The art of waiting

The biggest thing I’ve taken away from all my years of shopping pre-loved has been patience. Especially for more obscure items. The timing has to be just right. You need to be actively seeking out said item, at the same time someone is choosing to list it (on any number of re-sale sites), and crossing fingers that the price the seller is asking is in line with what you’re willing to spend. At this point I’ve lost count of the number of times the stars have aligned, only to lose out as I can’t wrap my head around the asking price.

Wearing (old) Celine cashmere knit (size S); Witchery jeans (size AU8); Andersons belt (size 70); About Arianne shoes (size EU40); Saben bag (JAMIELOVESSABEN for 15% off)

Seven years might be the longest I’ve spent searching for an archival piece to add to my closet. This #oldceline knit – a masterpiece of the Phoebe Philo era – sitting firmly in that box. But when it’s good, it’s good. And that’s worth waiting for. 

This particular sweater has a bit of a story. I first tried it on eight years ago, when I first moved to Sydney. I was working at David Jones head office, and would spend the majority of my (short) lunch break mooching around the store. Refining a wishlist and familiarising myself with Australian designers. 

What caught my eye most of all though, was the small Celine concession, where this knit held pride of place. I tried it on then, but on my salary, it was out of the question. Even with a 20% staff discount. So began my hunt to track one down online. 

This started a daily search to track one down but after twelve months, not one possible option had popped up. They were either snapped up immediately, or, I was completely priced out. 

Fast forward a few years. I was shopping in the city and felt this pull to take a quick browse in the Celine boutique. This was mere months before Hedi Slimane’s first collection hit the shop floor. And there it was. In the taupe, and in my size. At the time, I had the money saved up, and could afford it, but I still hesitated. Those especially expensive purchases are ones I find hard to go through with even after years of consideration. It was the height of summer, and the timing just didn’t feel right. I hesitated. 

Slimane’s vision for Celine being the polar opposite to Philo’s, meant that any chance of snagging one in-store was soon scuppered. All the while, I continued to look online.

It was only at the start of this year that I finally got lucky. My size. Brand new condition, and a price I was willing to pay. It was the one key exception I made as part of my low buy, and one I’m happy I didn’t let pass me by after all these years. Truly a piece of clothing – and fashion history – that’s been worth the wait.