Secondhand Summer v.2

hot child in the city

ICYMI, we are in the midst of the hottest Summer on record ever, but really, if you did miss it, where are you that is cool right now? It is crucial to acknowledge that this extreme heat is causing continuous catastrophic events that have dire consequences for both people and the planet. I don’t want to minimize the climate disaster we are embarking on/already in with a newsletter about cute clothes, so let’s take a step back.

One of the primary drivers of global warming includes the extraction and burning of fossil fuels, the manufacturing of goods, and the overconsumption of these products. Clothing, in particular, plays a significant role in contributing to these issues, especially when it comes to overconsumption. Remember the alarming mountains of clothing waste in the Atacama desert from last month's issue? We need to be mindful of the environmental impact of our fashion choices.

While it may not be realistic to never shop again, we can make a positive impact by adopting a more conscious approach to our wardrobe choices. The next time you feel the need or desire to shop, consider asking yourself if it's something you could find secondhand or borrow.

Embracing pre-loved pieces can lead to a more unique and diverse personal style. Instead of simply following the latest mass-produced trends, you can cultivate a wardrobe that truly reflects your individuality. By opting for pieces that are *new to you*, we can reduce overconsumption while still finding joy and confidence in what we wear.

I always want to make sure the content and secondhand items I’m sharing are aligned with what you are looking for, so for this issue, I polled on ig and the top contenders were more secondhand Summer and colorful dresses (see below) and those who voted LBD- stay tuned! If there is something specific you are looking for, you can submit a sourcing request.

As a reminder, since these are vintage and secondhand finds some items might be sold out by the time you click on a link, maybe even by another subscriber! If you are disappointed about missing out on something or looking for another size or price point, reach out and I can source another one or something similar for you!

From left to right: Issey Miyake Pleats Please Orange Check Print Dress (obsessed with this color combo and have seen Pleats Please dresses worn as swim cover-ups more and more), Vintage Bill Blass from the 90s, Acne Silk Dress, Fuzzi Printed Dress (the brand has been around since 1954 and just relaunched in 2023, snag this at a good prince while you can), Christopher Esber (he has really been having a moment this Summer), Vintage mini dress, Missoni long dress (the grip Missoni has on me during the Summer! here’s another one in xl)

Easy Summer Outfit: Lightweight printed pants + white linen button down then accessorize to your heart’s desire. (Seen below with Hyer Goods bucket bag, here’s $25 off the best bags made with dead stock and luxury leftovers, this bag has been perfect for Summer travel)

Where and how you can wear this:

• At the beach: Unbutton the shirt and have it layered over a swimsuit with a sandal

• Around town: Anything from lunch during your #EuropeanSummer to dog walking in oh-too-sweaty Brooklyn. For this, I paired them with a closed-toe shoe like these raffia flats.

• Dress it up: Unbutton it *almost* too much, add a long necklace, and a wedge heel like these.

When searching for the right pant, look for lightweight natural materials like cotton or silk. These are going to be more breathable than synthetic materials. Not only are you more likely to sweat in a synthetic (like polyester) but since it is made from oil, when washed, the material breaks down into tiny microplastics that enter our waterways and add to the ever-mounting plastic problem.

From left to right: Gimaguas ones in the above photo in black (here in M and here in xs for only $15!), La Prestic Ouiston Silk pants (these are for my petite friends, juniors size 3 is similar to a short size 25), V de Vinster stripe pants (slow fashion + second-hand ftw), Chloe silk pants, Pucci silk pants, Jill Sander cotton pants

For me the key to the linen button-down is bigger is better. The men’s section of thrift stores is an excellent place to look for this, otherwise here is a range of secondhand sizes:

• XS Deiji nwt

• No size -looks the right amount of oversized for a size small

• Medium Vintage

• Large Edie Bauer

• XL Ralph Lauren- vintage Ralph Lauren is often good fit + quality

• Zara XXL - I wouldn’t usually share fast fashion, even secondhand, but this one is 100% linen and a good price

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Let me know if you do end up purchasing anything from this issue. If you’re not already following @somethingborrowednevernew on ig, come on over, there is going to be an exciting surprise coming soon!

xo Hilliary

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