Mimi and Popop's Christmas Tree! Lena, me, Ali, and Cammi!
Move over Forever 21! (Don't worry, I didn't actually buy this. Although, it would totally win at a "tacky sweater" party!)
December 26th is actually one of the most precious and sacred days in the Oshinskie family. On this day, all of the cousins sleep in and when we wake up there is only two things on our minds: Stella's Crumb Buns and thrifting! My Mimi makes these incredible toasted, buttery, and sugary breakfast rolls that without a doubt taste amazing year after year! The next item on our agenda: thrifting. In other words, we go to thrift and consignment stores throughout central New Jersey in search of one-of-a-kind items.
Ali, Lena, Cammi, and I pile into my Uncle Mark's Ford Escort and our thrifting adventure begins! On the way we hear childhood stories that my uncle tells about him and his siblings. Ali and I listen to a few stories about our dad and Uncle Mark shares some of his college stories.
Many people are suspicious of the kind of quality of clothing items in the thrift store. However, I have been in many of these stores where I will find shirts that still have the price tag on. As I peruse the racks of clothing, I have found sweaters in mint condition that look like they've been worn one time. You can find names such as Brooks Brothers, Gap, Banana Republic, DKNY, Free People, J.Crew, and many other upscale designers.
I find thrifting to be an authentic and creative experience since I can find unique clothing that-most likely- no one else will have. When I go out, I don't have to worry about seeing someone with the same exact outfit as me. We all know how embarrassing THAT is! Even if you are wearing a shirt that you bought at the mall, you can match it with a vintage scarf or sweater from the thrift store, and all of a sudden you look ten times more fashionable. Not that college students totally care about being fashionable 24/7 since let's face it, many students wear Elmira College sweat pants and sweatshirts to class. However, thrifting has definitely been a draw for college aged students who don't have as much cash to spare. In this article from the Albany Student Press, a college student talks about the benefits of thrifting and its ability to help students recreate and enhance their wardrobe.
Mix it, match it, grab it, THRIFT IT!
http://www.albanystudentpress.org/a-e/mix-it-match-it-grab-it-thrift-it-1.2696200#.TwSNJHKwVS8
Not only will thrift store finds help you spice up your closet and help you save money, but also thrifting is environmentally friendly! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Hitting up a local Goodwill or vintage consignment shop is a great way to counter the consumerist mentality of America. Think Globally, Act Locally! Also, it decreases the carbon footprint that we are leaving behind. I guess it's too late for me to stop my political rant about being "green," but thrifting is a great way to supplement and fortify your existing wardrobe. Many times we do not even wear half of our wardrobe!
Emmy,
ReplyDeleteNice thrift store discussion. I like the treasure hunt aspect of thrifting. There's an abundance of cheesy junk but, as you said, one finds the occasional brand name item for three bucks. Even better, one finds something really goofy and fun that you would never find anywhere else. Plus, the money you spend goes to a good cause.
You should have put something in there about how we talk about boys and girls in the rule-less of modern relationships. To me, that's even more interesting than finding a goofy shirt! And, simultaneously, sadder than the Paterson landscape.
Long may the Escort run. Jesus is the reason for the season. But our traditions are fun, too.
MP
Thanks Mahwah Paterson! I encourage your input. I definitely think that the relationship thing is a universal topic. Perhaps that will make it into another blog:)
ReplyDeleteI agree, a fun item is definitely more of a find than a designer brand name. For example, last year I found a 1996 Atlanta Olympics reversible jacket. It made an appearance in my high school for a spirit day and was an automatic hit!
This tradition will forever be infamous in our family.
Emily