thrifting

I hated thrifting as a kid. It meant hours at a smelly store, endless hangers of obscure and overstimulating patterns and prints, and clothes purchased based on fit and condition. If it didn't have holes and wasn't too small (too big was fine - even preferred in some cases) then it was thrown in the bag and was now mine.

Hear me though. I was always dressed and always warm. Second-hand shops were an important resource for my family and many other families in our community. We spent hours at the shops because there were 4-6 people in my family that all needed clothes. There were no outlet stores anywhere close, and even if there had been, it wouldn't compare to the "3 dollar bag days" at the local thrift stores.

I am grateful how my family took care of me. I still hated thrifting though. 

As soon as I had a job and moved to the city, outlet stores seemed magical. Ross, TJ Max, Marshalls. New clothes, clean smells, different size options, and trendy styles. I never wanted to shop at thrift store again. 

Later I discovered malls and larger brands. Loft and White House Black Market seemed like shops where professional and fashionable queens would go. I would purchase $100 jeans in the name of quality and style. 

At this point, I also was living in an empty house rather than a tiny apartment. I discovered home and department stores like Home Goods, At Home, and JoAnne's. In tandem, I started using social media as a source of fashion trends and personal style. 

This comes as a surprise to no one, but the next thing I discovered was consumerism. 

Trends came and went fast than I could scroll on a For You Page or pin to a virtual inspiration board. My personal style changed with every video and picture, and I was more frustrated than ever trying to decorate my house. 

And then there was a Christmas tree. 

My mother-in-law was downsizing and gave me her 7ft Christmas tree. I took it home, set it up by the window, plugged it in, and admired the lights. I took advantage of Black Friday sales and purchased more lights from Lowes and velvet ornament balls from West Elm. Easy. Done. It was decorated, classy, and pretty.

... But ... I do love Christmas and lights and pretty ornaments. I decided more ornaments would be nice, so to Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and At Home I went. 

And I hated everything I saw. 

It was all plastic, low quality, too trendy to be meaningful, and so expensive considering the product. I wanted Classic Christmas. (Watching Stranger Things finale may have influenced the nostalgia.)

So thrifting I went. I found so many amazing ornaments and ribbons and bows and sparkles. Each one was unique and beautiful in way I haven't seen since my childhood. 

I also found clothes, furniture, books, and bags. 

The smells still exist. The low quality intermixed. The broken and stained items that I would throw in the trash before selling to someone. 

And yet, I realized I no longer have to buy things just because they exist and I need it. (And yes, that is because of the opportunities provided to me by my parents.)

Now, thrifting fells like a treasure hunt and a choice for environment and financial sustainability. And in many cases, a demand for higher quality. I am selective when I purchase from thrift stores. 

Of course, I still buy some new clothes and I'm still learning my personal style. 

But my favorite Saturday mornings start with breakfast at my favorite restaurant followed by a series of thrift, second-hand, and antique shops - plus a sprinkle of yard, garage, and estate sales.