Monday, October 19, 2020

Get in Loser, We’re Going Thrift Shopping: Where to Sustainably Shop Fall’s Biggest Trends

Now more than ever, the discussion of sustainable fashion is at the forefront of the industry. Brands like Stella McCartney are leading the way by committing to transparency and using sustainable materials to produce luxury collections. But one of the best ways to transition into a sustainable wardrobe (without breaking the bank) is shopping second-hand. And I know what you’re thinking, I’ve heard it all before! “It takes too much time”, “I don’t have the patience to look through the racks”, and my personal favourite “I never find anything good”. Well, that’s where I come in. This is where you can find three of the biggest trends for Fall at three different second-hand stores as told by a seasoned thrift shopper (me)!

Two words, Sweater. Vests.

Just when we thought Gen Z couldn’t get any more ridiculous, they’ve claimed your grandfather’s old sweater vest as a fashion trend. I have seen a version of the sweater vest in every store at the mall this season, ranging anywhere from 50 to 100 dollars. I’m here to tell you to close that wallet, get in your car and drive right to your local Value Village. The men’s section of thrift stores is a treasure trove for things like this. You’d be surprised at what you find when on the hunt for a specific piece. And you won’t get so overwhelmed browsing through the racks!

Mini Bags Just Big Enough for a Mask

Mini bags never really seem to go out of style. And when Prada launched the “Re-edition” shoulder bag a few seasons ago, the trend seems to be out in full force once again. One of my favourite places to find vintage bags is Threadup.com! What happens when thrift shopping meets the 21st century? Naturally, it moves online. Thread Up is an online platform that curates both luxury and mid-range second-hand goods and ships them right to you. When browsing their site I like to modify my search to designer handbags and see what one-of-a-kind gems I can find!

Leather and Spice and Everything Nice

Leather is the Fall trend that you can pretty much always count on to make a comeback. From pants to blazers and everything in between, leather is the statement fabric that keeps on giving. Buying brand new leather goods isn’t the most ethical option and vegan leather is often made with plastics that are not biodegradable, so buying second-hand is the best way to get your hands on that perfect leather piece for Fall. I love browsing different consignment stores in Toronto for vintage pieces that already have some wear in them. VSP Consignment on Dundas Street West always curates the best collection of leather pieces. 

Hopefully these tips make your shopping experience a little easier next time you are staring down the aisles and aisles of intimidating racks at the thrift store. We should all do our part to make fashion a little more sustainable and this is a great place to start. Stay safe, wear a mask and shop second hand! 

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