Second Chances: The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting, Sustainable Style, and Expressing Your Most Authentic Self

by Macy Eleni

Become a thrifting queen and discover the exciting world of secondhand shopping with this comprehensive guide from TikTok style star Macy Eleni.

Macy Eleni is a thrifting expert. Bargain hunting since she was a teen who was short on cash and long on a desire to express herself, she knows that staying on trend without breaking the bank—or increasing your carbon footprint—is not only easy, but also thrilling.

Second Chances is a unique guide to a one-of-a-kind, circular wardrobe. Eleni’s superpower is sniffing out great finds and here she walks you through the art of in-person discovery at thrift stores and vintage shops, estate sales and flea markets, yard sales and antique stores—and online resale platforms. This book will teach you how to organize your existing wardrobe, evaluate pieces you find, and manifest your dream closet.

After more than a decade as a thrifting expert, Macy has compiled every tip and trick in the second-hand shopping world from sizing and repairing to tailoring and cleaning—this book covers it all.

Macy also calls on other thrifting experts of diverse backgrounds to share advice about how to navigate a fashion landscape with regard to body type, gender, and ethnicity, so you can easily seek out the clothes that speak to your unique identity.

Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just getting started, this book will be your go-to guide for looking your best, feeling your best, and giving clothes the second and third lives they deserve!

PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Second Chances is a trendy and stylish guide by Macy Eleni for sourcing wardrobe treasures on the secondhand sale venues (thrift shops, resale/consignment, estate sales, etc). Released 24th Sept 2024 by Simon & Schuster on their Simon Element imprint, it's 224 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

Funky, eclectic, exuberant, and kinetic the entire book feels like it's ready to burst its covers and explode in technicolor. The author has such an encouraging, chatty, and kind vibe. Definitely the opposite of snooty or "mean girl", she's inclusive and fun, and has filled the book with lots of good tips, but also the compassionately related background for her own style journey. She mentions her own challenges alongside tips for scoring great vintage clothes at an affordable price point.

The colorful graphics, funky photos, and non-conformist style choices give the whole a youthful (tween/teen to young adult) vibe. The chapters are short, with individual categories together, broken up by inset highlighted text boxes and photos (so many photos).

It's definitely not just fluff, however, and Ms. Eleni makes a lot of salient points about the unglamorous facets of the fashion industry, exploitation, landfills, fast fashion, and sustainability alongside her tips for scoring treasures. She also makes a conscious effort at inclusion and specifically includes tips for folks of all sizes/bodies, and LGBTQIA+ fashionistas.

The photos she includes are mostly her own (funky eclectic) style which calls to mind a bit of Cyndi Lauper with some 1985 Desperately Seeking Susan ; not a bad thing, but not for everyone. There aren't a lot of specific, concrete bits of advice aimed at readers whose tastes deviate a lot from her own (and that's fine), it's just that readers who already know *what* they're looking for will probably find more to utilize.

The appendices include a list of good thrifts/sources arranged geographically by US state as well as a short glossary. There's a cross referenced index which allows searching by designer name as well as item.

Four stars. It would make a good choice for public or school library acquisition, for budding thrift buyers, or possibly for gift giving purposes.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of information here (even considering I've been thrifting since the 1980s). The author is friendly, non judgmental, candid, and informative. The tips are useful for beginners especially but also even those who have thrifted for years. The focus is on using thrifting to create your own style and for sustainability - rather than anyone looking to create a career out of it. I wouldn't go so far as to say this is the ultimate guide but it is a solid one.

The book breaks down as follows: Where to begin, tips to thrift by, the three E's, finding the perfect fit, trash but make it fashun, wardrobe maintenance, thrift and flip, estate sales, more questions, secondhand outfit equations, index. Within these chapters are copious amounts of photographs but they are all low quality polaroid/cell phone which really is the biggest detractor in the book. It's hard to take any inspiration from them since they are usually dark/heavily shadowed and also incredibly small. They make thrift look ugly and that's a shame.

The usual tips of going early to thrift stores, being there on restocking days, etc. are of course there. But there are also section devoted to stains, measurements, dealing with so many thrifts no longer having dressing rooms, etc. Of course, there is a focus on designer labels since those are the feel-good treasure finds. But I did appreciate that the author brought in influencers who thrift plus size, non binary, and queer. So yes, while the author is a very slim size and so has a whole store to shop from, she does try to address the issue of size disparity.

There is also information about flea markets, consignment shops, and estate sales. The estate sales section was especially interesting and an avenue for great finds that many miss. There is down to earth information such as lists of solid thrift stores/flea markets by State as well as tips for the daunting 'bins' at the thrift outlets. So while there is general advice, there are also some great specific/practical tips as well.

In all, other than the honestly terrible photography, a good read. The author is very straight forward and this takes an hour reading top. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Sarah Dressler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you @simonelement for my copy of Macy Eleni’s recent release, SECOND CHANCES.

The book is a glimpse into the world of thrifting- a world that Eleni has apparently taken by storm from her Los Angeles home.

I found a few garment care tips useful within the book, and some details/resources about clothing tags- yes random I know.

The rest of the book was a bit of a struggle. Eleni’s style is SO different from my own that I had a hard time translating it to what would work for my own style. I believe it is important to buy smart rather than nabbing fast fashion (as Eleni also asserts), but I had really hoped to see a few more classic pieces.

Eleni does share some great thrift locations across the country- unfortunately none are anywhere near me, unless I am headed to Philadelphia.

If you enjoy thrifting, you may already know most of her tips, and if you are looking to get into thrifting and have your own eclectic style, then you may find this a useful resource!

Do you thrift? If so, what? Household goods? Clothes? Accessories?

My favorite things to do are attending estate sales, browsing vintage jewelry!

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated Second Chances by Macy Eleni 4 stars because I have a love fashion and thrifting. This book shows how to thrift, where to shop, and what to grab. Macy writes about her struggles in her life and how thrifting is an escape for her. I have been thrifting with my mom since I was an infant. It is a super cool thing to do to find designer brands or the new fashion trend for cheap. It's a cool book for beginners who just have no clue what you're doing. Macy talks about how to get rid of stands, to tell if it's real, or if you even like the idiom in general.
" I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at a pretty young age, and there fore spent a lot of my adolescent days down in le dumps." This quote sticks out to me because thrifting was her escape. While thrifting, she shops, and she is always on top of the latest fashion trends and knows what her style is. She was in a dark place and found something that could make her happy, which every one should have and people usually do.
Macy Eleni did an amazing job writing this book, This book seems like it's based in the 00's, talking about Ke$hea and older forever 21.

[amandatheleo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read! My only criticism is I wish it were longer. This is very much a beginner's guide/101 about the world of secondhand goods: thrifiting, estate sales, consignment shopping etc. As someone who is a novice myself, this book couldn't have come at a more perfect time. I will be getting a copy of the book once it's officially released to have on hand when I go thrifting, and I would recommend others do as well. There is a lot of content packed into this book, but it is organized in a way that if you are venturing to a flea market for the first time, or visiting an estate sale, you can just flip right to those respective sections and make your plan from there. I'm glad the author has social media so that it will be possible to continue to get real time tips, but I do hope she writes more books that are fully dedicated to each topic area. I would absolutely read a whole book on navigating estate sales alone.

* I received a digital ARC copy of this book through NetGalley

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a thrifter since the early 70's! I still enjoy looking for vintage treasures. What I have noticed over the past few years is that thrifting is getting real trendy and prices are being jacked up. The poor many of these places served, are no longer affordable by the very people they were meant to help! Ah, well, times have changed... Second Chances needs better editing. It's a tad too repetitive But perhaps the teens who will be reading it won't care. I was kid of expecting some fashion modleing of clothes to show teens some ideas of outfits. The books in inclusive in including the LGBT community and plus-sized folks in it's pages. If there is someone in your life who enjoys thrift shops, fleamarkets, second hand shops, etc, they may well enjoy this book. Oh, it sheds lots of light of the clothing industry fast fashion, recycling, bad for the environment clothing, etc. Lots of reasons to thrift for sure.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Athena · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining and comprehensive guide to thrifting by a very passionate girl. This was my first encounter with Macy Eleni and I found her to be frugal, fun, and fashionable. The book has great visuals and a layout inspired by the fashion magazines she grew up on.

The negatives: shoddy grammar and the use of the word "donning" and even "dawn" (yeesh) to mean wearing or wear when in fact it means the act of putting something on, not wearing it. And the insistence that you should wear whatever makes you feel good. Sometimes a cute piece or even a piece that makes you feel great actually looks atrocious on you. You're not Lady Gaga. You can't pull it off. So sure, wear whatever you want. But be aware that you may look terrible and people will notice.

Thank you to Simon Element for my copy.

[Becky of Becky's Bookshelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review

Second Chances: The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting, Sustainable Style, and Expressing Your Most Authentic Self by Macy Eleni is a great book for learning how to thrift and has great content for those who have been thrifting for awhile. She shares how to remove stains, the different types of thrift stores ,brands to look for and so much more. The books is filled with beautiful pictures, guides and so many helpful tips. I have enjoyed reading and highly recommend!

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm way older than the author and had been an experienced thrifter since before she was born, so nothing was new here, but I thought I'd check it out from the library. The subtitle says "Authentic self" but I'm a little disappointed that the author really seems to love the high-end labels. How authentic is that? Oh, well. Lots of photos, personal anecdotes, and side bars. Her style is definitely not mine. I do appreciate that she talks about her "size privilege," that is very honest. This would be a good book for someone who is a bit uncertain about thrifting or buying used goods in general.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Quick read with a few handy tips. I appreciated that it included sections on practical things like cleaning stains and using tailors & cobblers, alongside tips on finding good stores / sales. There was a bit on figuring out your style, too, though I wouldn't have minded more. I wasn't familiar with the author, and didn't care for her style, so the many pics of her high-end finds weren't that interesting to me. Still, reading it made me eager for a thrifting trip!

[Laura Diez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly feels like the best of 00s fashion magazines - creative interviews and spotlights, lists for reference, and step-by-step tutorial photos. Macy’s voice is so clear, and the narrative comes across incredibly personal and engaging, especially for a nonfiction read. Read it in one sitting or bounce around and use as reference material. Something to learn for even the more seasoned thrifters!

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information is useful for thrifters. It would have been cool to have some of the items made like a checklist at the end so people could use as a guidance for thrifting. I wish pictures were utilized better and were given more room to be seen. It felt like a lot of the pictures were squeezed on the pages. And I'm not a fan of bleach eyebrows.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good tips, but unless you are US based, the chapters on flea markets and estate sales doesn’t really help. Absolutely a good tool for beginners who want to start learning about thrifting/secondhand.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and enjoyable read! Definitely more geared towards thrifting newbies or those who may still have some lingering reservations about it, but still some helpful tips. Author's style is very much not my own, but I was still able to take away some advice.

[Matcha Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrifty girls bible

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s not to love? My zeal for thrifting has now extended to reading about it. This was right up there with Al Hoff’s Thrift Score zine and book. I like Macy’s emphasis on being nice to people also.

[MT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read! Some great tips for those just starting to get into second hand shopping and fashion!!!

[Kristin Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love you Macy! 💕💕

[[Hannah] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Macy is THE goat of thrifting. Thank you for blessing us queen 🙏🙏

[Kalani Curl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some good tips for thrifting and other modes of second hand shopping. If you’re interested in learning more about the secondhand world, I’d recommend it!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an accessible and thorough but fun guide to thrifting and sustainable fashion. It’s so clearly written by the author, her signature style and voice is recognizable anywhere. Loved it!

[Ren Crudele · Rating 5 out of 5]

a practical guide with the signature macy eleni voice - couldn’t ask for anything more!

[Aiyen Alt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun easy read. Macy has a distinct cadence and verbiage if you have seen her tiktok’s you will hear her voice speaking every word.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! Encourages all of us to promote sustainable shopping! Great tips in here for finding almost anything you desire secondhand!