Thrifting

 What is fashion? Do you define it by the clothing’s name brand, the person wearing it, how they are wearing it, or some popular trend? All of those examples can be used to describe what fashion is, but I believe that fashion is becoming less about the brand name. My reasoning for this is because lately ‘thrifting’ has become so popular. Thrifting is when consumers shop at resale shops, flea markets, or garage sales in their local neighborhood or perhaps online to create a very fashionable look. Thrift shops are becoming popular and a number of locations have increased by 7% over the year 2012. You can find very unique, vintage, stylish, and affordable clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. at these stores.  You can find anything from a nice button up, to a bow tie, ladies handbag, to a crystal chandelier. Some things I do not think should be purchased at a resale shop, but it is all in what you prefer.

You will find some high-end name brands when you are browsing around at these shops, but it is not all about the name. It is about how you style the outfit and make everything correspond with each other from head to toe. Actress Jada Pinkett Smith & her daughterWillow Smith were spotted shopping at a local thrift store.  As you can see that not only do regular people shop at these shops, but you could catch your favorite singer, actor/actress, or rapper shopping there too. Artist Macklemore & Ryan Lewis made a song and video talking about his adventures at different resale stores and was interviewed about it later by GQ Magazine.

Back to my question about what is fashion. I think fashion is how a person expresses themselves through their clothes, shoes, and accessories, regardless of the brand and how much it costs. I have been to thrifts stores and retail stores to shop and it is truly the best of both world. I personally like shopping at thrift stores because of the uniqueness and vintage clothing they offer. I also do not have to worry about John Doe having on the same outfit as me.  You really cannot knock it until you try it, because you would be surprised by what you will find in there.