On keeping and releasing

How thrifting, reselling, and seasonal edits have reshaped my style and the way I consume

Skirt available on Depop

Recycling is a concept that, in theory, most of us are aware of… even if it’s not something we actively practice.

I invite you to view recycling beyond throwing glass and plastic bottles into their respective bins. We can reuse, repair, and resell so many things. This is how I’ve learned to minimize waste, and how to purchase with intention and love.

The most prevalent way this shows up in my life is in my wardrobe.

I love the thrill of the thrift. The idea of finding a piece that is so unquestionably you evokes a kind of euphoria—one you likely only fully understand once you’ve experienced it.

There is a consciousness I bring to what I buy and what I wear. It came from years of experimenting, which requires a certain fearlessness. And sometimes, fearlessness begets wastefulness: as I exit one fashion phase and enter the next.

Of course, there are my ever-present, timeless pieces: black cowboy boots, an oversized blazer, a vintage silk scarf, a maxi dress, something red, a white dress, denim, a silk slip.

But then there are the love-at-first-sight pieces I’m drawn to, items that sit in my closet until I finally release the hope of making them work. The piece doesn’t lose its allure. I simply come to understand that it is not for me.

And then, a new thrill emerges: rehoming the piece to someone who will bring it to life in a way I couldn’t.

crochet bags available on Depop

The realizations of what is timeless and meant to stay, and what is ready to be released, often happen during a seasonal closet edit.

At the onset of each seasonal shift, I detox my closet. I mend what needs repair. I try on pieces I’m unsure of. I fall in love with old faithfuls all over again. And I rehome or resell what no longer feels aligned.

I do this in person at resale shops like Other People’s Clothes, Buffalo Exchange, or Plato’s Closet. But I’ve also done this online through Depop, and this spring, I opened my shop again.

skirt available on Depop

After editing my closet, I listed a few gently used, and even new, items for sale. It was a nostalgic reminder of how joyful it can be to simply try on clothes and put together outfits. A once weekly ritual that I’ve abandoned, but now wish to practice again.

I would love to hear about your experience with recycling, spring cleaning, or reselling clothes.

Let’s have a conversation in the comments.