how to thrift high quality pieces & fast | inspiroue

[@alexarea315]

Hey! Love your videos. I'm on my conscious living journey. I love going into thrift shops, but recently, with COVID, I've been a little scared to go in so I've been trying poshmark. Would love to know your thoughts on online used-clothing retailers (i.e., is it worth it?, are there any hidden agendas?).

[@inspiroue]

Ya covid has made it tough (it's gotten me thinking about online thrift platforms too). I have mixed feelings about the major ones like depop/poshmark/thred up because they're for profit and still contributing a ton to waste/emissions. Plus a lot of it is fast fashion and enables consumers who sell on there to continue shopping fast fashion under the 'good excuse' that the clothes will be 'loved by someone else' afterwards too. I think that's part of a larger convo about secondhand + fast fashion though, and how it's not a solution, just prolongs the life a little before landfill. If anything, I think supporting smaller, individual owned online thrift shops (like IG ones, especially BIPOC owned) are what I'd choose to support! x

[@inspiroue]

Also pinning this for anyone curious about the online thrift landscape -- will make a vid on these points soon x

[@marcellemartins4214]

@@inspiroue Hi, sweetheart! Coming from Brazil to share my feedback. I’m also on my journey to a more sustainable lifestyle. And I’ve been marathoning videos on how to thrift better and yours has just so many valuable inputs! Thank you so so much! And also, we are still going trough a rough quarantine time in Brazil and I would really love for you to share that video on online thrifting: is there anyway to check for those great tips you have us but doing it online? Are there things we should keep our eyes on as we shop for good quality pieces online? Thank you so much again!

[@mulliganstew72]

I personally like to do it in person so I can see and feel the garment myself. It’s also a little more affordable to physically go to a store versus find some thing on posh Mark etc. that said, if I am looking for something in particular I am not afraid to shop anywhere online and have done so but my favorite is to find it myself!

[@CORNCHIP941]

As a midsized person, seeing someone label my size as "oversized" and pieces that need to be "re-worked" makes myself and other plus size people feel bad when we thrift. 😔 Thank you for addressing the plus size issue!

[@inspiroue]

I can't even imagine 😔 Always here to learn more about how I can help make the sustainability conversation more inclusive! x

[@clegs8356]

YES, mentioning the privilege of smaller bodies thrifting !!! I think people just don’t give it much thought, but contextualizing how much harder thrifting is for bigger bodies in terms of selection, it really changes your perspective on how “harmless” it really is to dip into what little they have to pick from! So much of popular sustainability rhetoric can be so ableist, classist, and fatphobic, and it’s so important to talk about it - not everyone can drop $200 on a high-quality sustainable item tomorrow! Not everyone’s bodies are even considered by a lot of brands! And I’m just so happy every time you show in your videos little examples of how to be more conscientious, more empathetic, and how *effortlesly* you do it :) Thank you queen!! 🙏💕

[@inspiroue]

Aw thank you SO much for noticing and watching those small examples - means a lot to me. Trying to get this messaging to the forefront as much as I can and continuing to learn because I catch myself subconsciously in those areas too. It's a conversation we need to make inclusive and it's so far from it, so THANK YOU for your support 💛🙏🏽

[@kemillegreene9743]

My mom taught me ALOT about how to shop. Hand feel, seam construction, fabric weight, etc. my favorite advice was because I’m tall, I go down the rack of jeans and trousers just scan the bottom of the rack (what’s dragging on the floor). To find the longer pants, and just pull those few out to check.

[@dhvanibunneh]

I think a big part of sustainable and ethical shopping is buying intentionally! It was so nice to see how we can be better even with our thrifting practices.

[@inspiroue]

Yes 100000%, buying intentionally and only pieces you'll love and take care of. And that should be from any source, whether thrifted or new! x

[@ems.6419]

what you said about thrifting for plus sizes is SO TRUE. i can't say how many diys i've seen where it's just like this is a good item! why did you buy this just to cut it up someone could have worn it how it was and felt good about it!

[@tankir1736]

I hate it too.

[@inspiroue]

yes exactly!! 'extended sizing' consumers already have limited styles to pick from and this makes it so much tougher for them (just a small part in the larger convo about making 'sustainable fashion' more accessible)

[@tankir1736]

@@inspiroue Recently I saw a beautiful silk blouse , the material and the print were adorable. And then I saw that the blouse was after unprofessional tailoring, somebody tried to do it smaller. I was so disappointed, because that beautiful piece was just ruined.

[@thelmb.9896]

Yes! We need to get that message across...

[@srkra_]

Yes!

[@margotvazquez9075]

Your videos are my new Bible! Lol, its important we start THINKING about what we purchase. i love the feeling of appreciating every item. LOVE LOVE your channel, you are the future of fashion youtube.

[@inspiroue]

Omg thank you 😭💛 and yes 10000% we need to love our clothes, like actually love them!! Love you x

[@gdltc123]

I wish other influencers realized how much they contribute in fu*king up the environment 🙄. Do you think they know and just ignore it or are just really that ignorant ? You were one of the ones who got me into thrifting 😊 love your sttle!

[@inspiroue]

Ikr lol like can I send them all a 'dear fashion influencers' letter or.. And aw thank you so much for watching and supporting! x

[@fitzyfitz95]

I am also thrifting like that, touching the fabrics and all. When you get a bit used to it you can feel when it is a good one. I found antique shirts like that before. Old cotton feel so different than modern ones.

[@inspiroue]

yes I love to hear it!! old cotton used to be SO high quality x

[@gailguinn95]

Great ideas! One thing that I find particularly helpful is to know my chest, rise, waist and inseam measurements. Especially now that many thrift stores are not allowing people to try on clothes because of Covid. I take a tape measure with me and check to see if the item is even a possibility to fit me. It also saves a lot of time that I don't have to waste trying on items that don't fit.

[@inspiroue]

Ou the measuring tape is such a good tip esp cause change rooms are closed! I've kind of just been winging it and buying without trying on lol (or planning a thrift day for when I can immediately go home and shower)

[@madelinea2406]

It really is amazing how we can learn the feel of fabrics, or the shape of clothing. Once you have practiced enough, thrifting isn't stressful or overwhelming anymore. I'm so happy you're making videos to help teach people how to become more comfortable thrifting - it is better for the environment, better for people's wallets, and just generally a much more ethical way to shop than buying from fast fashion brands that use sweatshops and have no supply chain oversight. One beautiful thing I learned from thrifting is that size means nothing to me anymore! lol. Like I seriously think I have an easier time loving my body now because I stopped labeling it with a size, after all my experience thrifting clothing that have sizes that are totally different. I am anywhere from an XS to an XL depending on the label of thrift store clothing, different shopkeeper's tags, etc. At this point I am just me sized, and thrifting really lets me appreciate that. I don't have guilt anymore about not fitting into certain pants or whatever, because I can just look at a pair of pants and tell by the shape that they are me sized, lol, regardless of whatever the tag says

[@inspiroue]

Yes to the size thing!! I remember when I first started thrifting in high school I thought I had to stick to my size or fit into one size but it's so not true and media/brands have forced us to conform to these body images. It's so refreshing to know all body shapes are so unique and different and labels can never represent or capture that! x

[@zelarellano1012]

thats what I do when im at the thrift store, I know what silk, linen feel and look so and I go straight to them :). For cotton, I make sure it is 100% :)

[@inspiroue]

yes!! and ya I try to stick to 100% natural fibres vs mixed synthetics too! x

[@sarahhavillamelooliveira5825]

I got a 90% cotton 10% elastan just the other day and while I agree that any higher than 20% sintetics should be skipped, its fine to have a bit if you really like a piece.

[@jmulder6294]

You describe the larger sizes... "just leave them"... your thoughts are pure & sustainable... it's not just about finding clothes to reuse. Thank you for sharing.

[@inspiroue]

Appreciate hearing this a ton! x

[@corvusglaive3805]

Your channel is so insightful and inspirational. I love your knowledge of fabric, textures and color blends. Your approach to fashion is refreshing. Keep dropping the fly vids.

[@inspiroue]

Aw thank you so much -- makes me so happy to hear this and appreciate your support a ton x

[@becca_beckks]

I agree! Lists help so much. Sometimes I don't look through racks, I'll scan it with my eyes and if nothing pops out at me on my list, I move on.

[@inspiroue]

Yes!! Saves so much time x

[@PatriciaGomez-yx6ll]

I never really thought that way about plus sized clothing - thanks for bringing in a new perspective. I've also been thinking about the waste that is created from DIYing and I'm leaning towards getting things closer to my size and altering them to fit me better...less waste.

[@inspiroue]

Yess - here to push us to broaden our perspectives and knowledge around this stuff! x

[@frenchstyle7038]

I just discovered your channel and I immediately subscribed! Your channel is so refreshing and you are kind and helpful! So very few KZbinrs take the time to think about others... I never watch fast fashion videos. I only subscribe to the ones who share my values. About two years ago, I realized my wardrobe was not at all my style anymore and I also wanted to shop more sustainably and buy quality clothes, natural fibers, etc. I do not have many options for thrifting in person but I found so many great clothes on Ebay and Etsy. More than half of my wardrobe is now composed of thrifted clothes. I take my time and try to stick to my list. I am very proud of what I found. I work in an office and I found such nice blazers, like new for a fraction of the price and they are wool and very high quality. You are very inspiring.

[@inspiroue]

Aw thank you so much for supporting! And yes I feel like everyone goes through that 'wow I love nothing in my wardrobe' moment and realize they need to buy clothes they love that won't kill the environment -- hoping more people have that realization sooner!! x

[@abbybeginyazova7812]

I use the width of my hand when measuring from the crotch to the waist so make sure pants are high waisted, if they’re any shorter than the the distance from my thumb to my pinky I’m not touching it 😌

[@inspiroue]

ouuu such a good tip! x

[@mulliganstew72]

Great one!!!

[@AmyTempleton-gj4ek]

Thanks for this video. I am a regular thrifter and have had some amazing luck finding high end pieces for pennies on the dollar. All of the tips you have shared in this video are spot on! There are so many great things to find if you just know how to look. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@yazzybananas3106]

Saving this video. I love thrifting and you're right about eventually knowing whether something fits or not. And about touching the fabric. I always thought I was weird for going into stores and just touching the clothes lol I also look at patterns not just color or texture! I love funky prints or small dainty prints too. Great tips for those who don't enjoy thrifting because it's hard to find stuff. Trust me. It's worth and you get a sense of euphoria when find that hidden gem or gems that no one wanted or picked over. I found a JCrew cashmere and cotton mix sweater at the goodwill Outlets. I guess it was overlooked because it had a stain on it but I inspected it and I knew I was taking a small risk. I got it in the wash, guess what? The stain came out completely! Looked brand new. No holes. It will forever be in my closet!

[@inspiroue]

Yay!! And yes not weird to touch clothes!! I love good prints/patterns too hehe. And yes to the stain being a small risk - sometimes gems are overlooked because of them but they wash out so easy! x

[@marciagarcia8486]

I am struggling between using colors and giving up them . Watching you makes me want to keep neutrals , but I live in Brazil and can't help feeling colorful . Oh boy

[@inspiroue]

Wear what makes you happy!! I've always leaned on neutrals for my staples but I've found it's nice to keep colour around cause there's definitely a mood for it!! x

[@eanatra]

My mum is a thrifting queen even during times it was not popular, she dressed all 4 of us, herself and dad, clothes always fit us at different ages, she is amazing. But as time passed she became addicted to thrifting and she also never gets rid of her clothes. Ever. So I guess there are two sides of everything right 😩💕 love your videos

[@dianaofwhales013]

I really enjoyed watching this video. I also appreciated you mentioning others to be mindful when purchasing oversized clothing. I am a plus-size and it can be tough finding pieces that will fit me like jackets, cardigans, and pants. These are the pieces that are more difficult to find in my size and I will notice on sites like Depop reselling items for even more or diy to appeal to others who want an oversize look. I think it's fine to go a size up or so. But really think about the purchase when doing so. So thank you for mentioning this.

[@rezel22]

Great tips. I only thrift natural fabrics. Another tip to touch on what you mentioned. Learn how to measure your body or when you go to your tailor get measured there along with measuring you favorite jeans, blazers or jacket. Most all of our thrift stores dressing rooms are closed and some are still final sale so bring a measuring tape. Plus it’s second hand so some might’ve been altered or have shrunk so can’t really go by their size tags.

[@inspiroue]

Yes to thrifting natural fabrics! And the measuring tape is such a good idea I need to try it x

[@boundlessasia_6449]

These are beautiful and practical tips! I’ve been thrifting for years and realized that I use all of these tips to find really good pieces! I thrifted a Vera Wang chiffon skirt once! Thank you for putting this into words! 💕💕🙌🏾

[@inspiroue]

Yes!! I'm sure all prooo thrifters do similar without realizing - when I was noting these down for the video I was questioning whether they'd be helpful cause I do them without really thinking about it haha. And ugh Vera Wang chiffon so GOOD!! What a gem 💛

[@simpleMarian]

I am just thankful that i could tell quickly if the item is high quality. ♥️

[@inspiroue]

it helps so much! x

[@islandgirl1818]

The waist to crotch measurement is called RISE, like you said. This would be good to do in our existing wardrobe...get rid of all the cheapies and ones that don't make us feel good anymore. Maybe a closet declutter video next?? 👍🏼😊

[@inspiroue]

YES RISE!! haha thank you x maybe I’ll do a closet organization but not much to declutter (ive been keeping it pretty clean cause of isolation and not going anywhere 😂😂)

[@ellenenelle]

your voice is so calming and i love your fashion and insight!! like others in the comment, I'm also on the journey to shift to a more sustainable conscious wardrobe so I've been getting inspired by your videos. keep it up girl and also i'm only 2 hrs from Toronto hehe :)

[@inspiroue]

appreciate hearing this so much!! so happy I can inspire 💛 (and omg same! I'm in kw right now!) x

[@rosalynmiller6392]

You had just popped in my mind and here you go with the video LOL

[@inspiroue]

Haha omg amazing we're on the same wave length gal!! x

[@rosalynmiller6392]

@@inspiroue yes! Exactly!

[@eatsleepchicvintage7909]

Love the tips! Thank you. Just made a similar video with some high quality fall trends too.

[@teresitacostales4699]

I am a big fan of your well curated items . I learned and still learning a lot . Look forward for your new post .

[@inspiroue]

Thank you very much!

[@elliecampbell1715]

I love your videos and recommendations so much! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the idea I’ve heard that thrifting is unethical if you can afford to buy new, because it takes stylish pieces away from those who cannot afford to buy new. I’ve also heard that thrifting as a new “trend” is raising prices of thrifted goods. Would love to hear what you think!

[@riannatripp6594]

I must confess, I never make a list, but I am always on the look out for a leather coat /camel colour coat and the thrift God’s answered by prayers. I always go through all of the racks ridiculous I know but I don’t want to miss anything. Great video

[@inspiroue]

Omg yes!! Did you find a leather/camel coat?? My DREAM haha. Still on the hunt for both to this day. I just want a nice black leather jacket, pleaaaase. And yes I feel you - there are times where I sift through everything too! x

[@riannatripp6594]

inspiroue yes I did the camel coat is a uniglo and the leather jacket I had to sell as the sleeves were too long, as I am a petite. I am Sure i will find another - fingers crossed. Good luck with your search.

[@sabreslav]

inspiroue I have a uniqlo wool/cashmere blend chester coat in size medium, camel color on my poshmark if you are interested! It’s a great piece but it didn’t fit quite right and I’m trying to responsibly declutter My poshmark is @kuleszav

[@riannatripp6594]

blondemindblower the same I thrifted - lovely coat

[@chantrick7889]

Love the video! Was wondering if you could do a video on sustainable winter boots that can withstand the Canadian weather?

[@inspiroue]

tysm! ouu a good topic - it's so tough to balance the quality needed for Canadian winters with a reasonably priced option. let me keep doing research and will either have it on the blog or in a dedicated video! x

[@kategriggs1676]

I loved this 💗 I have this weird thing where i find a ton of nice brands while thrifting ❤️😂

[@makncheese9169]

I seriously don’t know how she doesn’t have more subscribers.

[@yuebing7]

There are some great tips in this video. I definitely don't agree with one point you made... but I enjoyed the vid overall. I will apply what I can the next time I thrift. Thanks.

[@sweetnovember8531]

I'm a new subscriber and I think your videos are very helpful! I am a plus size women and I have a terrible time finding clothes at the thrift store because they are either damaged or worn out so I have to shop other places because of this issue. So thank you for saying that!

[@inspiroue]

Really happy to hear they are, thank you!! I can only imagine how difficult it is -- here to help spread awareness and make the sustainability convo inclusive x

[@christinetobiasz]

I definitely agree with touching the pieces to check for quality, this helps a lot with finding some great items 👍🏽 how do you feel about thrifting shoes? It’s always a hit and miss for me and I can never find good quality shoes 😭

[@inspiroue]

shoes are the hardest!! I always look but never have high expectations -- sometimes I get lucky at VV but most of the time I know I need to hit up consignment shops for shoes! x

[@majrdy11]

I love this video... very informative... will incorporate your tips when I thrift... again!

[@inspiroue]

Thank youuu x

[@SoftTourist]

Nothing worse than thinking you found something great only to pull it out and see a Forever 21 tag

[@stepahead5944]

😭 true

[@inspiroue]

literally the biggest catfishes ever lol

[@teresitacostales4699]

You have such a good eye . I am impressed. How do you clean your thrifted items specially the dry clean recommend or dry clean item only. Thanks

[@inspiroue]

Thank you! Most dry clean items I hand wash and lay flat/towel wrap to dry or steam clean

[@myriam7074]

What do you recccomend doing to make sure the clothing is clean.. I have a phobia of bed bugs and I’m just afraid of thrifting and get pieces that have bugs..

[@BlackBerryTrees]

Loooved this!

[@inspiroue]

Thank you miss you! x

[@mannileee]

Hey Cynthia! I’m curious to hear what you think about thrifting or buying used pieces on Facebook marketplace of items from brands like Aritzia that are fast fashion.

[@inspiroue]

Thrifting and secondhand is always a great option!! I just try to be mindful and buy pieces I truly love and will take care of and wear for a long time even when thrifting (sometimes I like to get FUN pieces too though, and re-donate them as a way to change up my wardrobe and have "newness" to play with)! x

[@mannileee]

@@inspiroue That’s a great point!! I’m just beginning to explore being more sustainable so right now I’m trying to find things I want through marketplace but going to try to be more mindful about not buying too much still just cause it’s “thrifting”. Thanks so much for the response and I just want to say I really love your page and content ❤️ I’m learning a lot and you are defo an inspiration!!!

[@brir2627]

Hey! I have a question about your conch piercing I’ve been wanting to get one but are you able to use headphones with the conch?

[@inspiroue]

Yes! Maybe not in the initial healing phase cause it’ll prob add pressure and rub x

[@andreamarie9526]

HI! What brand is the sweater around your back?! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!

[@inspiroue]

it's thrifted!! no tag haha x

[@srkra_]

As a size 18, thank you for your note on plus size clothes ❤️

[@inspiroue]

Of course 💛

[@emmy8526]

This is exactly how I thrift. I feel so seen. (:

[@inspiroue]

omg yesss it's the best way x

[@minimuul822]

Hi can you share where your clothes rack is from? Thanks!

[@inspiroue]

Canadian tire I think!

[@see-you8827]

Thank you :)

[@sarahhavillamelooliveira5825]

Notbonly plus size but pettit is also a hard spot. People forget not all under 1,60 are kids.

[@melligolightly]

Do you also thrift online? The thrift shops in my town aren't nice. I hate that everything is so messy there. Make the clothing seem all worthless.

[@inspiroue]

I haven't much but covid has got me curious about online ones. The only one I eye is a local toronto shop called fashionably yours - I may try depop/thredup one day but I find it's a lot of fast fashion and I don't want to scroll through it haha

[@melligolightly]

@@inspiroue Yes, it definitely takes some time and effort. I personally do shop fast fashion second hand but look for pieces I really like and always look for good materials (no polyester but viscose, tencel... ).

[@sleepingbeautyasmr8197]

How do you clean your sweaters that you get from the thrift shop? I get scared that I'm going to ruin them in the wash.

[@inspiroue]

Usually hand wash them unless the label says safe to throw in the machine! If they’re a super specific fabric I’ll splurge and get them dry cleaned

[@sleepingbeautyasmr8197]

@@inspiroue thank you! Happy holidays

[@mulliganstew72]

Mesh laundry bags, woolite, Delicate cycle, hang or lay flat to dry.

[@Antistylestyleclub]

🖤🖤

[@stace_d]

Lol, maybe I'm a buzzkill, but I hate seeing people DIY clothes that are still in great condition, period. Especially when they aren't skilled.. I'll do something fun and creative with my damaged stuff or I'll **tailor** something to fit me, but ruining an otherwise nice item someone could be wearing because I'm bored and had fabric paint to blow seems wasteful

[@inspiroue]

Yupp