Today I met up with fellow Seattle blogger Joni of Walking Colors to go thrifting at Value Village. As you can see in the photo above, we both were able to find some goodies! I scored a cashmere pullover, a merino wool sweater, a silk top, and a vintage hand-knit fisherman cable cardigan! Whoo hoo!
I was especially paying attention to fabrics today because I learned recently that many fabrics are bad for the environment! Polyester, acrylic, rayon, acetate, triacetate, and nylon undergo extensive chemical processes to be made, result in terrible pollution, and some may even cause cancer! Aaack!
So I'm trying to stick to more natural fabrics like cottons and wools; and cashmeres and silks when I can! Even cotton, when it isn't made organically, is hard on the environment. A non-organic single t-shirt requires two pounds of pesticides to produce! Even more reason to buy clothes from thrift stores!
Of course, if you only buy the natural fibers at thrift stores and the synthetics don't sell, the synthetics end up sold as scrap or in a landfill where they won't biodegrade... Ethical shopping is hard! Ok, breathe... I can think through this... Better World Shopper says buying from thrift stores is an A+. Buying NEW clothes made of synthetics is what I want to avoid because I don't want my money causing more synthetics to be made. Buying anything thrifted is still ok because it's important that clothes get used to their full potential. So the most important thing is to use your clothes. Ok. I can do that. Phew. I feel better.
It's great, right?
Daily Details:
- weather: cloudy and comfortable
- nylon (oops) leggings, bought locally, made in the USA, cost $28 divided by 2 uses = approximate current cost per wear (accpw) $14
- polyester and rayon (dang) skirt, accpw $30
- silk (yay) and modal top, bought locally, made in the USA, accpw $50
- sandals, so old, accpw less than $1
- bag, way old, accpw less than $1
- ethical ensemble evaluation: B
I say yeah for the rayon in the skirt...and leggins w/o nylon....mmmmm. your B ensemble looks very cute. Good shopping...I love fisherman sweaters.
ReplyDeleteWell, you are just sweet! And to think ahead and bring donuts makes you even more of a deliverer of sweet! Can I go back in time and be one of your lucky students???
ReplyDeleteThat was great fun and I think I even did okay with my fabric choices. Uh, well does acrylic and metallic thread count? Probably....err, it is hard. At least we didn't buy new!
I just check and surprisingly the poncho was made in the USA. I don't want to mention the hat. But you've inspired me to look at the tags. ;)
Can't wait to see you in that hand knit sweater!
I love thrifting and your outfit is really cute!
ReplyDeletewww.sweetsweetnightingale.blogspot.com
Love the pop of coral from your skirt. I will definitly check out Joni's blog.
ReplyDeletexx
meinmode.blogspot.com
Awww how fun! I love hanging with blogger friends!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like you had a great time! I'd love to also have a thrift shop in my area, but I guess they are just not very popular in germany... I can't wait to see what you bought!!
ReplyDeletexxx Anita
It is so nice to have friends to thrift with.
ReplyDeleteAh the problems of ethical shopping! I know it is a big issue with being a fashion blogger which in itself encourages more buying. And the fairtrade clothes are so much harder to find and more expensive.
ReplyDeleteHave you read about the problem of flooding third world markets with our cast-offs which can cripple local economies? Despite being well-intentioned second-hand clothes cause all sorts of trouble.
It is tricky stuff.
looking gorge, love the skirt..I'm your newest follower
ReplyDeleteNANCIEMWAI.COM
Well you and Joni are just too cute! So glad you ladies scored some great items. Vivienne, you always make me THINK when I read your blog. I never thought about fabrics and the problems they can cause. It's so true! You're definitely inspiration now when I pick items to buy. I thank you!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
Looks like you both had quite a bit of luck! It's fun going thrifting with someone else!
ReplyDeleteNever gave much thought to the type of fabric, it's another interesting point to consider!
How cool that you got to go shopping with another blogger! Looks like you guys had fun! I did not know that about polyester actually--it is very good information! Love that coral skirt Vivienne!
ReplyDeleteI love how much you have made me start thinking before I shop. This is such great information and I am so glad you are sharing it! You look adorable in your thrifting ensemble. I am so glad you were able to find some good stuff!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like such a fun day!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking a lot about ethical shopping lately too, I'm contemplating a ban from buying anything new but I work in the biggest mall in our city so I'm constantly surrounded with temptation...I wonder how strong my willpower is...
P.s LOVE your skirt, such a great colour
Vivienne! hi
ReplyDeleteIt's been a bit since I've been able to sit and gather my thoughts with my grandkidlettes here but, their parents picked them up so I am in catch - up mode. Value Village is the same as Savers that is by me (where I usually shop). Great job in finding the natural fibers. You know what my theory is? If you want it, you'll find it. Once I shopped specifically for skirts that I wanted. got them! Then for a specific, white knit sweater that had a hoodie, yup, got it! If I go just randomly looking...I don't find anything that works out. odd - but true! lol
I wonder why they have two different names- I just noticed that on my credit card statement, it says "Savers" instead of Value Village. Hmm.
Delete--V
Cute skirt! Congrats on your thrifting finds!
ReplyDeletewww.vintagelillies.wordpress.com/
your post totally made me feel like I want to thriftshop now (it's almost midnight, btw). luckily I have one vacation week left and I can make that thrift store round in my hometown soon :P oh and you should definitely show what you got!
ReplyDeleteMaiken,
Maikeni blogi - part of me
I love this black and peach outfit! And I hear ya sister, ethical shopping IS hard!! It's so easy to forget how harmful all the processes are for making our clothes. Have you ever researched jean processes? It uses an INSANE amount of water :/ grrrr.
ReplyDeleteJulia
Cup of Tea
i love seeing where you shop there in the background! i love it! and how awesome to find another blogger that is nearby and into the same things - lucky girl. i wish it was me getting thrifting lessons from you
ReplyDelete<3 katherine
of corgis and cocktails
You and Joni sure did have a great time. Some synthetics make me smell funny by the end of the day so I avoid synthetics as best as I ςªŋ. Love your coral skirt.
ReplyDeleteI think YOU are so cool for thinking and working so hard at shopping and dressing ethically. Seriously. I love it! Your blog is so different. Bravo sister!
ReplyDeleteHannah
Yay, I'm so excited that you guys met and did a thrift shop at Value Village; it looks like you had fun! I miss VV, more than I should admit!
ReplyDeleteI finally see the connection to you and Joni whose blog I am now following because of you. I would love to have met her and you that day for thrifting. Great post and info regarding synthetics. dawn suitcase vignettes xo
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