Help, I Suck At Thrifting

It’s okay, me too.

In a world that is consumed by fast fashion, thrifting is climbing its way back into our consumer purchasing system. Over the past year I have really tried to watch my intake of fast fashion from popular retailers such as Zara, H&M, etc. as they cause extreme amounts of garment waste. It are these companies that that draw in such a large amount of customers because they are promoting items at a cheaper price. If I don’t shop there, how else I am supposed to afford the trendiest items everyone has? Well, you know the saying “what goes around comes around”? That has to do with fashion too. And the best way to stay in the consumer loop? Thrifting.

I am very new to buying lightly worn clothes, but I have found out some tips for when it comes to finding the best deals, where to look, and who to trust. Here is what I have found.

Know where to shop.

While I know there are many thrift stores near me in Chicago, between work and school, I have not had the time to go and explore what they have to offer. In the meantime I have been using online apps such as Depop, Curtsy, Poshmark, Ebay and TheRealReal to find some of the best steals.

Follow sellers on online that are your size.

Yes, there are so many options to buy used clothing and accessories, which can make shopping very overwhelming. Finding sellers on these apps, more specifically Depop, with your style preference and size is a game changer. I have purchased from sellers in the past who have bought from stores I like to primarily purchase from, and are my size. This makes online thrifting quick and easy, and you can follow them for post notifications.

Follow influencer’s on Poshmark.

I have found that influencers are some of the best people to buy from off Poshmark. Most influencers only wear clothes one time for a photo, and are constantly being sent new items, so the lifecycle of a piece of theirs is very short. But, some sell their clothes online for extremely inexpensive. I just purchased a Ganni dress that was worn once by an influencer for $40 (it was originally $250).

Use eBay if you’re looking for vintage designer.

While I have not purchased from eBay for designer bags, I have definitely looked and I know many people who have. Despite the claims that eBay cannot be trusted, it its almost difficult to dupe a vintage designer bag, which ensures many bags authenticity. A vintage bag has plenty of wear, while good dupes are newer and are noticeably clean. It is much cheaper to purchase off of eBay than designer second-hand stores like TheRealReal or Fashionphile, so this will be where I buy my next designer bag.

Start selling your clothes online

Whether you need a second source of income or are just looking for a closet cleanup, selling your clothes online is always a great option. In college I worked for Cursty, an app target towards college girls for easy buying and selling. When I sold I was able to see who bought my clothes. If they are my size and like my clothes it was almost certain that I would fit into the pieces they are selling and like their style too. It’s a great way to make money and find new places to shop. A win-win!

If you have any tips to share about thrifting, leave a comment for other readers below. Help each other shop sustainable!


The Ultimate College Capsule Wardrobe for Fall 2020

With a horrible shopping habit comes excessive (but sometimes necessary) spending. I have been constantly looking for back to school clothes, even though I know this is not the normal back to school we are all used to. In order to avoid over-stuffing my closet I thought about purchasing items to begin a capsule wardrobe – but college edition.

If you are unfamiliar with a capsule wardrobe, it is essentially a closet that consist of roughly 37 pieces. Eighty percent basics, twenty percent seasonal. Many people with a sustainable lifestyle follow this wardrobe and spending technique.

Yes, I have more than 37 pieces in my wardrobe; but I am trying to cut down and reduce by getting rid of things I don’t wear that often. A rule of thumb to use is get rid of something if you haven’t worn it in three months. If you really liked it, you’d wear it by now.

Have I considered excessive back to school shopping? Yes. Have I acted on it? Not quite. I have created the ultimate capsule wardrobe specifically for college students, because our closet looks different than someone working in the workforce or someone in high school. If you are looking to build your back to school wardrobe look no further.

BASICS

White Cropped T-shirt

White Oversized Button Down

Oversized Leather Jacket

Boyfriend Jeans

LBD

Sweat Set (Top)

Sweat Set (Bottom)

Black Tank Top

Bike Shorts

Going Out Top

Puffer Jacket

Denim Shorts

Oversized Blazer

Trousers

Turtleneck

Workout Set (Top)

Workout Set (Bottom)

Brunch Blouse

Crewneck

Oversized Tee

Bikini

Lounge Shorts

Rubber Sole Boots

Slippers

Shoulder/ Crossbody Bag

White Sneakers

Sandals

Gold Hoops

Baseball Cap

Sunglasses

SEASONAL

Unique Denim Skirt

Flowy Mini Skirt

Printed Mini Dress

Tube Top

Bucket Hat

Tailgate Clothes