WEEK 62
Each New Year, I set intentions rather than resolutions or goals. And while you may (correctly) argue that’s really just semantics, it’s a practice (or linguistic distinction) I’ve found far more effective than a list of broad statements like, “eat healthier,” or “exercise more” (which, admittedly, I could also do!). Moreover, I’ve found that setting intentions that encourage me to ask why and to investigate my motives is even more powerful. And, year after year, I often double down on the same intentions, committing myself further to the ways in which I want to live.
One of these centers around how I consume. From what and where I buy groceries to how I shop for clothing, I’m investigating how these processes make me feel, how they impact my bank account, my community, and the world around me.
In several areas of my life, I’ve found that it does not. Enter a 2026 challenge to myself: buy more second-hand. I already purchase a lot of vintage and antique furniture, decor, and dining items, but I’m committing myself to purchase more second-hand clothing and accessories, which is the easiest it’s ever been. And, as I do so, to let go of items that have served their purpose, so they can (hopefully) bring joy to a new owner.
On that note, it took me a long time to get over the shame of “letting go” of items, whether it was clothing, home goods, or furniture. I felt paralyzed by the money (and emotion) I or someone else had spent, as if holding onto the item was an adequate way to honor the financial or emotional expense. Some items harbored memories of what was, others dreams of what could be. Marie Kondo’s somewhat controversial book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up helped me understand that by holding onto these items, allowing them to collect dust in their disuse, I was preventing them from realizing a greater purpose with another owner. That these forgotten items had already served their purpose for me and, in letting go (donating, selling, gifting thoughtfully), I was adding to the flow of life. Hippy dippy, but somehow, for me, freeing. Almost as freeing as a home filled only with the things that we love and cherish.
Now, onto the good stuff…
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES //
POSHMARK // I search very specific items, for example, “Pistola Eli Barrel” or “DONNI Cotton Knit Cardigan in Bell Pepper.” I love the “Make an Offer” option, which you don’t get on The Real Real.
THE REAL REAL // Easiest way to sell designer items in one go, especially if you live in a small town that doesn’t have a consignment store. For buying, I set up saved searches for items I’m looking for, like Manolo Blahnik Mules, Jenni Kayne sweaters, Dragon Diffusion bags, or Barbour Coats. If you’re like me and have a capsule wardrobe mentality, I recommend shopping the opposite season as you’ll typically encounter less competition and lower prices (i.e. shop for bathing suits in November and furs in May).
DEPOP // I’m very new to the world of Depop. But it’s been great for obscure vintage NBA items.
BOOKS //
THRIFTBOOKS.COM // Search any title, they’ll probably have it. I like to cross-reference with Amazon just to make sure it’s actually a good deal. I also recommend checking the size of the book, as sometimes you’ll get smaller versions of larger coffee table books. Oh, and you can also get great deals on non-english versions, so just be sure you don’t actually want to read the books.
HALF PRICE BOOKS // My version of heaven.
FURNITURE, ART & DECOR
1ST DIBS // Premium pieces at premium prices, but a great place to look for inspiration. Great place to sell really unique or high-value items like jewelry and furniture.
CHAIRISH // Love the “make an offer” option, as there’s usually a lot of wiggle room. Beware shipping costs, especially on attractively priced options. It’s a great place to find art, lighting, etc.
ETSY // Great for antiques and vintage at fair prices. You can often find items on Chairish cross-posted on Etsy. When purchasing art, make sure you’re purchasing originals rather than reprints or, worse, digital downloads.
FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE // If you haven’t already, start training your Facebook Marketplace. Open links of boats that your husband sends you at your own peril. My go-to search terms include: bamboo, rustic, marble, slipcover, wicker, Louis Philippe, French, burlwood, bleached oak, pine, rattan, upholstered, custom. I also like to search misspelled versions of wrought iron (rod iron, rot iron), verdigris, and other
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