When Tariffs Reach Your Closet: Why Secondhand Shopping is Smart, Stylish, and Sustainable
Global prices are rising. Shopping green isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for your wallet
Undoubtedly, tariffs will impact the price of clothing, handbags, and shoes. In today’s globalized economy, most fashion brands outsource manufacturing or source materials overseas. Which brands will raise prices—and how quickly—depends on how they respond. Will they diversify suppliers, lower quality, simplify designs, or pass on the costs to us? It's too soon to tell.
But if you love fashion like I do, it may be the perfect moment to embrace secondhand shopping.
The stigma around buying pre-owned clothing is largely gone. From online marketplaces to local consignment stores, resale is not only acceptable—it’s chic. Boutique labels like Rachel Comey and Apiece Apart have dedicated resale platforms, while brands like Everlane, Madewell, Patagonia, and Levi’s support the circular economy with recycling and resale programs.
Shopping secondhand is more than just budget-friendly—it’s an environmentally conscious choice. You reduce landfill waste, fossil fuel use, and reliance on cheap labor. You also give beautiful clothes a second life.
As someone who loves fashion and values high-quality garments, I’ve made secondhand shopping a regular part of my routine. It’s like a treasure hunt—fun, rewarding, and often full of surprises. Many resale stores (especially brick-and-mortar ones) have a unique personality. Some avoid fast fashion, others specialize in natural fibers or vintage. There’s truly something for everyone if you know where to look.
And when you sell your own gently used pieces, store credit often covers new purchases. Sometimes, I walk out with a gem without spending a dime.
🛍️ My Online Resale Strategy
Step 1: Use GEM to Search Multiple Platforms at Once
GEM is a resale search engine that combs through Poshmark, The RealReal, eBay, Etsy, Mercari, and more. If I’m looking for a specific item—like a Dehanche Hollyhock suede belt ($290 retail)—I start there. GEM found one listed on Poshmark for $190, new without tags. I offered $150 (declined this time, but it often works!). GEM also sends updates when new matches appear.
Step 2: Check Poshmark, eBay & The RealReal
Poshmark: Great peer-to-peer deals. You can make offers.
eBay: Excellent for discontinued or hard-to-find items.
The RealReal: Authenticated luxury with markdowns. Their “See Similar” feature helps you branch out to other brands.
Example win: A Paige Tiana suede moto jacket for $55 ($67 with tax/shipping), originally $895 found on Poshmark (via Gem). I thought the listed retail price was high—but Paige leather jackets still retail for $799+. Every time I wear mine, strangers stop me to ask about it.
💡 Tip: Always read item descriptions carefully and magnify photos.
Poshmark: No returns
The RealReal: Returns allowed with a $12.95 fee
eBay: Return policies vary by seller
Step 3: Use Google Lens for Visual Search
If I see a piece I love, I snap a photo and upload it to Google Lens. That’s how I found another pair of my favorite Loeffler Randall boots (so comfy)—$99 on Poshmark, originally $395.
🏬 My Favorite Resale Haunts in Oakland & Berkeley
If you live in the SF Bay Area, or find yourself there—these are the places I return to again and again. (Be sure and explore your city for options!) Each has its own aesthetic, philosophy, and selection. Whether you're looking to buy or sell, these shops are worth a visit. All of these stores have websites, and you can buy online, but the better experience and full selection of items are in the stores.
🧵 Radbird – Berkeley & Oakland
Radbird specializes in high-end and luxury resale—carefully curated, current styles, and always in pristine condition. They prioritize clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, cashmere, silk, and wool. Their motto: “Fast Fashion Is Dead.” And they live it.
The jewelry section is exceptional, and the owner and staff curate everything with care. I’ve found some of my all-time favorite pieces here—and I consign regularly.
One of the best perks? If you use your trade credit, you receive a 10% discount. Their consignment split is a generous 50/50.
🎯 ReLove – Oakland & San Francisco
ReLove stands out for its distinctive point of view. The selection is a mix of vintage, independent labels, and covetable designer pieces. It’s fashion-forward, thoughtful, and always changing. Their website describes it best:
"We buy vintage, independent labels and covetable designer clothes, shoes, accessories, and jewelry for women and men. We love natural fabrics, modern classics, pieces from your far-away travels, stand-out pieces, Japanese designers, vintage denim, kimonos, vintage sweatshirts and t-shirts, well-loved favorites, modern-trend, the wacky, the muted, the minimalist, and everything in between."
ReLove often buys items outright, offering cash or store credit on the spot, but also consigns select pieces.
Memorable purchase: A long, slim Dolce & Gabbana black lace skirt for $150—a similar one at Saks retails for $2,345.
Payouts: 35% in cash or 50% in store credit. Consignment: 50/50 split.
👖 Mercy Vintage – Rockridge, Oakland
Mercy is a destination for serious vintage lovers. It’s known for its impressive selection of authentic designer vintage and what they call “future vintage”—modern brands with staying power.
You’ll find Italian classics like Prada, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana, along with American vintage from the 1950s through the ’80s. Their vintage denim selection is especially strong.
Seller terms:
35% of resale value in cash
45% in store credit
50/50 for items consigned over $200
Recent find: Agolde’s Cooper Cargo jeans for $75 (retail: $228)
🧥 Sola Lucy – Montclair, Oakland
A well-loved staple in the East Bay, Sola Lucy carries a mix of high and low labels—and rewards the patient shopper. It's one of those places where, if you stop in regularly, you’ll eventually find something special.
As a seller, the experience is efficient and transparent. The day after consigning, you receive an email with your item list and pricing. Items go on the floor right away, and turnover is quick.
Seller payout: 40% of the final selling price
Favorite score: A sky-blue H&M long wool coat for $30—and I get more compliments on it than anything I own
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💎 Maribel – Lakeshore, Oakland
Maribel is vibrant and eclectic, with a curated collection of printed dresses, stylish handbags, and a standout selection of boots and booties. The jewelry case always catches my eye—it features both new designs and resale pieces.
It’s also where I discovered the work of local jewelry artist Morgania E. Moore, whose pieces are now some of my favorites.
💭 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to stretch your clothing budget, reduce waste, and have fun doing it, resale is a smart (and stylish) choice. Shopping secondhand aligns with my values—and gives me joy.
And someday? After I retire from financial planning, I’d love to open a consignment boutique in Healdsburg. There’s only one store there now… and between you and me, I think I could run a better one 😉