Why is Thrifting Always a Great Idea?

We all have one or two people in our lives that swear by thrifting, but is it actually worth all of our time it takes? Sure, when you go into a thrift store- the massive amount of items can be daunting and overwhelming, but these are all pieces gathered from different moments of people's lives. When you dig in and search, you might just find your very own treasure(s).

As a kid, I remember going to thrift stores with my grandmother- combing through every shirt, plate, and purse in the place. I would get by knowing that afterwards, she would take me to get ice cream or a treat from the gas station. At the time, it felt like I was being held against my will and there was no way to pass the time (this was before we could use the magic device to entertain us). She would tell me about the brands she would find and the retail value - versus what she was about to pay for it. Of course, as a small kiddo- I had no idea about the outrageous markup of certain brands, the sheer cost of keeping a family clothed through seasons and growing children, or how hard she had to work to be able to afford the small pleasures that she found on those shelves and on those racks.

Fast forward, and I am a new mother to our first daughter. I will admit- I went VERY overboard with purchasing Matilda Jane, all the brand name shoes and diaper bags. Let me be clear- having these things is NOT bad, and buying new things is NOT a bad thing. But stick with me here.... I bought an absurd amount of "stuff"; that- to be honest- she never even wore; because guess what? Babies grow FAST. Like FAST, FAST. So fast that she would be grown out of a size before she had a chance to wear the cutest pieces, that I "just have to buy".

Fast forward some more- to when our first born daughter is four months old- we get pregnant with our second daughter. Thankfully, those unused outfits and shoes had a second chance! By the time she had outgrown most of the Matilda Jane and UGG boots I had bought; I had spoken with other moms who told me to go consign them at Once Upon a Child. I had never been in there, and I honestly had not even had that idea! I listened to my friends and went over to our local store. When I walked in, I was instantly impressed with the selection of gently used strollers and bassinets in the front, but while I was waiting for the cashier to check me in- I saw the exact same Matilda Jane outfit that was hanging in my daughters closet.. Only this complete outfit was only $7.50. When I say I was flabbergasted, that is not an exaggeration.

While I was waiting for my payout, I combed through the isles of Once Upon a Child, like my Grandmother used to comb through the isles of Goodwill. Only this time, I knew the retail values, I knew how expensive nice things really are, and I knew that this was going to be the route I'd take. Now, don't get me wrong- I love new, nice things- just as much as any other woman, but there's something about finding a vintage shirt that's no longer made, a nostalgic toddler dress for your kiddos that you had as a child, or that brand name top that retails for triple what you are reading on that price tag.

Honestly, I would say about 80% of the items in my closet are thrifted. I have given them a second life, and I love that. They aren't ending up in an endless cycle of useless waste in a landfill. The amount of materials that are used to produce the fast fashions we all consume is actually pretty insane. The energy, oil, water.. It's all burnt up and wasted on clothing that wears and tears so easily, damaging our planet and wasting our resources. So, by that (girl) math- when I go thrifting- I am saving the planet, as well as saving my bank account.

So, of course I am going to tell you that thrifting is always a good idea; because it's quite literally what I have built my business on. I love finding treasures so much, that I needed an outlet to share them. So here we are- Clover Hill Resale has been born; from the love of a good deal, the love of the hunt and the love of our planet.