How I Haven’t Bought New Clothes for My Family in Over Six Years—And How You Can Do It Too
Six years ago, I stood in my closet, overwhelmed by the number of cheaply made clothes I had accumulated. Most of them barely lasted a season, some had already fallen apart, and worst of all, I didn’t even love what I owned. I realized I had wasted so much money on fast fashion, and I was tired of the cycle.
That day, I made a decision: I would never buy brand-new clothes again.
Six years later, my family of five is thriving—dressed in high-quality, stylish clothing, all without contributing to fast fashion. Instead, we’ve embraced a sustainable, budget-friendly approach that saves money while aligning with our values. If I can do it, you can too. Here’s how.
The Problem with Fast Fashion
Fast fashion brands churn out trendy, low-quality clothing at an alarming rate, encouraging consumers to buy more than they need. The result?
🚨 Overstuffed closets filled with clothes we barely wear.
🌎 Massive environmental waste—85% of textiles end up in landfills.
👕 Poorly made garments that fall apart after a few washes.
❌ Unethical labor practices, with many workers underpaid and overworked.
I know firsthand how easy it is to get caught up in the fast fashion cycle. Before switching to secondhand shopping, I remember ordering trendy pieces online, only for them to arrive looking nothing like the photos. The fit was terrible, the fabric was cheap, and I’d end up stuffing them in the back of my closet, regretting my purchase.
If you're looking for ways to build a wardrobe that lasts, check out my post: How to Create a Sustainable Cottagecore Wardrobe. It’s one of my most-read posts and has helped so many women start their journey toward mindful, intentional fashion choices.
Even thrift stores are flooded with disposable fast fashion, making it harder to find quality pieces that truly last. But by shopping smarter, we can disrupt this harmful cycle and invest in clothing that stands the test of time.
How I Shop Pre-Loved for High-Quality Pieces
One of my favorite ways to shop sustainably is through The RealReal, a luxury consignment site that sells designer and high-end brands at a fraction of their original price.
🛍️ My Favorite Finds: Collection Pieces
I love finding rare collection pieces on The RealReal—highly sought-after items that originally retailed for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
My most recent find? A stunning Spell Babushka dress that I scored for under $60!
To put that into perspective, this exact dress is currently selling for $200 on the ReSpell site, and some Spell collection pieces can go for $500-$1000 or more! Over the years they have dropped a bit in RESELL valuse. But I know that they will go up again-soon.
Finding these gems is why I always check The RealReal daily—you never know when a dream piece will pop up at a steal.
🛍️ My Strategy for The RealReal:
✅ Wait for deep discounts—I aim for markdowns of 80-85%.
✅ Check often—New inventory is added daily, and the best pieces go fast.
✅ Prioritize timeless styles—I look for well-made coats, dresses, and shoes that will last years.
💡 Bonus Tip: The RealReal even carries kids’ clothing! I’ve scored high-quality coats, boots, and outfits for my children—things that would cost a fortune brand new but last far longer than fast fashion alternatives.
Thrifting for My Family
Local thrift stores are another go-to for us. In my town, we have two stores that consistently carry quality clothing for myself and my husband. For my kids, I’ve found only one store that isn’t overrun with fast fashion, so I focus my searches there.
🛍️ My Most Recent Find: Chanel Shoes for $50
If you ever doubt that secondhand shopping can land you luxury pieces, let me tell you about my latest find: a pair of real Chanel wooden clogs for just $50.
Yes, you read that right. $50.
These beauties retail for $800, and they’re in amazing condition. When I spotted them, I had to do a double take. The moment I slipped them on, I knew they were coming home with me.
This is why I always say: If you know where to look, you can build a high-end wardrobe for a fraction of the cost.
The Day I Found My Husband’s Dream Shirts
I was flipping through the men’s section when I spotted them—six Rhoback polos in perfect condition. If you’re familiar with Rhoback, you know these shirts normally cost $90 each. These? $10 apiece. I bought every single one.
That was years ago, and they still look brand new. My husband wears them all the time, and every time he puts one on, I smile knowing I paid a fraction of what they cost new.
The $20 Riding Boots That Made My Daughter’s Day
My daughter had just started riding lessons, and I knew she needed a solid pair of riding boots. I walked into the thrift store, not expecting much, when I spotted a beautiful pair of leather riding boots in her exact size.
I checked the tag—originally over $150. The thrift store price? $20.
I surprised her with them that evening, and she was thrilled. She still wears them today, years later.
Every successful thrift haul is proof that with patience, you can build an incredible wardrobe for a fraction of the cost.
🛍️ Seasonal Shopping Hack: Get the Best Deals
For the absolute best deals, I shop off-season:
🍂 I buy winter and fall clothes in the summer. That’s when coats, sweaters, and boots are at their lowest prices.
☀️ I buy summer and spring clothes in the winter. Lightweight dresses, sandals, and linen pieces are cheaper when stores clear out their inventory.
💡 This trick has saved me hundreds over the years!
📌 Getting Started: A Quick Guide for Beginners
1️⃣ Audit Your Closet—See what you actually need before shopping.
2️⃣ Set a Budget—Decide how much to spend per month on secondhand items.
3️⃣ Start Small—Choose one thrift store or online consignment shop to explore.
4️⃣ Stay Patient—Finding hidden gems takes time, but it’s worth it!
🔹 The Ultimate Sustainable Fashion Challenge
Are you ready to ditch fast fashion and build a more sustainable wardrobe? Join me in a 30-day challenge!
For the next 30 days, commit to:
✔️ Shopping only secondhand
✔️ Restyling or repairing pieces you already own
✔️ Avoiding fast fashion impulse buys
📢 Share your finds using #SustainableFashionChallenge, and I’ll feature my favorites!
Follow My Sustainable Fashion Journey
If you want to see my latest thrift finds, sustainable fashion tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at how I shop for my family, follow me on Instagram! I share my best secondhand finds, styling ideas, and deals you won’t want to miss.
📸 Follow me here: @hellogorgeousthreads
💬 Let’s Chat!
💡 What’s the best thrift find you’ve ever scored? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!
Or…
👗 Have questions about sustainable shopping? Let me know below, and I’ll help you out!
Final Thoughts
Switching to secondhand shopping has transformed the way my family dresses—we save money, wear higher-quality clothing, and make a positive impact on the planet.
🌿 If I can do it for a family of five, YOU can too! Let’s change the way we shop—one thoughtful purchase at a time. Also comment down below and tell me if you like the emojis and if it's easier to read. I want this blog to be seamless for you!
Brooke
Hello Gorgeous Threads
Follow My Journey!
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I’m Brooke, a homeschool mom and cottagecore enthusiast dedicated to creating a cozy, sustainable home. My journey into cottagecore is all about savoring life’s simple pleasures, from baking to gardening. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I can’t wait to share more about the beauty and charm of cottagecore living with you!
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