I first watched this video about three weeks ago — and I keep thinking about it. What a smiling rebel this woman, Jessi Arrington, is. I love the “life lessons” she shares from her experience acquiring clothes solely from thrift stores or as hand-me-downs. For example: That shopping second-hand saves money and the environment… It is almost physiologically impossible to be in a bad mood when you’re wearing bright red pants… Fitting in is way over-rated… Developing your own unique personal style is a great way to tell the world something about you, without having to say a word… and, “It’s okay to let go… I don’t need to get emotionally attached to these things, because around the corner there’s always going to be another crazy, colorful shiny outfit just waiting for me, if I put a little love in my heart and look…” Good advice. No: Great advice, and in terms of your decorating style, too. First spotted on The Simple Dollar
Reader Interactions
14 comments
Jimmijams says
G’day from Australia. My partner, an Advertising Creative Director, our 2 year old daughter and I are all proudly and smartly dressed via our local ‘op shops’ (thrift stores). Great to hear you have the Salvation Army stores and a thriving op shop culture. Australians have lovingly referred to the Salvation Army as the Salvo’s and St Vincent De Paul Society as Vinnies for many years and now both those organizations have marketed their stores as Salvo’s and Vinnies respectively and are attracting a younger generation of shoppers.
We’re hoping to visit the US next year, so aside from Palm Springs, what are some other great hotbeds of vintage style and recycled shopping that we should try to add to our itinerary?
Lauryn says
Seattle, definitely! Great vintage and thrift stores there. Capitol Hill and the Fremont neighborhoods especially. And make sure to hit a Value Village … most of my wardrobe came from those stores when I lived in Seattle. Plus it is a damn fine city, one of my favorites … gorgeous scenery everywhere you look, great food, and, of course, great coffee!
nina462 says
I shop my local Sal Army store on a regular basis. I can find good clothes, for very cheap. Some are even brand spanking new with tags!
I couple weeks ago I was gifted with a bunch of vintage dresses & coats. As much as I really, really wanted the dresses to fit – my niece in Chicago now has the styling dresses. My other niece scooped up two of the wool coats. I am left with the black wool w/mink collar & cuffs (I wouldn’t give that one away!); + a few other items. As much as I look at my wardrobe & wish for something new—I feel shopping second hand…well, it’s NEW to me, right?
susan says
Pam,
Leave it to you to make me smile from ear to ear!!!!! What a great video. I love second hand shopping, always have, but the message was far more reaching than buying used. Love your self.
Thanks Pam:)