THE IDEA
When initially deciding I wanted to set up LEFTHANDBAGS in the summer of 2023 the main questions I was faced with were:
1. What is stopping people from shopping second-hand?
2. What is so appealing to people who are still shopping fast fashion?
3. How can I turn my obsession with thrifting and creative skills into a viable business?
Generally, second-hand shopping can (especially for the newbies) be categorised into two extremes: The up-priced 'Vintage' resell market or the sometimes mammoth (but I think very invigorating) task of charity shop bargain hunting. Of course we have some amazing resale apps that place conscious commerce at their centre but that still requires a good eye, a chunk of time scrolling and an uncertainty regarding quality at the end of it. From my research I can see there's very little in between.
THE SOLUTION
So, thats where LEFTHANDBAGS comes in. I decided why not invent a done for you service, where I spend my time sourcing, styling and sending the best bags I can find across all corners of the secondhand market so that you don't have to.
*Please reach out for PERSONAL SHOPPING REQUESTS, I'd be happy to help you source the perfect second-hand steal for any upcoming events!
From timeless classics, to trending totes LEFTHANDBAGS brings you the best second-hand handbag styles all in one place. My Mission? To nit-pick online marketplaces, scoure carboots and dissect chazza shops whilst injecting my creativity, styling and circular process' to prove to you second-hand really can be that cool & contemporary.
There's no denying fast fashion and particularly online e-com is super fast, it's easy and ultimately it's affordable. But I think we all know to some conscious level that that speed and price often comes with a deluge of problems for both people and planet.
THE PRICING PROMISE
Although I can't quite keep up with 100+ styles a day that fast-fashion scarily provides, I aim to do BIG monthly drops, peppered with a few trending beauties along the way. However one thing I can promise is that all bags will remain affordable, no 'vintage' mark-ups, just cost-effective, planet-effective, sustainably-sourced bags.
My pricing reflects my time sourcing, styling and sending, including my 100% compostable @wastebased mail bags & @wastebased Garment Bags that are completely dissolvable in hot water, which ensure all of my business process’ are as planet and people conscious as can be.
I strive to maintain a certain quality promise but any mini marks or (perfect) imperfections will always be reflected in the price. Our bags come with the condition of being well worn, well loved but well looked after and I hope they can live yet another life in your wardrobe.
JOIN THE SECOND-HAND GANG
No more endless scrolling through that marketplace app, or struggling to find what you’re after on the highstreet. Online browsing? Fast and direct delivery? A wide variety of styles? We’ve done the hard part for you. Now the only question remains, Why spend £15 on a fast fashion handbag, when you can spend £15 on a durable, delicious lefthandbag.
I hope as we grow I can prove to you that shopping sustainably through LEFTHANDBAGS is just as cost effective and easy and A LOT LOT COOLER than shopping fast fashion. But most importantly I hope business' like this start to alleviate the effects of mass non-biodegradable fabrics, the endless unethical trading and constant planet-pummeling process' that fast fashion comes hand-in-hand with.
You can subscribe to become part of the second-hand gang where you will receive exclusive discounts, *future IRL event info* WATCH THIS SPACE, updates and spotlighted products.
Maddie Ford - founder, sourcer, photographer and post man @ LEFTHANDBAGS ♻️👜♥️
