What's up, Kings and Queens?! Welcome to Story Behind the Look! Today is the day we celebrate "National Secondhand Wardrobe Day!" You know it’s so weird, we've been family for a whole month now and I have never asked, have you been thrifting before? Do you have at least one secondhand outfit in your closet? If so, yesssssss!! If not, today I'm going to share five reasons why you should.
As I mentioned in my very first post, I have been thrifting for a long time! When I originally started thrifting it was for self-identity purposes but later during my journey, I realized that shopping at the Goodwill was doing more for the community and the environment than what it was doing for me. If you know me, I love giving back and helping others, which leads into Reason #1....
1. Shopping secondhand is for a good cause!
Goodwill is a non-profit organization. The money that you invest helps the community and offers employment to those who may face challenges while seeking a job. Goodwill also provides career development for community members, especially individuals with disabilities. Their vision and the work they do for others mean a lot to me and sometimes I think people miss that part about Goodwill. It's more than just a thrift store with reasonable prices, it stands for something bigger. So every time you think about thrifting and the amount of money you are spending, think about the investment you are making in the lives of others.
2. Shopping secondhand helps you SAVE money!
Who doesn't enjoy saving a little change here and there? I know, I do! Listen, you can go into a Goodwill and find the same $40 shirt from Fashion Nova for $12. However, I'm not trying to knock anyone who prefers to buy new items instead of secondhand. I guess that's where the saying, “Fun Fashion vs. Fast Fashion”, stems from. You have to do what works for you and what makes you comfortable. I have saved a lot of money over the years by thrifting, while also investing in others. Whew! That's a Win Win for me!
3. Shopping secondhand is eco-friendly! It is safe for the environment!
When you clean out your closet and find yourself ready to get rid of clothes, what do you do with them? Do you throw them in the dumpster? Do you give them away to a family/friend? Do you recycle and donate them? Yea, I know. I got you thinking now. The more clothing items we throw in the garbage is harmful for our environment. Research shows that the chemicals from clothing articles leaches into the soil and contaminates water sources! Did you know that? Also, think about the amount of clothing articles that sit at landfills and travels into rivers and lakes...that's so dangerous. Not to mention, when you throw clothes away, you're losing money and the opportunity to donate to a greater cause.
4. Shopping secondhand helps you find vintage/trendy/stylish things!
Almost every time I wear something super cute and stylish, someone always ask "Where you get your outfit from?" and my answer is always Goodwill! Most people be so shocked, LOL, but it’s the truth! When I go thrifting, I try to look for things that fit my personality but also things that are super stylish. I'm all about style and grace (winks eye). If you have an event coming up and can’t find anything to wear online or at the mall, the third place you should look is Goodwill! Don't sleep on us, you never know what you could find!
5. Shopping secondhand is a great way to self care!
Have you ever been down and out? Unsure about what’s happening in the world? I use thrifting for my mental health. When I'm having a rough day or week, I secondhand shop. Now, I know some of you are probably thinking well that's not cost efficient...but it is. I can take $20 in the Goodwill and have the time of my life and that's a fact. The same $20 I would spend on a bottle of alcohol on a Saturday night. When I'm going through something, thrifting uplifts me, encourages me, and honestly gives me peace of mind. It also reminds me of my purpose, which is very similar to the Goodwill's vision, to give back to the community. I share my story through fashion and thrifting, and gratefully, it continues to encourage and inspire people daily. Just by walking into the store gives me hope, strength and peace because I know I am making somewhat of an impact on the lives of others simply by being a Goodwill customer.
So there you have it folks, five essential reasons why you should secondhand shop! Please keep in mind that these are not ALL of the reasons, just some that I strongly value. I hope you take the time to do a little research on your own, but always know I'm here to help support and guide you. Let the recycling and saving begin now! Until next time fam...
-Vintage Black Girl
