Fall is definitely on my mind and in a few short weeks, it will be here! Over the weekend, I ventured out to the mall to see what goodies they had in store. As you know, I am mainly a thrift shopper but I do like mixing retail pieces with thrift pieces (as it is kinda my thing). If you saw on last week’s post HERE, I am really into colorblock sweaters this fall. So when I went to the mall, I wanted to see if I could find one for under $20 and guess what, I DID!!! (And it was actually from a store that I NEVER shop at believe it or not… click HERE for the link.) While I was there, I ventured into a few more stores. First, I went to Francesca’s and spotted THIS dress that I absolutely loved but couldn’t justify spending the money on. Then, I went to the Express outlet store where I bought THESE leggings for $7.98 on clearance (Score!). Thrifting has changed the way that I shop retail and today, I want to reflect on that with you!
Like I mentioned above, thrifting has changed the way that I shop retail. How? Well, here are a few reasons as to how:
1. I Don’t Like Paying More than I Need to on Fast Fashion
I hope that this one goes without saying but I normally don’t like paying more than $20-$25 for something at retail store. Yes, I know that there are certain items that will never go on sale and that is perfectly fine. In those instances, I have no problem splurging. But more of the time, I know that I can find the same item at a thrift store for $5 or under. If shop at thrift stores as frequently as I do, you become so accustomed to spending $4-$5 for an item that anything more than that is crazy! I actually get super uncomfortable spending more than $25 for something at a retail store. If it is a one-of-a-kind piece or a couture item marked down that is one thing. But if it is just some super trendy fast fashion piece then I get really uneasy about spending more money on it than what it is worth.
2. There is a Good Chance that I Will Find it in a Thrift Store
Fast fashion is probably one of the worst things to happen to the fashion world (in my opinion). Most of these pieces are low-quality and fall apart after one season of wearing them. Millennials, especially, want to keep up with the latest trends. So instead of investing in high-quality, timeless pieces, they shop at stores such as Forever 21 (for example) and buy whatever the latest Instagram model is wearing. Once that trend has phased out, they move onto the next one. As a result, most of these pieces end up in thrift stores as they are quickly donated to make room for the next trend. This works out well for me because I can buy these trendy pieces (either to sell or for myself) for $4-$5 a piece. So why would I buy it retail when it will eventually make its’ way to a thrift store anyway?
3. I Will Still Invest in Staple Pieces (AKA Shoes and Purses)
Although most of my items are thrifted, I do still invest in staple pieces such as shoes and purses. Yes, I can find both of those items while thrifting but sometimes, I actually make out better by buying them retail. I have a very well-defined personal style and I only buy pieces that fit into it. I always try to make sure that one piece in my outfit is a statement piece that really makes the outfit pop. Most of the time, that piece ends up being either my shoes or my purse (sometimes both). So if I find a piece that really speaks to me (and is timeless), I will pay the retail price for it because I know that it will have a very low cost-per-wear (more on that HERE).
So these are some of the ways as to how thrifting has changed the way that I shop retail. Has thrift shopping changed your view on retail shopping?
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