(Edited to add that no matter what I do, and how I resize these photos, I can’t seem to get it right on the EBEW site, so, alas, I am a mere text link this time around. I’m going to stop trying, because it feels like I’m unintentionally spamming them when trying to resubmit.)
With many apologies for the atrocious photo quality, I jump very enthusiastically into this special edition of Everybody, Everywhere. Several mini-disasters befell me: the house photographer is out of town, I’m trying to get used to my new point-and-shoot camera, and I seem to have misplaced the camera mount for the regular tripod, and had to resort to a crappy little mini-tripod that was given to me as a freebie two point-and-shoot cameras ago. This, alas, is not a photoset taken by a good photographer with a fancy camera. But I wasn’t about to miss this. Because
I.
Love.
Thrifting.
Thrifting is my favourite, totally-all-about-me hobby (although I do get stuff for the husband & others), and there’s really nothing I’d rather do more if I’m having some out-of-the-house special time. I would estimate that upwards of 50% of my wardrobe, other than shoes and accessories, is thrifted. I generally thrift alone, although on the few occasions I’ve had a shopping companion who is NOT my husband, I’ve enjoyed it. Mostly, though, I’m out there with my iPod cancelling out the ambient noise, and deeply into a mental space I think of as ThriftZone. ThriftZone is a happy, happy place.
I’m very fortunate to be in a size range where there are TONS of clothes to be found. I wear a UK 12-14 (Usually considered 8-10 in North American sizes) and all I can say is that there are a lot of women my approximate dress size (though not height, oh goodness no) who donate clothes to charity shops. I should know: I’m one of them. I’m pretty good at throwing back stuff if I don’t wear it, or decide it just isn’t right, and while I’m not one of those people who believes in the wear-it-within-six-months-to-a-year-or-get-rid-of-it rule, I tend to figure out pretty quickly if something’s just not going to work, and out it goes.
There are obvious economic advantages to thrifting, and as a confirmed clothes junkie, yeah, it certainly helps that by thrifting I’m paying a lot less than I might otherwise to support my habit. But, at this point in my life, it’s not a matter of economic necessity. I hate waste. I hate the idea of buying brand-new clothes manufactured under often appalling conditions, to be disposed of in a season. I like the cycle of donate-and-purchase that goes on with thrifting, and the idea of keeping perfectly wearable clothing out of bloody landfills. I, frankly, like getting higher-end clothing for a fraction of what I’d pay retail. I think of myself as a person who actually kind of avoids fashion, but ADORES clothes, and aspires to being stylish, as opposed to fashionable. Because, really, I can’t be. While I do get rid of stuff that doesn’t work, what remains I become very attached to, and I couldn’t be bothered less if I’m not completely on-trend. On those rare occasions I am totally on-trend, it’s surprising to me. And it’s kind of fun to realise, as I’m out and about, hey! Today I’m sorta-kinda fashionable. Today I’m in the club!
And today I am, happily, once again in the EBEW club, and we’re all going thrifting.
Details:
Corduroy jacket: River Island, thrifted, remixed.
Necklace: Accessorize, remixed.
Cami: Gap, remixed.
Belt: Zara.
Bangles: Monsoon.
Silk Skirt: Toast, thrifted. Oh, sheesh, the trouble I’ve had with styling this skirt, but I love it so much.
Bag: Ollie & Nic, thrifted. Possibly remixed?
Shoes: Blowfish.
