25-02
If it ain’t broke, don’t replace it!
In my second year of university, I bought a white top from Urban Outfitters on sale for $60. It had a delicate floral pattern I loved, but after just a few wears and one wash, it started pilling. It never fit quite right, and in hindsight, I realized I liked the idea of it more than the top itself—probably because it was trendy rather than something that suited my style. The same thing happened when I spent $100 on a top from another upscale fast fashion brand, only to be disappointed by its flimsy built-in bra and poor quality. Neither piece lasted more than six months in my closet before I gave them away, which made me wonder: How do brands that market themselves as “elevated” and “expensive” get away with selling poorly made clothing at such high prices? And beyond that, when did we become obsessed with constantly chasing new trends and filling our wardrobes with things we don’t truly love?
The last thing I want to do is shame anyone who doesn’t thrift or buy secondhand. Instead, I want to encourage small shifts in habits by showing how cool and rewarding thrifting can be. Of course, I’m not perfect either. While I mostly buy secondhand, there are some things I’ve purchased new that I don’t regret because they’ve lasted in my wardrobe. That’s why I want to reflect on the well-known saying: quality over quantity.
Whenever I go thrifting and find a great piece, my roommates always ask where I got it. When I say the thrift store, they respond with, “Ugh, how do you do it?” Their reaction always makes me smile because, for me, thrifting isn’t about luck—it’s about knowing what to look for. That’s why, in these blog posts, I want to share the details I pay attention to when I go thrifting.
This realization was a major factor in why I started thrifting. I discovered that with patience and a keen eye, I could find high-quality pieces that fit me well for a fraction of what I was paying at big-brand stores.
Rather than just writing about how quality has declined or how capitalism has negatively impacted fashion and interior design, I want to take a more positive approach. I want to show how rewarding thrifting can be—not just for clothes but for home pieces, too. The pieces below are some of my favorite thrift finds that have lasted in my wardrobe. <3
Red Knit Sweater - 100% Cotton
This red knit sweater was probably around $15 at Renaissance and is from the brand Tabi. Red is one of my favorite colors, and this sweater is such a classic style that I will always fall back on wearing it! At this point, I’ve had this sweater for almost four years, and I still love it. Since it is made of 100% cotton, it doesn’t pill and is still in great condition.
Medium Wash Levi’s Denim Shorts - 100% Cotton
These Levi’s denim shorts were bought at a curated secondhand store, so they were slightly more expensive at around $40, but they fit me great and have worn beautifully!
Caramel Brown Florentine + Baker Boots - 100% Genuine Leather
I thrifted these boots at one of my favorite thrift stores in Montreal, Chaînon! I got them for 25 bucks, and the rest of the boots by this brand retail for $400+. They fit me like a glove and are not necessarily super trendy, but to me, they go with almost everything else in my closet.
Big Knit Wool Sweater
I got this sweater last fall, and it has quickly become one of my favorites. There are no tags on it, and the slight imperfections in the knitting make me think it's handmade. It's incredibly cozy and fits perfectly over hoodies and other layers, so I end up wearing it a lot for winter activities. Plus, it actually keeps me really warm!
Black Leather Purse
This was a recent find, but one I’d been searching for for over a year. A couple of years ago, I thrifted a black leather bag with a similar shape that I absolutely loved—but I lost it! Ever since, I’ve been on the hunt for a replacement. This bag is perfect: it’s a small, classy black purse, yet roomy enough to fit my book, wallet, water bottle, and even extra mitts in the winter. Realistically, it’s my main going-out bag since I don’t go out that often, but it’s versatile enough for both everyday use and nicer occasions!
Big Red Patent Bag
This big red bag has been one of my favorites for the past four years. Red is one of my favorite colors, and this bag is bold enough to be a statement piece. I can pair it with dark-wash jeans and a gray sweater, and my outfit instantly feels more interesting. It’s also one of those pieces my friends would definitely say is so me! I use it year-round—whether as a beach bag, a grocery bag, or just an everyday tote with more personality.
Brown Suede Coat
I got this suede coat in my first year living in Montreal, and I still love it just as much. Suede may be trendy this season, but for me, it’s something I’ve always loved and will continue to love long after the trend fades. This coat fits me perfectly and actually keeps me warm on those -15°C winter days. Plus, since it’s secondhand, I don’t feel morally conflicted about it being genuine suede—something that would weigh on my conscience if I had bought it new.
There are so many pieces I love in my closet, and most of them are secondhand. These are the pieces that fit me best, reflect my personality, and have proven to be the most durable. I hope that after reading this, you take a moment to reflect on your favorite pieces and why they matter to you. And if you feel something is missing, I encourage you to curate your closet thoughtfully—collecting pieces over time that feel lived-in and truly yours. As for me, I want my wardrobe to evolve into an ever-growing art gallery of my life.