The Fashion Conscience
Fall is my favourite season for many reasons. For starters, I was born in September so there’s a slight bias there. My second reason is the same as many of yours — FALL FASHION! As changing seasons certainly mean changing fashion trends, this October I gained not just the opportunity to change my wardrobe, but also bring a change in my mindset.
I took part in my friend Assya’s “Buy Nothing New” challenge for 30 days. It changed me completely. Not only was it a huge learning experience, but I also acquired a new passion: thrifting!
Thrift shopping still remains a taboo amongst many people in our community, mainly due to false perceptions. People feel completely comfortable donating their clothes to thrift stores and charitable organizations, yet feel incapable of consuming items from those very same thrift stores themselves. Why is that? Once I put my ego aside and learned of the benefits of buying gently used or new clothes from thrift stores, I learned of the endless possibilities at practically a fraction of the cost!
Might I add — some of the pieces I found will completely surprise you. Fashion is a broad term with many definitions but one thing is for certain, it is a medium for expression. The clothes you wear, the brands you support and even the colours you choose all say something about you and that is exactly why I gained an incredible sense of appreciation for thrift shopping and those who do it.
In addition to “thrift-ers” being budget conscious or financially savvy (you choose), these individuals understand the impact of consumption, particularly the consumption and production of new items on our environment. Most of the “thrift-ers” I’ve met also have an incredible sense of style. Their ability to put something together using pieces that are not enhanced by beautiful display shelves, white lights and models impresses me completely.
So this October, not only did I put my thrifting hat on, I also: saved a couple of hundreds, donated gently used/new items that I did not wear for over a year, reduced my closet by 40%… and bought new fall staples for a few dollars. I also learned how to maximize even more by flagging my calendar with thrift-store deal days (yes, they have sales too!)
Jacket: ($19, Kind Exchange in Oakville)
Tretorn Rainboots: ($3, Goodwill (went to the event “50% Fridays” for the month of October)
Plaid Shirt: ($4, Goodwill (men’s section and NEW with tags, “50% Fridays” )
Vintage Satchel: ($4, made in Italy, awesome condition, “50% Fridays”)
Red Oversized Sweater: ($5, Men’s section “50% Fridays”)
Sandals: ($4, Goodwill, 50% Fridays)
Total: $39
Annum Khokhar
Latest posts by Annum Khokhar (see all)
- The Fashion Conscience - November 30, 2015
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