How to Shop Etsy Like a Fashion Editor
Last week, I was on the set of a photo shoot when the hairstylist complimented my denim jacket. My reply: “Oh, I got it on Etsy!” A few minutes later, she also asked me about oversize tribal-print sweater I had tied around my waist. “Also Etsy,” I said. What I didn’t tell her was the super-soft bandana around my neck and the nameplate necklace I wear every day are also from—say it with me—Etsy. And so is, I’d say, about 60% of my closet.
At face value, the site can appear overwhelmingly large, as twee as any Pinterest “wedding inspo” board, and generally pretty lackluster as far as fashion goes. But! For every crocheted cardigan and stretchy headband, there are gold Moschino belts, authentic Guns ‘N Roses tees, ’80s high-waist Guess jeans, silk ’60s Dior blouses, and vintage Gucci loafers. And the beauty of it all is, unlike a thrift store, there are usually dozens of whatever it is you want, in various sizes and at different prices thanks to the thousands of different sellers.
I can say with certainty that the pieces in my closet I love most all came from Etsy, so I feel compelled to share a few tips with you.
First: Don’t be afraid to bargain. I really wanted a vintage gray sweatshirt that said “University of Budweiser” yesterday (no judgement—it’s sick) but I didn’t want to pay $45 for it. I messaged the seller, who said she can do it for $30. Sold. Unless it’s under $20, I always ask about the option of lowering prices. Sometimes sellers say no, but it’s worth asking—especially since most comply.
Next, if you’re looking for really specific stuff, don’t be afraid to get granular with your search terms. When Miu Miu showed those amazing ruffled prairie blouses for Fall ’15, I knew coughing up $830 for a cotton top—no matter how cool—would be mental, so I took to Etsy. However, typing “ruffled shirts” on the site will do nothing for you except cause early 2000s-themed nightmares, so I started searching terms that were super-specific like “rodeo shirts,” cowgirl shirts” and “square dancing shirts” (nope, not kidding.) The result? A few incredible, unique tops that are Miu Miu-esque, but way more original. Behold:
To prove just how great a shopping source Etsy is for cool shit, I’ve compiled the gallery above that’s filled with the most recent things I’ve purchased, and almost identical versions still available. If you’ve never fallen down a vintage-shopping K-hole on Etsy, prepare to lose hours of your day. Consider yourself warned.
