An Essential Guide to Buying Pre-Loved Vintage Goods

AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO BUYING PRE-LOVED VINTAGE GOODS 

Vintage shopping, even if you’ve had years of experience, can be daunting. Whether you’re an avid collector or simply dedicated to wearing vintage, scoring a good find is worth the sweat, tears, and dollars. Some may say it’s a curated form of sustainable shopping. In fact, older clothing is often more durable than its contemporary, fast-fashion counterparts. 

Identifying vintage

It’s best to go to well-curated antique shops and consignment stores. This way, you won’t have any difficulty sorting authentic vintage items from fakes because you know that the owner is someone who’s most likely passionate about vintage goods. 

However, if you’re going to a larger thrift store, hunting for vintage can be much more challenging. Our tip is to keep a keen eye on labels and typography. This will help you identify the era or decade in which the item was manufactured (sometimes, you can even see the year it was made). 

Look for good deals, but be vigilant

Vintage goods are likely priced based on demand and popularity, so unless you’re buying from professional sellers, you still have to be cautious when shopping. This means that the risk of buying online is high unless it's here at SteinMart! Everybody loves a good deal, but make sure that what you’re buying is something you can use for a long time and can uphold its resale value.

Jewelry

If you’re going to spend on vintage jewelry, there are a few things you need to educate yourself on before making the big purchase. First, you need to figure out what you love. We suggest browsing catalogs or websites that specialize in vintage. It’s important to buy from a seller you trust, whether it’s a costume piece or a diamond-encrusted pendant, a la Heart of the Ocean. 

Next, see your purchase as an investment. Vintage items are a lot like art; you want something that will increase its value over time. That said, research is vital! There are so many fakes on the market, so you want to be as careful as possible. Working with an experienced jeweler or vintage dealer can help you a lot.

Lastly, don’t just buy for the sake of the brand. Be open to purchasing unsigned pieces as long as you do your research beforehand. 

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Bags

The appeal of vintage designer bags will never be lost on us. There are just too many amazing deals out there, plus there’s the thrill of the hunt! Similar to buying vintage jewelry, research is equally important. You can also create a mood board if you want to have specific designs in mind that you want to find. There’s no better time to buy a pre-loved designer item because the trends of decades past are gracing our wardrobes again. The Celine Luggage Tote, for example, has remained widely popular since its inception in 2010. Once a designer item has reached ‘icon’ status, expect its value only to go upwards. 

Another tip is going for tried-and-true brands because, truth be told, some bags hold better than others. These include Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, and Chanel, among others. 

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Scarves

Silk scarves are a true icon of luxury and an investment for collectors and fashionistas alike. The famous Hermès scarf, for example, represents exquisite craftsmanship and quality. Its timeless appeal proves it a keen addition to your wardrobe and is suitable for young and older generations.

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Styling the old with the new

Vintage designer items are easy to style with contemporary pieces. Bags can easily be a statement accessory regardless of the occasion. From simple dresses to next-level tops, the key is coordinating your palette. 

For jewelry, don’t be afraid to layer it with your other high street accessories. You can stack rings and bracelets or match them with your bag. The same goes for silk scarves; there are multiple ways to wear them, including a statement accessory (belt, headband, etc.). Below are some of our favorite outfit formulas to wear. Take a look at them and find your style inspiration! 

Tunic dresses

Effortless, luxurious, and comfortable, it’s a versatile piece that takes seconds to style.

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Wrap-style tops

Opt for deep-V necklines that allow you to dress your décolletage in the most elegant way.

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When it comes to buying vintage, think long term

You’re purchasing a luxury item that has held its value for years, so it makes sense that your goals are set for the long haul. You want to be a part of this piece’s history the same way you want it to be a permanent part of your wardrobe, whether it’s a leather tote, a pair of chunky gold hoops from the 70s, or a beautifully preserved silk scarf. Don’t forget, LXRandCo authenticates all designer items featured on SteinMart. Just remember that you’re making a purchase of a lifetime that’s genuinely meaningful for you.

Discover more luxury designer items here.