It happens to all of us at some point. It starts slow. A comment or mannerism that inadvertently just jumps out, much to your surprise. And then one day, it happens. You realize... you’ve become your mother.

For me it’s most apparent when someone compliments my outfit. I’m compelled (despite my best efforts) to announce at which thrift store I scored said garment and how much I paid for it. (face palm.) I can’t not do it. But after thirty something years of fighting against the inevitable, I’m finally embracing my “becoming my mother-ness.” And here’s why: Buying second hand should be announced. It should be celebrated. It should be normal. Our planet, our culture, and our wallets need it now more than ever.

Did you know that it takes over 713 gallons of water to make one new cotton shirt? (Yikes.) However, in our culture, garments are often worn only a few times and then discarded. Worse yet, only 20% of textiles around the world are recycled. Which means we’ve got 80% of existing garments destined for the landfill. When we are intentional to purchase an item that’s already in circulation, we’re helping to prevent unnecessary waste. Buying something that’s already been pre-loved, is showing love by giving it second life and making the resources used to produce it go farther.

We, as consumers speak with our spending. If we want to eradicate any harm produced by the fashion industry, we can choose to say that by how we spend our money. Less demand will dictate less supply. And I’m hopeful that we’re getting there! Secondhand fashion is projected to be a $50 billion dollar industry by 2023. Hopefully, we will still direct our dollars towards smaller retailers rather than the corporate giants looking to get in on the game. Because I’ll bet in any given city, there’s dozens of charity shops, thrift stores funding philanthropic causes, and mom n’ pop stores trying to build a future for their families. When we make purchasing from the smaller, the local, and the little guy a priority, that’s contributing to something worthwhile! We have the power to build something better. And since most resellers are aligned with environmental and socially conscious efforts, that’s where we can purchase with purpose.

And now, I’ll get off my soap box to ask, “Is it any secret that buying resale is legit way cheaper than buying new?” I’ve rescued hundreds of garments in mint condition from second hand shops. Finding used clothes in like-new condition is way more common and easier than you may think. (Want to know a fun fact? I wore a second hand skirt for the photos on our website. The adorable pink one. By Eliza J. Seriously.) There’s no need to spend a lot to look like a million. And now that you’ve found us to help style your pieces, you’ll be rocking your resale in no time at all! Save your pennies, ladies, because the reality is: you can get quality resale garments, in almost brand new condition, for a much cheaper price than buying new. (hooray!)

So what do you know, after all? Mom was right. (again.) Now we’re both here to cheer you on in your mindful style journey. Our advice is to approach sustainable fashion strategically. It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing mentality! You don’t have to exclusively wear green brands and vow never to set foot inside of a mall again. You can simply make small, metered changes to how you shop. Find some sustainable/ethical brands that you like, patronize second hand shops more often, check in with your favorite local reseller (wink, wink) when you are in need of something specific. If we all do our part to become more mindful consumers, I am confident that together we can make a big difference in and for our world.

So round up your girlfriends. (And call your mom.) And come join the resale movement!