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BOTTOM DRAWER WI 2020

THE POWER OF THRIFTING

PL ANTING NE W HABITS: The effec ts of fast fashion on the environment PAGE 06

T REASU RES: Tu r n i ng yo u r h o bby i nto a bu s i ness PAGE 05

T HRIFT IN G : Th ree m i st a kes to a vo id PAGE 10

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Dear reader

AS

As a shy girl I hated class presenta-

tions and group projects. It was hard for me to make friends because I did not like speaking with strangers.

Whenever my family had visitors over, I hid so that I would not have to speak to them. Why? I had no confidence. I thought there was nothing special about

As the months and years went by, I started experimenting with

me to share.

other fashion trends. Some I tried only once. Some I tried twice.

Others became my signature look. All, however, helped me build

Then in my freshman year of high school I made a

up a confidence I did not have before.

wonderful discovery: nail polish.

Fashion is not everything in life, but it is part of everyone’s self-discovery journey. This magazine is meant to act as a map

It may sound silly, but nail polish helped me breakout

while you navigate this expedition. After paging this issue, we

out of my shell. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t like nail

hope that you find part of yourself and uncover one of the keys

polish completely opened a door for me, but it did

that is hidden behind self-doubt.

show me where one of the keys were hidden. In my 14-year-old, shy mind, nail polish was a loud statement that allowed me to be creative. I could add color and swirls to my surroundings. Yes, I was shy and timid, but I had the potential to be loud and heard.

Paola Mora EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Contact me!

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TABLE of content 04

Consignment v. Thrift stores

05

Cleaning your closet in style

06

Planting new habits

07

Another man's treasure

10

Biggest mistakes in the world

3

05

[Which one is for you?]

06

[Charities to donate to]

[The effects of fast fashion on the environment]

[The art of flip thrifting]

of thrifting

[Three things to avoid for a better thrifting experience]

11

Manifesto

[Find your voice]

10

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Cleaning your closet in style:

DRESS FOR SUCCESS Click here to visit their website!

First impressions matter, and Dress for Success knows that. That is why this non-profit organization aims to improve the life of women by helping them find jobs and eventually reach financial independence. This New York-City based organization gives out professional attire to women who may not be able to afford these clothing otherwise. Dress for Success has been operating for more than twenty years all thanks to donations.

If you are trying to make some space in your closet, then Dress for Success is a great place to donate your dress shirts, blazers, suits, skirts or anything of that style! Keep in mind that they do not accept things such as tennis shoes, sandals, pajamas, jeans or shorts. To make it easy, just ask yourself: Would I feel comfortable wearing this in a job interview?

Currently, Dress for Success has a presence in more than 150 cities worldwide and help more than 3,000 women yearly.

Although they prefer clothing donation, they also accept monetary gifts. If in the process you are trying to clean your boyfriend’s closet as well, then you can check out their partner Career Gear.

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You can make a difference Although it’s always fun thrifting for new outfits, it’s also fun donating the clothing items you do not wear anymore. Here are is a review to two charities you might want to consider giving to.

PROJECT G.L.A.M Click here to visit their website!

Have you ever bought a formal dress that you wore for a wedding or dance just to never wear it again? If a dress such as this is sitting at the back of your closet, then a great charity to donate it to is Project G.L.A.M. (Granting Lasting Amazing Memories). This New York-founded non-profit takes formal attire and gives it to disadvantage young women so that they have something to wear on their prom night.

Project G.L.A.M. helped more than 13,000 teens attend that anticipated high school event in a attire they love. For this, they do have some criteria to the type of dresses they accept. The dress needs to be from 2010 or later, it must be clean, and prom appropriate (this means no knit or casual dresses). The organization also accepts accessories, such as necklaces or bracelets, and make-up. However, they do not accept shoes.

Though Project G.L.A.M. only has eight chapters in the U.S., you can mail your donation or pledge to donate $5 to sponsor one of the girls in the program.

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Planting new habits: The effects of fast fashion in the environment Click here to learn more!

There is no point in trying to

fabric like rayon, viscose or modal,

for a while. The average person

deny it: the fast fashion industry

and 1.5 trillion liters of water to

is responsible for 1620 pounds

has a certain charm to it. The

support the manufacture of these

of carbon emissions annually

clothes are trendy, and stores

textiles.

due to their fashion habits.

are well-kept. Shops, like H&M

In America, an average person These numbers keep on increas-

buys 62 new garments yearly

investment to get quality clothes

ing every year and it seems like

while only wearing 60% of the

at relative low prices. These are

the apparel industry has no

items in their closet.

great places to explore your style

intention to stop. This is, after all,

and get clothing items that will

a three trillion global industry,

So, what can you do? Well, you

get you compliments. The best

according to Forbes. The mag-

are the base of the fast fashion

part? Inventory changes almost

azine writes that more than 150

world; and just like with any struc-

in the blink of an eye, so it often

billion garments are produced

ture, the apparel industry cannot

seems like there is more to come

yearly the by fast fashion busi-

stand without your support.

back for.

nesses; a number big enough to

Demand for change through

provide 20 new clothing items to

your actions and habits. As much

However, fast fashion is not only

every person on the planet, every

as possible, shop at eco-friendly

addicting, but also extremely

year that passes by.

brands or secondhand stores.

harmful to our environment. The

Limit what you buy and recycle

fast fashion business accounts for

Now, it’s easy to blame the fast

what you don’t need. Send a

10% of the global carbon emis-

fashion world and paint them

message to the fast fashion

sions. This makes it the second

as a red creature with two horns

industry that, unless they change

biggest polluters in the world, just and a pitchfork. It’s true that this

their ways, you are taking your

a few points shy of the oil indus-

business needs to change their

business elsewhere. If we make

try. You need almost 70 million

practices and become more en-

enough noise those at the top

barrels of oil yearly to make poly-

vironmental conscious. But take

will come to see that their charm

ester fiber, 60 million trees to get

a look at yourself, the consumer,

is simply not enough.

Send a messege to the fast fashion industry

and Zara, seem like the perfect

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7

Another man’s treasure TURNING YOUR HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS

The art of flip thrifting

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Deschamps' keys to flip thrifting

H

and in hand with her grandmother, five-year-old Elise Deschamp walked into Good Will in the hopes of finding some new outfits. Deschamps was excited and mesmerized by all the

different clothes around her. Since little, Deschamps always thought of thrift stores as her safe little haven – a place where she could freely express herself.

As the little girl eventually grew into a teenager, her passion for thrift shopping became even greater.

“Where did you get your shirt?” her friends would ask. “Only you could pull off that outfit Elise,” others would respond. Many wanted to go shopping with her, but Deschamp soon realized that not everyone

Deschamps started her flip thrifting

had the patience to sort through the hundreds of dresses, shirts, pants, shoes, jackets and so much

business, Le Marche du Soleil, five months

more that a thrift store has to offer. Suddenly, an idea popped inside Elise’s mind: What if she becomes

ago. It has been an experience of learning

the medium between thrift stores and her friends?

through trial and error and stepping out of her comfort zone. Here are seven tips

“I was like, screw it. I know what people want. I know what people like when they compliment my out-

Deschamps shares to anyone getting into

fits.” Deschamps said. “I’m just going to shop like crazy and then I’ll sell it back to my friends.”

this business.

After planning the logistics of it, her idea, which was now to become her side hustle, received a name:

1.

DARE TO TAKE A RISK

Le Marche du Soleil (The Market of the Sun). This radiant, friendly and, above everything else, it personal style.

You cannot make money if you do not spend money. It is very important that you put away your fear of failure and jump, fully committed in time as well as finances, into your business. You can only reap what you sow.

2.

RECOGNIZE QUALITY

Thrift stores are a treasure, but not everyone can recognize gold when they see it. Do not be that person. Learn to recognize quality brands (This goes beyond knowing the name of Armani or Burberry.) When shopping, look for stitch patterns and material of the product. If you’re unsure whether what you’re holding is a gem, Google it! Remember, perfection takes practice.

AN 3. KEEP INVENTORY Do not lose track of what you have bought and sold. Create a spreadsheet that includes a description of the item, how much you got it for, the price you are asking for it, who bought it, where it needs to be shipped to and track of payments already received. To make your life a lot easier, color code everything. Also, keep clothes in two different piles: what’s been sold and what still needs to find a buyer.

Though every person wants to fit in, they also want to stand out

business was going to be was going to show her

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A few months later, in November of 2019, Deschamp released her first drop. It was an inventory of about 10 items. Within days of releasing

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YOUR 4. MARKET PRODUCT

her catalogue everything was sold out. Deschamp

Your job does not stop the minute you’ve

made a 50-dollar profit.

found what clothes to sell. People won’t know of the items you have unless they are

A study by The Red Up recently discovered that in

well advertised. Plan for photoshoots and

the past three years, the second hand-appeal

schedule Instagram posts. Little things, like

market has grown by 45% among millenials and

a color scheme or angles of your shot can

Gen Z. The study suggested that this is because

make the whole difference.

resale of clothes satisfies the two biggest demands

5. REMEMBER SHIPPING

of these younger generations: to be seen in a new style constantly and to be a sustainably-conscious-consumer.

“It’s like working a part time job, except it doesn’t feel like work. I love every-

Shipping is a hassle that not

only takes money but also a lot of time.

Set a flat shipping rate and make sure your clients are aware of it. Do not feel bad about it. Remember that most online shops do the same and your business is no different.

thing about it.”

“Thrifted clothes are an outlet to wear original outfits and be stylish,” Deschamp shared. “but it is also good for the planet and good for life. I think that’s why people like it so much.”

6.

KEEP IT PERSONAL

Be genuine when running your business.

This does not only mean to keep true

Now that Deschamp’s business has grown, she

to your style, but to also remember that

releases a drop of about 20 items every two weeks

every client you interact with is a person

and makes 250-300 dollar profit. To decide how

behind a screen. Be honest with them.

much she is going to sell each item for, there are

Build connections and create relationships.

three things that Deschamps takes into consid-

There are thousands of similar businesses

eration: how much she bought the item for, the

out there so if you want to stand out make

demand of the product and, most importantly,

sure your interaction with each customer is

the time she spent to get the sale ready- which

memorable.

altogether can come up to about 16 to 18 hours per drop.

Thrift flipping is a step by step process. Deschamp says it is more than just buying and reselling clothes. Flip thrifting includes keeping track of an

7. STAY AHEAD

inventory, taking photos of your catalogue, promot-

Though it is important to know what is

ing the items on social media and making sure all

trending, that is not enough. You need to

shipping is done on time.

keep ahead of the game by pushing the envelope. Though every person wants to

“It’s like working a part time job,” Deschamp ex-

fit in, they also want to stand out. Watch

plained. “Except that to me it doesn’t feel like work.

fashion shows to know what everyone will

I love everything about it. I like to think that my

want in their closet next month. Study

thrifting is a skill and it makes me so happy to know

fashion trends from previous decades

that others think so too.”

to predict what will make a comeback.

Create a unique, innovative catalogue by experimenting with new, as well as recycled, ideas.

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Biggest mistakes

In the world of thrifting 1

Having no goal Going thrifting is like entering the heaven of clothes: you can find hundreds of outfits in countless of different styles. But have you ever bought a gift for someone you did not know very well? Like a coworker or classmate? After hours of scratching your head you end buying them some chocolates and a mug (just to find out they are allergic to dairy and do not drink coffee).

In the same way, thrift shopping without knowing what you’re looking for can be frustrating. Before you set out to buy make a list of what you’re looking for. Save fashion inspirations in your Pinterest board or note what you already have in your closet. Otherwise you may leave the store empty handed or dissatisfied with your purchases. It’s easy to become overwhelmed, you are in fashion paradise after all, so make sure you are buying with a purpose!

2

Wearing the wrong outfit The first time I went thrift shopping I was wearing a dress and high heel boots.

Big mistake! Many thrift stores have small fitting rooms or no fitting rooms at all. If you are not in the right attire this can completely destroy your shopping experience. Instead, wear shoes that will still be comfortable after hours of walking. Also, slip on some tight clothing, like leggings or biker shorts, so that the process of trying outfits goes on a lot more smoothly. Remember, you want to try on every piece of clothing before you buy it, so make sure you are dressed for the occasion.

Becoming a hoarder 3

This needs to be said because it is an easy trap to fall into, especially when you are just entering the world of thrift shopping: Just because it is cheap does not mean you need it.

Many times, you will come across a dress or shirt that, though cute, you are unsure of the style. Yet, you tell yourself it’s only 3 dollars and decide to buy it.

Well, 3 dollars add up and before you know you’ve spent ten times that amount for pieces of clothing that will sit untouched at the back of your closet.

If unsure, before buying anything, ask yourself: What are three different ways I can wear this and what are three different occasions those outfits will work for? It’s okay to try something new, but do not become a hoarder.

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MANIFESTO

There is more than one way to do fashion

MAKE SURE YOUR WAY STANDS OUT OF THE BOX

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Plato's Closet

Look good. Do Good. Feel Good.

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