a love letter to my closet
Thrifted: Spell Maxi Dress - Not Thrifted: Pinko White Leather Cowboy Boots
This time last year, I had just attended 1/5 weddings planned for 2020. I got so excited to be attending the most weddings I’ve ever been to in a year (two of which would be on the east coast) that I pre thrifted all my wedding guest outfits. Totally normal right? Most were for family with two being weddings of close friends. 2020 was on track to be a year of dancing all night and celebrating in style, instead we spent it at home, apart from people, and in sweatpants. Not exactly super glamorous. Now that January is almost over, I’m sitting here saying what is there to be excited about, plan for, or shop for when things still aren’t normal?
Perhaps this new normal time period doesn’t end with a cure and vaccine. Maybe the “new normal” will be how we live, dress, and shop post pandemic. I’m as hopeful as anyone that there will be places, events and occasions worth dressing up for, although at this point I debate wearing heels when going to run errands, but for now we’re stuck at home waiting this out. Though I don’t WFH in sweats I do try and throw on mascara, a thrifted cashmere sweater or a muted tie dye robe for the day and change things up with a slip dress or knit maxi at night. The reason to get dressed up each day might be on pause but I still try to inject style into my days because my closet and yours, probably has beautiful clothes just sitting there, doing absolutely nothing. I believe clothes should be worn and loved and appreciated. I think if they receive anything less than that, it’s not worth having in your wardrobe.
When I was younger, I had a slight shopping problem. I wanted to be trendy just like everyone else and have the cutest clothes and the best pieces from the biggest brands. At the end of the year I’d go through my closet to find things to donate and realized I had SOOO many pieces I liked but didn’t love. Most of the clothes I got rid of were fast fashion items which I 1000% overpaid for. Looking at my closet now, I’m proud to say I love 99% of it. There are a few pieces I keep that I like because “I think if I lose weight I’ll wear it again” which I know is a big organization no-no but idgaf. My point is that, if there are clothes in your closet you don’t truly love, get rid of them and find pieces you do love and purchase those instead. Don’t waste $$$ on the hottest pair of bike shorts just because you’ve seen them on allllllll the influencers. (pro-tip: resell what you can to make room for what you might fall in love with at a secondhand shop)
I’ve found so many garments I love at thrift stores, Poshmark, or Depop, that were a fraction of what I’d pay at fast fashion stores, luxury retail stores and designer sites. The pieces I own range from brand new to slightly used or things I’ve had mended, tailored or dry cleaned. If you’re willing to take care of a garment, it’s shelf life will last incredibly longer. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve found a few style staples and trendier pieces that are Zara, a few Urban Outfitters gems, and deals on Free People all at thrift stores but I know most of those pieces aren’t built to last. I buy these brands knowing that and try to take care of these pieces each time I wear them. But in my years of being a stylish and thrifty person, I’ve learned that choosing quality over quantity is always always always the better choice.
When there’s nothing but over production in the fashion industry, we’re left to either stay on trend or fall off the timeline of relevancy. But I’ve chosen to fight off buying into fast fashion and fill my closet with shit I don’t need or things I won’t love by the end of the year through thrifting. I’ve gotten so much joy in buying secondhand and saving garments from ending up in a landfill (plus my wallet loves this change too). If you’re ready to make room in your closet and resell or donate what you no longer love, I suggest finding something new to love at your local thrift store or secondhand site. Its worked wonders for my wardrobe and helping me curate my own secondhand style.
