Weekly Secondhand Finds (Vol. LXXIX)

A white background with a collection of 24 finds from the past week.

This week, a Shein storefront opened up on Queen Street. I don’t know if it is a pop-up or a permanent fixture, but it doesn’t really matter because I can’t believe they let them put in a storefront.

Especially on Queen Street, which used to be so picky with what retailers went there.

Way back in the day, they even pitched a fit when Le Chateau opened down there (RIP Le Chateau), and they were an extremely popular Canadian retailer that was amazing before they went all business casual and party dresses.

I digress.

This Shein storefront is also quite literally located right next to one of the best vintage shops, and props to their staff for protesting.

Anyway, there was a fucking huge line-up to get into Shein. Huge.

It was both infuriating and embarrassing. We need to do better, guys.

And now that they have acquired Everlane, I wonder if they are going to pretend to go the “sustainable” route to try to win over a different audience.

I’m just so tired of this shit. It’s bad enough to see an abundance of Shein crap at thrift stores, priced higher than original, but a storefront is a complete clusterfuck.

And now I’ll get off my soapbox and get on with the post.

When I was browsing around for this week’s picks, I came across these shoes, and they made me feel something. Maybe a little sad?

I am going to try my best to explain.

When you first look at these shoes, you see the peeling sole and wear and probably think “why would anyone purchase these?”, but to me, it brought me back to the early 2000s, where I had a similar pair that were worn in just like this.

And I never thought anything about that at the time.

I would slip them on and run out the door, and then kick them off in front of my closet door until next time.

The wear told stories of the life I was living.

Because we actually wore our stuff. Like really and truly wore them, so this kind of wearing was never a sign to trade them in for a new pair. It was just the normal part of wearing your clothes with purpose and intention.

Does that make sense? It just made me sad when I saw them because I know that people will pass them by since all they see is wear, but if I saw these in a thrift store, I probably would scoop them up.

Because they would look awesome with jeans.

So that little rant starts off this post with some shoes. Two pairs, actually.

The loafer pony-hair, kitten-heel pair are one of my favourites. If these were in my size, I think I would have found a way to grab them. Unfortunately, I have big feet.

I also love these animal print little booties. I’ve always wanted a pair in this style.

Loafer Kitten Heel | Animal Print Boots

I remember when these floral track pants came out a million years ago, and I wanted them. Now here they are taunting me.

This shirt almost went into my basket.

I actually still might because it is checking all the boxes of something that I am currently searching for.

Floral Adidas Pants | RL Safari Shirt

This Fendi bag is listed as 80s, and while it might be, it feels more 90s to me, but I am not familiar with dating Fendi bags, so I would have to research it a bit.

Another thing I am in the market for is some silk trousers like these vintage Anne Klein that are only $32, which is a steal for vintage silk.

They have that casual yet chic summer vibe.

Fendi Bag | Vtg Silk Pants

How about some Y2K era Calvin Klein leather mules?

These are in fantastic condition.

But I think my favourite of the night is this fringe leather clutch. It is spectacular and makes me think of the vintage fringe leather tote that I missed out on and am still kicking myself over two years later.

Calvin Klein Mules | Fringe Clutch

Another favourite is this Dries Van Noten cotton safari shirt dress.

I mean, come on. I know that it needs an iron, but one must look past those things to see the big picture, and the big picture is that this will be an epic piece.

I love bucket bags, but I think I love cobalt blue bucket bags even more.

Dries Van Noten Shirt Dress | RL Bucket Bag

So these Miu Miu kitten heels with studs are all kinds of incredible, and I am very disappointed that they are too big.

It never fails. That’s what I get for having the most average shoe size.

Three cheers for this DKNY jacket that gives me strong Yohji Yamamoto vibes.

Miu Miu Kitten Heel | DKNY Jacket

I love the length of these Y2K Adidas shorts.

They are around knee length (or slightly above), which is so much better than the shorty style, at least to me, as someone who hates short shorts.

This vintage necklace is so massive. Like a super substantial, chunky necklace. Check out the listing to get a better idea of how big this actually is.

It is a badass piece.

Y2K Adidas Shorts | Chunky Necklace

The perfect time for a beautiful silk bed jacket from the 30s. We are almost at antique level here, people, and this one is a stunner.

And lastly, we have this one-shoulder gold mini dress that I think would be perfect over wide trousers or sleek leather pants.

It very much gives me 80s glam vibes with a touch of indie sleaze. It’s a stunner.

Vtg Bed Jacket | Gold Mini Dress

And that is it, friends.

I am trying really hard not to add a few to the basket. That is the negative side of these posts; I always want to buy something.

Take care of yourselves, and don’t shop at Shein.

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Sara

Sara is the founder and creative behind livelovesara. A George Brown College Fashion Styling Graduate, she provides advice on finding your personal style regardless of age and budget. She is always on the hunt for the perfect wardrobe piece and is a vintage and thrifting enthusiast who can't wait to share her newest finds. She is also trying to learn French.

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