Temptation And Thrifting
To say that I am tempted every time I thrift to keep items for myself is an understatement. It is a constant battle to ensure that pieces move into my store and not my closet. I am slowly learning to take control of my urges but it’s a battle.
“I didn’t start my store to become a hoarder.”
That is the mantra you may overhear me whispering repeatedly under my breath should you bump into me while thrifting. I need to repeat it regularly and remind myself no matter how many positively brilliant pieces I may find, and believe me, it is a goldmine out there, they are destined for someone else’s closet.
Take this bright and bold African print skirt…
Sweet right?
Yep.
Or this rainbow pastel plaid skirt with gold metallic thread…
So pretty!
I found both of them in the same store on the same day. Funny how that happens.
Both of these skirts are very much my groove.
I’m hoping someone else will realize the potential in them.
I was fine letting both of these fab pieces slip through my hands and find a new owner.
Knowing that they won’t be heading to a landfill is rewarding.
Over 15 million tons of textile waste is produced every year in the United States, an amount that has more than doubled in the last 20 years. The average American throws away 80 pounds of clothing per person each year.
Bravo to the person that brought these two unworn pieces to the Salvation Army rather than tossing them into the garbage. The resources and energy that were used to create them will not be wasted.
Showing people the amazing items that can be purchased secondhand is my mission.
Let’s stop spending money on fast fashion and use what is already here.
There is no planet B. Small choices add up to big changes for our world.
Are you an avid secondhand shopper? If not, what is stopping you?
Linking up with Patti for Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday
I love your thrifting clothes, you have such a great style and taste! Unfortunately here where I live there is no big choice…so I rarely go thrifting! Kisses
Fashion and Cookies – fashion and beauty blog
That is a shame as I’m sure there are some amazing treasures to be found out your way. Europe is brimming with incredible vintage.
If I were a more common size I’d probably keep everything I bought! Luckily for my wardrobe most of what I buy is too big so I have to sell it.
Those skirts are brilliant, I bet they came from the same (generous) person.
I don’t need to tell you that I’m an avid secondhand shopper, we’re singing from the same songsheet. I can’t see any appeal in buying new when there’s so many fantastic used clothes and accessories out there plus new clothes shops are boring – same colours, same styles, same print – it’s just trend-led boredom. Secondhand shopping is an endless adventure – who knows what you’ll find? A 1930s cocktail dress, a psychedelic shift dress or, like I discovered today, the exact 1970s block printed quilted jacket you’ve been hunting for months! xxx
I can see I either need to lose a load of weight or gain it as I am a very common size. You are right, it is so much easier when the clothes simply don’t fit.
I agree about your boredom comment. There is nothing exciting happening in retail. In fact, it might be my exposure to secondhand shopping but I find going into a shop with endless racks of the same thing really distasteful.
Guilty as charged! I am turning into one of these hoarders if i’m not careful. In my defense, of course, I’m almost exclusively buying second hand, so at least I’m saving the things I buy from landfill. Also, I completely agree with Vix that second hand shopping is an adventure. I hardly ever venture into a retail shop, but I did during lunch break today, as I went to Uniqlo to see if I could find Mel 😉 But oh my, is that shop boring! Anyway, you’ve been a very good girl, as I certainly wouldn’t have been able to resist keeping that second skirt! xxx
Shame you couldn’t find Mel! I also found Uniqlo boring, cold and sterile. A bit like a warehouse.
I enjoy buying 2nd hand. For one thing, the quality of clothing has really gone down in recent years. It’s easier to find silk and cotton 2nd hand, too. I’m not in danger of hoarding since I don’t go thrifting that often.
I agree that they don’t make anything like they used to, a byproduct of our disposable society.
Avoiding shopping is the easiest way to avoid over-consumption. Unsubscribing from all stores helps too so you aren’t lured into online shopping.
I need to thrift regularly for my Etsy store so that is the reason I’m tempted more often.
Two stunning skirts from a generous soul and resold by another generous soul. You have a fabulous eye. I love to shop this way as well. Love the African print, I will check to see what size it is. But if I hem it I will lose the feet , lol.
Happy holidays.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
It would be WAY too large for you Elle.
I totally understand how difficult it is to give up these beauties. I shop second hand as well, and it’s important for me to only purchase an item that I absolutely love. You have discipline!
I agree, we need to keep only the pieces that speak to our hearts.
What amazing skirts – especially the African print one.
I rarely venture into mainstream clothing retail outlets and am usually not impressed with what I see when I do. Although I noticed some weeks ago there is more colour now but I’m just not interested. Vix, is right with secondhand shopping it’s the thrill of what you might find….
Keep saying your mantra!
Don’t worry…that mantra is on repeat, big time. : P
I do enjoy thrifting and have found great things in the past. I really don’t do first-hand shopping anymore (hardly ever). Your 2 outfits are unique and have beautiful colors – especially love the African print one.
A while ago, you gave us a link to the Kusama art exhibit in Toronto. I’ve enjoyed learning about her and her art so much. Thanks for sharing your experience. Yesterday I went to a lecture about Kusama given by the woman who wrote and directed the film just released, called Kusama: Infinity. So interesting. Then last night, some friends and I saw the film. It is very touching to see video and photos from her early art career and to hear her speak now about her life and art.
Maybe a wonderful beadwork exhibit currently in our local museum will tour near you. It is inspiring and incredibly beautiful. It includes a short film showing the women beaders in Africa talking about their efforts to support their families with their bead art. The link is below.
https://artssummary.com/2018/10/11/ubuhle-women-beadwork-and-the-art-of-independence-at-chrysler-museum-of-art-october-18-2018-february-24-2019/
Isn’t the beading wonderful? I recently went to a charity fundraising bazaar and a woman was there (I forget the village she came from) and had a booth with her beaded items. So many things I wanted to buy. It was just beautiful and the prices were so incredibly low for the amount of work that went into them.
What a fabulous exhibition! I will keep my eyes open should it come my way. Thanks for sharing that info Evie!
I need to see that Kusama film. Toronto’s AGO is currently looking at getting one of her infinity rooms for their permanent collection. I hope it happens.
As you know, I share your philosophy. I’m grateful for thrift-stores whose existence made my exploration of female clothes economically possible.
Can’t wait till we can go thrifting together again : )
The combination of inspiration and encouragement works nicely. You do both well.
Thanks Jude : )
you may know it already – i buy 2.hand since i was a teen – and in the last 15 years exclusively (beside of undies, socks, etc.)….
both skirts are pretty – but the african one is a tad to short for a good proportion and the not matching pattern of the plaid one drives me nuts (did work to long in the couture department i guess) 😀
in case you need a bit support in letting go….. ;-D
xxxxx
I think it is just brilliant you’ve been buying secondhand all along. You were well ahead of the curve Beate!
I liked the skirts but I didn’t love them : ) I’m learning the difference.
woww, those skirts are so magnificent, colorful and cool!, you’re a talented buyer indeed!
I totally understand it’s hard to resist temptation, but you’re doing it well letting other people enjoy them! Hurray for thrifting fabulousness!
besos
I agree!
I meant to ask, where do you thrift? I have another reader that lives in the south of Spain and says there aren’t any thrift stores. Maybe you’d be willing to share some of your favourites…
thanks for the great idea!
80 pounds of clothing per person per year! Wow! I really need to go through my closet. Clothing rarely gets thrown out, though. It does go to the local thrift shop or to the garage for rags mostly.
Some pieces I’ll cut into a bit and restyle to change its use or update a bit. Beautiful skirts and a great writeup on thrifting. I’ve been very happy with things I’ve thrifted (in fact, I found my favorite dress at a thrift shop for $8). I’m not sure I’d be very good at thrifting for resale, though. If I were to purchase it for resale, I’d have to love it first and if I love it ….. vicious circle :/ I’d definitely have to buy things not in my size! I do have an excuse for looking for vintage clothing, though. I have a 1974 costume party next year and I’ve been working on an outfit for that – yay!
http://www.voguefauxreal.com
Ha! Yes, that is a bit how I feel when I’m thrifting for my store.
A 1974 costume party would be a BLAST!!! I hope you post what you’ll be wearing. I’d love to see your outfit.
How can you not fall in love with both of these skirts? The colors, and heck, they fit you perfectly. I’m terrible when I go thrifting because it’s such a great deal!! It makes me feel like I’m being smart.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You are smart shopping secondhand Jodie!
Yes! This is the main reason I thrift! (also it’s a lot cheaper, usually, and you can find things that no one else will be wearing!)
All the right reasons for shopping secondhand : )
Unfortunately where I live (South of Spain), second-hand clothes shops just don’t exist. In fact, second-hand anything shops don’t exist! As someone who agrees wholeheartedly with your philosophy, it makes clothes shoping a little difficult. However, I’m lucky in that I don’t change clothing size so what I do buy lasts for years and years. And I only buy natural fibres, which makes me feel like I’m doing my bit! If I have to buy new, at least buy natural or organic, right?!
Yes, it is better to buy natural organic cotton. They don’t use the pesticides that are killing all of the lakes and rivers.
Do you ever read http://www.mrsallnut.com or http://www.mispapelicos.com?
They are both avid secondhand shoppers that live in Spain. They might have some ideas where you can find secondhand clothing stores.
I know in France where my husband is from they are also more difficult to find. We had more luck at the weekly flee market.
You’re preaching to the choir!
Just skip over those parts Shelley : )
Believe me girl, when I could lay my hands on pieces like this, there would be looooaaads more second hand items in my wardrobe. Alas, we don’t have that kind of second hand shops in the Netherlands. Probably because we are a frugal lot, us Dutch.
Greetje
I’ve been doing my shopping today and went to indy shops. I love the fact that you’re not only helping local businesses, but you’re getting gifts that are more unique. Who wants to look the same as everyone else?
I agree 100%! Thanks for popping by : )