Buying Levi's Jeans On-line: New vs. Second Hand

Hello lovelies!

Today I'm going to share with you my experience in buying Levi's jeans on-line.
I'm a big fan of Levi's jeans, ever since I was a teenager. Currently in my wardrobe I have only 3 pairs of Levi's jeans: One that is white, bought in a local second hand store in Italy (but they were brand new, with a tag still on!), and two other pairs that are classic blue jeans.

Both of them I got this year, on-line, so I wanted to share a bit of my shopping experience with you.

First, I went for a brand new pair of Levi's Mile High Super Skinny jeans, and I got them at zalando.it web store. I searched for them during the sales period, and they were the last pair left in my size, discounted from over €100 to €50. 
That is still quite pricey, but it's Levi's we're talking about, and this mile high model is super flattering on all us Moms who need a bit of an extra support in the belly area. It's also very stretchy and just overall extremely comfortable pair of jeans.
The perks of shopping at web stores such as zalando is that you have the option to return the package for free if for some reason you don't like the item, or it doesn't fit. Also, you'll often have coupon codes for a bit of a discount, or free shipping.
So I wasn't worried about picking out the right size for me because I knew I could easily return them without having to pay for the shipping. You can also check out your size with a quick on line test, or comparing your measurements to the measurements of the model that is wearing the item you're about to purchase.

image source: Zalando

Overall, I was extremely satisfied with my purchase.
But recently I wanted to add another Levi's jeans to my closet, and I really wanted it to be an older, second hand pair. First, because I wanted to save up some money (indeed, I was able to find my perfect jeans for only €16), and then also because I'm trying to be more conscious when purchasing new clothes for my wardrobe.
A different way to shop... is to shop sustainably! 

For every preloved item purchased compared to new one you’ve helped to save: 4kg of CO2 pollution, 2700 litres of water, another garment not going to landfill, pesticide and herbicide pollution.

The model of Levi's jeans I picked out this time is the 511 Slim Fit.

I searched at ASOS marketplace, and the store whose offer I liked best was Messina Hembry. I liked the fact that they have reasonable prices for second hand items, and also quite low cost of shipping. Their feedback is very high and they have nice reputation so I decided I was going to place my order!

The item was described as "Good Used Condition - the item shows minor signs of wear - Light wearing signs on the hems."

They ship from the UK, and it took about 10 days for the package to arrive to Italy (they said it would take about 14 days, so it's definitely nice that it came a bit earlier than expected!)

To me personally the items seems in an excellent condition, so I'm even wondering is it really from the early '90.-ies, I mean, the inside label is still as good as new (my new "Mile High" jeans that I've had for only a few months, already have the inside label more faded!).

Basically I got a pair of jeans as good as new for just a fraction of what their retail price is in a regular store!

The tricky thing here might be picking out the right size for you! I was quite worried about ordering them, not being able to try them on beforehand. I ordered the size 27 (same as the "Mile High Super Skinny Fit" model), and length 32.
If the size doesn't fit, obviously you can return the item, but you do need to pay for the cost of shipping.
The jeans are just a slightly bit tight, but they still fit, so that's good! I guess it's a bit of a lottery picking out the right size without being able to try them on beforehand, so I was lucky. This model is actually regular waist, so that's why they fit a bit more tight on me, comparing to the other pair that have super high waist. Also, since I became a Mum, high waist is more flattering on me, but I still really do like the fit of these 511 jeans.
I guess next time when ordering Levi's jeans (regular waist) from second hand web stores, I should go a size up, just to be on the safe side. Besides, if they're bigger than expected, I can always take them to a seamstress to have them reworked, whereas if they're too small, there is really nothing I can do besides having to return them.
Here are a few pics of the jeans I picked:

image source: Messina Hembry

image source: Messina Hembry

Both shopping experiences were positive, but the second one is probably more satisfying as I was able to get that great bargain, have a pair of Levi's without breaking a bank, and also, give a second life to this "forgotten" clothing item, that's hardly even been used!

I'm really looking forward to shop again at second hand store, as a matter of fact, I probably won't shop in a regular store ever again :-D

Winter Thrift Store Fashion Haul from Textile House in Rijeka, Croatia

Hello guys!

Today I want to share a thrift store fashion haul with you! You might not know this, but I'm a big fan of thrifting and second hand and vintage clothes. Years ago, when I was living in London UK, I worked for a charity shop, Pdsa, and I still have some great items that I purchased whilst I was working (volunteering) there!

I still enjoy (very much!), visiting thrift stores and finding little gems :-)
But, truth to be told, I don't have a lot of time on my hands these days, to visit thrift stores. Usually, it takes a lot of time and patience to go through everything they have in their offer, and my little toddler certainly doesn't have that kind of patience.

A few weeks ago, when I was in Croatia, I was able to quickly pop to one of the local thrift stores, Textile House (my hubby was keeping an eye on our little one).
I had one hour to thrift (which isn't a lot), but I was lucky because the store was full of new arrivals, and basically as good as new clothes! The store was also packed full with people (apparently everybody loves thrifting in Rijeka, and maybe they knew when the store has new goods coming in!)

I managed to get four items (everything looks brand new, or barely even worn), and I love everything! Those are going to be great additions to my winter wardrobe.
I didn't get more because the items weren't actually very cheap (for a thrift store, I expected lower prices. I found out that the prices are a bit higher when they have new arrivals, and then, by the end of the month, they have bigger and bigger discounts.)
I still paid way less that I would in regular store, but in the past I thrifted clothes for way cheaper.
Anyway, this was my only occasion that I would get to thrift in a while, so I didn't want to pass on these items that I liked so much.

Here are a few photos of the items that I got, and I'm still to edit the video for my youtube channel, where you'll see how all these clothes look like on me!

I got these super cool wide leg, cropped pants and they fit me perfectly! I'm in love! It's one of the best items that I have for this season.
I think I might combine it with this red corduroy jacket by Tom Tailor. Corduroy garments are in for the current season, so I'm very pleased with this find.
Both of the items seem to be brand new (never worn!)

This faux suede vest is super soft and very warm! I can wear it on top of jackets, or sweaters, for that additional layer that will keep me super cozy and warm in cold winter days.
I also really like the color of this one! It came with a ribbon type of belt, but I chose to wear it with my double buckle, black belt that I wear with basically everything because it instantly updated any clothing item that I have.

Last, but not least, is this super pretty pink coat. I love it! Even in autumn and winter, I like to wear colorful things (my wardrobe is actually mostly colorful, I have very few blacks) as I find it brightens up the short and dull, rainy days.
I still need to get this coat to dry cleaning and then I can start wearing it (luckily the other items are all washable in the washing machine, because when you add the cost of dry cleaners, it adds up to the total amount spent on thrifting.)

I hope you liked this haul! Let me know, is there some item that you particularly liked?

I think second hand shopping is great option when you want to be more conscious, sustainable and help our planet! Also, it's awesome when you want to stay within a certain budget and the big plus is that you can really have that unique style (you won't see everyone else wearing the same item as you, from the current high street brands' offer!)


Until I have my winter fashion haul ready and edited, you can take a look at this summer's thrift haul,  from the same store (then, they were having amazing sale, and everything was reduced to cca 0,60 eurocents!!!)

xo from Italy,

* read more of my fashion & beauty posts on Glam Express

How to choose the right shapewear for yourself?

Hello lovelies!

I'm back with a new post :-) In this one, I'd like to share with you some tips on how to find the right undergarments (shapewear) for your body.
Because the holiday season is just around the corner, there are more occasions for parties and special events, that require some sort of a dress code. Picking out the right type of undergarment is very important because it can really help in shaping our silhouette and make the clothes fit nicer and just be more flattering on us.

Since I became a Mum, my tummy isn't so flat as it used to be, and if I want to wear a very tight fitting clothes, skirts, or dresses, then  I'm happier when I wear, for example, shaping tights underneath.
My waist has pretty much stayed the same, but many Mums need a bit of a help with that too (after pregnancy your body, especially hips, just becomes a bit wider, and that's it, so it's a good thing there is a clever way to visually help us in accepting our new shape!)

Often I get asked what is the best shapewear for tummy and waist and my answer is to always stick to your size and choose medium constriction to smooth lines, or if you want a "total body transformation", go for stronger constriction.

Among some of the best websites I like to visit for shapewear inspo is Loverbeauty , as they have the biggest possible selection of undergarments and shapewear for all sizes and purposes. I also like the variety of different colors and models they offer, the selection is just amazing!

Their motto is what stood out to me the most: They believe that regardless of size and age, every woman can be beautiful and stylish. Beauty should be a source of confidence, and they're here to help you out in making all the anxiety disappear! That's such a cool message :-)

So, as my work dinner with colleagues is coming up, I wanted to check out their selection of tummy control bodysuit , something that will make me feel confident enough in my new, bodycon dress.

Fun fact! Did you know? Many researchers have found that wearing shapewear can help someone to shed some extra weight. Shapewear is a type of garment that gives off compression to many areas of the body, helping to create a slimmer looking appearance. This means it can help to compress stomach fat, hip fat, thigh fat, arm fat etc.

This undergarment item is actually ideal for post partum recovery, it's tummy control body shaper that will help new Mums get back in shape quicker!

This shaper panty tummy control shaperwear and butt lifter is a must have in your wardrobe; if you're wearing a very formfitting dress, this will help in making your figure more flattering.

Another very useful and handy item to have is this deep V neck backless shapewear, it's seamless and has the slimming effect.

Here are some of it's features: 

1.) Hand made from performance fabrics that breathe and slim without flattening your body.
2.) A true fashion solution - It is perfect for low-back and plunging necklines and is virtually seamless.
3.) Built in bra for maximum cleavage without an underwire.
4.) Adjustable straps for versatile wear.
5.) Double layer powermesh gives all over firming, smoothing and slimming for a curvy silhouette.
6.) Contoured hemline prevents bunching and riding.

At Loverbeauty they always have a very cool "sale" section, worth checking out, and also, "what's hot", to stay in touch with the newest arrivals or best sellers!

If you want to get some classic and basic body shaping undergarments to your wardrobe, take a look at their web store!

*in collaboration with Loverbeauty