Thrifting

Posted on | August 3, 2008 | 5 Comments

It was over 7 months ago now that I made my Wardrobe Refashion pledge. I haven’t done any exciting re-fashioning (I suppose that the bobble sweater could count, but that might be a stretch), but the initiative and the refashioning blog have reinforced and expanded some of my philosophies about clothing and shopping, what’s needed (and what’s not) in my wardrobe, handling of repairs and/or replacements, and what I wear that feels good to me and why. I have not re-signed as my to-date example proves that I can’t commit to regular participation, but I will continue to follow the blog for it’s constant inspiration and keep up with my pledge on my own terms.

So far, it has been nearly a year since I’ve purchased any new clothes. Instead, I’ve tackled my mending pile, and focused on the thrift stores on the rare occasion that something needs replacing. The Triangle area has a plethora of thrifting options for clothing as well as furnishings, etc. They range in price and scope from Freecycle and the local goodwill to consignment shops for high-fashion designer duds and all levels in between. All good in my book, depending on what you’re looking for, your criteria and your price range – they’re all re-using other’s cast offs. A few weeks ago I was in need of a pair of jeans and some work garments, and also bemoaning a lack of hot weather wear in the 100-plus-degree heat we’ve been having. One thrift-shop trip later and I brought home a few linen and cotton tanks, a “new” suit for work (Ha! If I must dress appropriately at work, at least it can be re-used!), a couple linen shirt/jackets to keep me covered from the heat outside to the chilly AC indoors, and one pair of chinos instead of jeans (no jeans to fit, but these will do).

Just like I like ‘em – baggy and LONG!

A few minor efforts went into improving these – I removed “wine stains” from one tank that turned out to be fuschia fuzz stuck inside the lining – Turned it inside out and got rid of those,

I added a few snaps to one tank to prevent gaping between buttons,

And, I got a little over-ambitious and ripped out the inseams of the too-short pants to the suit. Then promptly got intimidated and chucked it in a corner (to revisited and re-made into a skirt when I am feeling braver).

Once the new items had found homes, I proceeded to retire at least as many articles that aren’t fitting the bill for one reason or another (too small, too big, too not-my-style-anymore) to go right back to goodwill – and that felt good.

I like these – I feel comfortably myself, and that has as much to do with feeling well-clothed as it does with feeling good about giving these clothes a second life. I think it qualifies as a very satisfying shopping experience. So here I am feeling very happy with this focus on sustainability and functional clothes that I feel good wearing and pleased with how far I’ve come. And then our lovely little economic stimulus package arrived in the mail, and well, let’s just say that good intentions are terrific and all, but we certainly aren’t immune to some serious consumerism at times. But we’re getting better – at least I like to think that we’re more reformed (and informed) consumers than we once were.

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Now playing: Neil Halstead – Oh Mighty Engine
via FoxyTunes

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