Life Fright

With every season change, I rotate out my closet storing away clothes I won’t wear with the new change in weather and put more suitable clothes out for display. Every time, I am always taken aback by just how many clothes I have and become pleased with discovering new pieces I forgot about.

I’d like to say that I’m done buying new clothes and that what I have is enough. But I know that this is likely not true and I will find reasons to purchase new items while donating clothes that I’ve outgrown. My shopping addiction has been hard to kick to the curb and it will always be a struggle to not be pulled in by the urge to acquire new and better things. I try to temper my spending by waiting for sales or by thinking about the prospective purchase for at least a week before pulling the trigger. But sometimes this doesn’t work.

With the fast pace fashion continues to push out new trends and colors and the relentless stream of new releases every week, it is very hard to not be swept away by all the newness. Recently, it has gotten to the point where new trends arise seemingly every month to the point now where anything goes. Add to that the decline in quality clothing coupled with rising prices, there’s a definite decline on my end to make a purchase.

Enter second-hand clothing. There’s been a rise in thrift shopping where it is no longer just for those who can’t afford full-price, brand-name clothing at department stores and malls. Consumers of all demographics and ages love the thrill of a deal and a treasure hunt. Outlet stores and thrift stores are absolute gold mines for this and it is a great way to reduce the number of clothes that make it to the appalling clothing bales, landfills, and beach litter. Oftentimes, the second-hand clothes aren’t even used and may still have the tags on them!

I’ve used ThredUp for my thrift shopping and the brand makes it super easy to find interesting items based on their huge variety of filters to narrow it down by brands, materials, colors, condition, etc. Some of my most-worn items are sourced from ThredUp and the deals I’ve gotten from their ever-present percent-off sales makes it even sweeter. I’m also more relaxed about wearing these items since I know that I got them at a great price and haven’t spent wild sums of money on one piece.

If you’re on the fence about thrift shopping, don’t be! It’s a great way to be more environmentally conscious, get great value for your money, and find unique, well-made items.