The Thrill of Thrifting
My earliest memories of thrifting are with my dad when I was a kid, a time where my love of shopping began. We’d visit Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads Trading, stores I still go to today along with new favorite spots like Dresscue. Recently, I leveled up my thrifting game by attending my first thrifting event: Thriftapalooza. It was such a fun event that I’m craving for more and I feel a thrifting obsession brewing.
I’ve even started watching thrifting YouTubers like Drew Joiner and Danielle Rivera (Twinelle). There’s something about seeing others score dope secondhand finds that gives me a secondhand high. It’s a feeling I can’t shake and I know I’ll be thrifting for life because it always feels like a treasure hunt, stirs up nostalgia, and supports my sustainability efforts.
Photo by Noémie Roussel on Unsplash
A Treasure Hunt
Thrifting always feels like a treasure hunt. I love that I never know what I’ll discover. It brings out my inner child. But instead of searching for toys, I’m hunting for clothing and accessories that make me light up with delight.
And once I find one piece I’m obsessed with, it’s like a domino effect. I slip into a thrifting frenzy and suddenly attract more gems, like a cute cactus-patched jacket or a long-chained necklace that’s perfect for my next concert. Each discovery feels like a dopamine rush. I can’t get enough of it!
Nostalgia
Thrifting is a special shopping experience. Since it’s tied to my childhood, it feels like stepping into a time capsule. It’s fun seeing 90s-2000s fashion from my childhood, like dungarees or convertible pants.
What fascinates me is that the nostalgia goes beyond my own childhood when I spot a Member’s Only jacket from the 80s or a fringe bag with 70s bohemian vibes. I love that vintage clothing and accessories are wearable time machines and it doesn’t get any cooler than that.
Sustainability
Thrifting helps me feel like I’m doing my part in the push for sustainability. Fast fashion is everywhere and I’ve learned how damaging it is to the environment. Choosing secondhand might seem like a trend or small act, but every thrifted piece reminds me I’m stepping away from the cycle of overproduction. However, I’m not perfect since my closet still has fast fashion, but thrifted pieces are slowly taking over.
Photo by Charles Etoroma on Unsplash
