Looking forward to an episode all on fabrics!!

I was the youngest of four and grew up with hand me downs. I didn’t mind getting my sister’s stuff but when I was handed my brother’s ugly stuff it was dismal. At that point I decided wanted to pick my own second-hand stuff and realized I actually could through thrifting. I got really good at it over the years. My friends are amazed at what I can find. But, for me, the key is patience. And you HAVE TO be prepared to walk out empty handed or you could easily end up with a closet of un-curated junk. Patience.

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

YES. Great advice!

Love thrifting! Fabric is a big reason why I thrift. Besides liking the ethical portion of thrifting, It's getting increasingly difficult to find brands that are making ready to wear items using new natural fibers - just this year I was looking for some cotton sweaters and a winter peacoat and I could not find a coat for a reasonable price (under $700!) without polyester. Even the really expensive coats had Nylon and poly. Beautiful cotton sweaters have at least 10% poly in them. Much easier to find thrifted garments that have natural fibers.

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

100% !!

I love when Alyssa doesn't hold back 😂 give that woman more tea ❤

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

lol on it! xx

I love that you mentioned asking a tailor or seamstress for a second opinion! I was given a vintage trench coat from my mother, complete with a removable vest for extra warmth, which was very 80s with monstrous shoulder pads, and I didn't think it could be updated. The seamstress that my mom recommended was able to make it look current while keeping the a-line frame and military style elements. Now, I have a one-of-a-kind trench coat and a long vest that can be worn together or apart ❤

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

the best secondhand find!

Loved this episode, I am 65 and cannot remember a time in my life that I didn’t thrift, wear second hand or make my own clothes. My paternal grandmother was a seamstress. I have thrifted some amazing classic leather shoes but hadn’t thought of going to the shoe section first and wearing them while shopping for other things. After trial and error and too many clothes, I have learned to make a list. I watch you-tube videos etc to know the season’s trends and I add things to my list that I would like to find. I agree re: checking out the men’s section. On my latest thrifting trip I was looking for a camel blazer. I looked in the men’s section first and the first one I found was the one, it was a men’s size small, Italian wool, classic styling, beautifully finished inside and out for $10. It’s so recent I have only worn once but received several compliments. Looking forward to the fabrics podcast.

@faeriesmak

7 ай бұрын

I started wearing the shoes while I am shopping at a thrift store as well. I saw Kathleen Illustrated it once and since I now have some foot issues fit and comfort are VERY important. I was wear a pair of Eastlands once and they soles disintegrated all over the store when I was wearing them. I felt terrible about making a mess but I was also so happy to not have wasted the money on them to have them fall apart immediately.

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

Love these tips!

I started reading a very interesting book "Deluxe. How luxury lost its luster". I am not sure if you guys covered it, but it is right up your alley. It has a great Japanese proverb quoted " He is poor who does not feel content ". It is so good and to the point. Not being content and grateful for what you have is what drives consumerism. You guys talked about it in your recent podcasts.

@MzShonuff123

7 ай бұрын

I am waiting for my library to get that one; I heard about it from another podcast (I think it was Financial Diet or Imani Barber)

@ElementalWitchn

7 ай бұрын

"Luxury has lost its luster". A lot has to do with the influencers, I think. Also, I agree that a lack of contentment drives us to the store, to the fridge, to scrolling endlessly, etc. We are looking for something we already have.

@jacquelinea8224

7 ай бұрын

Ooohh, my library has this available as an audio book. Thanks for the tip!

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

oooh this sounds like a good one for our reading list!

If I am even slightly interested in an item - it goes in my cart!!! Because if I go back to get it , it will be gone!!! It also gives me a chance to take a 2nd look at the item. When I’m done looking at the entire store - I find a quiet corner (preferably near a mirror) and try it on, check for damage etc. or have I changed my mind. I may have 10 pieces in my cart and only end up buying 3… the best of the best. I am so fortunate - the thrift store near my house will take back clothes and shoes for store credit…. That helps A LOT!!!

@ElementalWitchn

7 ай бұрын

Goodwill will give you your money back within 7 days for clothing and electronics.

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

great tips!

Interestingly there have been a few times I didn’t buy something at the thrift store, went home, obsessed, and went back and bought the item. Thankfully they were still there, because they became very core pieces that prevented me from shopping later. I end up thinking about those pieces and realize I don’t really want the other thing. If I didn’t have those pieces I would probably keep buying to find the “perfect” piece.

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

loved hearing how these pieces prevented you from shopping later - that is a good investment!

Cant wait for the fabric masterclass!! Awesome idea!

My hobby and my favourite past time is to “dress up”. Buying second hand clothes for pennies allows me to lose myself in this hobby without feeling guilty. 👗

Yes 🙌 please to doing a specific show on fabric especially from a ethical and sustainable mindset

First, want to say how much I love you guys. 2nd, maybe this has already been done but wondering if you would be interested in doing an episode about your mothers and their influence on your fashion as well as relationally what your shopping experiences with them were. I think this would be so interesting.

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

what an interesting suggestion, thank you so much!

I started thrifting in the 90's. At that time it was a gold mine, there were just a few consignement shops, nothing on line ofcourse so a lot of fantastic clothes ended up at the Salvation Army or such stores. Clothes and housewares and home decor. It was fabulous and I got hooked. Now you can thrift at different levels and different ways but I really miss the golden days of thrifting!

Absolutely agree with you about walking around in the shoes while you’re shopping. After all these are donated shoes, sometimes they’re donated for a reason like ouch they hurt so it’s good to know.

Definitely would love an episode on fabrics. Please! ❤

Reading the comments reminded me of a thrift find that was NOT a piece of clothing or a pair of shoes. In 2016 I took up lawn bowling. In 2018 I purchased by own set of bowls and was searching for a roller bag for them. I hit the thrift stores and at the third one I found the IT bag. Beautiful red leather, never used. It was a laptop bag that must have been a gift from a company to an employee. With a coupon I paid about $11. It had an imprint of the manufacturer on the bag. On the Internet I found the company and that bag retails for $435. Everyone covets my bag! What a score.

I really got into thrifting in the last year and love it. We didn't have money growing up. My mom made a lot of my clothes and received an older cousin's hand me downs. I was embarrassed. What I wouldn't give to have my mom alive make and make clothes for me. Now, I don't want to wear what everyone else is. I want something unique and of good quality.

I listened to the cast this morning, and then went thrifting at 3 different shops with my bestie. We agreed that unless something was a "yes," it was a "no." She found 3 pairs of jeans, among other things. I bought a pair of black knee-high boots -- my feet are hard to fit with bunions, so that was a big win itself -- and 2 mens' sweaters and an Ecuadorian woven scarf. Total price for me was about $35 US. One of the sweaters is for me and still had the tag on. The other was in new condition and fits my husband perfectly. Aside from underwear and activewear (shorts and tanks for workouts), my plan is to stick with thrifting for "new" clothes this year. ALSO wanted to note, I wore the boots around the store while I looked at other things to make sure I'd like them. YES!

Excellent and fun conversation. I used to shop vintage a lot 20 plus years ago and I came away with some amazing cashmere sweaters and silk dresses. Then I stopped and recently started again. It seems harder now. But having said that, I just found a gorgeous vintage wool Geoffrey Beene swing coat in perfect condition for a steal at a local shop. By the way I adore your new sage coat Signe and your amazing blazer Christina! And Alyssa, all your vintage finds!

I love this topic! Thank you. I've been shopping at thrift stores since I was 18 so almost 30 years. Times have changed. My best tips are to go to larger thrift stores where garments are hung according to size and color if possible. Give yourself plenty of time. Prioritize the things you're looking for. Be willing to look on different size racks. For instance I needed a white T-shirt And I'm a size large but I found my perfect shirt that was misplaced in the small section. Also always look at the No size section. Other people don't want to take the time to dig through and look at garments that don't have a size so I've found my best pieces there. Also I have rules for myself like I don't buy garments that are acrylic or polyester so it it's an easy no. To save time trying things on I use a mirror in the store and hold it up to see how it affects the coloring in my face. Also I can see right away if it will stretch across the chest. I hope that helps

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

so glad you liked it! Thank you for sharing those tips!

I love and miss Value Village. That's amazing that they are in Canada. I love thrifting and this episode. ❤😊

Really enjoying your podcasts. I am in my 60s and started thrifting in my 30s - a habit my daughter in her 20s and I now enjoy together. I remember finds such as Karen Millen wool pants for $10AUS. Now thrift store managers are more aware of brands and position prices accordingly! Still good buys. Always have items in mind in line with my wish list and style words. Fun to experiment sometimes! Like the wildcard then don't feel reluctant to try something in case it does not work.

Maybe a list of what measurements to take note of would help. As a tall person, I pay close attention to the inseam measurement of pants.

I would say that I am a thrifting Queen. It's been my way of finding gems for many years and developing my own personal style, even if I have a corporate job. The first thing I am looking for is fabric quality, colors, and, in terms of sizing, I have no problem with oversizing or modifying clothes.

Alyssa and Signe thought bubble, “Uhm we have no boundaries when it comes to thrifting” 😅 😅

I have a metabolic disorder that means my weight fluctuates. It also means that some fabrics I react to so natural fires are my go to. I also live in a small, isolated town so shopping choices are limited. God bless op shops and your collective style advice. I now make better use of the clothes I have. Small tweaks. Thanks. 😊

I grew up in a village in the seventies in the uk, seven miles from town so there were'nt any clothes shops nearby. Back them 'jumble sales' or 'rummage sales' were a big thing - people would donate all their unwanted stuff and it would be piled up on tables in the village hall or church hall. You'd just rummage through to find something and it would be 10p or something. Some of my earliest memories from three or four are of jumble sales. To this day about 80% of my stuff is secondhand. There's charity shops on every British high street, secondhand shopping I call 'grazing' rather than hunting.

I agree with the alterations to an extent... You have to find someone who knows what they are doing. I've been told that there are specific sewing machines for denim and it generally does not come out right if you use a regular sewing machine. There is a store in Los Angeles called With Love, Lenny. She sources vintage Levi's and Lee jeans and tailors them to you. The jeans are not cheap, but so amazing!

I love this talk, and thank you for being realistic. I agree that soemtimes the only way not to be wasteful when shopping, even thrifting, is to know yourself! The more you think about your style and are sure of what you want, the less "mistakes" you are oging to make. The good thing is that you can always give it back to the shop if you regret (even if you don't get your money back). I've found that thrifting is great for trying on new things that you are not sure about if they fit your life and style.

Love the passion in this one haha!

I love trifting for quality materials, just the other week I found a beautiful cashmere sweater size M, I was thrilled, but when I tried it I realized that it must have had shrunk since it was now more like XS 😂 next time I'll bring a list and a measuring tape with me for sure! 😊

Shirts: solids, stripes, dots, checks, no florals. Linen, cotton, silk. Pants: cotton, linen, sometimes wool. Have to fit well or be easily tailored to fit. Hems are easy for me to fix. Jackets: fit and fabric are super important here. As Alyssa mentioned, fabric needs to be appropriate for the garment. That was one thing I learned when I was young and sewed a lot of my clothes. Shoulder fit is critical. Sleeve length is a biggie because my arms are short, so can they be hemmed or look ok when pushed up or turned up. I tend to like a closer fit rather than the looser, slouchier fit so that rules out a lot. So I do have certain limiting factors but I’m also free to browse out of my comfort zone to entertain something unusual. Unfortunately I still consume too much!

Wow!! Soo helpful for me! I have finally lost wgt that needed to go 30 yrs ago, and now gone! Bye bye! Have been holding onto clothes 2 sizes too big cause I do NOT want to shop! Weird I know.. now I feel I can thrift, hit some consignment shops with r shop on line. Thank you thank you! (Have bought a Brave belt though!! Thx Alyssa.). So my pants will stay up til I get my ‘new’ jeans, trousers…etc.

Thank you so much for sharing so honestly and all the good ideas 😊

I appreciate you guys valuing your secondhand purchases! I’ve seen a couple of KZreadrs advocate for secondhand (which is great) but also say that because it’s bought for less / secondhand, you can care about them less.

It’s really interesting to hear your advice. Sadly I can’t wear wool at all without severe reaction. I love cotton but it’s not usually warm so I do have acrylic and fleece type fabrics in my winter clothes

I thrift almost exclusively. And have curated a very high quality luxe wardrobe from mostly second hand. I think you have to know what you are looking for and where to find it. So I really like consignment stores or stores that buy the clothes for a higher quality items. Although that’s not to say you can’t find a new cashmere sweater or a vintage Bottega at a goodwill ( both I have☺️). It just at a true thrift store you have to be more patient and look for flaws and damage because that is often why the item ended up in the thrift store to begin with because it is flawed. If you can repair you can often easily see a seam or something someone was too lazy to fix. I mostly shop in physical stores. And go once a week on my day off. For harder to find things I like online because as signe mentioned you can do keyword searches for that item or brand . A fabric video would be helpful to a lot of people I am sure. I work in hand knotted rugs so I have been a fabric snob for many years and rarely buy synthetics. If you thrift with the fabric in mind it really narrows down the choices. I often go out many weeks and don’t buy a single thing.. but I don’t mind because like many I enjoy the hunt. Enjoyable video. Thanks ladies.

Lovely podcast, really enjoyed the topic.

Great tips! Especially the 'how would I make a look with this when I think like a magazine editor' and do i really like this or is it because it', cheap - would I buy it when it was a normal retail price as a new piece

I don't know, but I find it SO hard to thrift, I never have been succsessful until now! When I try to buy by list (what I generally do) in a second hand shop I never find the right item, because I have rather special immaginations of how a garment should look. Then it's so hard to find my size, I generally wear an European XS, most of the garments are too big for me. And also thrifting online I find so difficult because you have to invest so much time in searching around, time that I generally don't want to invest. So, when I have something on my list, I find it so much easier to shop a new peace that fullfills all the requirements I am searching for (I have only about 4 or 5 brands where I generally shop - online or in shops - so it makes it so easy for me. And if I don't find the item I am looking for, so I wait or forget about it 😉😊)

Love the longer episode! Can't wait for the fabrics episode!!!

Love thrifting!!!

This episode has been such a great source of information and of course, as always you are such an inspiration. Love you and all you do! Keep on!

Would I buy it if it was full price is a tricky question, I think! I have a trench coat I thrifted for about $5 and I love it and use it often! But it was not on my list and if it would have been full price I wouldn’t been able to buy it. It was something I wanted but never put on my list as I had to prioretize what I could afford. Even if I buy vintage there is still a limit so I think a wild card is a good way to think and maybe budget. Question; how much do you budget for cloths? Would be nice to hear how you reason as I think even thrifting when it is good quality and nice design then it is usually not that cheap. Not like my brilliant trench coat!

Yes, Fabric episode! Now, in regards of decision when buying...I found a nice shop in Athens where all the goods are locally made. I found a nice silver jacket, but I didn't buy yet. I don't k ow if I would wear it

I love thrifting but as a plus size woman, often options for clothing is limited…. Especially in unique designs. I’ve evolved my shopping to include up cycle opportunities. I’ll find a cool skirt pattern fabric and crochet to make a one of a kind top. It’s fun, good for brain problem solving and creates unique wardrobe.

@ElementalWitchn

7 ай бұрын

It depends on where you live and the types of people who donate. It's much easier for me to shop plus size where I live now vs my home town.

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

thank you for sharing!

Love your conversations ladies and thoughts ❤ definitely agree back in the days you would be classed from poor background if you would shop in second hand shops but somehow I was always drawn to "uniqueness" of what you can get there 🎉 looking forward to fabric episode

I was raised a thrifter, thrifting almost exclusively my ehole 38 years. Starting with the shoes is genius! Why didn't I think of that!?

The popularity of thrifting did not start with Gen Z! It was part of the "hippie" value system back in the day. I'm 70 and have been thrifting since my teens. My biggest issue is my height, 4ft 11. Online second hand has made a huge increase in what I can find that will work for me.

@lizziebkennedy7505

7 ай бұрын

Yes! and for me at 59, what Australians call opportunity (thrift, charity) shops were a huge part of the vibe of undergraduate liberal arts major communities. It was very odd to shop retail and frowned on, because there was such social and environmental awareness that never left us. I used to buy 14 up docs boots, and wear them with 40s silk petticoats as a dress, with a men’s blazer or denim jacket or moto jacket or shearling, always second hand. We had lots of vintage sellers, too, as businesses. Whole walls of cowboy boots and varsity jackets and vintage Coach bags. I still have one of them. Still thrift as my style, very rarely buy anything new. It’s so joyful to hear these guys talking about it in its latest form. ❤

I definitely have to follow the “list” with thrift stores or garage sales because I totally over purchase. My best purchase to date was a $400 coat for $17. You could still buy it brand new.

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

what a find!

I loved this episode! ❤

Love this!

Christina: How do you set a budget for thifting.? Me: next question please 😁 I have 2 nieces and 2 sisters in law, one of which has 5 sisters... So my second hand shopping always goes to somebody who will love it I am working on having higher quality bags... and I am doing my hunting second hand, mostly on line with threat up Great content ladies... listening to you while working, makes the time goes faster 😁

I mostly buy second hand online because I struggle to find my size in vintage and thrift shops, but I do prefer sites where I can determine the measurements. I have bought too many things online that didn’t fit, so I’ve learned my lesson. That said, I still create a wish list of things that would fit in my wardrobe and add true value. As those items disappear, I know I will find more that I love. Online especially there are more things I love than I could ever buy, so I’ve learned to think of each wish list item as a “nice to have” but not a must have. Right now I’m looking for a good, high quality second hand peacoat and have six in my wish list. I’d be happy with any of them but I’m not ready to buy right now, so if they are sold before I’m ready, I have options. I can (and will) keep looking at all the options.

Great episode, I have thriftednsince my teens out of necessity (to be able to afford nice quality on a student's budget) and also because there was such an abundance interesting and unusual pieces! I would love an episode on fabrics. However, there was one thing I missed in this episode, which maybe could be covered in Pt. 2.? How to make your vintage pieces wearable - how to clean them, especially! I am not so picky with pants, but I have ruined many a piece, e.g. by trying to wash a vintage designer blazer (even after researching if the fabric could be washed) and it lost its shape. Dry cleaning sometimes doesnt cut it, and I end up not wearing something because I dont have the skills to clean it properly 😢 I had some leather pants which ended up smelling like old cigarettes even after several cycles of dry cleaning...

Thanks for another thoughtful episode filled with valuable content. All three of you bring so many great points to the table. I only started thrifting a few years ago and I agree it can be so easy to over-consume in that context. You can spend more than is reasonable, and wind up storing items you’ll later decide to declutter (or toss items that have stains or damage that you didn’t notice in the store and are unable to repair). I have become more selective over time regarding fabric, fit, quality of construction and the extent to which the garment will likely be worn. I made plenty of mistakes in the past and no doubt will continue to make some here and there. As with so many aspects of life though, practice, intentional behavior, learning from our own mistakes and learning from others helps us to hone our thrifting skills. It really is possible to make excellent - and sustainable - choices for our lifestyles, budgets and closets, and to enjoy the process. This video was wonderful and as someone who has migrated away from buying synthetics over time I’d be so interested to hear your thoughts on fabric. - Jen

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

thanks for sharing your story, grateful to be party of your slow fashion journey!

I agree with you Cristina 💯 😊

I have a stack of high quality white tee, man's size Large, XL to 2X for few years. They are brand new and never worn. I picked out 5 and had them altered to cropped tops ( slightly different body length and sleeves length/style), had one narrow the width and added light shoulder pads for current trends. The cost of doing that is not easy to justify. However, the past 2 summers, these 5 white tee become the staples in my closet. I can pair them with veronica beard jacket, balmain blazer, and athleta joggers to the gym, also beach coverup. Over all, regardless the cost and journey/whole experience to make this happen, I am glad I did and utilized what I already have. 2nd subject- talking about how to shop vintage, actually it is the first rule of how to shop- to me it is understanding what we already have in the closet, whatever we get is to enhance those items. I do have one biggest downfall when it comes to impulse buy ( It sounds so contradicting ) -- duty free shop in airports. When the deals is so good, and you know next time you come back it will not be there. I bought myself a Fendi First bag ( multicolor model with suede, leather, color pink/gold/burgundy ), the fendi website is $4300, I got it for $2000 in the airport. I love it so much and totally in bliss flying back home. Guilty pleasure really.

I love thrifting in person. BUT I live in Winnipeg and ever since covid, Value Village and the Thrift Store removed their change rooms which has been a nightmare. I do what Alyssa mentioned and carry a measuring tape with me for jeans and pants. I know my max and minimum rise and waist measurements, but even then, it doesnt always pan out. And you cannot Return items, only Exchange. I also look for specific fabrics or sweaters in cashmere or merino wool and have scored some really great pieces!

@jenniferdelgado2871

5 ай бұрын

Wear a thin tank top to try on tops and some kind of bike shorts to try on pants… in a quiet corner with a mirror if possible. Did it the other day, was great

What are some good online second hand sites that work in the UK please?

Regarding the increased prices at thrift shops nowadays, I wonder if to a certain extent it's related to the massive inflow of donations that they have to sort through nowadays before an item is put for sale. We've probably all seen the enormous donation piles outside a goodwill or value village when you make a weekend drop-off, and the many employees it takes to go though all of it. Higher prices could secure fair wages for those employees and have an impact on how the items that are not put for sale are disposed. I don't think this is what is going on at every secondhand shop though (consignment stores, for example are more expensive because the items there were purchased not donated) but I have a feeling it's an influential factor.

@amyhoover9

7 ай бұрын

THANK YOU for making this known! I work as a cashier at Goodwill and have held that position for 5 years now. It's true that the donations we receive help employees to receive a paycheck, but it also goes back to Goodwill so that the corporation/organization can expand its efforts to help various communities. I get that Goodwill doesn't operate the same from state to state, but their mission has always been the same. A little education goes a long way; ignorance is not bliss in my eyes at least. 😒

SMELL! I love thrifting and learned even more from your video. But I am sensitive to smells. Sometimes it's perfume that I just can't get out of the garment. Sometimes it's some kind of smell from stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army, I don't know if they treat clothing but that smell can be almost impossible to get out. I have tried hanging outdoors, even overnight, sprinkling with baking soda, spraying with vinegar water. Sometimes it seems like the perfume or whatever smell is gone but then when I wear it, body heat must release it again. Anyone have tips on removing those smells? Thanks, and great job on this video!

@user-kn1rc7eq8n

8 ай бұрын

PS, those treatments are in addition to washing the garment, sometimes several times.

🤓🥛🍪

Have you ever bought something out of guilt towards the shop owner after they helped you a lot.

Where did this week's podcast go? 😢

@SustainThis_Podcast

7 ай бұрын

we are taking a little break! Back next week! :)

$55 for a full leather that fit perfectly? The mistake was leaving it behind.