Did you know that shopping second hand helps reduce landfill waste? The United States sends 21 billion pounds of textile waste to landfills each year – imagine how you could drastically reduce that number if you primarily shopped second hand instead of always buying something new?
Over the years, my sense of style has evolved to a place where I finally feel like I know what I’m doing when I put an outfit together. I don’t write about fashion very often on my blog (but I do enjoy a good OOTD photo on Instagram), partly because I feel like I’d make a terrible fashion blogger! There are a few things in my closet that I’ve had for 10+ years, and in today’s fashion blogging world, it seems like to keep up with the ladies at the top, you need to be shopping at Nordstrom every five seconds.
I decided to end my month long green series with fashion though, because even though I like Nordstrom as much as the next person, I really can’t afford to drop hundreds of dollars on a pair of shoes, designer denim or a purse. And even if I could afford it, it’s wasteful with money and harmful to the planet to always buy new.
Shopping second-hand is really where it’s at. I’ve found SO MANY cool and quality pieces for my closet that way. Think designer names like Frye, Kate Spade, Zara, Coach, Sam Edelman, Hunter, Steve Madden, and Silver Jeans at much lower prices. Some items are new; others are gently used. And why shouldn’t we be responsible with our fashion choices too? In my opinion, it’s incredibly wasteful with your money to drop $500 on a purse, but that’s just me 🙂
I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite finds for you – most came from Poshmark where you can also sell unwanted items from your closet then use those credits to purchase things. Or transfer to your bank account for an extra boost. If I know I’m in need of something or on the hunt for an item I don’t want to pay full price for, Poshmark is my go-to these days. (I’ll link some similar styles so you can go on your own search if you’re feeling inspired)
My bag (Kate Spade) and booties (Frye) both came from Poshmark and were less than $100 combined. Chambray top is old, from American Eagle and dress is from Magnolia Boutique.
I searched for two years for this cat Kate Spade watch!! Someone finally listed it on Poshmark, and I scooped it up immediately. Here’s a similar watch or you can stalk the resale sites like I did and maybe get lucky.
Bracelets are Bourbon and Boweties. The antler bangle is sold out, but the beaded bracelet is still available!
Indy also has a Vintage Goodwill store where I was able to find a Fleetwood Mac band tee that I’d been searching for FOREVER. You never know what you might find when you shop second hand! Camo pants are from Express.
This Zara jacket came from Poshmark – I actually saw it on an actress on TV and just did a search for embroidered bomber and found it that way. I’m not sure if it’s real silk or not, but it’s great quality and was only $18. New, it would have cost me $150. There are still a few listed on there, but much more than what mine cost.
When I was in need of a warm, water-proof parka for Iceland, I bought this North Face parka for about 1/3 of the retail price. It was everything and more for the trip, keeping me dry and warm. I also wore it all winter here in Indiana.
So next time you are looking for something specific, consider shopping second hand because you just never know what you might find. Not only is it economically beneficial, but it’s good for the earth too!
Pictured below: Kate Spade Cat Clutch, Hunter Rain Boots & Silver Floral Embroidered Jeans
