Thursday, November 15, 2012

5 Reasons to Thrift (that have nothing to do with money!)

Sweet Bella recently did a post on shopping second hand.  It's brilliant in concept and execution!  And while most of us completely understand the financial benefits of thrifting, have you considered the benefits that have almost nothing to do with money?  

It's good for the environment. 

The effect of constant manufacturing of textiles to keep up with the demand of fast fashion has a definite footprint on our environment.  To read more about it, check out this article by the National Center for 
Biotechnology Information.  

There's a better selection at your local thrift store

Seriously, there is!  Recently, I went to the local mall and left a bit frustrated.  Sure, beautiful things in every window; but for the most part, everything started to look the same.  I could go into Ann Taylor and see 15 - 20 unique items (for the time I spend in the store).  I can spend the same amount of time in my favorite Goodwill and never see a duplicate item!  I love the varied selection!

Access to unusual items

I'm so fortunate to live in such an ethnically diverse community!  On treasure hunts (thrifting), I've come across a wall hanging from Iran, Turkish slippers and a plethora of Indian tunics.  Even if I could find some of these things at a local retail store, chances are they wouldn't all be in the same store; or they'd be lacking in authenticity.

Giving to a good cause

Most thrift stores represent a charity.  Goodwill provides job training.  Salvation Army helps families in need.  Hospice Thrift provides end of life care to the terminally ill.  Cause for Paws helps find homes for unwanted or abused animals.  The list goes on and on.  When we shop at one of our thrifts, we are helping a good cause AND in many cases, also helping to provide jobs.

The vintage!!!

And now we're at what's really near and dear to my heart!  VINTAGE!  What's more beautiful than a piece that comes with a history and was loved by a kindred spirit from another generation?  Here are a couple of beauties I've found recently.....



Vintage turquoise earrings....Be still my heart!  I just adore these silver earrings.  Genuine silver and turquoise, I'll have these babies till I exit to the hereafter!



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I found this hand made dress yesterday and just had to rescue it!  I believe it's all silk and the fabric is totally breathtaking!  I haven't decided whether I'll keep it or put it in my store.  If I do keep it, I can see shortening it to the knee (NOT above) and possibly shortening the sleeves.  I really don't do maxi dresses; but I just couldn't leave this baby behind.
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So maybe you're rolling in the dough and money is no object when it comes to shopping.  I'd still challenge you to give thrifting a try.  Check out one of the nicer thrifts in your area.... Goodwill is usually a good place to start.

And should you be so inclined, take the pledge to "Shop Second Hand First".....not only.....but maybe first every now and then.



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11 comments:

  1. Hear, hear! Great post, Serene. I so agree with all you've written about the values of thrifting (and donating to thrift stores too). The dress you're modeling is a beauty! Love to see what you do with it.

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    1. Thanks Patti! I'm excited to see what I do with it too! :)

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  2. Don't you love Bella's blog? Me, too! I'll bet those earrings are fabulous with your long, dark hair! And when you shorten that dress, you should make a long skinny tie out of the extra fabric.
    I'm sure it's confusing to people living in certain part of the country (world, even) when they read about "thrifting". Some places are fabulous for it and other places are a vast desert with nothing to show for hours of work. Like my local thrifts who never have decent shoes in my size. If I was a size 7, I would have a shoe wardrobe that Imelda Marcos (for those of you who remember) would be jealous of - 20+ pairs for less than $100 total. But If I see an Eileen Fisher piece I like at my Tulsa Goodwill, I can wait for it to get donated in my size.

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  3. I love thrifting. I have so many beautiful things...and I love the variety. I usually leave retails stores disappointed.....
    I did take the pledge! I'm a bona fide thrifting chick!

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  4. That dress looks beautiful on you.

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  5. Perfect reasons!! I went by Goodwill yesterday and they had vintage Christmas plates and a gorgeous fake tree and the cutest vintage dining set....thrifting can get us through the holidays!! Great post, Serene!

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  6. Serene, thanks for stopping by. The dress is beautiful and I'm sure the picture doesn't even begin to do it justice.
    Coming from a thrifting junky I say here, here!!!! I find better quality at the thrifts and many times do exactly what you are talking about with the dress. I have perused the plus size isles (I'm a 10)and find incredible long sweaters that my man and I could both fit in....then I just start wacking and sewing them. Result, some great tunic sweaters for leggings and skinnies which is my current wardrobe!!!
    Oh, I mentioned in a past post that I found an Iphone app that is voice activated. It's called VAPP. Without it at this time I wouldn't be able to post pictures!! Just thought it might help. have a great weekend.

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  7. You are such a posterchild for looking first rate in secondhand, Serene. Bless you! What a great post and inspiration to take the plunge and pledge. Thank you for keeping it stylish and thrifty! That frock is fab!

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  8. AMEN!!! All of those are reasons I shop the thrifts. I can't remember the last time I was in the mall.

    Those earrings are STUNNING!!! WOW!! and the dress is just gorgeous!! I would keep it and shorten it if i were you!! It looks amazing on you!

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  9. This color is just gorgeous on you! And, yes, to ALL the benefits of shopping the thrifts.

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  10. I love this post so much! These are all of the reasons I love thrifting!))

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Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! ~Serene