It all started when I was 7 years old.
My mother would take me with her to stores, and I fell in love with the process of browsing and buying. It seemed as if my love to shop was in my DNA.
These shopaholic tendencies have yet to diminish as I’ve grown older.
As most people do, I had grown accustomed to going to the mall and shopping at famous fast-fashion brands such as Forever 21, H&M and American Eagle without thinking twice. These brands mass produce items for low prices which usually includes unfair working conditions, poor quality products and negative effects on the environment.
It wasn’t until I learned about these issues that I realized how powerful my spending habits were and what my dollars were supporting.
I have found thrifting to be such a joy in my life, and the benefits I’ve listed below have encouraged me to make it my primary way to shop!
- It is environmentally friendly & promotes fair working conditions.
-
As shoppers, we often do not think about what goes behind the making of what we purchase.
Unfortunately, the sad truth is that poor working conditions and unfair wages is often a trend behind most fast fashion brands. Workers are often underpaid and work in unsafe conditions. Second hand shopping helps to reduce the environmental toll that mass producing clothing by reducing the demand thereby reducing production and pollution.
- It is affordable.
-
Another bonus to thrifting is the amazing prices! Everyone loves to save a few dollars here and there, right?
Depending on where you shop, you can often find pieces for insanely low prices. This helps with your finances in the long run and encourages you to continue to shop second hand!
- It inspires creativity & uniqueness.
-
Second hand shopping is like an intense and exhilarating scavenger hunt.
I love that finding items I love is a bit harder, because when I do find them, I feel like I won the lottery. Knowing that the pieces I find are unique and that there aren’t 50 others of the same thing in the store is so rewarding.
I have found that I step out of my comfort zone more often with my style and that I am more apt to try new fashion trends that I normally wouldn’t before. This has inspired my artistic side to come out and for me to think outside of the box, which has brought me so much joy.
Another aspect I have grown to love is “thrift flipping” items, which involves taking a thrifted piece and making it your own by sewing, cutting or transforming the item. This has also encouraged my creativity and helps me make pieces completely unique to me and my style.
Stay thrifty friends!