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STYLE GURU STYLE: Secondhand or Bust

May 18th, 2017 at 2:00am

I grew up thrifting. As I got older and learned more about the fashion industry, I learned that I was actually helping the environment by thrifting my entire life. For those who don’t know, the fashion industry is the second most destructive industry in the world right behind the oil industry. For a better explanation, I encourage everyone to watch The True Cost or at least do a simple Google search. With that being said, thrifting helps combat its effects, which is one of the numerous reasons I encourage everyone to thrift.

From what I’ve gathered from friends, people who don’t thrift do so because they can never find anything. My advice to anyone with this problem is to really look. Most of the time thrift stores have thousands of every type of item, and you have to take the time to search for those one-of-a-kind finds. Location can be hard as well, but it’s not like I live in LA or New York. I live in Florida, so I honestly believe that anyone can find great things anywhere. You just have to try out different places and see which one you find the most items at. Instead of buying cheap, cute clothes at fast fashion stores, which is supporting what they do and keeping them in business, you can buy cheaper, cooler clothes at thrift stores while reducing pollution and waste.

Alright guys, the rant about me trying to save the world is over now. Most of my wardrobe is secondhand, including what I’m wearing in this look. My beret and earrings are the only exceptions. I chose to wear this fitted summer dress with loafers. I’m definitely not a girly girl, but sometimes I like getting dressed up and putting on a nice dress. I made it more me by adding the rest. Green loafers were a must because I like to always incorporate color into my looks. The beret, belt, and earrings tied the look together with the black leather and matching gold hardware. Simplicity with edge is usually the vibe I go for, so I try to wear unique pieces, hence why I foolishly wore a beret in Florida summer. In addition, I’m a big fan of hoops but chose these funky, circular earrings instead.

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