Guest Post: The Daily Fashionista

Meet Emily Keen, the Daily Fashionista. I don't remember how I discovered her, or if she found me.  But, it was  from our first comment exchange, that we hit it off, and I've been a big fan of Emily and her easy-going Virginian style ever since. Does the name sound familiar? Well, I've mentioned her a few times before: once when she was a recipient of the "I Heart UR blog" award (click here to read,) and again recently, when I shared some blog-roll with ya'lls. You can refresh your memories by clicking here....OR you can just sit tight, because the Daily Fashionista has agreed to be my FIRST GUEST POST! 

One of my New Year resolutions for the blog was to incorporate a greater variety of voice and perspective here at the Citizen Rosebud, which has nicely meshed with Emily's New Year's resolve to replenish her wardrobe by ONLY buying (or swapping) second-hand items. It's her way of promoting even MORE sustainability into her daily life.  
So please welcome the lovely Emily of the Daily Fashionista: 

The Daily Fashionista takes the SHOP SECOND-HAND pledge

This year, I pledge to SHOP SECOND-HAND; I resolve to purchase only items that are thrifted, swapped or handed down. 


I'll be honest- I'm a tad bit apprehensive. Because I still like to try new trends and buy newish shoes, which aren't guaranteed to trickle down, but I choose to do this for two reasons! I enjoy an eco-friendly lifestyle (just ask my co-workers..they think I'm down right crazy!!!) and this pledge is also going to make my wallet happier.  It's no secret that I already thrift a majority of my wardrobe, but lately I've been finding myself shopping for brand-new, trendy items either at Forever 21 (not the most eco-friendly or responsible company) or some other random fast fashion store. I'm going to put a stop to this, and I'm hoping that this will be a smooth transition.  

I have a few tips for people who may be like, "What?!!! I can't do that!"  I think everyone has the power to change their consumptive habits fed by their run to the big box stores, the fast fashion stores, and all those fine first-run retailers out there.  There were some stories floating about a little over a year ago about how a big clothing company was destroying their clothing overstock, and then disposing of them in dumpsters. (Editor's note: H & M stores were specifically named). The fact that they do this, rather than donating the surplus to a charity or shelter, like many retailers opt to do, is in my opinion, ridiculous and wasteful!

If you're truly worried that you won't find anything fashionable at the thrift stores in your area, try to locate a consignment shop or a re-sale store like Buffalo Exchange and Plato's Closet.   You often pay a little more for the used clothing found there, but these places specialize in keeping their shelves well-stocked with current items.  I've also noticed these stores are more likely to be located in more affluent neighborhoods(a marketing ploy I'm sure!!..hehe) so the quality of items are usually quite good.

And Hey!! You're still buying second-hand! 

As far as thrift-store shopping is concerned: patience will be your virtue.  Usually when I go thrift- shopping I try to give myself at least an hour to navigate the whole store, so that I will almost always find something. 

I plan on sharing my tips and my experiences as I challenge myself in my pledge to SHOP SECOND-HAND, so I'm starting a regular monthly feature called "A Day in the Life of a Thrifter."  Please stay tuned!!

Emily Keen is the voice of The Daily Fashionista, a blog about style, animal and eco-friendly living, and life.  When she's not running around from thrift store to thrift store, she can be found writing her blog posts along with her pal for life, Starla Darla...The Chiwienie, going on photo hunts with her husband Zach, and enjoying life amongst friends in her local neighborhood of Ghent.