope, not this one. Many of my other ones are. I just take my own pictures, but thank you 🙂
The wash on those jeans is great! I totally get what you’re saying. It is smart of you to look for older styles that are better quality than what is out there today.
Hope you are enjoying some time off during the holidays. 🙂
thanks Michelle!
Have you tried the Banana Republic Sloan ankle pants? Their petite sizes fit me perfectly and they’re become my staples slacks for work all year long!
xoxo,
Andrea
http://www.andreaeveryday.com
I did try them, but they just don’t look right on me!
I don’t usually buy pre-owned clothing but I think it is a great idea to do so since you can find quality items that matches your style and expectations! Thanks for sharing your experience buying from ebay!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
(Off topic). Finally! Ever since I stumbled upon your blog, I had this nagging feeling that you remind me of somebody famous. It came to me this morning. You remind me of a younger Amy Acker! Maybe not everyone will see it but in my mind’s eye….
lol, maybe certain angles a little bit?
This outfit is just gorgeous how you’ve put it all together! Those jeans are stunning and perfect!
thank you! yeah, i was so excited when i found these jeans!!
Hey girl! I have been following you for a few years now. I found you shortly after I started blogging (we are both petite professionals) and I found that many others in the petite blogosphere were basically wearing the same outfits. You and I don’t necessarily have the same style but I enjoy your candid posts and seeing your wardrobe come together. I’ve done some consigning and selling on eBay but have always been nervous about shopping pre-loved. But seeing as I work from home atm and end up seeing still ticketed items in my closet go on big sales, I am thinking about adding some eBay finds.
I’d love to hear more about your experiences. I am not between sizes like you but as a shorty, you may know that a weight gain or decrease below 10 pounds can make your size change drastically. So you have me entertaining the thought of eBay shopping for usually pricey items I’d feel happy to further invest in via tailoring. Prada for under $50?! Sign me up.
Btw, when you say NAP, are you referring to Net-a-porter?
Yeah, I mean Net-a-porter 🙂
I know what you mean about the weight fluctuation. I’m all over the place, especially with water weight! Maybe its more that than being between sizes? I’m just opting for less tight clothes, so if I put on a few pounds I’ll have a little extra room!
It is alright. Sometimes pre-owned is best for the wallet and yourself. I love pre-owned items just because they have stuff that are more my style now than what is in style now. On top of that, some sizes are different and not as consistent anymore. I just love the budget friendly part of it the most.
these are adorable, and the fact that you found them on ebay makes them even more miraculous! yay for your wallet, yay for the new pants 🙂
What is browsing on NAP?
Thks
netaporter