Why I Don't Thrift | how to shop secondhand more intentionally
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
- #minimalism #thrifting #shopsecondhand
Today I'm sharing why I don't particularly like to thrift. When I shop secondhand, I typically like to do that with as much intention as I would anything else. And when I was a shopaholic, thrifting usually ended up becoming an excuse for me to over-buy and over-spend without any particular purpose, even if it was a "really good deal".
To be clear, there is NOTHING wrong with thrifting. In fact there's a world of good in it and it's one of the best ways to shop for a number of reasons. But in this video, I'm speaking about a perspective of thrifting that got me into trouble, and how I choose to shop secondhand with as much intention as I would anything else.
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I'm Christina, friendly neighbourhood human on the internet slash pharmacist. You may have previously known me as Style Apotheca. I'm living in Toronto, Canada and on my channel you'll find me on my journey towards minimalism, being content with less, recovery from a shopping addiction, and my journey towards financial freedom from over $120,000 in student loan debt. Thank you SO much for watching and taking the time out of your day to support my channel. A little thumb always helps support me! 
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I hope I’m not taking the fun out of thrifting! Bc it can be a blast! I just think it can be done within a set of boundaries that can benefit us “stuff-wise” and “money-wise” 🥰✨
I never thought about it but I was in the same boat buying TONS of stuff
I totally agree with over buying! It is so easy to get carried away with Thrifting!
My dad had been telling me since I was a kid that if you are filling your life with stuff there is something you’re feeling you are missing within yourself, it doesn’t matter if it is new or second hand.
When you get to the root of that issue you tend to find “things” aren’t the answer. I get where you are coming from.
@@Hiediho2337 excellent advice from dad
@@StephsHealthMatters he is the wisest man I know even if it took a “few” years to figure that out.😉
Something I’ve noticed is the scarcity mindset comes in when I thrift. Knowing the piece will likely be gone by the next time I come back puts me in a slight panic and makes me want to just buy it for a few dollars so I don’t pass it up.
Now, I mostly buy from outdoor brands like REI, Patagonia, etc that keep the same styles season to season, so I have a lot more time to think on the purchases. They last a long time, are usually produced sustainably, and are super easy to search and find on second hand websites, so it’s a win all around in my book
I love that tip!
I thrift about once a week but generally leave with nothing if I don’t find what I am looking for. However, I am a seasoned thrifter and recovered shopaholic so I have learned to discipline myself to not go crazy with desire. Like you said, if it kinda fits I used to buy it. I don’t anymore.
I really enjoyed the content Christina, I have felt the same way about thrifting and stocking up. Be a mindful consumer, be thrifty, sure but don’t over load the home to the point one can’t control it.
Yes…I was and am the same way with thrifting now…I still slip up and buy things for my fantasy self when I thrift but I usually remind myself it’s ok to have a slip up and try to resell it to get my money back and rehome it.
I second the discipline! It does take time and some mistakes to learn it seems, but it is a decision and a commitment. When I come across things that check my boxes, I will put them in my cart and browse for a little while with them in my cart. Often times, I end up putting them back as I think about them more. Recently, I have been convicted to actually leave them on the rack and come back to them. If I forget about them, well… then I have my answer. The most recent thing being a black Italian leather purse that was just beautiful. It was a little more on the pricey side being what it is, but I decided not to get it. When I saw it at the thrift store the next time I was there, I had lost interest. This will happen at home too with things I buy more impulsively. I will eventually see it in its place after I’ve bought it and I’ve lost interest. I end up reselling or returning depending on the store policy, and learning.
Similar to you I’ve learned discipline as a shopaholic and avid thrifter. Now that I’ve learned that I want clothes to fit well and be comfortable I can have more self control when stumbling on a “find” or “steal” at secondhand stores
I thought about this the other day... as a recovering shopaholic, I find thrifting very triggering. I can see the value for really creative people who look at a piece and see it for what it could be, etc.. but I'm just not that person. Ever since I started watching your videos, I shop with a list, wait for things, know what I want, have some rules (eg only buy a book if I'm going to start reading it immediately).. and thrifting is just not a good match for the new person I want to be, despite all the environmental benefits
*“It is preoccupation with possession, more than anything else, that prevents men from living freely and nobly.” - Bertrand Russell*
Never in my life I had problems with compulsive shopping, because I felt guilty about fast fashion. Then thrifting became trendy and omg, I spent a ton because I didn't feel guilty anymore! I definitely overconsumed.
Thank you so much for this video! It's exactly what I need now that I want to stop shopping for awhile!
I'm never leaving thrifting but definitely need to think more when I do it
I think you could group discount stores like Ross or TJ Maxx into this as well. It’s amazing how quickly things you don’t need start to add up.
I definitely agree. I recognized after only a few years of thrifting that the thrifted clothes were the ones that always ended up in the "toss" pile. Easy to get rid of because it was cheap. Easy to justify buying because it was cheap. Easy to stray from my true style being distracted because it was cheap.
Thrifting is fine if done with intention.
Most of my wardrobe is thrifted. I have some amazingly well made pieces I wouldn’t be able to afford new. But you have to be picky. I have a list on my phone of things I’m looking for. And that piece has to fit it exactly.
I agree that many RUclipsrs seem to thrift just for the sake of it. I often wonder what happens to the clothes after the filming.
ETA- I’m in the UK where thrifting isn’t as big. We don’t have the massive stores like in the US/Canada.
Absolutely!
It reminded me of mother of my uni friend, who used to thrift constantly as a hobby and bought a lot of clothes,bags and shoes "because they were cheap". When my friend was in high school it got to the point where clothes not only took over every nook and cranny of the two bedroom apartment but also whole garage (car was parking outside). Once she came back from shopping and showed her husband new bag, he got angry, go to the garage and showed her two identical ones to the one she just bought. So yeah, it can become a problem as easy as shopping mindlessly in the mall.
This is so very true. Watching certain RUclipsrs such as you is greatly helping me find my style, stopping the impulse buying, and ending my over buying ways.
Totally went there with thrifting - I got super into it in my late teens and early 20s and I’d say no more than 10 percent of what I bought or still own from second hand and thrift shops was worth it. I loved the comment below - that the rare finds are like a gambler recounting their handful of wins - but disregarding the 1000s lost!
I now thrift online - and rarely - I cannot spend time mindlessly browsing eBay/depop etc without making more unneeded purchases - so I only go to these sites if I am super specifically looking for something .
I feel like basically any time I shop to browse, kill time, or score “deals” I shop to excess and those purchases aren’t serving me.
Thank you for this video!
This happened to me during 2020! I became addicting to thrifting and the spending adds up plus the clutter. I realized this after I started watching your low buy and intentional shopping videos. I have now taught myself to really think through what I want to take home and not over do it. Thank you!
I just have to STOP going in...I'm not a window shopper...I do try to take bags with me to donate...but it seems like I leave with the same amount...I now go to a drive through donation center...I do not even have to get out the car ..
We used to mindlessly thrift every Saturday but now I have something in particular in mind. If I don't find it, I may still look around a bit, and I might even walk around with stuff in my cart...but end up putting it all back and walking out. Right now, I'm specifically looking for a pair of light washed jeans, from Old Navy, that I can cut the hem off and fray the bottom. That is very specific. That's what I want right now. So every one to two weeks, I will go to my favorite shop on Tuesdays, because it's 55+ day and I can get 30% off!!!! Love all your videos. You inspire me!!!
This rings so true for me as I was a chronic thrifter for years, in part because I couldn't afford new when younger then it shifted to a scarcity/hoarding mindset that became a habit. It has taken over a year to reset, but it's been well worth it as I took what I spent thrifting and saved an emergency fund as well as paid down debts. Both of those financial goals I didn't believe I had the means to do until examining my thrifting habit. Thank you for openly talking about this and moving with intentionality.
I feel called out.....in the best way. What a truthful perspective. Our local thrift shop used to have .99 cent clothing then skyrocketed to 4.99 during the pandemic. I often justified it because it was still cheaper than buying new. One of the biggest turning points was educating myself on fabrics- now I only buy natural fibers and am surprised how easy it became to notice a quality fabric from one made synthetically.
Thank you, Christina, for bringing light to an issue. I vow to do better 😊
🥰🥰
The people who cannot contain their shopping in second hand stores I don't think it has to do with lower prices, they are simply shopping addicted (or similar) most likely. I have the same shopping behaviour in any shop no matter what type, if i don't want to shop I don't, even if there are lots of things inside and even if they are cheap. I shop only when I really need to, and I am a big fan of the idea of a second hand story (but that doesn't make me shop more). I do get your point though and that applies to all those who are not really practical in handling their shopping desires.
very interesting insight!
Entirely agree with you. I used to thrift for gems and deals with no plan and be so giddy to see the amount of clothes I could get for so little money. However I found myself with "nothing to wear" because everything was mismatched! I still thrift in person (do not find the stores on internet appealing) as I can get better quality for my small budget but I do it more intentionally:
I have a list (2 lists incl. one with the items that I already own but could need replacement)
I check only the items in my colour palette
I can load my cart but will do a ruthless editing before going to the cashier.
I agree with you. I saw a beautiful wool coat the other day, but I didn't need it, it wasn't the right colour, so I begrudgingly left it there. However by chance in another normal store I did come across a winter coat I did need and would wear at a great price- so I'm glad I saved my money. X
That makes so much sense. I'm a recovering over-consumer which has left me with debt. I realised thats what I was starting to do. I began trawling charity shops as they are called here in the U.K.
Thank you for your vlogs. They really make sense to me. X
Great video! I agree so much. This summer I was garage saleing with my mom. I bought a bunch of random stuff I didn't need and have already sold and decluttered all of it. It was the thrill of the hunt and bargain. I won't make that mistake again.
This topic speaks to me. Been there done that. It's refreshing to someone address this issue. Bravo!
I love thrifting and when I was younger used to buy a ton whether or not it fit my style because it was vintage (regardless of how kooky it was) or designer. Lately I’ve switched to this mindset and I’ll only purchase items that I’m looking for and often leave without anything. Feels much better than having a bunch of items I won’t use, would rather save those impulse buy items for someone who will truly appreciate them. True vintage and designer labels were my weakness. Currently on the hunt for quality leather jackets for fall!
I was def over consuming when I was thrifting previously. I still love to thrift but between now being plus size with limited options and working on a capsule wardrobe with limited colors, I find I am buying much less, higher quality and more intentionally. My local thrift store organizes by color so I just go through the sections that are colors in my capsule. It literally takes half the time it did before, especially since I've learned more about quality fabrics and made a list of likes and deal breakers.
I 🤟 this video! I feel the exact same way now. I used to pride my self on not buying new clothes because it was better for the environment. But I spent soooo much money thrifting stuff and at least 70% of it ended up being donated. I was still contributing to the waist! So I started making a list in my phone. It has helped so much. And now I have the money to buy quality clothes that are exactly what I wanted 😊
Thank you for making this video. I've unfollowed a lot of channels over the years because of the excessive hauls and now I've seen the same trends in the thrifting community. Sure, it's better than fast fashion, but the excess is nauseating and it causes a lot of problems, too.
I have a capsule wardrobe series on my channel, and while I was looking for inspiration via watching other RUclipsrs make “capsule wardrobe” vlogs, i realized how many of them thrift and purge and thrift and purge again just to get the views. Totally defeats the purpose of a capsule. You brought up some great points in this video ☺️ subbed!
Thanks for saying it...people think just because it s secand hand, that its better, but this is the same...just stop over consumption
My experience with thrifting might be the contrary - I "found myself" more when I started thrifting. Before I moved to The Netherlands, it's more convenient to buy from fast fashion brands (a lot of hit & miss - plus the questionable business practices of these brands), get hand-me-down stuffs, or make something from scratch (can be costly). I learned a lot about my personal style, fabric cuts, material choices, etc. by visiting thrift stores & curated vintage stores around the country. There are times when I also feel that thrifting will facilitate overconsumption, you'll have to declutter more to make space for new stuffs you find at the thrift too, but I managed to steer away from it by having clear budget to spend (I try to not go over 30 euros when I go thrifting) & even clearer ideas in my mind of what I need/look for. Nowadays I mostly shop through Vinted, occasionally checking Depop & Etsy. I still go to flea markets and kilo shops, although not as frequently as I did before :)
I think the sense of clarity is key. I do agree thrifting offers a way to develop personal style (and being monetarily "thrifty"!) in such a unique and creative way that can't be bought from a mass manufactured store.
This is so well-put!! I absolutely love thrifting and I really needed to hear this. I try to watch videos in this genre to help curb the habit, but I haven't heard anyone articulate it as well as you did. Thank you so much for posting.
Also, my current tip or work-around for when I feel like thrifting: I try to look for gifts! There are a lot of holidays and birthdays coming up, and I've already found some quirky pieces for my friends and family. I have to be purposeful about it though because my default is definitely to just look for myself, so having a list like you said is really important for me.
Wow... so glad you addressed this issue, Christina! I have learned many of these same lessons about thifting. Such as, how easy it it’s to purchase items without really thinking about them because of the great deals out there. So, yes, this way of shopping seems to be turning into a new way to overindulge in mindless consumption. Lists and forethought have really helped me to control my spending.
Thank you for putting this into words! I am struggling with this phenomenon big time but I haven't been able to put the finger on it. Thanks, this helps a lot!! 🌺
Totally agree! I've unsubscribed to so many people bc I cant support compulsive spending, of any kind. Watching these videos made me want to go thrifting even if I didnt need anything. Thrifting/ thrifting hauls are just a politically correct form of engaging in excessive consumerism
Yes! Those thrifting hauls make us crazy!! I have unsubscribed most of them now. They seem all out of their minds lol
Such a good thing/topic to touch on. I just recently moved and the thrift stores in my new area just have so many amazing things and I need to limit myself from now on. I don’t want to get the feeling of over consumption from thrifting that I do from normal shopping.
Yes, thank you for making this video!
I recently discovered a beauty RUclips channel that’s made me reevaluate my relationship to shopping, and it inspired me to log and rank every item I’ve bought just this year. The number of clothing pieces I’ve purchased this year (many of which I immediately returned or re-donated within a year) is staggering. It’s really opened my eyes to how I’ve been over-consuming even though it was nearly all secondhand.
My grandmother was a master thrifter. The only thing she bought new was undergarments. I’m a mix of that. While I’m on my debt free journey I am low-buying. I did get two wool blazers, wool skirt, and silk blazer for under $15. I went looking for the blazers but the wool skirt was a treat. I did give away old polyester blend blazers that no longer fit me.
Love it! I think it’s an excellent way to shop and save money 💰 personally for me thrifting only really works out when I keep focused on what I’m specifically looking for, and avoid those distractions. Glad you found some great finds!
The bargin hunter in me gets put to work seeking out clothes for my rapidly growing 10 year old. Makes more sense to thrift as he's not in clothes for long and I feel less guilty about donating when used. Also means he gets some seriously cool threads!
Honestly really appreciate this perspective!
Ahh… the video I didn’t know I needed to hear lol thanks 😊
Great video! I am really enjoying your channel! I used to buy a lot at the thrift store, just b/c it was cheap. Now I am much more intentional and that feels better!
I am new to your channel. I really like your authenticity, calmness and thoughtfulness. Thank you
Your videos are how I start my day. Thank you!
1000% agree with you. I actually stumbled across your channel bc of my thrifting overconsumption. all of 2020 i tried to figure out my own style and only buying secondhand clothing within a certain color palette and style. Loved this vid!!
Yep. I used to call it "treasure" hunting. Consumerism as therapy or social outlets is still a trap.
I grew up quite poor and shopped at the Salvation Army and other thrift stores with my mom. She loved to buy all kinds of random unnecessary things. It was definitely the "retail therapy" she could afford, and it filled our house with clutter. I love the option of having thrift stores, and do try to buy things second hand when I can, but being able to walk away from emotional purchases is key.
Thank you for covering this topic. I can relate and this is not talked about enough. Overconsumption is overconsumption, whether it’s accumulated secondhand or not.
I really resonated with this video. I’ve had the same thoughts as you for a while and felt like I was the only one. Very well said!
I found your perspective to be really helpful. I usually shop on thredup, and I think I end up being intentional because I have to know what I'm looking for in order to narrow the search parameters down to a manageable size, and the prices are usually not dirt cheap so I have to make sure it's really what I'm looking for, and I'm not out and about wanting to avoid making the trip feel wasted. Your video really got me thinking, and I'll carry these ideas with me. Thanks.
I agree with this video. I totally think it would be ideal is people could find everything they need (which probably isn't much) second hand (this isn't always possible, depending on what colors, sizes, styles, quality levels you will ACTUALLY enjoy wearing). I also wonder sometimes if thrifting is a way of people reconciling with the culture of over-buying fast fashion? I do worry a bit about some second hand stores seem to encourage some sellers to actually buy things to sell NWT...or offer another avenue for fast fashion to sell their stuff in a way that looks eco/ethical.
Very good content. This is a conversation we all really need to have within thrifting, sustainability, minimalist, environmentalist (etc) spaces. Intentionally indeed.
Great video, Christina. Thank you for sharing. I avoid thrifting too. My problem is that I spend as much in 2nd hand shops as I do in regular shops and then end up with three times more stuff taking up valuable space.
Books are a particular danger zone for me and I end up with so many that they make me feel unhappy and completely overwhelmed. Rather than buying one or two books new, I would end up buying ten 2nd hand ones causing even more clutter and not saving me ANY money whatsoever.
You are absolutely right! I know people who justify spending a lot of money on small purchases they don't need....is someone really saving money when they thrift that way? I have been keeping lists of items I'd like ever since I heard you talking about your experience with that and I love it! Keeps me focused when thrifting and is great on the budget! :) Great video as always!
I agree with you 100%. Almost all the clothes I now declutter were thrift store purchases that I didnt really need but was such a great find I couldnt pass up. Gave me that rush for the day but went back to the same charity shop 3 months later. Now I always carry a list!
Excellent points!
If I do identify something „missing“ from my wardrobe, I ALWAYS prefer getting it secondhand. If I buy the exact item I saw online used, I get a massive deal (e.g. a specific Reformation dress) and if I happen to find something unique I have been on the lookout for (e.g. a broad category like biker boots) in a thrift store - even better because of all the character that comes with the item!
Either way, it‘s been much more fun than shopping in regular fashion stores 😊 All of my most loved items are hand-me-downs from my mom or thrifted.
Yes yes yes ☺️ you are so talking to me ! I have figured this behavior coming. When it comes, I dive into my closet and take a good look in new possibilities in what I have . Keeping my wishlist straight now. No distractions please
Some of my thought about this very topic:
For me thrifting started as a 1. way to get an access to fashion that i couldn't afford from retail as much i wanted. I shopped a lot to feed the hanger of consumerism and trends i had to keep up with. Later on i kept shopping rather lot but i was 2. aiming for my own style and preferences, trying different styles. It is just for the past two years that the shopping became and turned into doing it as an healthy habbit, that i really love and enjoy, it makes me voicing my own personality, i really thrive. This is a lot for me, just as much as buying books to read or paying at the jym. Now 2. i buy a little less and more intentionlley, and it very much still keeps me away from fast fashion and reckless expensive purchaces.
HY, from Israel.
I definitely agree! I recently went thrifting for my Halloween costume. I had a super specific list of things to look for. I was tempted a couple of times by other things but ultimately I stuck to my list and budget. I felt very proud of myself because I definitely fall prey to "it's a once-in-a-lifetime deal!" or "it's one-of-a-kind because it's thrifted!".
Huh! Yes, I just found myself in this situation, over buying at my weekly visits to the thrift store 😅 a closet too full of single random pieces, and I don't know what to wear. Just realized I' ve been buying mindlessly for the thrill of the deal while building my clutter nightmare. Thanks for shining a light on this. Recently found your channel. 👌🏼
Thank you! Spot on! Planning and discipline are a must!
I love thrifting, but it really is tempting to buy more than what you need. I have to put myself on limits.
I feel you on this, however I still enjoy thrifting a lot. I tend to use thrift shops as a kind of rental for things like movies and books which I will then let go of later. Or if I want to try out a style but I'm not sure I want to invest a lot of money, it's a great way to do that. In addition I do sometimes find something I resell online as a side income / hobby.
I think it's still a joy to be had! You're doing it thoughtfully, and that's totally the key in my opinion :)
I used to thrift a lot, but now that I am developing my style and wardrobe; I do thrift much. I prefer quality over quantity.
Totally agree 👍 and I love to watch your videos. Less is still more.
Ah man, this just really hits home.... especially recently I've found myself doing thrift "hauls" that end up leaving me with more "meh" stuff than I know what to do with. Your video really gave some insight into how buying secondhand can be done efficiently.
The fact that it did not hurt me at all means I am acknowledging my overcomsumption even with secondhand shopping. Thank you for reminding me again. This is very difficult to overcome but nothing is impossible when you want to reinvent your life for the better
Totally agree with you 💯 Thankfully I don’t have the patience to go through all the stuff ‼️& unfortunately I don’t enjoy wearing 2nd hand clothes 🙄 if I am going to buy I want it new - but that’s just my personal preference Love your channel 😍
I don't like the things used by others, so I cherish my own things. If I have less things, I will like them more.
I agree - thrifting can be such a slippery slope!
I think you are right that you do have to be conscious of what you are needing/ mindless shopping when thrifting. I like to keep a list of specific items that I am looking for on my phone, and lot of times I end up leaving empty handed. I still really enjoy looking in person for that special thing from my list, rather than buying from a more curated online space.
also recently stopped thrifting as part of my journey towards intentional buying. Great video
Excellent point and I agree 100%. I have really disciplined myself when shopping whether it's at a store or I'm thrifting. If it's not a wow I don't get it. No more settling and buying something that's "almost what I wanted" and then re-donating it. It takes a while to learn this.
Such a great topic Christina!
From personal experience, every time I settled on a “thing”, I ended up spending the money twice, as in the end I shouldn’t have settled and bought what I really wanted in the first place! I definitely stick to quality over quantity and if I have to plan and save for it so be it! ❤️🥰😘
I love thrifting. I also found myself buying second hand unintentionally and then come home with a pile of clothes that did not really fulfill my actual needs in term of clothing. Now, when I go shopping I am making a list of the things I want or need and I am always checking the material. I only buy 100 % cashmere, wool, silk or linen pieces from second hand stores. Also, I ask myself do I really love this before buying. By doing that I noticed that most of the chosen items were just an impulse choice and they go back on the rack. There is one thing though I cannot go over with. I would spend 200 $ in a second hand store without blinking, but when I buy something new I find it too expensive to pay that amount only for one piece of clothing.😅
So honest & open to opinions... Thanks for reminding me to be more mindful.
Thank you ❤️
totally agree! when I‘m looking for sth specific, I always try to get it secondhand first. Sometimes this might take a while, but quite often I discover that I‘m much more satisfied when I finally found it than if I had just bought it new. of course sometimes i‘m not able to find it secondhand. then I might buy it new, if I still really want it
Very thought provoking….I found myself going down that rabbit hole of buying things because they were so inexpensive. Now I have a mental list and try to stick to it.
Hey Christina, thanks for this video. It's like you were speaking about me. I am addicted to thrifting, and use an excuse that I resell, not to feel guilty. It was great for my bank account when Toronto was under lock-down, and I did not miss thrifting. But once the stores opened, could not stay away.
Definitely resonated with me! I've been exclusively thrifting for a few years now since thrifting is so "inspirational" but lately I've fallen back into the trap of having "nothing to wear" and the cycle continues. The hardest thing for me is the environmental aspect knowing many things are sent to the thrift store to be thrown away. Would like to hear your thoughts on that guilt/textile recycling.
Totally agree. So many times I've bought clothing items in charity shops (I'm UK) that didn't fit well, but I thought I could make them work or have them altered because they were so reasonably priced. However I never wore any of them and wasted my hard earned money. As you say, you need to have a carefully thought out wishlist and shop with this in mind whether you're buying new or secondhand.
I totally agree! Even though 50% of my wardrobe is second hand and was very thought out; I have brought in so many pieces in my closet just to declutter them. I felt so guilty whenever this happened, since I mostly shop second for the sustainability aspect. I used to get caught up in deals or fantasy self items.
Great video and very good point I found myself buying mens shirts and sweaters but I do curated my closet every season
I totally agree with everything that you say. Unfortunately i fell into that thrift trap last year and i'm still working on it.
Sometimes when we are bored, we just want time to pass. *Don't watch the clock and waste time, do what it does. Keep going.*
loveddd this video!!
Oooh, yes, controversial maybe but I agree wholeheartedly with this. I have had trouble with impulse shopping, over-spending, etc. and so thrifting doesn't work for me right now. I'm working on being *really* considered and thoughtful about every piece I bring in, waiting a while to purchase something, saving up instead of putting things on credit, etc. Thrifting--where you have to snap up the item right away, there's only one of the garment, it's cheap and tempting--is super triggering of bad habits.
Also, really glad you bring up how thrifting can still be over-consumption. Like, I see so many memes in the ethical/sustainable fashion spaces online that joke about "not being able to come home from the thrift store empty-handed" and I think it's just a massive blind spot for so many people.
this CALLED ME OUT! I am doing much better but like you said, it just became a "better" way to over consumer and now i'm stuck decluttering 95% of it
Well said...I am a Thrifter and always choose to find something on my list second hand first if I can. However, I, too, have fallen from grace as the price points are so low it is all too easy to grab more than you need...consumption is still consumption and while thrifting is less impactful it must be, like all things, managed to prevent abuse....Big Hugs...you have a great way of tackling the mainstream narrative and not following along like a Guppy....Hugs
Amen, sis! I cruised by a consignment store today and had this same thought before seeing this video. This is a major blind spot I think and you nailed it
Amazing!
I started thrifting because the pieces were unique and ‘fun’. Then I did it because I realised most clothing was made in sweatshops. That was probably 20 years ago. When there started being some ethical shops, they still didn’t have much I knew in Australia. Only corporate wear really or some hippie/ ‘bohemian’ stuff. I think there has finally been a boom of ethical clothing lines in the past five years but it’s still difficult in Australia to find a shop that is in my neighbourhood. Second-hand shopping (or thrifting as you call it) was a lot easier and I could find pieces I liked (more). But because it was so hard for me to find ethical clothing, I never wanted to part with things. Now I have half a shed of unused clothing that have mostly been second-hand and I am wrangling a shopping addiction.
I am only just gaining control of my shopping impulses and so sometimes when I drive with my husband to the thrift shop, I stay in the car. It’s safer that way lol.
Sending love from Dharug country (‘Australia’ in coloniser terms..)
Love your channel, especially what it has turned into. ❤️🙌🏽
Can’t agree more!!!! Totally true!!!
I love trifling for myself, and I also resales on e-bay. I purchased only what I love, so it is easy to resale without big profits maybe, but also make someone happy about the good price and quality item. So, everything in moderation. Thanks for the video
Loved this. I'm a huge fan of lists and always have one on my phone for when I head into a thrift store.
Same here!
Might sound bad to say but I work with the public and speak to numerous people daily. One of the biggest complaints is that thrifting has become such a fad that these places raise the prices substantially. Some people have thrifted their entire lives because it’s all they could afford and now with the raising of prices they can’t even afford that sadly. Which in turn brings them to cheaper places to buy new if possible and adding to the waste in the world. Sadly this is reality that some do it for those reasons and it in turn jacks up prices and low income families have to buy new to clothe their families and adds to the waste. So it’s not much better honestly sometimes. :(
Thank you for saying this!
I only started "thrifting" about 1 1/2 years ago. Before that, I wasn't buying clothes at all because I could not afford it. I work as a barista, and I had a small set of the same four black button-down work shirts that had a utilitarian function of not showing coffee stains. Now, thrifting has actually allowed me to find my personal style. I can take risks with things that I would not have otherwise tried, out of both a financial concern and a utilitarian concern. I've tried a lot of pieces that I love and have become permanent parts of my wardrobe. I also do a lot of walking around thrift stores with items, and putting 75% of them back before I reach the check-out counter. And I will say that I do DIY most of the pieces that I bring home, and that has not only leveled up my sewing game, but helped me figure out what I want in a garment. I keep a list of what I'm looking for, and a $15-$20 budget, and that usually works out for me. Lately I've been shopping more for materials more than objects or garments. Sheets and pillowcases that would make good fabric. Sewing notions, thread, and lace. But, you're right about "thrift hauls" being problematic and ultra-consumerist. Mindless shopping is mindless shopping, no matter where you go.
Very relevant points. I thrift a lot online on Vinted, and while I do think I'm pretty intentional about what I'm looking for, I still end up buying things that don't work out the way I thought waaay too many times. The most common problem is that clothes just don't fit right, as fit is very hard to judge with online shopping in the first place, and even more so with online thrifting, where there's no sizing guides and sizes vary so much between brands. I don't want to think about how much money I've spent on (individually very cheap) sports bras that didn't fit - at this point certainly enough that I would've been better off just buying one new from a sustainable brand.
That being said, I still love 90% of my thrifted clothes. It's just certain pieces that are very hard to thrift well.
I have definitely had times I came home with something that doesn't in anyway reflect home with my style or my needs, but I have also had moments of unexpected brilliance and inspiration where I was able to experiment with something I'd never thought of, and end up with a new favourite.
Like you said - I think it's a bout intentionality!
Since I never really know what I will come across, I like to combine having an open mind, together with a wish list, also combined with what Rachel Sizezen (RUclips channel) calls an 'exclusions list' - things that are definitely a 'no'- that way I can explore new ideas without major regrets or thoughtless consumption!
An exclusion list includes things you know don't work for you (no matter how cool they are on others, or tempting the item is in the thrill of the hunt/moment) e.g. mine includes synthetic fabrics, non-leather shoes, tight turtlenecks, crewnecks with small neck holes, most things in a warm colour pallatte, long cardigans! - no matter how great a bargain the items are, and the quality/condition. If the items I find tick any of the 'no's' it's much easier to just leave it behind!
I love thrifting, but I can understand the points in this video. Often because my thrifted clothes aren’t pristine (or exactly what I wanted), I “psychologically” compensate by buying a lot. Quantity over quality. But on the rare occasion when I buy something brand new, it’s much more intentional and curated.
i love your videos and they are so useful for me
I am not an intentional shopper what so ever. But I see thrifting more like renting. When I notice I don't wear a piece anymore I just bring it back and someone else can purchase it. The price is still better than most places you can rent from and if I end up really liking a piece I will wear it until it falls apart 😊
Love this POV!