A new year is upon us! If you’re over the diet tips, the salty gym rats, and the resolutions, but still want to make a change in your life, CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET. Seriously, there is no better way to feel productive and brand new than getting rid of anything you don’t need, or don’t use. I recently got rid of 12 bags of clothing, and I still feel like it wasn’t enough. Here are 3 super useful steps I have taken that have guided me on my journey so far:
1. Documentary: The True Cost
The first step to anything life changing is education and inspiration. The True Cost is available to live-stream on Netflix and their website. Watching this film compelled me to be more conscious about buying USA made articles of clothing and step away from the ‘fast fashion’ trends. I’ve never really been one to follow the current trends, and seeing the effects through this film made me extra cautious of both where I shop and how I shop. I am definitely consuming less quantity and more quality. In the past, I was a frequent Forever 21 visitor, and Kohls Cash user on trendy, but horrible quality articles of clothing. I never thought about the past of the garment or the future, just whatever i kinda-sorta-liked because I saw someone else wearing it two days ago. Now, I consider all stages of my clothing’s life. Was it made with pride and purpose? Will I wear it with pride and purpose? Will I be able to hand it down and feel good about the time its spent with me? This film will jump start the inspiration to cut down on buying clothes and make you mindful of purchasing items with a longer life-span.
2.Personalized Stylist
Stitch Fix is helping me find high quality, reasonably priced, classic items to replace the loads of cheap, outdated, buckets of clothing I have. We hire tutors to show us how to learn and instructors to teach us how to drive, why not hire someone to help us learn how to shop? Especially when life gets busy, we might not feel like we have time to shop and properly style ourselves. I have been using this service called Stitch Fix to find new pieces and I FREAKING LOVE IT!! I have received many ‘Made in USA’ items as well as items from completely ethically made clothing brands. They seem to really care about the quality of their clothing and supporting brands that support others. My favorite item of clothing I have received is sweatpants by the company called goodhYOUman. They are the single most comfortable piece of clothing I own, even after months of washing. Please check them out, you will not be disappointed.
If you’re interested in STITCH FIX please sign up and try it out once using my referral link: stitchfix.com/referral/8842533
3. Sell your Sole
Online consignment, thrift stores, and swapping sites are growing in number and are a great tool to sell some of your old, but still quality, gently used items. I personally have sold on Poshmark and Thred Up. It is an excellent way to make some extra cash (I’ve made nearly $500!) or trade in a bunch of clothes you don’t wear for quality items you couldn’t otherwise afford at full retail price. The most recent item I’ve purchased second hand was a Tommy Hilfiger sweater. I first saw it at Pac Sun and fell in love. I knew I just had to have it, but the price tag wasn’t my cup of tea ($120). I checked the Poshmark app, and wa-la! There it was, at a price I could sip. ($40)
If you would like to sign-up for Poshmark please use my referral code, HELLOFELICIA. (you get $5!)
I’ve sent in bags and bags of old clothes to Thred Up, and have only received about $30. Their percentage ratio is less than that of a brick and mortar consignment shop, or selling directly on an app. However, If you don’t want to donate and still try and make a few extra bucks, you cant go wrong with just sending them a bag and see what you get. They receive a lot of clothing, so they have a huge selection to choose from as a buyer. They even have a personal stylist service available.
If you want to see my honest review of Thred Up’s personalized stylist service, click here.
I live in the Mid-Atlantic, so there are a few Uptown Cheapskate stores in my area. This is a company I adore and frequently visit. They will give cash on the spot OR give you 25% more in store credit. I usually go for the store credit, and my wardrobe is now about 60% Uptown finds. A “Best things I’ve Ever Thrifted” post and video is coming soon, so be sure to follow me here and on Youtube!
The more you care about your clothes, the easier it is to consume less. Where they come from, how they’re made, and when they will need to be replaced are all questions I try to think about when purchasing something new. I believe that my dollar is also my vote. If I purchase from small businesses, ethical companies, or second hand, I am using my voice to pull the fashion industry away from the excessive waste and fast pace and towards helping entrepreneurs, women, and mother earth.
If you want a complete break down of my closet clean out process, please like or share this post!
Thanks for Reading!
See you next time 🙂
FF
Image By Joseph Bradley
the grotto grind 