The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #8

[adorefaith]

i went to a local thrift store today and it got me thinking...

i have always felt quite uncomfortable in thrift stores.. i think partly it was not being able to wrap my head around wearing something that someone i don't know wore.. and partly it made me quite anxious to be in a huge shop with fluorescent lighting and SO MUCH STUFF everywhere.

but i have a friend who is a fashion writer who swears by thrift stores and started to present some really good arguments to me in favour of them.. particularly the idea of giving things new life and avoiding landfills and the whole environmentalist perspective, which i think is extremely valid...

so i've been slowly trying to go more and look around and have even found one or two nice things.... so now i'm thinking this could be a really great aspect to building a sustainable wardrobe... not only cost wise, but there is also something really nice to knowing you have given something a new life and not participated in this mindless endless cycle of consumerism in quite the same way...

what do you all think?.....do you have thrifted items in your well curated wardrobes?....

 

[fashionista-ta]

i had a few from Aritzia (i think it's wilfred?) that didn't hold up well at all, and to me they are not cheap...

wool/cashmere blend from banana republic pilled terribly... as well as 100% cashmere from lord & taylor...

maybe i'm doing something wrong

I had a couple cashmere blend sweaters from BR that did well ... but BR the company has some issues.


I like antique jewelry, and I wore a high percentage of thrifted stuff when I was younger, but I don't do it now. I buy new (same with cars) and use whatever it is till it can be used no more. I do like antiques for furniture and housewares (dinnerware, silver, kitchenware, glass, etc.). You can't beat the design, quality, and price combination, and you also are choosing from among the survivors. Everything that chipped immediately is already gone. Hey, even my refrigerator is vintage


But for clothes, shoes, and bags I like to be the original owner. Betina, eizhowa, and missstarshine all buy some things second-hand. Definitely a way to get great value, but you do have to be patient and flexible.

 

[Betinapple]

@Adorefaith: brace yourself for a looong rant about thrifting

I have been thrifting with my mom since I was a kid, and it has just always been our thing. When I got older and moved away from home, I continued thrifting on my own, and I always visit 2nd hand stores in my old town, when I visit my mom (because in general, you can find better stuff for better prices in smaller towns, at least in Denmark).

I actually did a count the other day, and approximately 25% of my wardrobe is from thrift stores. I have found perfect-fit jeans (the brand has ended up being my go-to for denim), silk tops, silk dresses, suede and leather jackets (this spring I found that 70s style suede camel jacket that has been so in this summer), wool and cashmere knits, leather bags, leather belts, leather skirts, etc. I've also find quite a lot of designer things - mostly from national designers, but really good stuff I have two wool/silk blend basic tops - one is an absolutely must for me during winter since it can be worn under anything and helps keep me warm. A lot of my party dresses are from thrift stores as well (I don't want to pay a lot for these). I don't buy underwear, hoisery and shoes from thrift stores (unless it is brand new shoes), but otherwise, things can be laundered, you know

I generally don't go to those luxury second hand stores - I think they are to expensive, and I don't use e-bay and such too much, since I am not that into webshopping if I can avoid it. I do have a few bags bought that way (Marc Jacobs Stam and Mulberry Bayswater). Generally, I use goodwill stores - it takes longer time to find good stuff, but it is definetely worth it.

I have had a few year where I didn't do a lot of thrifting since it can be hard to make it work with the 4-5 approach if you are easily tempted, since items are very cheap (3 dollar silk top anyone?) and if you go in determined to find something very specific, like a white pussybow blouse, you are either setting yourself up for fail or having to look for maybe years. Therefore, when I was still building my favourite basic wardrobe, it wasn't that great. But now when I got my basics covered, it is really great for me, and I so enjoy it - a bit like treasure hunting

Also, majoring in environmental studies, during the past few years I have been trying to make a lot of my daily habits and purchases "greener", since it feels right for me. I have changed my laundering habits a lot, I buy pretty much only organic food, and I try to go for organic textiles for the home - but I also want to try to change my shopping habits. In generally I try to buy less clothes and I go for organic cotton when possible. But I struggle a bit with it, and I am in no way perfect. Therefore thrifting is a good option for me, since it is a greener way, but still something I am used to doing and don't require me to make a lot of changes, while I am working out what else works for me in regards of getting "greener"

Sorry if this was a long post - this is just something I am really passionate about.

 

[eizhowa]

@Adorefaith: brace yourself for a looong rant about thrifting

I have been thrifting with my mom since I was a kid, and it has just always been our thing. When I got older and moved away from home, I continued thrifting on my own, and I always visit 2nd hand stores in my old town, when I visit my mom (because in general, you can find better stuff for better prices in smaller towns, at least in Denmark).

I actually did a count the other day, and approximately 25% of my wardrobe is from thrift stores. I have found perfect-fit jeans (the brand has ended up being my go-to for denim), silk tops, silk dresses, suede and leather jackets (this spring I found that 70s style suede camel jacket that has been so in this summer), wool and cashmere knits, leather bags, leather belts, leather skirts, etc. I've also find quite a lot of designer things - mostly from national designers, but really good stuff I have two wool/silk blend basic tops - one is an absolutely must for me during winter since it can be worn under anything and helps keep me warm. A lot of my party dresses are from thrift stores as well (I don't want to pay a lot for these). I don't buy underwear, hoisery and shoes from thrift stores (unless it is brand new shoes), but otherwise, things can be laundered, you know

I generally don't go to those luxury second hand stores - I think they are to expensive, and I don't use e-bay and such too much, since I am not that into webshopping if I can avoid it. I do have a few bags bought that way (Marc Jacobs Stam and Mulberry Bayswater). Generally, I use goodwill stores - it takes longer time to find good stuff, but it is definetely worth it.

I have had a few year where I didn't do a lot of thrifting since it can be hard to make it work with the 4-5 approach if you are easily tempted, since items are very cheap (3 dollar silk top anyone?) and if you go in determined to find something very specific, like a white pussybow blouse, you are either setting yourself up for fail or having to look for maybe years. Therefore, when I was still building my favourite basic wardrobe, it wasn't that great. But now when I got my basics covered, it is really great for me, and I so enjoy it - a bit like treasure hunting

Also, majoring in environmental studies, during the past few years I have been trying to make a lot of my daily habits and purchases "greener", since it feels right for me. I have changed my laundering habits a lot, I buy pretty much only organic food, and I try to go for organic textiles for the home - but I also want to try to change my shopping habits. In generally I try to buy less clothes and I go for organic cotton when possible. But I struggle a bit with it, and I am in no way perfect. Therefore thrifting is a good option for me, since it is a greener way, but still something I am used to doing and don't require me to make a lot of changes, while I am working out what else works for me in regards of getting "greener"

Sorry if this was a long post - this is just something I am really passionate about.

I have said it before, you are so Danish, Betina (in a good way)...

 

[Betinapple]

I have said it before, you are so Danish, Betina (in a good way)...

well, thanks, but since our new government doesn't think being green and being Danish should go together, I am not so sure that applies anymore

@Ta-ta: what issues do you find that Banana Republic has? I was not aware of that.

 

[eizhowa]

well, thanks, but since our new government doesn't think being green and being Danish should go together, I am not so sure that applies anymore

@Ta-ta: what issues do you find that Banana Republic has? I was not aware of that.

Ugh, I know, what is happening to the world...

But I will stay on topic, so; clothes, clothes, clothes. There

 

[Melisande]

I agree with everything Betina said about thrifting.
I love the treasure-seeking process of buying second hand and I never buy lingerie or shoes.

But the biggest thrill of thrifting for me is the TIME TRAVEL!!!! I love love love being taken back in time and wearing clothes from the 70's, 60's, 50's, even 30's or beyond ... each item is unique, has a story and history, and is often made with different and better techniques than today. Maybe this is not called thrifting, more like vintage shopping, but the two can overlap. I just love the added value of unique items who've had their own unique lives...so inspiring ...

 

[eizhowa]

The only items in our thrift shops are stiff synthetics from the 70s and 10 year old items from H&M

 

[Fewormany]

I've never had any succes at thrift stores, like eizhowa I always come across a lot of synthetics or items that should never have been worn even the first time..

On the other hand I do have two secondhand designer items from a boutique that specializes in secondhand design of good quality. Even though I love the items (a t-shirt and bomber style vest both from Dries van Noten) I can't get over the fact that someone wore them before me. I found it ages much faster which is logical, but I prefer to be the one that ages it from start to finish. So no more second hand for me, unless it's a very special item in great condition.

 

[fashionista-ta]

Betina, Banana Republic clothes were being made in the problematic factories in Bangladesh, for one thing ... I bought those sweaters many years ago, and don't shop there currently, based on what I've read. There are some good threads here on tFS (in FID I think) about fashion/human rights.


I find that organic cotton, which surged for awhile, has become more difficult to find now. I suspect that some big names have siphoned off the supply. But linen doesn't require pesticides, so it's a very good option. Linen knits seem to be easier to find in the UK than in the US. For the home, I have started buying exclusively linen for the beds, and I really love Nandina towels, which I think are a blend of bamboo and organic cotton. Bamboo has natural antimicrobial properties, and it is amazing how much fresher these towels stay than cotton ones. It would be fabulous for Ts if you can find it. My SIL once bought me some bamboo PJs that were great. It's also super soft and silky.


I collect antique French towels that I use in both the kitchen and bath. The quality is fantastic, better than anything I can buy new.

 

[Jinadaze]

^^ Same here about thrift stores. I really like the concept though and would love to have an opportunity to find something appropriate, because the feeling of bringing home something amazing and for little money must be priceless. So jealous, Betina!

Melisande, I meant the insoles, yes. If I don't find a pair that I would like more, it might be a good idea to ask a cobbler indeed. I have the same cobbler for my whole life and he's doing wonders.
Ta-ta, I promised I will show the dress once I order it, which will be in December. Until then I would find it a bit silly to intoduce it as my own, since there still is a chance I come across something even better (but I don't think it exists though TBH).

 

[Betinapple]

Glad to hear that I am not the only one who loves second hand shopping!

Ugh. I will have to look into that. It is not really a store I shop in a lot, since there is none of them in Denmark, but I did buy a BR shirt when I were in London.

In Denmark I see more and more organic cotton - also in highstreet store. H&M have a lot of organic cotton basics - and all of their clothes for new born are made from organic materials. Childrens clothing in general is easier to find in organic materials. I Denmark, at least. Don't know how that is in other countries? I also have organic cotton tea towels and an organic cotton plaid (and my next sheets will be organic cotton as well). From what I know, cotton production still requires a lot of water - organic or not. Modal (and also lyocell/tencel I think) should be better in that regard. It is also really nice fabrics - very soft. And lyocell has some of the same qualities as wool, following your body's temperature and being biodegradeable - also it is very durable. I have a stripe l/s tee in lyocell bought second hand, I can see from the care label that it has been washed quite a lot, but it looks brand new. I see more and more companies, even designers that doesnt have a green profile, using these kind of materials, and that is great. Especially when the fabrics are better for the environment, yet also in a nice quality - I don't think I own anything as soft as my modal t-shirt.

I have bamboo underwear - it is very nice - from a Danish brand that make all their items from sustainable materials. Also bamboo socks are quite common, but otherwise I haven't seen anything made from bamboo. Linen I don't really find too often neither - especially not linen sweaters.

@Jina: I am so curious to hear what you figured out with your dress

 

[Melisande]

Ta-ta: antique French towels???? TELL ALL! I like antique dish towels but haven't heard of ones you can use for the bath...! Love anything antique...

Jina: I have the same cobbler(s) for life too, well, one in each country I call home. Aren't they wonderful? My guru/doctor/surgeon/saviors

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ They aren't bath towels ... in the bath I mostly use them to polish my glasses when I clean them, and it also functions as a hand towel. Many of them are monogrammed, usually in white or red, and sometimes you see numbers. I saw one batch with a second monogram for the same person added next to the first. I believe they're from giant trousseaus. There's a lot of variety, but typically they're quite long and have a loop for hanging on either end. I had a hook put up very high in the kitchen. The longest one I have just touches the kitchen counter when I hang it as high as I can reach--it's several feet long.


I guess it's a US thing with the organic cotton--it sounds like where you are, betina, there's demand for it. I have to seek the linen out, but I have gotten it several places. Lately I've been getting everything from Bella Notte, which is made in California. Not sure if there are stockists where you are? I've noticed a lot of linen knits in some of the UK catalogs I get. For clothes, I like Eileen Fisher for the combination of pretty good design/eco fabrics/good quality. Her stuff really wears well.

 

[eizhowa]

Maybe they don't sell linen in Scandinavia because we never have any summer?

Floodette: Sorry, I have no picture of the ring. I think the "remains" are hidden somewhere at my parents house.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Funny ... depending on what the metal was, they could come in handy? I lost the stone from a ring I wore for much of my childhood, and later I gave the metal to the jeweler to use to alter some antique jewelry (it was rose gold). I was wondering the other day where the rest of it was now ...

 

[eizhowa]

^I actually have a box with lots of broken/old gold jewlery I will melt one day. I doubt the snake ring was valuable (apart from the sentimental value of couse).

 

[fashionista-ta]

etsy

And how it was protecting you all those years


Here are my new/old rings ...

 

[clarissea]

Thanks to everyone for the warn welcome and kind words!

welcome!

i can completely relate.... i still get sucked into the h&m/zara/topshop world and still can't really wrap my head around paying hundreds of dollars for one item, even though i know i am purchasing quality. well, i hope. that's the other thing... i have bought more expensive sweaters etc only to have them pill and lose shape. super disappointing.

i don't know how much i have to offer as i am only just embarking on this as well, but i wanted to say hi and you're not alone!

That's totally my problem or vision. It's still 'hard' for me to buy 'expensive' clothes, especially when there's so many 'good looking' clothes at cheap prices on stores like h&m or zara!

Clarissea:

Welcome and congrats on being a new mom.

I don't think you need to buy very expensive clothes to get a decent quality. But you need to take the time to look at materials, learn what lasts and what doesn't and maybe use the sales and thrift shopping as a supplement. I don't know if they are available in your area, but COS and &OtherStories has knitwear for example, that looks good (and COS are good for t-shirts, that I know). I also have a woolen cardigan from H&M that I am very happy with so far (I got it in January). It was definetly expensive for being an H&M piece, but it is a wool/mohair blend, and in that perspective, the price was reasonable.

And like you say - buying better and taking care of your things will pay of in the long run. I used to have the same problem as you - although I wanted to be able to buy "better" items, but didn't feel like I could afford them. Then I realized that I had spent 500 USD in H&M during a year - the price of the Mulberry bag that I wanted. That was really an eye opener.

That being said - I don't neccesarily spend a lot of money on my clothes. A lot of my items are from thrift shops and cost less than a regular Copenhagen cup of coffee - but doing so does take patience

I think if I counted how much I spent on stores like H&M, I would have the same result! But these clothes nearly last one or two seasons and this is something I wanna change!

For example i just bought this cardigan at H&M, at first I wanted the mohair/wool one but they didn't have my size anymore so I tried with the acrylic version at 29.99€ and after one week, it is already a bit pilled and I'm so so disappointed because I totally love it! I've read acrylic is to avoid but well, too late... Do you have any tips on how to choose the 'best' fabrics?


H&M

 

[eizhowa]

^Have you tried looking for a Acne Raya cardigan second hand? I believe they do a short-ish version.

Dense, natural fibres last the longest imo. I have noticed that my "see through" wools pill faster than the others. And if you can find a thick (and still soft) silk, I really don't see how it could be bad quality! Wool (coats at least) also benefit from having some nylon in them. It helps it keep the shape better.

When buying cashmere, I always go for second hand or vintage. It is very expensive in the stores, and the one time I did buy new, it pilled like CRAZY.

I bought a merino wool jumper from Uniqlo over a year ago, have worn it a lot, and it has zero pilling and still looks perfect. But I know Betina had the completely opposite experience, so I guess you never really know what kind of quality you are getting...