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| Secondhand Chic: Finding Fabulous Fashion at Consignment, Vintage, and Thrift Shops | 
 enlarge | Author: Christa Weil
Publisher: Pocket
Category: Book
List Price: $22.95
Buy New: $17.53
You Save: $5.42 (24%)
Buy New/Used from $11.42
Avg. Customer Rating:  (25 reviews)
Sales Rank: 252990
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 336
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 9 x 7.5 x 0.8
ISBN: 0671027131
Dewey Decimal Number: 380.145
EAN: 9780671027131
ASIN: 0671027131
Publication Date: July 1, 1999
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
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...abrand-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 secrets of spotting a valuable bargain so you can shop brilliantly whether you're in a consignment, thrift, or vintage store. Expert shopper Christa Weil shares the insider information that will help you buy the best clothes you've ever owned...at a fraction of the retail cost. Learn about: Spotting quality -- which you will know immediately from buttons, pockets, seams, and fabric Labels...big names, department store brands, exquisite foreign lines -- and fakes! Finding your size when there are no labels or tags Flaws you can fix and the ones you can't -- from wrong lengths and wrinkles to stains and shininess Unearthing handmade shoes, silk scarves, name jewelry, and other elegant accessories Buying what you really need -- and caring for the clothes you've got The styles that make your body look best From domestic to international stores, from New York to London, from Memphis toParis -- no matter where you buy, you can buy secondhand chic.
Amazon.com Review
In recent years, increasing numbers of people have become aware of something that impecunious but savvy folks have known for a long time: You don't have to be rich to wear high-quality, high-fashion clothing. You just need to know how and where to shop for it at incredible, bargain prices--secondhand, vintage, consignment, and thrift stores. Christa Weil goes the whole nine yards here, explaining how to spot quality, understand labels (and fakes!), and find your size when labels are missing. She knows which flaws are easily fixed, how to organize your wardrobe, how to look "done" without looking "overdone," how to care for your clothing and accessory treasures, and even how to make money on your unwanted clothes. For anyone who likes to dress well and get an incredible bargain in the process (and who doesn't?), this is an indispensable guide. Weil's light, conversational writing style and her numerous hilarious asides (like "Why Socks Disappear in the Wash") make this an entertaining and lively book to read or browse. --Mark A. Hetts
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| Customer Reviews: Read 20 more reviews...
Really informative July 12, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I checked this book out from my local library and now plan to buy it. The chapters about recognizing "quality" in materials and construction are so useful and well written. In fact, I went out today as the book recommended and "inspected" suits, blouses and pants at several different vintage/consignment stores using the suggestions in the book. And wouldn't you know it--I struck GOLD in the form of a Rena Lange tweed suit for $37. I'll never get duped into purchasing a poorly made garment again (and for that matter, I may never pay retail again either!).
details, details, details February 20, 2005
15 out of 15 found this review helpful
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.
What a Fun Book! November 16, 2004
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
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!
the best single source ever on secondhand shopping! March 26, 2004
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
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!
Excellent and useful book February 27, 2004
19 out of 20 found this review helpful
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.
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