Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

This is simply the best book there is about shopping second hand. I'd say it's the best book about shopping in general. All the information can be used for retail shopping as well. It's incredibly complete and fun to read.

This book has so much to offer the clothes-lover and shopper. You learn how to recognize quality not just look at labels; how to eyeball your correct size; how to find good resale shops; and which type of resale is for you. There's even some info about personal style.

Christa Weil should write her own personal style guide. I'd buy it!

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!

This is one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. I just finished it and will read the entire book again. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's sense of humor, combined with expert technical information on what to look for when purchasing used garments.

From spotting the signs of quality construction to proper cleaning and storage of these wonderful garments, the author provides an extremely usable guide book. I followed her instructions by going to second-hand shops, closing my eyes and feeling the fabrics. From the book, I learned how to quickly spot the hallmarks of quality tailoring. I passed along the info about the ways we used to use forms of ammonia (you'll have to read the book!) to clean our clothes. A friend of mine has a soap-making business. Though both of us love the clothing of yesteryear, we are very grateful to have contemporary cleaning products and machinery after reading Ms. Weil's brief history of laundering!

This book is informative and enjoyable. Don't hesitate to buy it! You will be amazed at all of the useful tips contained within. I'm betting you will be delighted by the well-written way in which the author brings her love and knowledge of used clothing to the rest of us.

You're going to love this book. The author helps the reader recognize the best bargains in used clothing. I especially enjoyed the chapters on how important, and in many cases, unimportant, labels can be. If you are already shopping in thrift, consignment, and vintage stores, you really will enjoy Cristina's insights. If you don't shop for thrift bargains, read the book, and be inspired!