This is the age of Amazon hauls and purchasing a new outfit for each Instagram post. The popularity of fast-fashion has led to cheaply made clothes being churned out quickly to fulfill trends. The process of making these clothes contributes to the 92 million tons of textile waste produced each year, according to Earth.org. Many of these items end up in a landfill or in the oceans. Obviously, the companies are responsible but consumers can also do their part too. There are some women working to consume more intentionally. Enter: Thrifting. Thrifting, or buying previously owned clothes, not only reduces textile waste, it allows women to develop their own unique, personal style not dictated by the general market. There are plenty of Black women who’ve made a name for themselves in the thrifting space who are sharing their finds online.
The Haus of Reality
Tonia from Alabama takes her followers on the journey from finding unique thrift pieces to styling them. She knows how to take looks from your grandmother’s 1980s wardrobe and make them look fresh and current. She not only thrifts clothes, but also shows viewers how to redecorate their homes. You’ll learn a lot and improve your personal style by following.
Pink Vintage Heart
Leigh is perfect for the international girls who are not scared to turn a head or two when walking down the street. Residing in Lisbon, Portugal, she only wears vintage clothes that she finds in shops, thrift stores and flea markets in the country. The term, vintage clothing, refers to articles that are between 20 to 100 years old. At this point, that includes the early 2000s, so the range is wide. In addition to looks you might have never thought to put together, Leigh is also good for educating about the circular fashion movement putting you on to a fly accessory, mainly earrings.
Cappuccinos And Consignment
One of the main criticisms of thrifting is that the clothes will read as outdated or even tattered. While you do have to be more vigilant in spotting flaws when thrifting, Jessie, of Cappuccinos and Consignment, proves you don’t have to sacrifice luxury when making sustainable fashion choices. Jessie is a sustainable stylist, fashion historian and luxury fashion resale expert. She offers tips on how to thrift in different cities, guides and even one on one consultations.
Chevys Vintage
Good style doesn’t disappear with age. In fact, the more comfortable you are with yourself, the more it will show in the way you present yourself to the world. This is the vibe Chevonne Bowers Frank gives off with her platform Chevys Vintage. Based in Los Angeles, Chevonne has her own vintage shop and sells in local markets. There’s also a website coming soon. In the meantime, her Instagram feed will open your mind to the possibilities of fashion.
Chelsea As of Late
If you’re wondering how to implement more color into your wardrobe, Chelsea Henriquez from Chelsea as of Late, is your girl. Chelsea’s motto is life is too short for boring clothes and her wardrobe certainly reflects that. The pieces she wears are vibrant, eye-catching and statement-making. But in addition to just looking fly, Chelsea’s blog and YouTube channel discuss overconsumption–even when thrifting–and a desire to style the clothes in her closet rather than buying new stuff.