A self proclaimed fast-fashion shopaholic to a thrift store queen – how did that happen?
I have always been one to be on trends and follow big brands and fast fashion companies to stay on top of the latest style. There’s something about ordering clothes and getting them in 2-3 days that really feeds this instant gratification world that we live in. The more I bought, the more I noticed how many clothes I just bought for the sake of having and not to wear. We’re talking hundreds of dollars on clothes that I maybe wore only once? The amount of clothes I’ve donated that were brand new with tags is disgusting. Leading us to here –
This girl thrifts and she absolutely love it. Here’s a little more into the nitty gritty on why I started thrifting :
Full Disclaimer – I still shop at some fast fashion brands and designers, thrifting is my way of supplementing my existing wardrobe
Cost Effectiveness
You’d be surprised the amount of money that you save when you thrift. Just last weekend, I bought a brand new tan colored trench coat (very on season), vintage Polo Ralph Lauren Pants, and no-name high waisted slacks that appear to be from the 80’s for under $30 dollars. Yes, every trip is different and you will most likely strike out a few times, but that’s what makes it fun! That same haul of 2 pairs of pants and trenchcoat would easily topple over $150 dollars – much higher than that if you are looking to name brands!
It’s Unique
You know what’s annoying? Going out and seeing someone else is the same outfit as you, – whether it’s the skirt, top, or jacket you are wearing – it’s always strange seeing someone in your clothes. But let’s think about it here, You’re buying clothes from Zara, Vici, Shein, whatever fast fashion site you choose – those companies are pumping out clothes left and right. You are bound to bump into someone with the same pieces as you!
Thrifting is pretty much the exact opposite. It is easy to find one of a kind pieces or even find a piece and make it your own! You’re only spending a few dollars on it so why not try cropping that blazer? Or buying that long dated dress and making it cute and summery! When you thrift you are able to express yourself more through clothes. I recently found an amazing suede shacket – most likely from the 70’s – that is a staple piece in my wardrobe. People as me all the time where I found it and I proudly say Savers!
You’re bound to find pieces that you have never seen before when you go thrift shopping. You also will always find new items at every store or every day you go. It is fun to really piece together your wardrobe and make unique outfits that are not only on style, but so insanely you and unique that other’s can’t help but wonder where you go it. It’s not like they can search the item on Google and find it anyways!
Condensing My Wardobe
Hi I’m Tina and I have too much clothes. Hi Tina. Yes. It was a real problem.
These fast fashion brands fed to my addiction to need new pieces because they’re so cute and I had to have them! I would picture one outfit with a top and that was it. When I started thrifting, I had a similar mindset. The prices were so cheap I could get so much more for my money! No, Tina. Wrong. You’re going to have too much stuff you can’t even store all of it. True
Now when I thrift, I follow the 10 outfit rule – it’s changed my life. When I find a piece that I love, I have to think of 10 ways I could wear it with the clothes that I currently (that’s a big keyword) have. If I can’t wear it in 10 different outfits, it is not worth the space in my closet. Thrifting has forced me to re-evaluate how I dress and what I spend my money on. I guess this one is more of a life lesson learned through thrifting then why I started thrifting. Sorry about the tangent, but we’re back.
It’s a Creative Outlet
I never viewed fashion as a form of expression until recently. I started thrifting with hopes of being about to express myself through clothing and not blend in with everyone else. Through colors, patterns, and new cuts, I’ve been able to put together an incredible closet of one of a kind pieces – that when I style together form amazing cohesive outfits.
Searching for new items is such a rush – I genuinely enjoy combing through racks and bins to find my next vintage piece! I’ve learned so much about clothing, the years items were made, locations where the clothes were made, etc. It really is a science and it’s fun to be so creative but also learn a lot about the past. Thrifting is just one massive learning experience and allows you to harness tons of creativity!
Sick of Terrible Clothing Quality
You know what really makes me made? Seeing an article of clothing on a website be one color or look a certain way, and when it gets to your door step is completely and utterly different? Yea, I was getting tired of that happening. No more sheer white shirts and pants, dresses that your whole katush hangs out of, sizing that’s different for every item. That’s gone and in the past.
You can really find very good quality items – I know thrifting gets a bad rap sometimes, but it really is a goldmine! That trench coat I mentioned before, you should see the stitching on that! It’s beautiful. I’ve found plenty of designer items with non-designer prices, like Fendi, Gucci, and more!
Jumping in the thrifting world has been really fun for me. I’m excited for all. my hauls to come and all the amazing pieces I stumble upon to add to my closet!
Teena Fey 
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