Fashion people show us the cherished pieces they’re selling on FJ’s eBay store

“If you really love fashion, you want your pieces to be worn and out there in the world.”

Clothing can carry a lot of emotional weight. I have a long, dark green coat that I wore almost every day when I was studying abroad in France that I’m not sure I could ever part with. It reminds me of another life and every time I’ve worn it since, I’ve felt sentimental.

Whatever the item is – be it a special handbag that you saved up for or a top that you inherited from a family member – there’s nothing wrong with attaching emotion to your clothes.

For more on the circular economy, head to our Pre-Loved section.

The only catch is when you hold onto a piece of clothing purely because it holds sentimental value. There are some exceptions to this, but for the most part, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of keeping too many items from your past lives. Sometimes, your love for an item of clothing is the very reason you need to set it free, allowing it to be re-loved by someone new. Perhaps it fulfilled you once, but leaving it to waste away in the corners of your wardrobe is no way to honour it.

Though it’s no easy feat (emotionally speaking), we challenged a few close friends of Fashion Journal to take stock of their wardrobes and list some of their most cherished items that simply don’t get enough wear on the Fashion Journal eBay store. Whether it’s Ella’s Anna Quan blazer bought for her first ‘big girl’ job, Lara’s Penny Sage shirt that brings back memories of her hometown or the Proenza Schouler bag that had Giulia breaking out in sweats upon purchasing, there are plenty of memories attached to these pieces. 

Read below for the stories behind the garments, then browse and bid on these and other items from the FJ team’s wardrobes here. 

Gucci belt

Sold by: Georgina Woolcock, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Executive

If you’re even remotely into fashion, I’m sure there are certain iconic pieces that now feel almost traumatic, instantly taking you back to your teenage years. It could be a peplum top, a statement necklace or something more broad, like a retailer that’s no longer operating. 

For me, it’s the GG belt from Gucci – it made up the party uniform of our generation, paired with a crop top and skinny jeans that were so tight they could be mistaken for leggings. I saved up money from my first job for months to purchase it, just to never take it out of the box. While the style holds too many memories for me to ever wear it unironically, designer belts are undeniably having a chic comeback and this one deserves to be properly loved.

Bid on it here. 

Penny Sage shirt

Sold by: Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Features Editor

This top is really sentimental to me. It’s one of the first pieces I bought from New Zealand label, Penny Sage. This green gingham fabric (which she also brought out in an iconic long sundress) reminds me of carefree summers in Auckland five years ago. I got so much wear out of it but I haven’t reached for it in ages. It’s still in great condition and needs to find a new loving home!

Bid on it here. 

Proenza Schouler bag

Sold by: Giulia Brugliera, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor

This was my first ever really expensive designer purchase. I remember breaking out in sweats at the David Jones counter when I bought it. It’s been lovingly well-worn over the years but I don’t reach for it anymore, holding onto it purely for sentimental reasons. 

A quote from eBay Australia’s Fashion Lead, Anne-Marie Cheney, really struck a chord with me recently. I’m paraphrasing, but it was along the lines of ‘if you really love fashion, you want your pieces to be worn and out there in the world’. It’s time this beauty goes back out into the world (timely, given there are whispers it’s about to start trending again).

Bid on it here. 

Moschino Cheap n Chic wrap top

Sold by: Cait Emma Burke, freelance fashion writer and Fashion Journal contributor

I worked in vintage and secondhand fashion for a lot of my twenties, and this Moschino wrap top was the first item I bought at the cute little vintage store that hired me when I first moved to Melbourne. It sadly no longer fits me, but I got a lot of wear out of it over the years and it’s still in great condition. I  know there’s someone out there who will really treasure it. It’s super versatile too, I used to layer it over long-sleeve mesh tops or turtlenecks in winter and wear it over T-shirts in summer. 

Bid on it here. 

Ganni seersucker mini dress

Sold by: Giulia Brugliera, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor

Some sales are regretful and sting a little more than others. This Ganni dress is particularly hard to part with as I love seeing it in my wardrobe, but I just don’t reach for it enough. I know someone else will love it just as much as I do but get way more wear out of it, particularly now as we approach the warmer months. I see it worn with a cute ankle sock and loafer, with chunky necklaces (think coloured beads, pearls, etc.) layered on top.

Bid on it here. 

Anna Quan blazer

Sold by: Ella Taverner, creative producer and Fashion Journal contributor

I purchased this khaki Anna Quan blazer when I got my first big girl job out of uni. I was working in more of a corporate office environment and was on the hunt for a piece that could double as a great work/life number. If you’re looking for a modern take on a classic blazer, this longline option is for you.

Bid on it here. 

Yoli and Otis corset top

Sold by: Daisy Henry, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor

As soon as I saw this top on the Yoli and Otis website, I fell in love. I envisioned wearing it out on dates, in the park on a warm day or packing it in my suitcase for my trip to Copenhagen. The options would have been endless!  I knew when purchasing it that it was going to be too big for me in the bust and though I had every intention of getting it altered, it’s been sitting in my wardrobe for far too long. It’s new with tags, so I hope someone can give it the love it deserves.

Bid on it here. 

This article was originally published on November 15, 2024.

To shop these pieces and more, head to eBay.

eBay is not endorsed by or affiliated with any of the brands referenced in this article.