I was introduced to the concept of thrifting clothes through social media, such as TikTok, but also through my friend Lauren. It started around freshman year; people’s fashion styles started to become more individualized as they tried to create a new image for themselves in high school. I was one of these people. I alway thought my sense of fashion was good; however, I knew it was basic items found on every store shelf imaginable. Being around Lauren opened my eyes to new ideas and new ways to style clothing. She introduced me to my first pair of “mom jeans” or pants aside from skinny jeans.
I would scroll through TikTok looking for inspiration, finding it among the most unique pieces. When I ran to the comment section to learn where it was bought, the answer was usually “at my local thrift store” or something of similar nature. I located a thrift store near me called Village Discount Outlet and went to check it out. It was an unusual experience, but I found it fascinating. Along with the cheap prices, the atmosphere intrigued me because there were so many people there, and all for different reasons I’d never know. Thrifting tends to carry a negative connotation, generating assumptions about people’s wealth and lifestyles. However, I embraced this and never passed judgment nor speculated about these strangers’ lives.
Covid-19 unfortunately put thrifting on the back burner, but I couldn’t stay away for long. I began to discover new places to thrift, again courtesy of Lauren Leemaster. Currently, my favorite place to thrift is Hartville Thrift Shoppe. It is by far the most unique store, catering mostly to women’s clothing. I consider it one of my comfort places, a place I can go to clear my head and just browse. I tend to thrift alone most times, not only because I can keep all the good stuff I find, but also because I find peace in it. It’s weird, but it captivates me. This clothing is different from that you find in a retail store; it has a story, it holds memories, and it has lived. It is interesting to me that each piece of clothing has been worn by someone, and that someone could have been wearing it during the best, worst, saddest, happiest, etc. moments of their life. I think it carries a level of beauty no one talks about.
With all this being said, the concept of thrifting has affected my perspective on the way I look at life. It’s taught me to keep an open mind. You can find an item of clothing and think it is ugly, weird, or unusual, but sometimes it just needs some love. Fixing up thrifted items is always exciting, seeing potential in it and making it come into fruition. I believe this also applies to people. It’s important to keep an open mind in life for people because I believe someone’s full potential is never met and they are always growing; they just need the same love we give our old clothing when turning pieces into something new and fun. Thrifting has taught me to take time to slow down and enjoy myself. It has taught me comfort. I am grateful that a simple experience like shopping second hand has enriched my life in amazing ways.