Secondhand Chic: Finding Fabulous Fashion at Consignment, Vintage, and Thrift Shops

by Christa Weil

Book Overview

Fun, funky, and fabulous, this is the first personal buying guide to help you get in on the resale craze that is sweeping America. Would you like to find a mint-condition Yves Saint Laurent jacket for $25...a brand-new, pleated wool skirt still bearing the original $40 price tag, for $7...a genuine Dior suit for $75? Now you can In Secondhand Chic you'll discover where to look, what to look for, and how to buy quality. In fact, you'll get all the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671027131
• ISBN13: 9780671027131
• Release Date: July 1999
• Publisher: Gallery Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.31 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.6" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

details, details, details

I received this book as a Christmas present from my mother last year. It was so fascinating that I ended up reading it cover-to-cover on Christmas day. My mother has been sewing for almost 40 years, and Weil included many details that even my mother didn't know. I really liked how Weil included a section on fibers and their origins (including synthetics). I'm not much of a consignment shopper, but the information on construction and spotting quality have been more helpful than I could ever imagine. Not only did it help me go through my closet and spot things to dontate to Goodwill, but it also helped me spot a beautiful vintage raincoat at Goodwill today for $5.

Excellent and useful book

This is oneof the best books to read if you're interested in, or if you collect and wear, vintage clothing. From how to read the quality of materials and workmanship in a garments, to how to take care of cleaning them, the information is presented in a witty, informative, useful way. Weil has not only great information, but a way with words and the turn of a phrase, which made the book that much more enjoyable to read. While I personally would love to have seen more illustrations than the many that are already in the book (e.g. of the different button holes styles, zippers, etc.) and pictures of some outfits having the design elements discussed, as I'm greedy for more vintage info all the time, not having these included doesn't detract from this book in the least. One can only hope that Weil continues to write about this subject, as she's thorough, knowledgeable, and writes well. Her book is a pleasure for the senses in all ways. If you buy one book about vintage clothing, buy this one. You won't be disappointed.

More than 5 stars if I could!

Packed with helpful information for the avid shopper from cover to cover, this book goes the extra mile by giving pointers not just on finding great buys in consignment, thrift, vintage, and resale shops, but for quality shopping in general. Beginning with the advantages and disadvantages of buying secondhand items, the author walks the reader in a delightfully personal way through finding clothes that are flawlessly constructed and give perfect fit regardless of name tags. (There is a section which discusses famous name tags in fashion, too, by the way.) Guidelines on how to spot quality accessories are likewise given. The book successfully guides the reader in finding his/her personal style, gauging one's figure and the possible remedies for these, looking for the right fabric, color, and fit, and garment features that indicate excellent quality (the author calls this "quality hallmarks"). This book also outlines what flaws are considered "not-so-bad", "bad", and "very very ugly". There is also a whole chapter which is devoted solely to maintenance and organization, which is a big help especially for those who find themselves clueless in terms of clothes care, and for those who have major closet space problems. You also have a section which helps you sell what you own at secondhand stores. All these, and more! For the ardent shopper, you will find that the wealth of information in this book is invaluable, and may all be that you'll ever need for your every shopping spree. Two thumbs-up!

Awesome!

This book is just amazing-- I can't believe how much I learned about not just secondhand shopping but all shopping in general. I will NEVER AGAIN buy something just because the label says it's by so-and-so, who's supposed to make quality clothes. From now on, I will be the one to determine what a piece of clothing is worth because I now know exactly what to look for when evaluating clothes. Hats off to the author and a genuine "thank you" for saving me time and face! P.S. Though it's not as thorough as the book, there are some free courses with some of Secondhand Chic's information at dreamlife.com in the creativity and fun section. i'd definitely reccomend the book but those classes are good too.