New post on GoBackpacking: A Jew at Czech Christmas
I may have mentioned a few times that I harbor a love for thrift stores.
I remember when the infatuation began – innocently, of course. I was an early teen, probably in eighth grade. I flipped open my copy of Seventeen magazine to a one page article on Christina Ricci, an old favorite actress [Casper defined my generation. No shame.]. The interview focused on Christina’s love of vintage clothing, and with each paragraph, I delved deeper into a world of Venetian lace, soft flapper-style feathers, rich fabrics in velveteen burgundy. I had always been fascinated by the clothing of other eras, and here I was finally being told I could wear those pieces from the twenties or the fifties – I just had to find the right ones.
The sentences continued, highlighting a couple Manhattan boutiques, full of secondhand collections that were as pricey as the designers’ originals. Then, the author listed some keys to shopping vintage: patience, a good eye, knowledge of the right shops, and finally, a tiny waistline.
Wait. What?
I kept coming back to that. According to the magazine, part of Ricci’s success as a thrifter could be credited to her small size. Because who wants to spend the time searching for that Chanel dress circa 1940, only to discover it is too tight?
I clearly remember thinking, right then and there, that I would never be able to shop at vintage stores. I’d never be that thin. [I should note that at this point, I was thirteen and naturally quite small].
Years later, I know the article did make some good points. Patience, for one, is key to a positive thrifting experience; without the right mindset, you can’t possibly leaf through rack upon rack. A good eye is vital as well – no one in Salvation Army will tell you what to wear or how to wear it, and no one will tell you what is worth your five dollars, and what is, well, not.
But weighing “x” number of pounds? The statement was unwarranted, untrue, and unnecessary.
On my last thrifting excursion, I came home with a vest marked size large, a skirt labeled extra small, and a dress with no tag at all. One top I tried on was too loose, another much too tight. There was a time when I would agonize over an afternoon such as that, when I would have vowed to reach a point where every piece fit. But not anymore.
turns out you can eat all these foods and still dress to the nines.
These days, when I go to some of my favorite shops, size isn’t of much concern. Because contrary to that old magazine article, the sizes on the racks are as wide-ranging as our shapes in real life. I’ve seen it proven time and again, whether it be in the true thrift shops I look through for myself, or inside the vintage designer boutiques I browsed back when I was styling models.
I’ve been in and out of the fashion world, and the people I respected most were not those who weighed the least or spent the most. They were the ones who understood the artistry, the innovation, and the self-expression. The best part about thrifting is the opportunity to be that artist: it’s an affordable practice that lets us use fashion to reflect who we are. That personal uniqueness is always there, no matter what number is printed on the tag.
Even if you don’t share my affection for secondhand: tell me, where is your favorite place to shop? Is there a store whose clothes never fail to make you feel good?
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I love thrift stores, too. I have since I was in my teens. Back then, we were really poor and I didn’t get things unless they were from the thrift store. Now, I love going in and spending the afternoon digging around finding the good stuff!
I love shopping at thrift stores and Chanel. I know, drastic difference, haha.
I love thrifting, and while I do have a harder time finding plus-size items, patience and a good are key. And I’ve learned that no matter if it’s Nordstrom, Target or a thrift store, trying things on if it looks as if it *might* fit despite the number not being the one I’m normally used to seeing, is essential. My closet has items ranging from 8 different sizes, and all of them fit me currently. As most people know, most clothing made overseas is universally unreliable. Four months ago, I bought two tops at Target in size __, but last week the same style top (and same designer) but a newer print wouldn’t fit.
I’m frugal when it comes to shopping for clothes unless it’s classic pieces (a good pencil skirt, nice pair of jeans, black dress, etc.) so I tend to go cheap. Vintage is always preferred, but not ideal. Besides that, I like anything by the Gap (including Old Navy), Nordstrom sales (and Nordstrom Rack!), TJMaxx/Marshall’s/Ross, and Target.
I adore this post. It leaves me in wonder and despair. Look at what the media does to naive, young teenagers. You are a perfect example of someone with great strength, beauty and self-awareness. You portray someone I only hope I can be one day.
Thank you for being you.
bec xo
Hmm, another wonderful article. Love your posts. Shopping is something I do not do, I have avoided it for a long long time. I have no money and despite desperate need of clothes (a proper winter jacket would help) I still avoid at all costs because money is a deep concern for me at my present moment.
Your thoughts on size were interesting. The person who revels in finding certain items I hope would be in pursuit of the creativity and art of the hunt, and not whether it will fit.
Nice post.
I am so happy to hear you are more flexible with your vintage shopping….not many of us are built for tiny sizes like CHristina Ricci!
I know what jeans I can buy that I don’t need to hem (I am short) and that fit my thighs (which are muscular from running, weights, rugby, etc…) so finding the jeans was like a gift for me because I always struggled needing to get jeans altered.
Have a good day.
Best,
Katie
http://katiechangesforkatie.blogspot.com/
I love the Gap and J. Crew – they’ve been my old stand-bys since high school. Thrift stores are fun, but I have to be in the mood to sift through clothes, which for me, only happens occasionally.
I have never thrifted!!! It’s shocking, really, because it seems like a thing I would totally do for hours on end. Maybe I will in the future? As for my favorite stores, I like Forever 21, Express, and Target because I can afford them (hahah!) but I have expensive taste and normally web-browse at Nordstrom and Anthropologie, to name a few :D
I share your love of thrifting! At my favorite thrift store (Ohio Thrift) they have a 50% off sale on the last wednesday of every month! I rack up so many things, for 20 bucks or less, it’s a dream come true.
I like what you said about size. So many different brands, stores, designers have different size ranges. so the number truly doesn’t mean a damn thing! Thank you for reminding me of this :)
Love always,
Lex
Let’s go thrifting when i get home!
I. adore. vintage. clothing. have you been to modcloth.com?? ahhhhhhhhhh
<3
Great post. I think your experience with “thrifting” is very unique and meaningful. It’s great that you were able to realize what was truly important and beautiful about it.
I honestly shop in all different stores of all price ranges, styles, etc. And I try not to pay much attention to sizes, because I’m different in all of them…the best clothes are the ones that FEEL good and make me feel confident :)
You know I love thrifting! Such a great post. Thanks for providing some good links to your fave places. Love it!