Thoughts on Thrifting

I am constantly shocked at how many people still have such an incomprehensible aversion to using preloved items. Their reasons range from silly and illogical to just plain bizarre and it’s incredibly disheartening that so many consumers still choose to support unethical fast fashion and unsustainable products.

Thankfully there are also those who choose to shop secondhand, thrift, swap, upcycle, reuse as well as mend and make do and share their stories with me which helps boost my ambition to continue sharing my sustainable, ethical style message.

 Here are a few of the awesome Thoughts on Thrifting (+ my responses) that have been shared on CoaR’s FB page :

my top tips for thrifting vintage

Karen: I thrift nearly everything I wear…I find very well made clothing at a fraction of its new selling price and as I adore vintage, it is the only way, other than actual Vintage shops (where you pay a premium) to find unique well made clothes. Also, my latest obsession is pure linen tea towels and Irish linen table linens…so inexpensive at the thrifts and so very expensive new!

CoaR: So, so, so true! ALL of my amazing vintage scores have been discovered in thrift & charity shops (if not inherited)

Patricia: I make a point of telling my colleagues and students that I shop at Salvation Army whenever I get a compliment on something I’ve bought there or even if I can just work it into the conversation. Gotta work on those mindsets!

CoaR: Fantastic! I’m continually shocked by how many people still think that secondhand is somehow “gross, unhygienic or only for poor people” – it’s maddening!

My top 6 sustainable lifestyle tips

Megan: My life, closet and home have been immeasurably improved by my thrifted finds.

CoaR: Brilliant, and I’m positive that your wardrobe and home are chock full of unique items that no one else has!

Why do you choose #SecondHandFirst?

Faye: I love secondhand goods, and apart from underwear and socks, I have no problem with not buying new. Some of my favourite clothing has come from charity and recycled stores. I wonder if these people ever stay in hotels – after all, they don’t put new sheets and towels out for every guest!

CoaR: absolutely true! That is one of my fave arguments to present when discussing shopping/using  preloved with those who don’t agree. I even included it in my Why Not Thrift video:

Corky: I buy most of my clothing (except underwear, socks and jewelry) secondhand and enjoy the thrill of finding a great piece at a deep discount. I am dissatisfied with the quality and sizing offered by fast fashion.

CoaR: Supporting unethical fast fashion is total no go and shopping secondhand is truly the only sustainable option for acquiring new-to-you gear.

The (ridiculous) Devils Advocate Query for Unethical Fashion

My ambition to inform & influence others to step away from unethically (& immorally) produced products is the driving force that motivates me to continue providing fabulous free eco-fashion/accessory/decor tutorials, ethical outfit inspiration and helpful thrifting tips on my Confessions of a Refashionista blog and channel as well as contributing & sharing my creative skills throughout the online maker world.

Why do YOU shop preloved?

9 Comments

  1. Dorothy Fry says:

    I have been thrifting for years – long before it became fashionable😊. I am plus in size and find it hard to buy anything I like other than at the thrift stores. My two friends and I thrift all over Southern Ontario and while I love my local Sally Ann, I also frequent Bibles for Missions (got a beautiful wool/angora cardigan for $10) and Mennonite Stores. I love donating clothes to various church charities and found some darling brand baby clothes while thrifting.

    Loved your story in the latest Faith & Friends which I picked up at Sally Ann.

    1. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Dorothy 🙂 I loved the fab selection and prices at the Mennonite thrifts I visited in the U.S – I’ll have to check out the ones in Canada too!

  2. Lynn says:

    On the east coast, we have places called Frenchy’s which are fantastic. Most just have “bins” in which to dig. I have found everything from an Hermes belt for less than $2 to shoes (that I wipe with alcohol wipes) to household items.

    1. I just may have to plan a visit with the kiddo to your neck of the woods! 😉

      1. Lynn says:

        If you do, let me know. I can show you the highlights.

  3. Tara says:

    Oh heck yes! I love all thrift stores… can’t get enough of it (luckily I am near a buy by the pound place where I live).
    I’ll always tell anyone my stuff is from .

    Love your page – keep on giving us your awesomesauce!

    1. Cheers my dear! 😀 I’m jealous! I wish there was a by the pound (or kg) thrift store near me 😉

  4. Helen says:

    In the past couple of years I’ve had increasing problems with detergent smells in thrifted clothing not washing out. I’m extremely sensitive to chemical scents, not to mention vigilant about not having those chemicals in my home just because they are unhealthy. I’ve almost completely given up on thrift stores because of this. I’ve tried airing clothing out for a couple of months outside, soaking in baking soda overnight, washing in hot water with castile soap, adding vinegar to the rinse … It takes a lot of time and adds to the expense. Sometimes it works, but increasingly it doesn’t. Anyone have any suggestions? I’m discouraged.

    1. I’m with ya Helen 🙂 I leave so many otherwise fabulous garments at the thrift shop due to unpleasant odours or insane perfumes. Have you tried freezing the items? Sometimes that can rid fabrics of bacteria and strong odours. Vodka is another deodorizing help when sprayed onto fabric – Take a peek at my cleaning tips & laundry tricks posts for more possibilties:

      https://awesomesauceasshattery.com/tutorial-index-by-photo/cleaning-tips-laundry-tricks/

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