Slow Fashion

My Sister’s Closet

 

Vancouver thrift

During Fashion Revolution Week, I had the opportunity to shop at the My Sister’s Closet Commercial Drive location.  I took my time to look through each rack and select items that I knew would work perfectly in my wardrobe.  I was quick to grab these beautiful periwinkle blue trousers.  Not only were they my size, they were by a local designer I already have hanging in my closet.  These beauties are by Vancouver designer Tilda Ruvinga of TK by Tilda.  She is a local Black Designer who has made some of my favourite Summer items.  Finding these was a major win!

Vancouver thrift

I then grabbed an assortment of tops to try on.  There were some really lovely pieces.  I was especially taken by all the gorgeous sheer top options I found, but ultimately went with a classic, sleeveless collared black top and a cream coloured sweater with eyelet sleeves. To complete the look I opted for this unique black and cream necklace that is made with rope and a large ceramic piece.  For an unexpected pop of fun, I went with these bright lime yellow, beaded, hoop earrings. I love the way the whole outfit came together, and I know I will be able to wear these items in lots of different ways. 

thrifted fashion

I also made on unexpected purchase that was just too good to pass up. Since adopting my slow fashion mindset and avoiding brands that don’t align with my values, there have been many pieces I have passed on buying new.  There is a sweater by popular fast fashion brand, Free People (yes, their price point is higher but they are still fast fashion), that I have always loved.  It’s the Slouchy Ottoman Tunic.  You’ve probably seen a lot of high profile influencers wearing it.  I’ve always been drawn to it and that funnel neckline but have not been willing to support a brand that participates in stealing designs from small artists, doesn’t pay their garment workers living wages, and the list goes on. So when I saw a bright pink Ottoman sweater hanging on a rack at MSC, I had to give it a try.  It was only a medium but the oversized fit had it fitting me just fine with a less oversized silhouette.  I looked the sweater over and noticed it had 3 small stains on the front.  They looked like cooking oil. At first I passed on the item and put it back on the rack.  Then I noticed the sign above the rack… $5.  Five dollars!?!  I snatched it back up!  I figured for $5 I would give it a shot to get the stains out and worse case, I’d ask my mother-in-law to embroider some little flowers over the sweater to cover the stains. Well, I treated the stains and washed the sweater and all the marks came out. This sweater retails for $240 CAD.  I paid $5. That’s the thing about thrifting, you can shop with your values and save money; plus the money I did spend went to important, life saving programs.

My Sister’s Closet (MSC) is a Vancouver based thrift shop with two brick and mortar locations plus an online shop.  With all items they sell being donated, they are doing their part to help keep clothing out of landfills.  Not only are they contributing to help protect planet earth by reducing textile waste, 100% of revenue generated from sales at MSC, help fund programs and services operated by Battered Women’s Support Services.  This is an organization that provides education, advocacy, and support services to assist all women in its aim to work towards the elimination of violence.

If you would like to learn more about My Sister’s Closet, the work they fund, and the clothing available, be sure to visit their website here.  

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