When it comes to secondhand shopping, I’ve learned to ask myself one simple question before making a purchase: Do you love it? Not “Do you kind of like it?” or “Could it work if I style it just right?” but genuine, heart-fluttering, I can’t wait to wear this type of love.
Maybe it’s the cool turn in the air or the rainstorm that finally made it feel like fall, but lately that question — Do you love it? — has guided what I wear as much as how I shop. Today’s outfit is a perfect example of what happens when I let that question lead the way. Every piece here has a story and a second life; a heart-pattern puffer that makes me smile on sight, a dotted blouse that’s quirky yet classic, black-wash jeans that fit like they were made for me, and boots from a premium luxury brand that remind me why I hold onto what lasts.
Whether it’s a dusted-off treasure from years past, an item that was bought secondhand, or perhaps a well-worn favorite that’s been given new life, that fashion find fits perfectly under the Reuse•Reclaim•Recycle theme. Thrifting, after all, isn’t just about saving money. It’s about reducing waste, recycling style, and reusing what still deserves to be loved. Fashion has enough fleeting trends; I’d rather invest my affection in the pieces that stick around, in both my wardrobe and my heart.
Each piece may have its own story to tell. And yet, together they capture what I love most about sustainable style: finding joy in discovery, comfort in what’s familiar, and meaning in what already exists.
🖤 Pieces With a Past
- Heart-Pattern Puffer: A lucky thrift find that instantly caught my eye; cheerful and cozy, it’s proof that secondhand can still spark joy. Brand – Wild Fable, circa Fall 2021
- Dotted Blouse: Found at a buy/sell/trade store; it’s soft with a subtle boho flair and a spotted pattern that plays nicely against the puffer’s hearts. Brand – Lucky Brand
- Black-Wash Jeans: Another thrifted find, with a comfortable fit and a flattering straight leg silhouette; feel both timeless and easy to wear. Brand – Eileen Fisher
- Leather Belt: Also thrifted, likely a men’s piece; simple, sturdy, and just the right finishing touch to tie the whole look together. Brand – unknown
- Edgy Boots: Purchased earlier this year, another thrift-store discovery that’s sleek and well-made with just the right mix of polish and practicality. Brand – Eileen Fisher
Each item adds its own layer to the story, and together they capture why I’m drawn to secondhand style in the first place. It’s not just about finding something unique; it’s about reconnecting with the joy of getting dressed, honoring what already exists, and seeing the beauty in what’s been loved before.
Loving what you wear is the most sustainable choice of all. When you truly adore an item, you care for it, restyle it, and give it new life season after season. Reuse by reaching for the pieces that still make your heart skip, reclaim by finding new ways to wear what you already own, and recycle by passing along what no longer fits your style. Because the best fashion rule, and maybe the best life rule, is simple: if you love it, keep wearing it.
Sometimes love looks like letting go of what no longer serves you. Other times, it’s finding new reasons to adore what’s already yours. For me, it comes back to my three Cs — comfort, confidence, and creativity — the foundation of every outfit I truly love.
How do you bring sustainability into your own style? Do you thrift, resell, or restyle pieces from your closet? I’d love to hear how you’re reusing, reclaiming, and recycling your fashion favorites, or maybe rediscovering ones you already love.
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Photo credit: MMPerez
Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program, where I earn a small commission for each click at no additional cost to you.
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. The featured post from last week’s link-up, Sagehen Meadows Fall Colors, was contributed by Amber, who you’ll find over at The Hungry Mountaineer. Her witty storytelling and vivid imagery capture the beauty of Sagehen Meadows while reminding us that the best adventures are the ones far from the crowds.
26 Comments
Great post! I love your outfit, especially the jacket. I’m working on curating my fall/winter closet right now and as I consider each item, I need to remember to ask myself “Do I love it?” Lots of my clothes are thrifted, but I’ve had to learn to be much more selective. A bargain is only a bargain if I’m actually going to love wearing it.
Thank you so much! It sounds like we’re on the same wavelength, that being selective really does make all the difference. I’ve learned that “Do I love it?” is the best filter, especially when thrifting. It turns shopping into more of a treasure hunt than a numbers game.
I have been doing a lot of that lately…do I love it? I have a closet full of clothing and probably wouldn’t need to shop for another thing (except undergarments) for the rest of my life. I also have things I can measure their time in my closet by the decade. One of the things I try to do is one thing in, one thing out. I may not do it right away because the consignment shop where I sell only accepts things at certain times. I don’t thrift for myself for very personal reasons; however, I do take things to thrift stores. Thanks, Rena, for the link up!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Marsha, thank you for sharing that and for joining the link-up! I completely relate to having pieces that have been with you for years. There’s something special about clothes that hold a bit of history and still feel right every time you wear them.
That’s been my mantra this year, i only keep something new if I really love it, so I send a lot back. I buy quite a lot preloved (in my latest post, each outfit features a secondhand item). I give away most of my unwanted clothes to charity shops. If we sell everything, we don’t keep the model working. We see it here already. Charity shops will close if they don’t receive good donations.
Gail, that’s such a smart mindset. Being selective really does make secondhand shopping so much more rewarding. And you’re absolutely right, it’s all connected. The whole system depends on good donations coming in, so everyone benefits when we keep things moving thoughtfully.
I do this all the time. I actually need to clean out my closet again soon. An outfit post I have coming up, has something that I found in my wardrobe that I completely forgot about.
Jennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
That sounds familiar, Jennifer. It’s always such a nice surprise to rediscover something you’d forgotten about — like finding a little gift from your past self. I’ll have to keep an eye out for that post!
I try to stick to that question with everything I buy… it’s not always something I remember to stick to though.
Joanne, I know exactly what you mean! I try to stick to it too, but it’s not always easy in the moment. At least we’re asking the right question — progress, not perfection, right?
I love that all of these pieces you are wearing have a story. That jacket is fabulous! I need to reevaluate some items in my closet!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine. It’s amazing how a quick closet check can spark new ideas with what’s already there.
I don’t thrift much, but I would like to. I just don’t have a lot of luck at our local thrift stores. The heart jacket is so cute. Thanks for the party.
Thrifting can definitely be hit or miss — some days it’s all misses, and then suddenly there’s that one great find that makes it worth it.
To often I go for quantity then quality, but I am learning. But I love to browse on Vinted for the perfect items, do they exist actually? What a great and fun jacket that is.
Nancy, thanks so much! I can relate — finding that balance between quantity and quality takes practice. And yes, I think those “perfect” items exist… they just like to make us work a little to find them
Thank you so much for the feature! I so enjoy linking up every week, have a great one!
You’re very welcome! I’m always glad to see your posts in the link-up — have a wonderful week!
My outfit today is like that: I wore things from my closet in a new way and it was a reminder why I love all the pieces. Add a fun scarf as a necklace and it took it to the next level!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
That sounds great, Mireille! It’s amazing how a small change like adding a scarf can make a familiar outfit feel brand new.
Rena, it’s wonderful that you found almost your entire outfit pre-loved, and each piece is special and perfect for you! I just love the heart motif puffer jacket! Oddly, I find the older pieces in my wardrobe are less likely to leave the closet than the newer pieces. I love vintage, and would like to shop more secondhand, but there is only one consignment shop for me locally, and I have not had very good luck shopping second hand online. I am always looking for new sources, however. Thanks for hosting the link up and have a good week!
Thank you! I completely agree — some of my oldest pieces are still the ones I reach for most. Thrifting can definitely be hit or miss, but when it works out, it’s so rewarding.
You make such a good point. I try to donate all items in my closet that are jus ok. It’s much better when everything truly sparks joy! Gorgeous jacket!
You’re so right, Laura. It really does make a difference when everything in your closet feels like something you want to wear, not just something you could wear.
OMG I love this! I’m all about re-claiming and re-using and recyling these days. In fact, I’ve been learning to sew again so I’m really into changing things up to suit my style too! And I’m having fun!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
How fun! Getting back into sewing opens up so many creative possibilities. Reworking what you already have is such a satisfying way to refresh your wardrobe.