Why I get everything secondhand
I started going to thrift stores in high school, and at first it was just a less expensive shopping experience. But as I’ve gotten older (and hopefully wiser), I am so passionate about buying secondhand for so many reasons.
Of course, it is still cheaper— an obvious plus. It is also so fun! For me, thrifting is like going on a treasure hunt, but the treasure could be anything. Instead of finding something online that is probably showing up on everyone else’s Instagram feed, I get to find things that have been around for years, have lived multiple lives, and are totally random. The experience for me is so entertaining, but my passion for secondhand shopping is deeper.
Everything I need already exists. I don’t need the newest clothes, the most up-to-date phone, generic home decor, and disposable party supplies. All the things I need are already out there in the world! I just need to find them.
I ALWAYS find party supplies at thrift stores, which makes me think two things: 1. I shouldn’t buy new things because I can find them used, and 2. There are so many things that people and never used!
Local thrift stores, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, and even auction houses have almost always come through for me when I need something, which tells me that new things don’t always need manufactured. I certainly don’t want to support the idea that “new is best” so I use my wallet to support different ideas, like “used is just as good,” “borrowing and renting is great,” and “the most important things in life aren’t things.”
Because of all this, I decided early on that I wanted to source the items for Eco Chic Events with preloved items. And honestly, it has been shockingly easier, now that I’ve figured out the best places to look. I feel great about not supporting consumer behaviors like needing the newest, trendiest thing, and showing others that you can have a kick-ass party without buying anything new.
Above is an small assortment of photos of the seemingly endless unused party supplies I’ve found at thrift stores around Chicago.
