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

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

List Price: $15.00
Your Price: $10.50
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: the best single source ever on secondhand shopping!
Review: Christa? You really did it well! This is a comprehensive, funny, well-researched resource book on the fabrics, markers of quality clothing, labels, and flaws in secondhand finds. It is the best single source of information for secondhand shoppers that I have ever come across! Cheers!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: the best single source ever on secondhand shopping!
Review: Christa? You really did it well! This is a comprehensive, funny, well-researched resource book on the fabrics, markers of quality clothing, labels, and flaws in secondhand finds. It is the best single source of information for secondhand shoppers that I have ever come across! Cheers!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: The perfect bargain clothes shopping guide!
Review: I am a vintage & bargain clothes fanatic & thought I knew how to spot the best deals ... wrong! Weil is very knowledgable regarding her subject & provides numerous tips & hints on how to spot quality, fakes, the best fit, how to remove stains, & how to care for clothes. It's like getting a thorough lesson from a trusted friend. Weil's style is casual & witty, making this book a fun read. I loved it!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Be smart....read it
Review: I am so impressed, I can't even put it into words. This book tells you all those things you didn't even know you needed to know. Let me prove how helpful this book was....I read it yesterday, and this afternoon walked into a resale shop and was able to ask just the right questions to get exactly what I wanted and the lady willingly knocked off %40 of her original price because I knew how to ask. You have NO IDEA what you're missing, if you don't read this book. It'll pay for itself over and over in the time and money you save on excellent merchendise.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I absolutely adore this book!
Review: I really learned alot about vinatge clothes after reading this book. Granted, I knew almost nothing before hand. So, for those just starting out, this is a great book. But for people with a good knowledge of vintage clothes, this book might be a little repetitive.

JBogue...Specializing in paranormal romance and fiction.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Not just for secondhand shoppers!
Review: I think this is the only book of its kind on the market now, so I would recommend it if only for this reason to women who like to dress well at low cost. However, it's better than I expected, thanks to an author who gives very detailed information about what makes a garment well constructed, down to the buttons. This book is useful for anybody shopping for clothes anywhere, new or not. It's probably even a great gift for someone who sews their own clothes, that's how detailed it gets about garment construction. This book's main audience are women who want to get bargains on designer clothes (it even gives helpful lists of designer names and their "poor cousin" lines), and therefore are more likely to shop consignment rather than thrift. It's still helpful to vintage/thrift shoppers too (especially section on stain removal) but I wish she had included more tips for those shoppers, as well as more info on shoes. I think a sequel is in order because I think the author probably has a lot more to say. If so, please include a chapter on shopping for clothes online. This book has nothing on this topic, which is an art in itself! I'd also like to recommend Al Hoff's Thrift Score.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: No-Nonsense Guide To Value and Quality of Workmanship
Review: If you are looking for advice on what earrings to pair with that lovely emerald skirt, you can gloss on by this book.

If, however, you are looking for an excellent reference to quality clothing construction in an entertaining format? This book is perfect. The key to finding great secondhand clothing finds is not in label-searching. The real secret is learning the hallmarks of high-quality clothing construction. This book helps any shopper find the gems in the rough, and throws in additional chapters on fit, style, fabrics, and flair. These shopping tips are invaluable to those of us who want superior clothing but wish to pay secondhand prices. Great fun and information packed!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: More than 5 stars if I could!
Review: 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!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: What a Fun Book!
Review: This book is a great resource for anyone who wants to find unique fashion in unusual places. Christa Weil not only provides good advice on how to spot fabulous finds but she provides terrific tips on taking care of quality clothes. Everyone who loves clothes will love this book. But the best result of getting this book is the reaction of my 12-year old daughter. After reading the book she has been motivated to take better care of her clothes and has turned her room into a clothes boutique...dress forms and all!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Awesome!
Review: 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.


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