I am a committed second-hander. Hand-me-downs, op-shopped, and cast-offs make up the 99 per cent of my wardrobe. It wasn't always this way, but I like it. I like discovering what I like amongst the jumble; realising that I am drawn to certain colours, textures, fabrics. Decades of not buying new has made me realise that my taste isn't sovereign or rigid. I have made happy discoveries of new things about myself amongst other people's cast-offs.
But about once a year I find myself in need of the other one per cent. You know the things: socks, undies and bras. Which brings me reluctantly to an average chainstore.
Imagine my surprise as I stood in the cue with my essential smalls to confront a large, wall-size sign. It informed me that it wasn't just a plain old fashioned economic exchange that was about to happen. No, I was exercising my right. A rather new right, one that I'm sure you won't find in any UN statement: 'Every Australian has the right to look good and feel good about the way they dress and live'.
Phew. I feel better already. Much relieved. Now I won't have to worry about being such a second-hand rose. Or not doing my bit for the economy. After all, it's my right, you know!
At the risk of promoting a large chain store, I too recommend Target for its accessibility, especially in terms of 'value for money'.
ReplyDeleteI've made comparisons and apart from the obviously horrible stuff you can find there, the good stuff and there is a great deal to be had, is good quality and 'stylish'.
For all those essentials you mention, Ruth, and more, I say to everyone, don't be put off by the brand name.
I love the place.
I feel so much better knowing that they are taking on the big issues :)
ReplyDeleteOoh I love that header, Ruth.
ReplyDeleteYou have me 3/4ways confirmed to buy more secondhand things in future! I have a daughter who does just what you do, and a sister-in-law who has done it also for years.
And I'm sick to death of clothes that lose their colour in four or five months (as I rarely buy enough and tend to wear favourite things to death). It is very depressing to have to confront the shops and exercise the dubious rights conferred by capitalism yet again! I used to sew - once upon a time, fabric kept its colour...Aaah yesterday.
E: I don't have a problem with the Target brand - I have a great many second hand things that were originally from there, and they're still going years after they were first produced. Still, I am a bit suss about their endorsement of shopping as a right!
ReplyDeleteRH: Yes, perhaps after they're done with making us feel happy and righteous about our shopping, they'll broach how how they counter the effects of international shipping from offshore production, or the sustainability of manufacturing a need for fast fashion.
G: I'm all for wearing favourite clothes till they fall apart, rather than having a wardrobe full and nothing to wear! Even sewing isn't an easier path - there are so few decent fabric shops. Second hand isn't the perfect ethical solution, but with the glut of so many clothes already here, it seems best to make the most of them.