Thrift store shopping: we all know the popular song about “popping tags,” but what happens when we think about the bigger picture? What does the act of thrifting mean? Does it invoke memory; are we saving the planet or simply looking for affordable clothing? What do thrift finds say about style vs. fashion?
Before we discuss any of these topics, we should talk about the best thrifting locations. My answer is annoyingly: everywhere! People always ask me where I thrift. I admit, I am protective of my thrift stores — I have invested time in researching the best thrift stores that fit my needs. I know which ones have the high end, barely worn dresses and which ones have the vintage gems. However, as I reflect on my array of thrift shops, I think about the investment of time in another way.
If one is looking to thrift, you can walk into any thrift store and walk out with a few pieces that match you. The key is that you have to be open to the experience and willing to spend time at a thrift store: at least an hour. Thrifting is dirty work, so be ready to roll up your sleeves and dig. Time is the most important aspect of thrifting because you might set out to find a nice dress but you will leave with some great shoes or jewelry. You have to be ready to get into those racks and search. The more you do this, the more you will become familiar with the process. These days I scan the racks and when a print or color pops out at me, I dig into that section and work my way down and I almost always come out with a wonderful piece.
When I think of the act of thrifting, I also think of it in many forms. The biggest being retail store vs. thrift store. Why do I invest so much time in thrifting when I’m not guaranteed to walk out with exactly what I am looking for? The more I think about it, the more I realize that that is the point. Thrifting always brings me a delightful surprise, while retail stores are selling me current fashions. They are telling me what I should buy in order to be in style. The last time I checked, there were 52 seasons being pumped into retail stores and marketed at the masses. Thrift shopping gives you a chance to play and explore your personal style instead of running with the fads. I’m not totally against retail stores, in fact I find that the best way to use those vintage gems is to combine them with current retail items, which brings me to the moral of this topic: you can buy fashion, but you can’t buy style. Style is individualistic. It’s about listening to your body. What clothing items make you feel most comfortable, sexy or simply which items make you feel most like yourself.
I also think of thrifting as memory. As a kid (and currently) I LOVED looking at old family photos. I love the idea of my mom in her younger years and the fashions of those times. Unfortunately, like most of us, my mom didn’t keep her old clothes. Many times I am out thrifting and looking for the clothes that remind me of those photos. The pieces are nostalgic and they’re comforting. Along with vintage items being comforting, they also fit my body way better than current fashions do. My waist (ahem beer belly) is higher than what is currently available at retail stores.
Thrift store shopping is also a type of recycling. Instead of buying that trendy piece you are actually contributing to the reduction of clothing production. It’s as simple as reduce, reuse and recycle. Practice it with your clothing and your closet. Another way to reduce and recycle it to host a clothing swap with your friends. You’ll save lots of money and score some new items.
Thrifting has several significant meanings. It can be a fun way to explore your personal style, breath new life into vintage clothes; it is definitely easier on your pocket and is a great form of recycling. If you’re new to it, start slow: drink a big cup of coffee, wear layers (many don’t have fitting rooms) and be open to the process. The more you practice thrifting, the better you will get at it. Most importantly: have fun! Don’t be afraid to grab a wild print, or item you normally wouldn’t purchase, after all it will most likely only cost you $3-5.
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Thelma Uranga is a Chicago-based artist and self-described Do-It-Yourself enthusiast. Uranga is the Communications/Development Coordinator at ElevArte Community Studio in Pilsen where she is also a teaching artist for a youth program called Sew Stitchy. In her program, teens learn about handmade and DIY culture through knitting, crocheting and various sewing projects. She is also the owner of Rowdy Corazón, an online Etsy shop that sells unique handmade gifts and accessories with a cultural twist. Thelma has a BA in Studio Art/Photography from Illinois State University. Her past photography work has explored themes of cultural identity, feminism, contemporary American society and portraiture. Other blissful obsessions include thrift store shopping, baking pies, and her dog Tula.
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