Fashion Revolution Week: Secondhand Shopping & Thrift Tips!
It's Wednesday and we are halfway through Fashion Revolution Week! Today I'm taking a short break from sewing projects to talk about my favorite Haulternative to Fast Fashion! For the past several years, thrifting has been my #1 way to get a "new" wardrobe. I've been cleaning out all the clothes I don't wear or fit my style, and I'm mindfully filling it in with secondhand finds (along with upcycles and handmades of course!)
My #1 favorite resource to shop secondhand is ThredUp. It is so easy to find whatever I'm looking for with their filters, and returns are a breeze! I've been shopping on ThredUp for about 3 years now, and just became a ThredUp Ambassador! This is a huge deal for me, because this is a company I really believe in and love. I don't work with a lot of brands because they don't align with my values, but I'm thrilled to share all about ThredUp, which I do over on Instagram all the time anyway! This floral romper and these flats are from ThredUp!
Like I mentioned in yesterday's post, most of my activewear wardrobe is second hand and comes from ThredUp. I like to filter by condition of apparel, New with Tags or Like New condition to ensure I will get the most life out of my "new" garments. I also shop ThredUp a lot for secondhand shoes! It can be very hard to find my size (Size 5) in a retail store, and even harder to find a pair while thrifting but I've found several pairs of shoes on ThredUp! Here's my current used shoe collection! (From Poshmark & ThredUp)
{If you are interested in shopping on ThredUp, follow this link to get $10 to spend (I'll also get $10 for the referral!)}
But this isn't the only place I shop used. Poshmark is my second favorite online resource. You shop from individual sellers, but there is a lot more variety and you can ask questions about items before purchasing! Another place similar to Poshmark is Depop, which I haven't bought from yet. And there are your more popular places: Ebay and Etsy (for vintage). And for luxury items - I love looking (not doing much shopping on this site!) at The Real Real. Here's one of my favorite Poshmark purchases- overalls!
I also try to go to my local thrift stores, although I can't always get there (especially now on Stay at Home orders!). There are some local church thrift stores in my area, a few chain stores, and vintage shops as well. Among those, my favorite spots are Plato's Closet and Buffalo Exchange because they are a little more curated. Winter coat from Plato's Closet!
Thrifting in person can be disappointing, and you can definitely walk away empty handed. I've shared my tips for thrifting before but want to share them again for anyone looking to start thrifting!
Thrift Tips
-Go often! Stores get new inventory daily, especially if they also have a donation drop-off in store. New clothes are usually put on rolling racks on the floor before getting sorted throughout the day.
-If you like something, try it on. Vintage sizes are different from modern sizes, and something labeled at a different size than you wear may fit. And if something doesn't fit, remember the clothes are wrong - not you!
-Thoroughly look over each piece for wear and stains. If you are thrifting for clothing to wear off the rack, be sure that the pieces you pick up aren't worn. Check the butt and crotch of pants, underarms and necklines on dresses and tops, and double check zippers work and buttons are all there. If something has a small hole or stain, will you fix it? I have a pile of pieces that I say I will fix but rarely get around to them!
-Now, if you fall in love with something that is stained or worn and you have some sewing skills - take that piece home and get creative!
-Check all sections of the store. I like to take a look down all the aisles if I have the time, some items get misplaced, or hidden by other shoppers. And don't forget to shop the linen section for tablecloths that can make beautiful pieces and sheets that can be used for muslins!
-Check care labels. I find a lot of clothes that are Dry Clean Only, but don't go to the dry cleaners often. I only take those pieces if I really love it and can see it working well in my wardrobe. This is also a great way to add in more natural fibers to your closet. Cottons, linens, and silks can be plentiful when thrifting, and at a lower price point.
-If you are looking for worn clothing to refashion, ask an store employee if there are pieces you can go through that weren't good enough to be sold.
What's your favorite thrift score? One of my favorites was this Anthropologie Dress I bought for $7 that fits perfectly! The other, a faux leather jacket from a San Francisco Thrift Shop!
