Secondhand shopping is the only kind of shopping in my opinion – not only is it a feel-good environmentally friendly option, but once you start paying resale prices for super great stuff, it’s really hard to go back to paying full price. So how to make the most of it each time you shop and ensure you find all the best pieces your local Buffalo has to offer? Go in with a plan. Here are my top 7 tips for shopping secondhand!

First Stop: Shoes & Pants

Or your favorite sections! Always hit up the shoe rack and then pants first because they’re the trickiest things to find secondhand. The fit has to be just right. Personally, I don’t want to run out of time and, no matter what’s on my shopping list, I check these sections every time I go. As they say, the early bird gets the… perfect pair of denim.

Size Up the Selection

Size varies pretty drastically depending on the brand. At secondhand shops like Buffalo Exchange, you can shop all your favorite stores & brands in a single rack, so it’s a great idea to broaden your horizons. This is especially true for shoes and pants. Whereas I might wear a size 6 for certain brands, others might be a 10. It’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on some dreamy new denim or the perfect pair of kicks.

Graphic Tee Heaven

Always, always, always stop by the men’s tees to see what’s in stock. This is my favorite place to find graphic tees, from vintage band shirts and retro throwbacks to current trends. Personally, I like to wear them oversized or crop them.

Look for the Employee Picks Rack and Shop the Displays!

Many Buffalo Exchange locations will have a rack fully stocked with a selection of all the most current trends, in-season pieces and fun vintage. Don’t miss out on this section! It’s a great place to find style inspo and some of the most fun pieces the store has to offer. Everything on display is for sale, so don’t hesitate to ask an employee to grab something for you if you want to take a closer look.

Wondering Where to Find Workout Wear?

Check the s/m/l/xl pants section and the tank tops. I pick up most of my leggings and workout tops secondhand and, believe you me, you can find some incredible deals on Lululemon, Girlfriend Collective, Nike, Adidas and lots more. It’s one of the best-kept secrets, but you’re cool, so I figured I’d let you in on it. 

Check Behind the Counter

Say hello to your new favorite designer bag! Most Buffalo Exchange stores keep their highest end items (shoes, bags, sunglasses, you name it) in the jewelry counter and behind the register. Be sure to take a peek before you head out and, if anything piques your interest, ask to take a closer look! I’ve found most of my favorite bags this way, including a clear Kate Spade bag and a space-themed Coach cross-body.

Always Take the Trade

My best and final tip? Bring in your closet cleanout and take the trade! When you trade in, you get 50% of Buffalo’s selling price, which you can either spend that same day or keep on a digital trade card that never expires. I always find something to buy at Buffalo and I loooove the feeling of a free, no-guilt shopping spree every time I go. 

Ready to build your dream resale wardrobe? Find your local Buffalo Exchange and head on in to shop all your favorite current trends + designer, vintage and one-of-a-kind finds! If you’re cleaning out your closet, book an appointment to sell ahead of time so that you can trade in for new favorites – maybe without even spending a dime!

In February, I stopped by my local Buffalo Exchange for a LONG overdue shopping trip. In 2021, my goal is to focus on sustainable style: clothes that I’ll treasure forever, or timeless pieces that I know I can always trade in at Buffalo Exchange. Not wanting to overdo it, I made a promise to myself that I’d only leave with items I absolutely adored. Lo and behold, I found what I was looking for almost immediately: a VERY trendy pair of leather pants! At first glance, leather pants may seem like a strange choice — how often will I wear them? However, I found that they’re remarkably versatile, and I can totally see myself rocking them from fall to spring. Scroll through for three ways to style leather pants!

@buffaloexchange

Styling leather pants from Buffalo Exchange Part 3! #SecondhandFashion #ThriftHaul

♬ original sound – Buffalo Exchange

Colorblock with primary hues for a fun, artsy spin on no-nonsense leather (bonus points for added textures like faux fur and retro-inspired vinyl!)

@buffaloexchange

Styling leather pants from Buffalo Exchange part 4! #SecondhandFashion #ThriftHaul

♬ original sound – Buffalo Exchange

Although they seem to be from totally different worlds, a racing jacket, cashmere sweater and cowboy boots are MINT to be! Finish the look with a top handle faux croc bag.

@buffaloexchange

Watch Aarian style vintage leather pants with other finds from Buffalo Exchange! #SecondhandFashion #ThriftHaul

♬ original sound – Buffalo Exchange

Take a trip to Paris without leaving your block in a French-inspired look featuring polka dots, strappy sandals and a cloud bag in a monochromatic palette. 

As you can see, these black leather pants are far from basic! If you’re feeling inspired to shop, stop by your local Buffalo Exchange today. Each store is filled with classic staples, trendy pieces and one of a kind finds you’ll love. Plus, if you’re due for a closet cleanout, you can bring in your items and leave with trade to spend on a sustainable, new-to-you wardrobe! 

PS – Did you know that you can now schedule an appointment to sell online? Visit buffaloexchange.com/locations to find your neighborhood store and conveniently book your spot today!

Hey Buffaloes! Have you seen the Tokens for Bags® boxes near the checkout counter at your local Buffalo Exchange and wondered how it works? Instead of giving out single-use plastic bags, we hand out 5-cent tokens with each purchase that customers can donate to one of four rotating local non-profits. Since starting this program in 1994, we’ve donated more than $803,000 to thousands of local organizations and kept over 16 million plastic bags out of circulation. That means you can give back and help out the environment just by shopping! We support new non-profits every 6 months. Below are just a few of the awesome organizations that you can support at your local Buffalo now through the end of June.

Support Youth Affected by Cancer When You Shop at BE Tucson

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona supports, serves and advocates for children and adolescents with cancer and other blood disorders. It also supports their families, long term survivors, bereaved families and the professionals that care for them. This includes a prom for survivors and those undergoing treatment, Thanksgiving dinner and annual family camps. Currently, the Candlelighters Foundation serves approximately 300-450 children and family members annually. Support this great organization next time you shop at BE Tucson!

Give Back to LGBTQIA2S+ People Affected by the Prison System

Black & Pink is a national organization dedicated to abolishing the criminal punishment system and liberating LGBTQIA2S+ people and people living with HIV/AIDS who are affected by that system through advocacy, support, and organizing. Black & Pink provides inside member support to their network of 21,000 incarcerated members, along with community support to people who are impacted by violent systems (i.e. white supremacy, anti-Blackness, transphobia, incarceration, etc.). Support Black & Pink when you shop at BE Chicago (Andersonville), BE Fullerton or BE Costa Mesa!

Support Equine-Facilitated Learning and Therapy 

Healing with Horses Ranch is an equine-facilitated learning and therapy center that promotes increased independence and resilience through the power of the horse. By creating space for healthy relationships between horses and humans, they help students learn life skills in a safe, inclusive environment. It also provides four core services through equine-assisted learning and counseling that are tailored specifically to an individuals’ needs and goals. These include an Adaptive Riding Program for students with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges, an Equine-Assisted Learning program that promotes life-skill development, Equine-Assisted Counseling that is done with a licensed mental health professional and a Veterans Helping Veterans Program that meets weekly in group sessions to aid veterans in many capacities, including strengthening their relationships with family, friends and community. You can support this fantastic organization when you shop at our store in Austin, TX.

Help Create More Public Park Programs

The SPARK School Park Program works with schools & neighborhoods to develop community parks open to all on public school grounds. Every park is unique and designed to serve the needs of the surrounding neighborhood and school. The Spark program has built over 200+ parks throughout the Houston/Harris County area., with every park becoming public once school hours end for the day. Support this cause when you shop at Buffalo Exchange Houston!

Help People Affected by Homelessness and Poverty

FareStart is a James Beard Award-winning nonprofit organization that transforms lives, disrupts poverty and nourishes communities through food, life skills and job training. With the spread of COVID-19, millions of people are unemployed, shelters are experiencing dramatic spikes in the number of people they serve and many of our most vulnerable neighbors have lost access to food. FareStart and its Catalyst Kitchens members are producing more than 

800,000 meals a week to alleviate hunger and food insecurity in communities across North America. For more information, visit farestart.org, or stop in to support them when you shop at Buffalo Exchange Seattle!

Support Underserved Communities and BIPOC Communities in Oregon

For more than 35 years, The Black United Fund of Oregon (BUF) has been committed to providing financial support and life-changing programs for underserved communities and BIPOC communities in Oregon. Their ultimate goal is to increase opportunities for youth, encourage philanthropic activity and to put funds in the hands of BIPOC-led and -serving organizations that provide vital resources for underserved communities. Support those affected through the Tokens for Bags® program at Buffalo Exchange Portland (Hawthorne)!

Help Preserve Nature in Virginia

Now through June, we’re supporting the Nature Conservancy of VA through our Tokens for Bags® program at Buffalo Exchange Richmond! That means you can give back to this great organization just by shopping. The Nature Conservancy has worked in Virginia for more than 50 years, ensuring that the commonwealth’s forests continue to harbor wildlife, support recreation and forestry, and clean the air we breathe and the water we drink. Together with partners, local landowners and support from people like you, TNC has helped to protect over 500,000 acres of private and public land across the commonwealth, preserving many of Virginia’s greatest ecological treasures and the natural benefits they provide.

Want to find out which organizations YOU can support at your local Buffalo Exchange? Visit BuffaloExchange.com/Tokens-for-Bags-Charities/ and find your nearest location. Then, stop in to update your wardrobe and give back to your community while you’re at it!

Wondering what’s new in store at your local Buffalo? We get in a new selection of designer, vintage and one-of-a-kind finds at all of our stores on a daily basis! Check out some of our favorite finds recently, then head to your local Buffalo and let the treasure hunt begin! Our stores are stocked with designer pieces, once-in-a-lifetime vintage finds, incredible deals and great everyday staples. But don’t take our word for it – check out a Buffalo Exchange near you.

Doll’s Kill Care Bear Boots at Buffalo Exchange San Diego (Hillcrest)

Sequin and Patch Doc Martens at Buffalo Exchange Tucson

Doll’s Kill Desert Print and Metallic Platform Boots at Buffalo Exchange Tempe

Vintage Kiss T-Shirt at Buffalo Exchange Phoenix

Prada Boots at Buffalo Exchange Chelsea NYC

Collection of Jam’s World Button-Ups at Buffalo Exchange Chicago (Andersonville)

Sandro Romance Sweatshirt and Hand-Painted Denim at Buffalo Exchange Chicago (Wicker Park)

Collection of Vans at Buffalo Exchange Ventura

Doll’s Kill Rainbow Platforms at Buffalo Exchange San Diego (Hillcrest)

Collection of Simpsons Vans at Buffalo Exchange Eugene

Carmar Denim at Buffalo Exchange Dallas

Nikes at Buffalo Exchange Williamsburg

Inspired to shop? We have tons of protocols in place to make shopping safe and fun. Find your nearest Buffalo Exchange here! If you’ve been cleaning out your closet, you can also book an appointment to sell online. See you soon!

This spring, Buffalo Exchange sponsored the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona’s Unidas, a philanthropic program that serves teens by teaching them how to give back to their local community. “We are incredibly excited and thankful for Buffalo Exchange’s generous gift and commitment to support Unidas each spring,” says Dr. Amalia Luxardo, WFSA’S CEO. “Their donation will not only enable our budding teen philanthropists to award a local grant, but will also give them a firsthand look at corporate social responsibility.”

Focused on fostering a philanthropic spirit and supplying the knowledge and tools to create change in the community, Unidas gives young women the opportunity to grow while creating interpersonal connections with peers and mentors that will last a lifetime. “Unidas has given me so much valuable perspective on the world around me. I have met so many amazing, strong… inspiring young women through Unidas, which I wouldn’t have otherwise,” says Unidas participant Dylan Greenhill. “I have grown as a person, ally and advocate.”

Kerstin Block and daughter Rebecca Block, Founder & VP of Buffalo Exchange, are excited for this chance to support young women in Tucson: ““As a predominantly female company, we’ve always felt strongly about empowering women,” says Kerstin. “We also believe in the importance of giving back to the communities we’re apart of. The Unidas program not only empowers young women, but it teaches them to be our future’s philanthropists. We’re proud to support that mission.”

Click here to learn more about Unidas and the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona. For more of Buffalo Exchange’s community support initiatives, visit our Giving Back page!

I la la love spring! Flowers blooming, the sun peeking out from the snow and the perfect time to try something new. Read on for some of the trends we’re most excited about adding to our closets this spring.

Patchwork & Knitwear

Hey Buffaloes! Hop in my time machine because we’re going back in time. Back to the 70s that is! Disco music is playing faintly in the background, incense is wafting toward you, and polaroids are all the rage (oh wait….. that’s still happening!) Now that we’re here, might as well take advantage of colorful patchwork. These fabrics are so fun to wear and to see! Pair with a monochrome bag and shoes to make this statement item pop even more! 

Exposed Seams

To seam or not to seam, that is the question! And the answer is yes! Whether a pronounced seam on a 70s polo, a seamed top or lettuce hem, there’s no wrong way to wear this trend. Speaking of lettuce hems, did you know that they were created by Black fashion designer Stephen Burrows in the 1970s? Supposedly, he was inspired by Diana Vreeland, former Vogue Editor in Chief, who asked for a lettuce-colored clothing item.

Bye Bye Bye, Skinny Jeans! 

Relaxed-fit trousers are as versatile as they are comfortable.To complete the look, add a pair of your favorite sneakers and step confidently into this spring trend.

Lace & Mesh & Fishnets

Also known as sugar and spice and everything nice. Moving on from warm layers but still want to rock multiple pieces? These are your best layering friend. 

InVEST In Your Wardrobe

This spring, the VEST is yet to come. Say hello to the most delightfully unexpected spring trend: sweater vests!

The Feeling Is Neutral

Neutrals for spring may not be groundbreaking, but they are certainly a closet staple! Layer simple separates together for a chic, easy-to-wear look that goes with every occasion.

Matchy Matchy

Nothing goes better together than a matching set. Double up your denim or bleach dye your favorite jeans and tee to match!

Closet rotation: in progress. If you’re feeling inspired to shop, stop by your local Buffalo, where fashion’s a thrill, not a bill! All of our stores are stocked with trends like these, plus everyday staples, vintage, designer and one-of-a-kind finds that’ll have you saying, “You’re coming home with me!”. If you’re also spring cleaning your closet, book an appointment to sell it at Buffalo before you go.

Every six months, we support new local charities through our Tokens for Bags® program. Instead of giving out bags, we give customers the opportunity to donate five cents (the cost of the bag) to a charity of their choice. Our Tokens for Bags® program has raised over $803,000 for thousands of local charities since 1994, saving over 16.06 million bags from polluting the environment!

Find your local Buffalo Exchange below and check out the charities you can give back to.

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