Think You’re Not A Secondhand Shopper? Think Again.

Meet your new favorite site for shopping unexpected preloved categories online.

This letter is brought to you by ShopGoodwill.com.

There’s an undeniable image of sifting through dusty racks that comes to mind when most people think of secondhand shopping. It’s an adventure, a process, a way of hunting and gathering. And even though I love it, I understand thrifting isn’t for everyone.

The process 🙏

But—shopping secondhand is. And ShopGoodwill.com makes it easy to browse countless curated items from the comfort of your own home. After spending more than my share exploring secondhand shopping sites, I’m here to outline some of my favorite, slept-on categories.

We’ve explored how to shop preloved denim like a pro and what makes a great barn jacket, but this go around, the goal is to broaden your aperture when answering the question, “Can I buy that secondhand?”

The reasons are clear: saving money, shopping more sustainably, and owning something it’s unlikely lots of other people own. And ShopGoodwill.com makes it simple. You’ll find high quality at prices lower than you expected. Don’t believe me? Here are seven categories I’d shop secondhand before browsing new any day of the week.

Vintage vases

I gave away my secret hostess gift on Pre-Loved Podcast last week when I outed myself as a vintage vase obsessed. And you should be, too. These vases are often made from higher-quality materials than modern mass-produced options. You can shop heritage brands like Waterford or Fenton for a fraction of the price. Plus, all you need is a bunch of bodega tulips and a bow.

That striped vase is a go-to for me and cost $12.

Vases are also a safe way to test out a design choice I’m contemplating on a larger scale. I might not be ready to paint my kitchen table red, but keeping a bright red vase front and center can help me ease into the idea.

This $11 vase is begging for some bright pink tulips.

I’d bank this $20 vase for a Mother’s Day moment.

Bid now on this darling little guy. TBH this would sell for 4x in Brooklyn.

Can you tell orange is on my mind? I love this one for $15.

Another amazing $15 vase for your consideration.

Fine-ish jewelry

There’s no shortage of outlets for shopping secondhand jewelry online these days. I like that ShopGoodwill.com offers clear images as well as the option to shop gemstones themselves. Vintage can be the perfect starting point for a custom jewelry project made bespoke to fit exactly what you’re celebrating. And if you’re ok skipping out on all the carat talk, shop an abundance of statement pieces under $50.

I’d take this loose $13 gemstone and build a killer bag charm, personally.

Would you spend $4k on a 6 carat diamond bracelet? It’s a pretty good deal.

Obsesssed with this two-tone Omega that’s under $2k…It retails for $7k!

Now I’m just having fun. This ring is almost a carat and around $1,000.

This very

The Millennial Decorator

Tiffany tray is starting at $21.

High-quality picture frames

While the gallery wall has fallen in and out of vogue, the process of framing has remained relatively expensive. I’ve been shopping frames from Goodwill for about half my life at this point, and know better than to walk into a Target or CB2 to pick up a frame.

I still regret not getting this *very* unique frame at a antique mall in the Finger Lakes.

Solid wood frames cost significantly more new. And frames can outlive the art they house, which can often be outdated or simply not to your liking. No worries! Pop out the picture. Have a custom mat made to match or fit your new art yourself. You’ll find unique sizes and finishes that give your art instant character.

This is $12 and honestly I’d keep the art in it.

Love this little silver frame for $10 so much.

$22 for the set!

Wedding looks

I bought my own wedding dress on eBay. And have long preached the importance of considering shopping secondhand for your suite of looks for your big day. After all, you’re only wearing most of it one time. You’ll have access to pieces untouched by microtrends and fast fashion replication when you decide to pursue preloved. And th

is doesn’t just apply to long fluffy white dresses. Shop secondhand for suits and wedding guest dresses, too.

This dress is $12 and needs a little vision, but trust me—there’s something there.

Cute bridal beaded bag for $25.

Winter wedding? Why not opt for leather and fur for $25?

Eyewear

I’ve been saving this tip for the right moment. Your best bet when it comes to completely ownable frames is to shop secondhand. Have the lenses replaced. Make sure the frames fit your face. And the end result is a custom pair that costs about the same as something from the store.

My little brother will send me an angry text about this picture, but I still miss these sunglasses I scored secondhand for $2. I think I lost them on a bus.

20/20? No worries. The same applies for sunglasses. I’ve used this site, but if you’re in a city, you’re bound to have lots of local options.

A very sick shape for $12.

These Ferragamo lenses are enough to make the Miu Miu girls question the hundreds of dollars they spent.

I’d change the lenses on these Gucci frames. They’re $15.

These $15 Ray Ban sunglasses are me trying to relate to my readers under 21.

Sports equipment

Ever wanted to test before committing when it comes to all the gear involved in your latest hobby? I certainly have. The good news is shopping secondhand makes it easy to see if you’re a skater or lacrosse player at heart without emptying your bank account. You’ll find pieces that are broken in, but not too worn—a fine line!

And the best part about shopping on ShopGoodwill.com is that you don’t have to haul around to every local thrift store asking if they happen to have a pair of rollerblades in an 11. Not that I’ve done that…

Did I imagine including preowned waders in a Long Live letter when I started this three years ago? Yes and no.

A $20 snowboard really opens up the rest of your winter sports budget.

Or spend half that and book the cheapest flight to Costa Rica for a weekend.

There’s certainly a teenager in your life who would benefit from a $15 longboard.

Assert yourself at your local ice rink with $8 skates.

Unique outerwear

Jackets and coats are very expensive. And for good reason! They keep you warm. They’re meant to last for seasons on end. But shopping them secondhand has always been my trick to getting something way nicer than I could afford new.

This coat is my point exactly. I’ve had it for over 5 years and wear it dozens of times every season. It was $13 in an Iowa thrift store.

Expect access to natural materials (wool, leather, cashmere) at synthetic prices alongside vintage construction techniques that often surpass fast fashion quality.

$12 to look this prim and proper feels like a good deal.

A cool snap overcoat in an ambiguous shade of grey for $35.

This $10 metallic leather jacket feels very Gilmore Girls.

If you’re cool enough to pull off NASCAR gear ironically, go right ahead. This is $13.

If you’re obsessed with St. John like me, this ribbed cardigan/coat for $35 will mean a lot.

Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, and shop my Notion template. Get matched at EV Salon. And if you want to partner on a future Long Live, email evan@communite.co x