Tag: Thrifting

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Why Second-Hand Boutiques Are The Future of Fashion

Fashion has always been a form of self-expression, but today, it’s also a call to action. The environmental toll of fast fashion is impossible to ignore, contributing to an estimated 10% of global carbon emissions. As awareness grows, so does the appeal of second-hand fashion. These boutiques are carving out a unique space that blends sustainability with style, giving preloved clothing a new life while challenging outdated ideas of what fashion should look like.

Photo by Vladimir Yelizarov on Unsplash

Waste Reduction Starts With the R’s

Fast fashion churns out cheap, disposable garments that often end up in landfill within months. But second-hand boutiques are built on the exact opposite principle. They encourage mindful consumption through the 5 R’s of sustainable fashion: Reduce, Repair, Recycle, Repurpose, and Reinvent. Every time a customer buys a second-hand item, they reduce demand for new resources and extend the life of a garment.

These boutiques also create opportunities for upcycling, giving fashion a creative twist. A pair of vintage jeans can be reimagined as a high-waisted staple, while an old blazer might become the cornerstone of a bold new look. When done thoughtfully, second-hand fashion helps reduce waste in fashion and sends a clear message that style doesn’t need to cost the Earth.

Opening a Boutique That Makes a Difference

Second-hand fashion is no longer a niche—it’s booming. The global second-hand market is expected to reach $367 billion by 2029. Shoppers are turning to pre-loved items not just for budget reasons, but for environmental and ethical motivations too.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, this is the perfect time to turn a passion for fashion into a purpose-driven business. A second-hand boutique allows you to source inventory affordably, often from community donations, estate sales, or curated thrift finds. Unlike traditional retail, you don’t need to order large quantities of stock, which keeps your overheads low and your offerings fresh.

It’s not charity—it’s a smart business model. And like any serious business, you need the right tools to succeed. A dependable clothing store POS system can help you manage your inventory, track sales, and offer a seamless checkout experience for your customers. It’s the kind of investment that turns your boutique into a retail destination.

Branding the “New” Old

Running a second-hand boutique isn’t just about racks of clothing—it’s about creating a brand that resonates. Shoppers want a story, a vibe, and a reason to return. That’s where your boutique’s personality comes in. Whether you’re going for retro glam, minimalist chic, or boho cool, your brand should shine through everything you do—from your window displays to your social media feeds.

Leverage platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share daily outfit inspiration, host live thrift hauls, or run styling challenges with your followers. Customers love seeing how you wear your finds, and it gives them ideas for how they might wear them too.

Don’t shy away from bold branding. Reframing second-hand fashion as desirable, curated, and expressive helps break the stigma and attract a new wave of shoppers who care about both style and sustainability. This isn’t just about selling clothes—it’s about shifting mindsets.


Second-hand boutiques are more than just an alternative to fast fashion—they’re a movement towards conscious, impactful style. By merging sustainable values with business savvy, they offer an inspiring model for fashion’s future. Whether you’re planning to open your own boutique or simply seeking to shop more responsibly, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Style, after all, should feel good—and nothing feels better than knowing your wardrobe reflects your values as much as your taste.

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Tips for Finding Clothes Cheap!

Are you looking to update your wardrobe? Maybe your current clothing choices don’t reflect who you are, or perhaps you’ve lost yourself over the years and need a revamp. You might just be in need of some seasonal staples, or be in need of some new pieces following a weight loss journey. Either way, you’ll find that buying clothes is expensive especially if you’re after a whole new wardrobe! Here are some of the ways to keep those costs down.

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok

Shop second hand

Secondhand apps like Vinted have changed the ways that many of us shop for clothing, and how we think about ‘pre-loved’ items. These platforms give you the choice of masses of different items at a fraction of their original cost which is a great way to save money as well as the environment. When it comes to things like baby clothes especially you can get some real bargains, where most people over buy items and their baby grows out of them quickly. However, there are hidden gems in all categories and you can get unique pieces and even designer labels at hugely discounted prices. If you prefer to shop in person then charity shops are another gold mine for bargains. You can find all kinds of great items especially if you check in them on a regular basis, and as a bonus the money you spend in there goes to a charitable good cause so you’re doing good while you buy. 

Utilizing fast fashion in the right way

The trouble with fast fashion sites like Shein is that they’ve come under a lot of scrutiny for the environmental impact they have and that their labor can be exploitative.  If you do choose to shop at fast fashion sites, be mindful of the impact that they have and try to make sustainable choices where possible. Due to the cost of living crisis, many of us are short on money, and buying essentials like clothing has become unaffordable. Cheap fast fashion sites can be useful here as they mean you can get the things you need without breaking the bank, but try to shop as responsibly as you can. If you go for versatile and timeless pieces that can be worn across seasons then you’ll get the most amount of wear from each thing you buy. 

Shop the sales

Keep an eye on seasonal sales, holidays, and clearance events to snag discounts with your clothing- times like Black Friday can be a good time to refresh your wardrobe. Just be careful and avoid getting carried away and buying items solely because they’re on sale, and be wary of shops inflating prices before sales to make the discount seem bigger than it is when it comes to sale periods. Stick to your shopping list and only buy what you genuinely need or love.

Shop safely

When you’re shopping online it’s important to stay safe and protect your money. There are two common ways to pay electronically- ACH vs EFT. ACH covers different electronic transactions like direct deposits and bill payments while EFT is about transferring money between accounts, like online payments. Always make sure to use trusted websites with secure payment options like Paypal, and keep your financial information private to shop safely online too.

What are your tips for getting clothing cheap?

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Three Top Tips For Building A Sustainable Wardrobe 

Over the past few years, fast fashion has taken over the clothing industry. Instead of concentrating on well-made, long-lasting investment pieces, many popular retailers instead sell poorly constructed garments made from inferior synthetic materials for an extremely low cost. The design of these clothes is often trend-led, meaning that they quickly become dated after only a few seasons and are subsequently discarded. However, the toll that fast fashion is taking on the environment is quickly becoming evident, as well as the poor working conditions and wages of the people employed in making fast fashion clothing. If you would like to help in the fight against fast fashion, read on for three top tips for building a sustainable wardrobe.

Photo Credit:  @brandy Instagram 

  1. Buy second hand

Instead of buying into fast fashion, you could instead buy your clothing second hand. Do not let the fact that these clothes are pre-owned put you off – you don’t necessarily have to spend hours going through a smelly $1 sales rack at Goodwill (although you can find some gems here if you are willing to put in the work). If you know exactly what it is you are after, try searching for it on an online sales platform such as eBay. You can find some real bargains here, with a lot of clothes being either brand new or only worn a handful of times. Alternatively, you could look at specialist vintage clothing dealers, who will be able to provide you with a unique and sustainable piece of fashion history.

  1. Shop from ethical retailers

If you do decide to buy an item of clothing brand new, make sure you buy from an ethical retailer, such as yuniont.com. An ethical retailer will use fabric obtained through sustainable sources, such as recycled fabric, and have the items sewn in an ethical environment that pays workers fairly for their labor. They may also seek to reduce the air miles involved in producing the garment and avoid using materials that could potentially involve putting an animal through pain, such as angora. This information is often readily available on a sustainable retailer’s website so that customers have complete transparency about business practices and manufacturing methods.

 

  1. Create a classic capsule wardrobe

As much as fast fashion is trend-led, you could avoid this pitfall by creating a wardrobe based on classic pieces that will always look chic, rather than constantly chasing after the lastest trends. Garments such as a white t shirt, well-cut pair of jeans, and little black dress can be used to create many different looks suitable for any occasion; however, what garments you choose to include in your capsule wardrobe will depend on your own personal style – you might consider a leather jacket indispensable, whereas someone else might prefer a beige mac, for instance. Buy items that are well made and the best that you can afford on your budget. This way, you are unlikely to need to replace them after only a few wears.

Collaborative Post

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Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger Lexy Silverstein Creative Halloween Costumes from Goodwill Industries

Halloween costumes can be scary expensive–but don’t have to be. Fortune reports people spend on average about $70 on their getups, which is terrifying on their own.  The trick is finding the right place to shop. The treat is Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake offering spooktacular savings on all your outfitting needs at all of our retail stores in the region.

We challenged fashion and lifestyle blogger Lexy Silverstein to put together creative and affordable costumes from our inventory. What she discovered will make you the ghost-with-the-most. Among her finds:

  • $10 Brand New Costumes: Midnight Vampire, Pirate, Clown, etc.

  • $2.50 Rosie the Riveter (DIY)

  • $3.99 pet costumes

You may only think of Goodwill as the place to drop off your old clothes and household items. But we repurpose and resell those donations at a fraction of their original costs. The money raised goes back to the people of Baltimore and the Eastern Shore in the form of job training and career services, ex-prisoner programs, and aid for underrepresented people in the community.

Not only can you be fashionably fierce by shopping at Goodwill, but you are also helping us make a difference. So find your costume’s missing link, or discover that statement piece you’ve been searching for. In short, mix and match donated items can make one-of-a-kind ensembles. If a DIY costume sounds daunting to you, have no fear. We get pounds of brand new, never worn, costumes donated each season.

In addition: decorate your home for the holidays with our inexpensive and gently used decor items. At Goodwill you have choices. You can make spine-chilling DIY crafts like a creepy candelabra, or a candy bowl wrapped in cobwebs. Or, you can purchase Halloween-party-ready decor for a small price.

Spend as much as you would on ONE Halloween costume, on decor and costumes for the entire family. Just like a zombie…It’s a no brainer!

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Summer 2015 Recap: Fun In The Sun

Summer’s the time of year I reconnect with my family and friends.  Although I adore the Fall, I try to enjoy a little fun in the sun!  My boys are out for the summer and as a mom it’s important to make memories before they start summer jobs, traveling abroad, or preparing for college.

I also like to grab some adult time with a glass of wine (or cocktail) sip gourmet coffee and share laughs with my best friends.  I live here in Maryland but I was born and raised in Alabama; I move around (now) like a city girl but still a southerner at heart.  I guess that explains my cooking hobby and outdoor living.  I learned at an early age that serving a hearty dish brings people together.

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One hidden secret that many may not know is that Alabama has some great thrift stores!  I participate in a good ole’ thrifting session while visiting the heart of dixie.  My normal finds include heirloom items, knick knacks, and various clothing items.  If you’re a true southern girl, one can not forget to visit the local water park (because it’s hot) and host a family barbecue.  My dad will normally cook on the grill; our barbecues are fairly traditional, eating hotdogs, steaks, or seafood.

Summer would not be eventful without a trip to the Smithsonian Institute.  I love the nostalgia of statues and museums.  They’re constantly updating and you never know what’s in store when you visit.  Life can get pretty hectic but don’t forget to relax, rejuvenate and feed your soul!

Other random things I do in the summer –

Read a good novel

Visit the Pool (often)

Dance at a Concert

Golf Outing 

Arts & Crafts

Watch Fireworks

Shop The Farmers Market

Enjoy Netflixs

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Visit my Instagram @kwest1908 for more photos

 

 

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Savers Thrift Store Sneak Peak Shopping Event

Savers Thrift Store  opened in Owings Mills on Thursday, June 11, 2015.  The store invited me to a sneak peek event on Tuesday, June 9 , 2015 and provided a gift certificate to jump-start my shopping spree.

The challenge was to see how far I could stretch the gift certificate at a thrift store.  I love thrifting and finding quality items for a good price, so course I was up for the challenge!  The store was decorated in true event style with balloons and associates helping shoppers.

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Glitter Blouse Purchased from Savers

Savers was also well-organized and provided a great shopping experience.  I found several items to enhance my summer wardrobe.

I like to mix low – end and high-end merchandise to create a unique style.  For example, I would pair my louboutines with a lace skirt found at a local consignment shop.  Fashion’s about self-expression and not the amount of money your spending.

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Tangerine and Sea horse Shorts Purchased from Savers

To view more items at Savers visit my Instagram Account:  kwest1908

As background if you’re not familiar, Savers is an international thrift retailer with more than 330 stores across the U.S. and Canada, and each store has more than 100,000 items on the sales floor at any given time and gets 5,000 new items every day.

It’s a perfect place to find quality items at low prices, especially if you’re shopping for clothing or home décor that can’t be found anywhere else. The new store is located at 9800 Reisterstown Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117.

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Glitter Blouse and Denim Shorts Purchased from Savers
Items from Savers: Bohemian Inspired Blouse
Bohemian Inspired Blouse Purchased from Savers
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The Art of Thrifting – How To Guide

Thrift shopping has become “the cool kids” way of updating their wardrobe and I have always adored thrifting.  It’s one of my favorite hobbies since the age of 15 and allowed me to express my individual style.

My dad could never understand my obsession with consignment/thrift shops.  He gave me money for clothing but instead of spending it at McCraes (which is now Belks) I would ask my mom to drive me to the thrift shop.

I think it was the experience of understanding clothing construction that attracted me to this hobby.  In the process of shopping, I learned a lot about fabrics and fixtures.  I also learned how to properly care for clothing because some items need to be dry cleaned while others required fabric softener.

Thankfully my mom never rejected my obsession because she also enjoys thrifting.  To this day we call it “the closet” and when I visit my parents we turn this into a major event.  For us, it’s a bonding activity and a perfect opportunity to neglect the budget planner for a little while, and still somehow save money!

I do recognize that thrifting’s not for everyone but I think it’s about strategy.  There’s an art to thrifting that many may not understand and some of us have the true knack of finding a good deal.  I want to help those who may not understand how to thrift and share in this experience.

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Thrifted Skirt, Handbag, Belt, and Dress

 

Step Number One:  I read fashion magazines like Instyle or People StyleWatch to recognize what’s fashionable for the season.   When I’m shopping, I will instantly gravitate towards that trendy pair of white seersucker pants hanging on the rack.

Step Number Two:  Know your body type before shopping consignment/thrift stores.  Entering a thrift store can be overwhelming because there’s so much merchandise.  You want to select items that compliment your figure and NOT because it’s a designer blouse.  Nothing’s worse than paying $12 dollars for something that doesn’t work and you can NOT take back to the store.

Step Number Three:  Search for quality fabrics or what I like to call (this is my fashion degree moment) natural fibers.  They tend to hold up well in the course of wearing and look chic.

Step Number Four:  Always, Always, Always, Always, overlook the garment.  Do not purchase anything without searching the garment from top to bottom.  For example, if you have a blazer in your basket search the pockets for tears, look at the buttons to see if one’s missing, or whether there’s a hole in the fabric.  This is a very important step to thrifting.

Step Number Five:  This may come as a surprise but thrift shops actually have sale days.  Check with the sales associates or look around the store for sales.  Also, keep up with the store discounts; for example, if a ticket has a red sticker your item could be 50% off.

You’re probably asking what type of items have I found while thrifting?  Well,  you’ve actually seen a few of the items on this site but I’ve purchased a fur coat (my first one in graduate school) Louis Vuitton wallet, Ralph Lauren sweaters, BCBG pumps, vintage sunglasses and clutch purses, denim jeans, wool plaid swing coat (my favorite in college) knee boots, and the list goes on!

Nothing says “chic” better than mixing vintage couture and fabulous accessories.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta /

Mesh Blouse Purchased from The Wise Penny Thrift Shop

Yesterday I volunteered at The Wise Penny Thrift Shop located in Baltimore. While sorting through inventory and having a few laughs, I ran across this one of a kind mesh blouse with a corset style waist and gold buttons.

 At first sight, I wasn’t sure if the top was my size because it looked very small; but thankfully I could wear it. My girlfriend forced me to buy it and even gave me some style options: leather leggings, gold pumps, and chain bracelet.

Honestly, some of the best (and most authentic) pieces in my wardrobe are thrifted. Stay tuned for an updated photo of the final look…

Yesterday’s look wearing my thrifted leather hat and oversized sunglasses.