Thrift shopping is trending and we're glad it is! In this post we're going to interview one of our fav thrift shoppers, give you some facts on why we should thrift more, provide a list of our fav local thrift shops, and even made a playlist for you to listen to the next time you go thrifting!
Have you ever seen Lola Doutre wear an outfit twice? How does she do it?! We sat the Queen of Thrifting down and asked her some questions:
We've noticed you never wear the same thing twice...how do you make this possible?!
For me, my outfits are a huge part of my identity! Lots of people ask me “how do I always have a different outfit? you must have so many clothes” and in all honesty I do. But the reason I’m able to create so many unique looks is by using the versatility of clothing—1 shirt has 30 different outfit outcomes. So no I don’t wear the same outfit twice, I just restyle the same pieces!!
Is there a specific moment where you became hooked on thrifting?
I started thrifting when I was little because my family didn’t have much money, and it was also a fun thing for me and my sister to do. Our favorite thing to do was try on the heels, even as tiny kids. Memories of strutting around and pretending to be a model in the aisles of the local Goodwill are some of my most cherished.
Do you ever alter pieces to make them feel more you?
Something I love about thrifting is the opportunity to upcycle older items and add to their history. I think it’s cool that something I love has had a different life and the pieces I wear have their own stories. By thrifting, I’m giving that piece of material another shot and creating new stories and memories.
Where are your favorite places to thrift from?
Call it luck, call it skill, or call it a bit too much time spent shopping, but I’ve always been able to find some rare gems. Sometimes you can find the perfect article straight off the rack, but more often, you have to look for the potential of what it could be. I like to add a lot of my own personal flair to the clothes I thrift. I took a basic sewing class in high school, so I only have bare minimum sewing skills, but that doesn’t stop me from cutting up most of what I thrift and letting my creativity do the rest.
What's your favorite piece you've ever thrifted?
One of my biggest vintage idols is Betty Boop. I’ve been collecting vintage Betty Boop apparel for a few years and have become obsessed with her personality and her quirkiness. When I wear Betty Boop, I’m reminded not to put up with any shit and that I too, am a timeless classic. All of my Bettys are the most valuable to me!!
My love for thrifting started as a kid and I don’t see it changing anytime soon. My sister and I even have a plus size thrifting company in the works. Until then, I plan to rock my Betty Boops, breathe life into sick new pieces, and express myself creatively while reducing waste. Thrifting f*cking rocks!
If you don't know, now you know:
Did you know-
It takes 7,500 litres of water to make a single pair of jeans, which is how much water the average person drinks over a period of seven years.
150,000,000,000 new clothing items are produced each year, many of which end up in landfills.
2,100,000 Tons of CO2 emissions produced by the apparel and textile industry each year, second to the petroleum industry.
$90 USD is how much a textile worker in Bangladesh makes per month.
The Fashion Industry is responsible for ten percent of the Earth’s carbon footprint- which is more than aviation and shipping by boat, combined.
All of this is enough to make anyone want to only buy high quality, recycled or upcycled clothing and apparel. But, this can be pricey. The answer? Thrift shopping. Not only would you help with reducing the waste in landfills, preserve resources and lessen pollution, you’d also get some one of a kind pieces that Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 could only ever dream of.
The next time you think to buy new, “inexpensive” clothing pieces from large corporations, maybe stop and try instead to support small local thrift businesses just like The Gem Studio! We have compiled a list of some of our favorite thrift stores local to Utah.
Thrifthood @thrifthood_
Located at: 160 S 100 W, Provo, UT 84601
Every TShirt you could possibly need to feel cool will absolutely be found at Thrifthood! This is the place for you especially if you love sports team wear. Make sure to check their hours before going in!
Vantage @vantageslc
Located at: 774 E 800 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
For those who love vintage band tees, oversized crewnecks and 90’s street fashion, this is the place for you. They even offer shipping for those of you not local.
Pibs Exchange @pibs.exchange
Located at: 1147 S Ashton Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
A very special store offering buy, sell and trade. They have great statement pieces that you’re sure to never find anywhere else. They also sell costumes, wigs and accessories, perfect for any themed event.
Get Thrifty @get_thrifty_provo
Located at: 1700 N State St # 20, Provo, UT 84604
A clean and eclectic thrift store, a real Provo hidden gem. From vintage sweaters to vinyl records and beyond, a must see for a Utah local.
Maeberry Vintage @maeberry_vintage
Located at: 2120 1300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84106 inside Salt and Honey Market
Unique everything to say the least. Live out your bohemian fantasy through your clothing and fancy knick knacks and home decor.
We hope that you chose to shop local and consider buying secondhand! We can help the Earth and looking good doing so.
Here's a little playlist we made for you to listen to next time you pop in your headphones and go thrift shopping!