8 January 2013 - Thrift shopping

One of the biggest goals I have set myself for the year is to not purchase any "new" clothes and instead do my fashion shopping in second hand stores. I understand that this is a seriously "First World" kind of a challenge but also know I am somebody who needs it.

When I moved to Australia from New Zealand nearly six years ago I came with one tramping pack full of clothes. At the end of last year I purged my wardrobe of three bags over twice that original backpacks size of clothes I did not need or wear. I was disgusted and wondered how did things get to this state? Where did I decide to send those unwanted clothes? The local op-shop. And I felt so good about it.

My wardrobe is still overflowing and I think there will be more clothes that I say goodbye to this year, so why should I say hello to any new items at all? I think the thing for me about purchasing fashion is how fresh you feel when you have something different to wear. I wondered if I would get that same feeling from the recycled items I picked up this year as I did from brand new ones?

So to put it to the test I picked up my beautiful sister in law Maddie - who at 14 is probably more fashion savvy than I will ever be - and we headed to the biggest op-shop in town. I spent less than $20 and got a tee, three summer singlets, two lip glosses, a handbag, a hat and two coffee mugs for my eclectic mug collection.



My favourite find was this Jump Rope for Heart tee that I don't think has ever been worn and is a wonderful throw back to the 90's for a 90's kid.

I actually cannot wait to go again to see what I might find next time.

As for getting the fresh feeling from wearing something different? The verdict is in. And as Macklemore would say in his thrift shop anthem that I will be singing each time I go "This is F***ing awesome!"