The feeling of giving away old clothes can be extremely liberating. You’ve finally made room in your wardrobe and gotten rid of those fugly pieces you haven’t worn in years. You might rationalize that they’re on their way to a better home—one where they’ll be appreciated. But do you ever wonder about the ghosts of garments past?
I mean, who exactly is stepping into those Marc Jacobs kitten heels that slightly pinched your toes? Or that wool coat that you thought was super cute when you bought it but ended up making you look like a grandma? Does the new girl make them look better?
Giving away old clothes causes a lot of unnecessary curiosity.
I’m a huge thrift shopper. (Insert Macklemore pun here.) Not to be conceited, but you might say I’m a bit of a master at buying second-hand. However, what goes around comes around and I’m excellent at giving away old clothes too. But I’m even better at buying them.
This dress (above) is one of my favourite second-hand purchases ever. It’s made in Canada, looked just about brand new, fit me like a glove and was an even darker shade of black than my heart. (Jokes.) I’ve worn it out to casual dinners, to blogging events and to sip aviation cocktails in the city.
But where did it go before me?! Before I gave it life? Or so I like to think anyway.
Who was this girl who gave away such a fabulous, versatile and flattering dress? Where did this dress go? What drinks did it have spilled on it after a feisty night of dancing? I guess it’ll forever be a mystery to me.
Also, the snakeskin dress I’m wearing in the feature image of this post is a vintage purchase. But don’t even get me started on the mystery surrounding that one! Besides questioning who in their right mind would give away such a statement piece, the halter straps appear to have been altered. Why? And more importantly, how do I get them back to their original state?
As for this vintage Christian Dior blouse I’m wearing above, I like to imagine it having a richer history than that of my other vintage finds. Whoever bought it new must have known its long-lasting quality, its ability to be coveted years and years after it was first purchased.
Yet, I still am curious—was this blouse often paired with other Dior pieces? I sure as hell don’t have any others to team it with. Was it the most expensive piece its previous owner had ever bought and therefore saved for special occasions only? She would probably burst into tears knowing that I’ve worn it on hot, sweaty summer days with nothing but a slip underneath.
After all is said and done, one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure.
I’m sure I’ll continue wondering about the ghosts of my past garments, but I’ll never stop giving away old clothes. They deserve a new life after my style evolves past them! And ultimately, someone else deserves to ponder about the life they had with me.
Where are your favourite spots to vintage shop? Let me know!
