Second Hand Designer Discoveries from The Dresser

Those who follow this blog know that I love a little bit of designer mixed up with my high street and vintage purchases and what better way to keep the costs down than to find stunning second hand pieces (or pre-loved sounds so much better) when you can.

Admittedly I have mostly bought designer bags in stand alone stores or Selfridges, Harrods and Harvey Nicks but now that I’ve discovered The Dresser, those trips won’t be as frequent, I’m sure.

A second hand designer and couture boutique in London in the centre of Connaught Village near Marble Arch, The Dresser was opened in 1986 by stylist Sally Ormsby and is recognised as one of London’s leading designer clothes agencies, specialising in the buying and selling of contemporary and couture second hand designer womens and menswear.

Labels include Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Versace, Gaultier, Pucci, Chloe, Bottega Veneta, Marni, Stella McCartney, Isabel Marant, Alice Temperley, Cavalli, Marc Jacobs and more.

From suits to shades, belts and bags, you are utterly spoiled for choice there!

Over the years, Sally has built a loyal clientèle of fashionistas including magazine editors, stylists and even some celebrities who use The Dresser’s service to re-sell designer clothes and accessories on a 50/50%, eight weeks sale-or-return basis. And with drop-offs from aforementioned style editors and journalists, a lot of their collection is new or nearly new too!

So last time I was in the Big Smoke, my Mum and I headed straight to their shop in Porchester Place and I picked up this gorgeous Max Mara SJP-inspired (well Carrie at least) cardigan with huge white floral adornment (sewn on) and a sparkly Anya Hindmarch clutch I’d had my eye on from their website’s ‘new arrivals’ section.

Alas, the Chanel boots I was also coveting were just that bit too tight but I’m keeping my eye on new deliveries and I’ll definitely be back!

My clutch has already had a night out for my birthday and I love the idea that my hard earned money can stretch that little bit more, allowing me to buy several pieces in one go rather than just one at a time!

And who doesn’t love a bargain?!

Have you bought second hand and which agencies can you recommend?