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Making a Comeback

I've been very aware of several trends that are making a massive comeback with Gen Z and even with us millennials. Welcome back biker shorts, high waisted denim, chokers and platform sandals, to name a few! To be honest, I don't hate it! I actually love it. Does that mean we were trendsetters back in the day? I like to think yes! Returning trends have inspired this blog entry and I hope that some of you can relate.

Growing up, I absolutely cringed at the thought of a clothes from a thrift store, garage sale or anything in between. You see, back in my youth, you weren't considered "cool" in our small-town school unless you were rocking Tommy Hilfiger, Z Cavaricci, Calvin Klein, Nike, Doc Marten (are you feeling nostalgic yet) or shopped at The Buckle. I knew my parents couldn't afford it, but yet our Mom always tried to keep us looking and feeling stylish! Once I started earning my own money, you could find me putting things on layaway at The Buckle. I look back now with a twinge of regret, because let's be honest. Who was I trying to impress? What else could my parents have accomplished with all of those dollars spent? However, I will always and I mean ALWAYS be grateful for the sacrifices my parents made to give us the things we needed (and the things we definitely didn't). 

Fast forward to my thirties and the day I swallowed my pride, by opening my mind and trying my hand at thrifting. I have a certain friend to thank for that. If you're reading this, my dear friend, I can't thank you enough. Not only do I save tons of money, but if you really look and dig through the drab finds, you will find literal treasures. Given the returning trends, you might just find looks that are now back in style! Keep in mind that not all thrift stores are created equal. It takes some time to find the real hidden gems and you'll know within minutes if you've found one. My two local favorites are Love It or Leave It and The Crossing Thrift (on Broadway). One is colorized and sized, which obviously speaks my organizational language. The other only carries top brands in pristine condition. You can find me at these two spots often! 

Another reason I love to thrift? It's like you have new clothes all of the time. Considering my chronic shopping disorder (Is this already a thing? If not, it should be.), this allows me to fulfill my love for new apparel and keep my closet from getting boring, not to mention the task clothing multiple kids. I have found that so many parents donate some really nice, name brand apparel for my kids (myself included). I have a son who is all about sports and I love a good deal on Under Armour, Nike and Adidas! My twin girls love a wide range of looks and I often find items that speak to their individual personalities, at a fraction of the cost of retail. 

Taking my kids along for "treasure hunting," as they like to call it, is one of my favorite things to do. Not only do they love the thrill of the find, but it gives us an extra reason to spend time together, plenty of laughs at some of the not-so-great finds and they feel like they struck gold when they can pick and choose several items at once. Not only do they love a great find, just like their momma, but I hope this teaches them that you don't always have to spend excessive money to look and feel great. I like to think that they can take those dollars saved and spend on them on experiences. We certainly do just that! 

Now don't get me wrong, there are certain things that I'll never purchase secondhand. I'm sure you can name a few! It's near impossible to get by only on thrifting (props to you, if you manage to) and sometimes I want brand new items. I tend to purchase a lot of basics brand new each year, but I definitely supplement with a good, occasional thrifting haul. Bonus! It's also good for the planet! 

To that insecure girl from the 90's who insisted on brand new, name brand apparel? This is for you. One day the opinions of those from your small-town school won't matter. You will find your way, have a beautiful family and find a fulfilling career path. And guess what? You will look stylish doing it! However, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the super unflattering, low-rise, love handle emphasizing jeans stay back in the day. Let the high-rise be here to stay! 

One of my favorite things to say when someone compliments my outfit? 
"Thanks! It's thrifted!" 

Side Note: If I'm missing another thrifting gem here locally, please drop it in the comments. And if you haven't visited my favorites, then you. are. welcome. 


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