My Latest “Thrift Haul” - Intentional Thrifting
Hello friends!
I’d like to start this post out by stating that I don’t believe that “thrift hauls” are sustainable at all. Sure, secondhand clothes definitely have a smaller environmental footprint than newly-made clothes, but overconsumption is overconsumption regardless. The concept of a “haul” in itself is an example of purchasing in mass quantity (ie. overconsumption).
That being said, I do believe in mindful thrifting as an alternative to traditional shopping and thought that it might be useful to share some of the items that I’ve purchased over the last four months in Taiwan as a means for personal accountability as well as to spark conversation around how we can be more mindful consumers.
These past four months, I’ve purchased more clothing than I did in all of 2020. When I initially moved to Taiwan, I planned the trip to only last until March and appropriately only brought a small capsule with fall/winter clothes. As I extended my trip, I began to realize that I didn’t have the necessary clothes to get by in everyday life and this prompted me to purchase a few new secondhand garments.
Here are some of the pieces that I’ve picked up over the last four months in Taiwan and part of my reasoning and logic behind purchasing them.
Quick disclaimer: as we talk about consumer habits, I think it’s important to note that consumer activism and systemic change encouraging more sustainable corporate practices are just as important (if not more important) than personal shifts in consumption.
Green Linen Shirt
200-300 NT (approximately $7-10 USD) - March 2021
Reasoning: The quality of this shirt is incredible! I love how lightweight it is and with summer right around the corner, I’m looking for breathable fabrics that will still do a good job of protecting the skin from UV rays. The color itself is also a trendy color that I happen to think works well with my closet.
Orange Skort
200-300 NT (approximately $7-10 USD) - December 2020
Reasoning: I absolutely fell in love with this skort. There are times when you go thrifting and come across items that you just know will fit perfectly in your wardrobe--this was one of those times. This rust/orange skort caught my eye from the get-go and I just knew that it was an investment piece to purchase.
White Button-Down
700 NT (approximately $25 USD) - February 2021
Reasoning: I was originally looking for a white button-down shirt to dye with indigo, but after purchasing this piece, I realized that it would better serve me if it remained white. I kept this shirt white because I thought that it would be a versatile garment to have in my closet.
Pearlescent Skirt
500 NT (approximately $20 USD) - December 2020
Reasoning: Okay, I’ll admit that I was really on the fence about this piece. It deviates from my usual style and so I wasn’t sure about how I would style it in my everyday life. I also thought that the fabric would be high-maintenance but retrospectively, I’m really glad that I bought it. It’s a piece that elevates my closet and something that I can wear on a dressier night out.
Red and Black Grid-Pattern Top
100 NT (approximately $3.5 USD) - February 2021
Reasoning: This was another one of those pieces that I fell in love with. It fits in perfectly with my style and I love the movement that it adds to an outfit. The button-down aspect also allows for more versatile styling! 😂 Are you starting to notice a trend in my reasoning?
Navy Shorts
500 NT (approximately $20 USD) - February 2021
Reasoning: This pair of shorts is just a solid, solid, solid choice. The weather in Taiwan is getting pretty warm and I needed something that would function as my everyday go-to pair of shorts.
Blue and White Dress
150 NT (approximately $5.33 USD) - January 2021
Reasoning: I saw the corset along with the blue and white print, and was automatically drawn to it. Admittedly, this was an impulse purchase inspired by some Instagram trends and I somewhat regret it. This dress is very hard to style because it’s such a statement piece, but I am doing my best to pair it with different layers!
Flare Denim Overalls
700 NT (approximately $25 USD) - March 2021
Reasoning: Definitely a pricier investment but this is one of my favorite purchases so far! I love the shape of the pants, the denim is of great quality, and the overalls can easily be tucked in to allow for two different ways of styling!
What are some things that you keep in mind when thrifting?
G
