This one is about the ultimate way to maintain a sustainable style, while generating zero new demand – and something I did last week for the very first time in my shopping career... Thrifting, for some reason, doesn’t have as cool of a reputation as buying a pile of new stuff – yet when we hear street stylers mention their outfit “is vintage,” we’re just as impressed as if we heard “is Chanel.” But even then, vintage often has this stigma of “that skirt is the ugliest effing skirt I’ve ever seen…”
I was always fascinated with vintage clothing, but honestly never had the knowledge or the energy to go hunting for the shops, to then hunt for items inside those shops. But now, with literally just 5 minutes of research, I was in an Uber to my first NYC vintage shop…
Verdict: this may have been the most exciting shopping experience of my life. Even more than when I bought my YSL bag from the brand store on 5th Ave. wearing dirty sweatpants and a hoodie with a hole in it… Ahh good times.
Attempting to shatter that negative stigma, I want to show how beautiful, glamorous and unique second-hand clothing can be. Definite step up from mainstream, overly marketed, hyper trendy brands. Just after one trip vintage shopping, I outlined some new rules – I’m no expert, but these are honest true feelings about the whole experience. If you’re a certified shopaholic like me, guarantee you’ll find this interesting.
One of a kind.
You’re buying an item that is most likely one of a kind in the world. How cool is that concept… It’s fragile. It’s special. It’s only yours and completely represents your style choices, not one of a million shitty items sold at fast fashion stores. (Not sure if it’s clear how I really feel…)
Reducing production, reducing pollution.
Even if second-hand / vintage item is by a smaller unethical brand / luxury brand – it’s already been made, purchased & worn. You’re not contributing to the demand curve fueling the supply curve, which essentially means you’re not buying new stuff making the stores think people need more clothes. Retailers don’t force their laborers to produce more, while violating human rights. Quality of life for garment workers grows. Pollution declines.. I mean, did you know fashion was the 3rd most polluting industry in the world? We really don’t need any more cheap sweaters manufactured.
OG Trends.
Trends come back. Even before I went down this sustainable road, I’ve been blogging about recycling your items from previous seasons + how you really don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe every few months… Vintage clothes from thrift shops usually date back to the 90s, 80s and earlier. Most shows these days are bringing something back… a hat from ’96, pants from ’85, coats from the 60s… Not only are you purchasing a unique piece, you’re also wearing the OG trend straight from the era that started it all in the first place.
Save your $$$.
Items are usually way more affordable than anything you’ll purchase in any store. Sometimes you can find amazing vintage pieces for $10-$30. Sometimes you can find vintage one-of-a-kind designer labels for $100. Thrifting is not only an amazing eco-friendly option, but will actually save you some $$
So much fun!
The actual experience is fun! I’m usually not a “browser” – I’m used to buying whatever I saw in the window or on the front page of a website. Vintage shopping is different. Most thrift shops are tiny and really well organized – there’s only one sample of each item, so it just doesn’t feel overwhelming. Thrift shops are usually not crowded either, so you can take your time and enjoy the privacy and exclusivity of the whole experience.
I literally just opened my Google Maps app, searched for “thrift shop” and just went to the first one with high ratings. It was called “Ritual Vintage Clothing” on Broome St. in NYC and it was honestly magical to sort through one-of-a-kind vintage Saint Laurent, Bill Blass and Valentino gowns.
Specific goal in mind: to find a dress to celebrate NYE – I was on a shopping mission. Giving up fast fashion, animal materials and excessive shopping is my number one New Years resolution and a life commitment, so I thought celebrating 2019 in a second-hand dress was only appropriate.
I found 2! Both black and gold, circa 90s and 80s. And one of the other important things to point out – I was buying these dresses with the future in mind. I wanted the kind of garments, that no matter how similar, I would wear over and over again. So I tried them on, thought about it, imagined what I’d wear them with & to…and only then purchased. I can, without a doubt, say they’ll last in my wardrobe for quite some time, both 100% matching my style.
Let’s start a conversation. Tell me a little about yourself and what you thought about the post!
I approach this blog as a diary – taking you on my honest sustainable fashion & lifestyle journey, with sustainability aspects I slowly adopt, struggle with and feel passionate about. I’m building INNABOSE.COM to be an informative, visual & creative resource inspiring even the smallest changes in the world.
GENERAL BLOGGING TOPICS YOU’LL FIND HERE INCLUDE
#sustainablefashion
I’m also a Ukrainian New Yorker – having strong pride and patriotism for both: my homeland 
and my current home 
. For years, I’ve been on a side mission to capture my stunning NYC and elevate the depth and beauty of my Ukrainian culture, fashion and language (some of my posts are in Ukrainian!)
February 24, 2022 – my digital space shifted to include information about russia’s war on Ukraine, the devastation and destruction my home country is dealing with and the bravery, strength and inspiring spirit they are facing it with. A large portion of my posts today highlight Ukrainian brands, fashion, culture & the strong, incredible Ukrainians making gorgeous clothes you can buy & support local businesses, economy & people fighting for freedom every day. We are also a community who donates to Ukrainian organizations found in any of my recent posts!
#standwithukraine
Inna Bose
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