by Keren Charles
People often wonder how and why I shop thrift stores, especially when I complain about how overwhelmed I get when I step into a department store.
It was my mother who nurtured this "thrifty shopping habit" of mine. She introduced me to thrift shopping when I was in high school. I would go there to buy black uniform pants to wear to my job as a cashier at Popeye's. Today, thrift shopping has a new meaning in my life. I shop thrift stores because:
- It’s the thrill of the hunt. There are bragging rights when finding that perfect piece and saving a lot of money too. Kawana will tell you that my favorite response is..."Oh, I can find that at the thrift store." I have to admit that I always check the thrift store first before I go to other retail stores.
- It's therapeutic. It is very hard to explain how calming and meditative it is to shop racks upon racks of second-hand fashion. I can lose track of time while I there. If I have a rough day and need a quick pick-me-up, thrift-shopping becomes my escape of choice. It helps me forget what I am going through.
- It's nostalgic. There are certain memories that clothes may bring up. Seeing a style of dress my mom wore when I was a child; acid-wash Chic or Lee jeans that I wore during my freshman year of high school; or an ESPRIT sweatshirt that the group of "mean girls" wore, evokes memories that make me smile and laugh and cry again.
- It's doing a good deed. Most thrift stores are run by non-profit organizations that raise money for people in need. Thrifting also saves the environment because it promotes recycling and reduces resources used to produce products. It feels good to know that I am helping my fellow man.
For years, I was a bit ashamed to be seen or even let my friends know that I was an avid thrift-shopper, because years ago there was a social stigma attached to it. Today, it has become more accepted.
So I have a question for my thrifty friends...why do you shop thrift stores?
So I have a question for my thrifty friends...why do you shop thrift stores?
Of course I'm a newly thrift shopper. But I originally ventured out to the thrift store because of all the great finds I see so many of the bloggers find. I really felt like I was missing out! Secondly, going to the thrift store reminding me so much of late grandmother, who ALWAYS thrifted it was therapeutic for me. I am going to try to go more often. :) I'll thrift in her memory!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I love thrift shopping. It's the only way to go. The prices are great, the clothes are rejuvenated and it's like finding a diamond in the rough!
ReplyDeleteThrifting is my cardio and is my "ME" time. If I could I would thrift every day but that might turn into hoarders…LOL
ReplyDelete@Inez of Style Chic....360
ReplyDeleteInez,
I remember that great post you did on your blog on memory of your grandmother. That's a great reason to keep thrifting. Thanks for sharing!
@Frannie Pantz
ReplyDeleteRight Frannie, deals, deals, deals!
@Katie Mac
ReplyDeleteKatie,
Your "me time" response is so true and the reason I insist on thrifting alone.
For all of the same reasons, plus you can guarantee you'll have pieces that no one else has. Can't beat that!
ReplyDelete100 degrees in New Orleans? Sheesh. I'll stop complaining about Texas now!
@Ashley
ReplyDeleteAshley,
Happy you stopped by again. Good to know that I am not the only one who thinks my thrifted pieces are "original" finds:)
I have been thrifting for years. And it has been mostly for household items.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago, I was "watching" my pesos penny by penny and while on the hunt for some more household items, I saw a really cute sundress for $2.00! I have been thrifting even more now!
I do it because after all the years and years and years of watching my sister do it and have the same styles found in department stores, household goods or even better finds and the cuts in education I realized that I could save tons of money for a good cause.
ReplyDelete