Who doesn't love an awesome thrift deal? Maybe you don't because, like the old me, you have never stepped foot in a second hand store.
I used to think it was just for the less fortunate and there wasn’t a real fashion sense to be gained by purchasing people's undesirables.
Although I have grown-up hearing the phrase “ Another man's junk is another man's treasure”, it never occurred to me that I could actually find real treasures by thrifting.
Amongst other benefits, I have discovered that I was able to experiment with more styles than in regular stores. They also sell clothes from different eras, not only current trends, which is great for a classic-vintage-lover like myself.
Here are my top 5 reasons why I believe everyone should be a thrift lover.
1. You can find the most beautiful and upscale items
Yes sounds crazy, but it's TRUE!
Despite the unattractive and disorganized layouts in these stores you can find hidden gems, you just need to keep an open-mind and be patient to find the quality pieces.
When I enter a thrift store, I look for quality fabrics as well as the condition of the item.
Quality materials such as : pure cashmere, wools, linens, cottons, leather, silk and fur. I buy clothes that are only in pristine condition ; either new with tags or barely worn. Purchasing these finds with thrift-prices is such a steal!
Also, if you are a vintage lover like myself, thrifting is definitely for you! I have found my best vintage fashion-ensembles through thrifting.
Popular and expensive brand names are also very much prevalent at second hand stores. I was in shock when I found a beautiful Dolce and Gabbana
dress in mint condition for super cheap.
2. You save lots of money!
A cashmere top at a regular store would cost on average 200$, but thrift prices range from between 5-15$.
Another example, I have purchased leather skirts that cost between 10-20$ , whereas new would cost 300$ and more. Who doesn’t like a good deal?
3. You can express the REAL YOU
Due to the fact that clothing is so cheap at thrift stores you can buy more pieces which gives you a wider range of fashion choices to explore and to make your own. By trying on different styles, you will naturally learn more about your preferences and discover what suits your body shape best.
In the end, having the ability to look through countless fashion choices that are substantially cheaper than those at regular stores, will allow you to have a complete and fashionable wardrobe ready to dress yourself for any occasion with more fun and confidence!
4. Thrifting avoids supporting fast-fashion culture
It is a tragic reality that there are people in different parts of the world that work under dangerous conditions to earn despicably low wages in order to make modern clothing at a rapid pace for the western world . This is a grave enough reason to avoid spending our money at regular fashion-outlets all-together, but in addition to this tragedy, it is also detrimental for our environment as the quality of clothing is rarely upheld and the workers are forced to produce massive quantities of cheap synthetic materials that cannot be recycled when thrown out.
Furthermore, by in-person thrift-shopping, we reduce our carbon footprint. This avoids vast energy consumption that is required by online /fast-fashion shopping. We can also think of the process it takes to manufacture, produce and transport materials to stores and homes.
5. No two thrifting shopping experiences are alike!
If that doesn't excite you, I don't know what will . Remember the feeling of heading to a garage sale as a kid? Each garage sale experience was unique and exciting. The hope of finding a treasure that you can’t easily find elsewhere made it a blissful outing. The same holds true for thrifting as each day they have new stocks of clothes which makes it a fun adventure to find your unique treasures.
Before my ‘thrift-conversion’ you would never see me at a thrift-store because of my preconceived ideas, but now although money isn’t an issue, I find it hard to justify shopping at regular stores because the thrift experience is so rewarding ! Try it a few times and you’ll never look back.
"Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it."
— Diane von Furstenberg
Written by : Miriam de Galembert, The Intentional Woman
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