Help, I Suck At Thrifting

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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!

Fall Fashion Is Back

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One of my favorite times of the year is finally here – fall.

Growing up in Texas fall was never a huge part of my life because it is always hot there. But since moving to Michigan that mentality has completely changed. Everyone here is obsessed with this season and I totally understand why. The changing of the trees is amazing and going to the cider mills is essentially a lifestyle. I have fully adapted to Michigan fall’s. I do all of the “basic” seasonal things, and they are all great. Even with all of these great fall traditions to experience up north there is still something I love above all others – fall fashion. Back in Texas we had to pretend it was below eighty degrees, and we would pull out our boots and sweaters anyways. Here you can ACTUALLY dress accordingly with the weather and make a statement. Which as the end of the day is what matters.

Enough with the backstory – this season’s fall fashion has me swooning. I haven’t been this excited to wear a sweater vest since I shopped at Abercrombie & Fitch. That’s just one of my fall fashion staples for 2020. Here is what I have been loving (whether I have it or not) and where you can get your hands on some of my favorite pieces.

Sweater Vest

This was the first staple I thought of so naturally it has to come first. This is best transitional piece there is; part sweater & part tank. Channel your inner preppy school girl with this sweater from ASOS.

Leather Leggings

Yes, leggings – not pants. While I love leather pants, realistically, you will probably be wearing leggings more. These are insanely flattering on every body type and are perfect with an oversized t-shirt or a cropped button down. These Aritzia leggings come in brown or black.

Graphic Hoodie

Graphic t-shirts are the backbone of comfy, put together outfits. With the warmer weather coming to an end, graphic hoodies are going to be the perfect thing for feeling complete when I am not going anywhere. Shop hoodies like this from Travis Scott’s McDonald’s merch collab.

Suede Boots

I am never one to go for suede because I am waaay too clumsy for that material; I ruin it so fast. But, boots like this are quickly changing my opinion. I love these boots and even though I don’t have them, they will be an addition to my closet in the near feature. Get this pair at Zara.

Oversized Leather Jackets

The bigger, the better. A few years ago oversized denim was the “thing”, and now oversized leather is back and better than ever. Pair this with a dress, your favorite workout set to run errands in, or even with pajamas. Literally everything. Shop more like this on Zara.

Pinch Waist Denim

This summer and still now, denim is all about the baggier the better. But sometimes you can get lost in the fabric. These pinch waist jeans from Agolde are exactly what I have been looking for; distressed, straight, long, and they cinch at the waist to complete any look.

Mock Neck Tops

Fall was absolutely made for mock necks. They are the ideal transition to a turtleneck, which will forever be my favorite winter style. Shop this shirt on Aritzia.

Bra Tops

Cold weather is here but crop tops have not gone anywhere. I have been obsessing over the the bra top look; especially with a matching cardigan. Zara has been the perfect place to look for these pieces so get them before they are gone – and before it actually gets too cold to wear them.

Animal Prints

I have never been too crazy about animal prints. But right now, they are the perfect way for me to spice up my very minimalistic style. I am obsessed with this jacket on Revolve by For Love & Lemons, and I am sure you can find more like this on other stores such as Zara, ASOS and more.

Chunky Sole Boots

SOMEONE, please buy these so I can live through you. This pair is from Storets, and it an amazing dupe for my favorite pair of Bottega Veneta boots. They only go up to a size eight and are going quick, so grab them ASAP.