First and Foremost: Fast-Fashion and Second-hand shopping

The sheer convenience and ease of driving to the nearest mall to scout the warehouse sized fast-fashion powerhouses of 800% markups only to find a body suit owned by thousands of other people is a familiar routine, an almost inevitable custom of the average consumer. To be an informed and conscious shopper means a counter-effort of falling into the trap of being fed by big business, and as adorable as that PacSun corduroy button-up skirt is, a similar one is hung up in the Buffalo Exchange on East 11th Street. The difference being the purchase at a consignment shop will be significantly cheaper and won't contribute to the destructive environmental and social practices that would be supported with the purchase from Zara, Forever 21, or Primark. (**Hello yes if you aren't aware of the common morally corrupt truth behind the textile manufacturing industry in Asia read this article right here**)

In a 2013 Environmental Protection Agency report, it was stated that textile waste reached 15.1 million tons. With the industry of fashion booming and evolving at such a rapid pace, these large fast-fashion corporations have grown more than 9.7% in the past 5 years. Such an alarming rate begs the question, if we continue on in this pattern of cheap, poorly-made, impulse bought garments, how will we manage the waste? Thrifting and consignment are the necessary encouraging establishments of accessible advancement. The dangerously accelerating heartbeat of the fast-fashion industry contributes to a problem that will suffer from the "if they don't see it they don't care" mentality- if preemptive actions aren't taken. Textile waste, use of low-cost/high-yield outsourcing tactics, and dizzyingly fast cycle turnovers are immoral standards of corporations that have been taking over the fashion world. The effort to resist this movement is more essential than ever, and second-hand shopping is the pinnacle of these actions. Even the smallest purchase from one of these stores is money not supporting the practices of big business. It's one less item being purchased therefore less funding for the company to continue the harmful system of mass-produced garments.

This is not to say that brands outsourcing manufacturing to minimize costs is not a wise business tactic, even practiced in even very small companies. Its effective structure is what provided the common business model to skyrocket in sales.

This is also not an angry protest of all big fashion companies, it's a memo to all of you who, like me, have purchased almost exclusively from brands like these for most of your life. It's truly a matter of principle. Only recently have I started to stop and think about what the impact of each purchase would do. I'm in the fifth percentile of eternal laziness, so being a wiser shopper to me first meant buying the stuff nobody wanted. Yet as I did more research I came to find that it's simpler than going out of your way to dig through racks of ill-fitting trousers that reek of mothballs and buyer's remorse.

Thrift and consignment store shopping is rewarding in every aspect. Yes, there will probably be many a Gap sweater but through the darkness you will find a treasure, whether it be a vintage Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress or just a well-fitting, soft t-shirt. If you truly love fashion, or just want to save money at all, second-hand shopping is a viable option that deserves more attention in the I-want-it-now generation. 

**Of course I'm no expert and if you'd like to know more about this topic I'd highly recommend Justine Leconte's YouTube channel- a Paris-based fashion designer with lots of advice and knowledge about the manufacturing of a garment and the nature of fast fashion. Her video on the rise of fast fashion is what initially opened my eyes to the issue.**

The 6 Best Thrift/consignment Stores in Nyc ♂♀

Most of these are chains, with few spread around the city. These are my favorite locations, due to their Vast variety and price range.

Honorable Mention

(For the local homies)

Basic Tips for Thrift shopping

How to find the best deals and make the process easier

• When searching without specifics in mind, try and imagine each piece hanging in a trendier store (i.e.: Urban Outfitters). Very helpful tip for those just starting out.
• Thrift shopping is cheap, MUCH cheaper than other retailers, but it's not pocket change. Plan a budget as you would when going to the mall. 
• Bring your own bag. Let me repeat that: BRING YOUR OWN BAG. You usually have to pay for bags at most second-hand shops so bringing a big canvas one rolled up in your purse will save some extra bucks.
• Always wait in the dressing room lines. Sometimes they can be daunting, but the reward of a completely unique item that fits you like a dream (promise, it will happen) is worth it.
• Ask for help. If someone chooses to work at a trendy thrift shop, they will be pretty great at assessing what kind of garment or style you want. 
• If you are put-off by the hygienic aspect of second-hand stores, ask for hand sanitizer or bring a travel sized tube with you. 
• Try things on that you would never think about wearing, it will help you expand your knowledge of what you like and what looks good on you. I guarantee you'll be surprised by what you end up buying.  
• Always look at the shoes. This is usually where the true gems are.