Secondhand Chic

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The word "thorough" was invented for this author! - Rated
Everything that Christa Weil writes in this book is backed up by examples and facts. Packed with valuable information, this is as thorough and informative as a textbook and as well researched as an academic paper whilst being easy to read and entertaining.

I feel as if she would surely wither me with a scornful glance were she to see a garment of mine not hitting that point of the shoulder exactly, missing a lining or sporting a moth hole! Just because it's vintage (or consigned), she explains why there's no excuse to part with your hard-earned cash for anything less than a well-made and great-fitting garment.

This is also quite timely now that there's something of a backlash against dirt-cheap throwaway fashion (also helped me spot a cheapscate detail I'd otherwise have missed on a very expensive desingner garment).

She certainly knows her stuff! Highly recommended.

A great find! - Rated
A fab book containing all you need to know about recognising quality clothes and accessories - really useful even if you don't shop vintage!

Weil describes the different types of fabrics, tells you what details to look out for and how to care for your stuff. She also goes through the various types of secondhand shops and what you're likely to find in them. The book insists a lot on designer names, but the information can be applied to no-brand stuff as well.

What she doesn't do is give you an in-depth history of fashion - although there is a summary of the main silhouettes of the 20th century, decade by decade. She also won't tell you how to integrate your vintage finds with your everyday wardrobe.

All in all, it's a really good foundation book - everything your mum should have taught you about buying good clothes! And there's a list at the back of recommended brick-and-mortar and online shops.

Recommended reading even if you don't shop resale. - Rated
This book teaches you what your mother never told you about how to recognize quality fabrics and clothing construction. I always knew that more expensive clothing looked better and hung better, but now I know why and how to find it at bargain prices. Invaluable.

THE guide for thrifters! - Rated
I don't know why somebody didn't do this sooner. On top of her amazing advice (how to tell whether an unlabeled vintage item is worth the asking price, for example), Christa Weil is hilarious. I completely enjoyed this, and will refer back to it as long as I have the strength to shop! Thanks!

Not just for the thrifty. - Rated
This book teaches far more than what its title indicates. The fine art of trolling for bargains in the secondhand shop may be its focus, but I found this book to be one of the most thorough all-around clothing style guides I have ever read. It imparts much wisdom on such topics as fabric and tailoring quality, proper fit, and figure enhancement. And it does so with plenty of wit and good humor.