Note 21 - Secondhand Shopping & Wardrobe Clearout
Secondhand clothes in Berlin
Happy Sunday! Today’s post is all about secondhand shopping, with a little wardrobe decluttering mixed in. I truly believe that editing your closet is just as important as adding to it when it comes to defining your personal style. It’s a way to understand what you already own, and make your wardrobe feel genuinely yours.
I’m sharing my tips on how to shop more mindfully, from planning your purchases to being intentional about the pieces you bring into your life. Secondhand shopping isn’t just about finding unique items at a better price; it’s also a more sustainable approach to fashion, helping extend the life of garments and reduce unnecessary consumption. So let’s get into it:
Plan your wardrobe
Before you start shopping, it’s worth taking the time to audit your wardrobe. Identify what’s missing, where the gaps are, and get clear on what your personal style actually looks like (it’s also where you would define your three words and do a colour analysis if you want). This step lays the foundations for a strong, long-lasting wardrobe. Walking into a shop without a plan often leads to impulse buys you’ll rarely wear. Instead, approach shopping with an edited, intentional mindset. I really like the Indyx app for visualizing the pieces I own and what categories need editing. It takes time to upload everything, but it’s a great tool for editing and then planning outfits.
Specific searches & saved keywords
Once you’ve defined those gaps and locked in your keywords, focus on hunting for those exact pieces. Set up alerts on your favourite secondhand platforms and check them regularly. When shopping secondhand, specificity and patience are key. The right item, in the correct size and condition, may take time to appear. That’s part of both the challenge and the joy. I’m a big fan of The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective, and in Europe, Vinted is also a great option (and the last two allow you to bid on items, so make the most of it).
Visit your local consignment stores
Although I generally prefer shopping online, where it’s easier to stay focused and avoid getting carried away, local consignment stores are an excellent resource. They offer access to pre-curated, high-quality pieces at a fraction of the original retail price. A few of my favourites include Ruse in Montreal, VSP Consignment in Toronto, and Arkivet in Stockholm. If you know of any great gems in other cities, feel free to send them my way.
What I Wore This Week
Smart Casual
On Wednesday, my boyfriend spontaneously asked me to meet him at our local Korean restaurant, and this is what I wore. I’ve fallen into such a routine lately and don’t get out much, so it felt really nice to have an excuse to get a little dressed up.
I wore COS trousers with a Uniqlo cashmere sweater for an easy, comfortable outfit, and finished the look with my Totême bag. I love this mix of cream, navy, and camel, so chic!
Everyday Delights
Ballet flats lineup
Closet organization
Pilatika Westmount
This week, I found the most joy in clearing my space and doing a truly edited closet clear-out. I wanted what remained to be pieces I genuinely love. This means items that fit within my three words and colour palette, and that I actually enjoy wearing. No more scratchy sweaters, unflattering cuts, or uncomfortable shoes. I’m really happy with the result, and I hope it will help me be more thoughtful in future purchases, staying aligned with these principles and focusing on what truly suits me. Overall, it also made me really happy to see all the pieces I’ve been collecting over the years and to realize how in love I still am with many of them.
It’s been a week of finding my routine and rhythm again. I’ve been busy with several projects, but I’ve carved out more time for longer walks, Pilates and experimenting with new apparatuses at the studio, and settling into long, uninterrupted periods for reading. This weekend, I’m heading up to the cabin for some time in nature, which feels like the perfect way to round out the week.
This Week’s Edit
Merit Signature Matte Lipsticks in Sunday and Classic
I may have mentioned these before on the blog, but they’re truly my all-time favourite lipsticks for a subtle hint of colour. I usually blot them in so they look like they could be my natural lip tone. And this is exactly the point of their latest range, the Signature Lip Blushes, and now I’m dying to try them!
Pages in Places Bookclub & Substack
I’ve been following this Copenhagen-based book club for a while now and love both their book selections and their newsletter. I’m admittedly a little jealous of the girls who get to attend their events in Copenhagen, which are always hosted in the coolest locations with such thoughtful, creative concepts. I’d love to find something similar, more local to me.
A fascinating read from the founder of The RealReal, detailing how she built the company into the empire it is today. If you’re interested in secondhand shopping and are also curious about business and entrepreneurship, this book offers an insightful look behind the scenes of the resale industry, from its early challenges to its rapid growth.
I finally watched Sentimental Value, the Norwegian film directed by Joachim Trier (who also made one of my favourite films, The Worst Person in the World). This time, the movie explores family dynamics, and I found myself deeply moved by the relationship between the two sisters and by the house's history, where much of the story unfolds. If you’re in the mood for lots of emotions and striking views of Oslo, this is one to watch.
Love, S.
