I used to consider myself a shrewd thrift store and online marketplace shopper, going into them with a purpose. Equipped with the objective of being environmentally conscious, I was resolved to breathe new life into used clothing. With the unique pieces and the smaller environmental impact, it seemed like a win-win situation. However, after a few years of this endeavor, I had to face the uncomfortable reality that thrift store shopping was not my thing.
Let's start by discussing the wardrobe explosion. My closet turned into a chaotic museum of mismatched objects, each with a peculiar history that came together to create a crazy story. The vision of a well-curated wardrobe swiftly devolved into chaos. I bought a lot of clothes on impulse because I loved the idea of repurposing old items or the thrill of finding a great deal.
Wearing these clothes felt more like a compromise than a statement, even though I really wanted them to work because I wanted to be environmentally friendly. In actuality, not every previously owned item of clothing is valuable. Many are old, worn out, or just plain run-down. The modern thrift store is overrun with fast fashion items, proving that clothes aren't made the same as they once were. In the secondhand market, finding well-made, naturally fiber clothing is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
However, this begs a more general question: why do so many of us purchase a lot of stuff only to discard it later? Although shoddy clothing is a contributing factor, is the issue more widespread? The average Australian spends between $2,000 and $2,500 a year on clothing, buying 56 items in total. Why? Is it a lack of knowledge about clothing and personal style, social pressure, or the constant push of fast fashion with its horrible micro-seasons?
The realization that regularly purchasing used goods might unintentionally contribute to the fast fashion cycle was another thing that disturbed me. Some individuals overspend because they anticipate making a quick profit by reselling the merchandise after the micro-season concludes. Discarded trend items flood thrift stores and online marketplaces, promoting mindless shopping in favor of a continuous consumption culture. Even though buying used goods is frequently motivated by sustainability, even in this indirect manner, I couldn't help but feel uneasy about encouraging our culture's addiction to shopping.
I wrestled with these realizations for a while before deciding it was time for a change. My spouse is my personal shopper. His family is Spanish and very involved in women's fashion, and I really like his sense of style and quality. He assisted me in creating a capsule wardrobe that consists of classic, well-made items that I adore and wear.
