Today I want to talk about thrifting, small-business shopping, and sustainable fashion.
Thrifting!
Thrifting is probably my all-time favorite hobby. I love it more than words can describe it.
Growing up I remember my mom, sister, and I go to thrift shops. I think having that connection with my mother and my sister, going through the racks and looking for our sizes, has aided my love for the activity. Even today I will always keep an eye out for things that my mother and sister may like.
Buying clothes, shoes, accessories, or basically, anything second-hand can help to decrease the demand for mass-produced items. Although it’s unrealistic to think I am making a change by buying a shirt from a thrift store as opposed to from Forever 21, I do think that making a wider audience aware of the impacts of buying second-hand can light the flame to make a change.
I also find that I am constantly craving the gratification of purchasing and having new pieces in my wardrobe. I find thrifting is a way to help relieve this bad habit. Not only to my bank account but also to the environment.
Like the Dead says in St. Stephen “one man gathers what another man spills”.
I enjoy the song, St. Stephen. When I was younger I thought this song was about my dad, because his name is Stefan. However, it is not about my dad.
I think this particular lyric is interesting though. “One man gathers what another man spills”.
Like most lyrics, it can be taken in many different ways. To me, it kinda speaks to the whole message of this week’s topic. One man gathers what another man spills. It is saying, one man takes and makes his own of what another man disposes of.
So much second-hand shopping is just that. Taking what someone else deems as undesirable or useless and purchasing it to give it a revival and a whole new use.
Supporting small businesses!
Small businesses are often scrutinized for their high prices. It can feel like purchasing a handmade item from a small business is foolish when there are similar products for a cheaper price. However, the difference lies in the quality and environmental impact of the item being made.
Supporting small businesses can be hard, especially if you don’t have the spending money to pay the extra dime. I am not saying everyone should stop buying mass-produced items and should only shop second-hand or from small businesses. It is not that simple, but shopping locally supports the local economy more. I feel it brings more sentimental value to whatever item you’re purchasing.
I love buying second-hand jewelry. Or jewelry from small vendors at festivals. Shakedown streets at shows could drain my bank account.
All of my everyday jewelry (besides my nose ring) has been bought from small businesses. Putting on the 6 rings, 2 pairs of earrings and a necklace that I have cultivated over the years has become a part of my everyday routine.
I am more connected to the pieces that I have bought second-hand or from small businesses because it feels fairly poetic. Like I had found them all by chance, I was in the right place at the right time to find this exact item that I find so appealing. It’s rather poetic.
I enjoy having and wearing vintage things that feel meaningful to put onto my body. I try looking for pieces that spark an interest or take me back to a memory of when I was younger.
Shopping from small vendors is not always readily available which is why I sometimes turn to online shops. Etsy is a great place to shop second-hand and from small businesses. I like the ability to reach out to the seller to ask questions and to leave a review.
I feel like I have so much more to say on this topic but I will cut it off here and maybe I will pick up again next week to continue this conversation. Comment your opinions on thrifting, second-hand shopping, and sustainable fashion. I’d love to hear some differing perspectives.
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