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Switch your retail therapy to the guilt-free option
As a tough year draws to a close, and we’re all in the mood for some retail therapy (done safely online, of course), Black Friday cannot come quick enough. But however easy it may be to slip into impulse-buying habits, it’s important to take a step back from overconsumption and consider a better option. A new haul from a fast fashion website can feel great in the short-term, but considering the long-term damage to the planet, our bank accounts and our bulging wardrobes, it may be time to look elsewhere for our treat-yourself serotonin.
Shopping vintage on Black Friday is a fantastic way to curb the ill effects of mass consumerism. Small businesses and independent sellers are fearful of being swamped by the sheer mass of fast fashion giants – spending your money with them means you’re supporting those who have struggled massively during the pandemic, and, most likely, better customer service.
The vintage scene online right now, as a result of consumers being stuck at home for most of the year, is booming. Sellers have pivoted their efforts and skills to invest in their online presence, and buying some pieces (that will look fantastic and last much longer than their high-street counterparts) will reward those efforts. And what’s more, many sellers and websites have already begun their rebellion against traditional Black Friday sales, by offering discounts on their one-off pieces for the week.
Need some inspiration? Here are some of our favourite sellers, and the discounted pieces we’ve got our eye on.
Vestiaire Collective, your one-stop shop for vintage designer gems, are launching their Better Black Friday event this week, with up to 50% off many fantastic pieces for sale on the site.
Isabel Marant silk maxi skirt, size 42, was €242.85, now €173.71
Yves Saint Laurent wool blazer, size 38, was €120, now €95
Miu Miu leather jacket, size 6, was €1050.60, now €840.05
Dries Van Noten mid-length dress, size 40, was €518.55, now €345.70
Burberry trench coat, size XL, was €420, now €250
The French vintage selling platform is staging their own Vintage Friday event to counter Black Friday, offering discounts of up to 70% off thousands of items.
Austrian blouse, size 38, was €59, now €41.30
Burberry blazer, size 38/40, was €59, now €47.20
Shearling coat, size 38, was €129, now €103.20
Silk dress, size 36/38, was €79, now €55.30
Silk parka, size 42/44, was €125, now €112.50
For one of the widest selections of vintage wares (and great prices, with or without discounts), Beyond Retro is a big favourite. Their Black Friday sales every year are legendary, and this year is no different.
1970s tapered Levis jeans, W26, was €39, now €20
1990s high neck jumper, size M, was €30, now €15
1990s black faux fur trim coat, size L, was €71, now €36
1990s black Wrangler jeans, W32, was €42, now €21
1990s sequinned party dress, size S, was €39, now €20
Mostly used for vintage homewares and crafty independent sellers, Etsy is a treasure trove of vintage clothes and accessories, if you know where to look. Many of its thousands of sellers are offering individual discounts ahead of Black Friday, so be sure to keep an eye out.
Vintage Folk Knit Cardigan, size XS / S, was €250, now €200
Vintage 1960s / 70s Groovy Psychedelic Zip Up Belted Crimplene Blouse, was €115.16, now €103.64
1980s Burgundy Cotton Laura Ashley Maxi Dress with Puffed Sleeves and a Floral Print, size XL, was €65, now €55.25
70s Boucle Jacket Pastel Tones, size 36, was €81.10, now €64.89
Vintage Womens Blazer, size S, was €34.50, now €25.88
Another fantastic website with a huge selection of vintage wares, Rokit is offering up to 70% off a selection of gems this week.
1960s Vibrant red Batik patterned maxi dress, size S, was €85, now €62.99
Gucci embroidered Boston terrier sweatshirt, size M, was €732, now €184
Levi’s 501 blue rinse jeans, size L, was €40, now €29
Vintage 60s powder blue raw silk dress, size M, was €68, now €50
Long-sleeve paisley and geometric blouse, size M, was €28, now €21
Featured image: Imparfaite