Cavan Images/Getty Images
When I was a kid fashionable brands felt out of reach for me. My family did not have the money for upscale logos to fill my closet.
I still remember the embarrassment I felt in middle school when a classmate asked me where I bought the shirt I was wearing. When I admitted it was from a discount store that sold knockoffs of brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Guess, I felt so much shame.
Back then, there weren't online sales or the convenience of commerce marketplaces and apps selling trendy new and pre-loved fashion. I know my mother did her best, although I felt the clothing I desired to wear was out of reach.
Now, as a parent, I want my daughter Vivian, who is 9 years old, to have some luxurious items in her wardrobe while sticking to my budget. Resale shopping apps and websites have been key to helping me give her what I missed out on.
I know my daughter doesn't need a special logo on her back, but I want her to feel confident and feel good about herself when she gets ready in the morning for school. I'll admit, it started with Lululemon when she came home from school and said she wanted leggings from there.
I had never shopped at Lululemon before, but she told me it was what everyone was wearing. This summer, when we walked into the Lululemon store, I told her to pick just three items. Just three, I kept repeating. Her eyes got wide, scanning the options. Of course, I wanted to buy her more, but not when it costs over $50 per item.
It's expensive to keep up with the TikTok and YouTube tween-targeted fashion trends, so I ease the pressure on myself by purchasing most of my daughter's clothing on resale shopping apps like Poshmark and eBay.
I've shopped on Poshmark before for myself, but this summer is the first time I'm shopping for my daughter. When I'm scrolling for pre-loved clothing, I want to stay within my under $40 per item range.
I'm a huntress daily, looking for discounts and sales. On the resell apps, I search for the brand name and style and click the size, color, and price point that I'm willing to pay for tops, shorts, skirts, and leggings that are pre-worn but look brand new.
On the Poshmark and eBay apps, I always feel delighted when I see an item listed as "brand new without tags" and half the price, and it looks true to the description in the photos. On both apps, I like that I can make an offer or bid for a lower price.
Before placing a bid or purchasing, I analyze the listing photos for blemishes, tears, and stains. Although an item could be described as in good condition, it could really have a small hole in the fabric, so you must zoom in on the clothing itself in the photo to be sure.
I introduced my daughter to Athleta's activewear this school year because it's cheaper than Lululemon, but the clothing looks similar. I ordered a lilac purple skort online for 25% off and a couple sporty tees on sale. I might order more.
Along with the black pair of Lululemon shorts we previously bought, I bought a couple of Old Navy high-waisted biker shorts marked 50% off.
Another brand Vivian told me about is Keiki Kona and their silky soft fitness shorts. They offer a lot of color options, but they are not cheap at $40 each. She wanted this badly, so in preparation for back-to-school shopping I looked for sales during the summer. In July, I felt like I hit the jackpot when I added two skirts, one baby blue and one hot pink, to my online cart for $28 dollars each.
I know that when I adore what I'm wearing, I feel unstoppable, capable, and prepared. I want the same uplifted feeling for my daughter each day. When she outgrows the selections we've purchased, I might even resell them on Poshmark or eBay, and we can try something new.
