Wednesday, June 9, 2010

In Praise of the Charity Shop Find

In another life I would have been an archaeologist. For it's exactly this instinct to dig, sift, and brush aside that draws me again and again into the most unpromising of secondhand shops, not necessarily to find a great thing, but to pursue it.

It's frequently said that the rise of vintage and its plateau into fashion consciousness means that it's no longer possible to find great treasures in the secondhand arena--it all gets picked clean before you can get in the door. Largely this is true--the great thrift stores on Manhattan's Upper East Side, and London's King's Road, and elsewhere around the world are targets not only of cash-poor students and creatives, but also of fashion's kingpins, seeking inspiration where the punishing pace of the style cycle doesn't allow for quiet reflection with a sketchpad and fertile mind.

Nothing worthwhile in life is easy. Sifting for hours through lackluster garments is its own education, in fabrication, cut, embellishment. And in finding the small window between given styles and uplift of your unique self image.

It's exactly this education that allows you to pull from a crammed rack a sliver of fine color, or half-seen detail, that others might have brushed past. A reward, a find, the buzz that will keep you digging.

With this post, Fashion Preserve is going on hiatus . . . after a year and half of blogging, it's time to write another book. Thank you so much for your readership, and especially your wonderful comments. Best wishes with your own pursuits--and here's to finding and making the most out of the most unexpected of sources.

29 comments:

  1. I'm sad! I always look forward to your posts. Is the new book on vintage too?

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  2. I love a good rummage too! Wishing you all the best with the new book - can't wait to hear all about it and have a good read.

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  3. Best of luck with your new book!
    If you will be writing about vintage, I hope that you will write something about estate jewelry.

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  4. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

    I miss your posts already, and vintage isn't even my thing! Good luck with your next adventure, CW. I look forward to adding your new book to my shelf.

    xo

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  5. Nooooooo! I have so enjoyed checking out your blog every day and will miss it terribly. Best of luck with the new book, and please keep us posted!

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  6. Nooooo!from me too. I have loved your posts and occasionally commented. I even bought one of the items you flagged on another site. If your book is on vintage and I can assist in any way from my own experiences of buying and selling vintage, please do contact me. In fact I have very recently acquired what could be my most exciting find - just waiting verification. Will gladly share if you care to email me via my profile or Facebook. Otherwise - thank you for your very informative, encouraging and cheerful posts. Sending very best wishes for great success with your new book.

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  7. Oh I'm so sad! I love your blog and was so flattered when you linked to mine and added me to your blog roll. You are an amazing blogger and on my daily read list. I hope your new book is about vintage!

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  8. You should visit FASHIONPRESERVE.COM its another great blog about fashion.

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  9. in fact, I never thought that being sold at this online store is junk. because it is all the stuff that you have to offer truly stunning and looks like new. you are really creative, inspired me. thank you

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  21. Charity shops are a great place to find unique and affordable items, while also supporting a good cause. You never know what you might find, from vintage clothes to designer handbags to rare books. And the best part is, you're helping to make a difference in the world.

    Here are just a few of the reasons why you should shop at charity shops:

    You'll find unique items: Charity shops often have a wide variety of items that you won't find anywhere else. This is because they sell donated goods, which means that every item is one-of-a-kind.
    You'll save money: Charity shops are a great way to save money on clothes, furniture, and other household items. You can often find high-quality items for a fraction of the price you would pay at a regular store.
    You'll help a good cause: When you shop at a charity shop, you're not just getting a good deal on a new item. You're also helping to support a worthy cause. The money that charity shops raise goes to support their parent charities, which help people in need.
    So next time you're looking for a new item, don't forget to check out your local charity shop. You might just find your next favorite thing.

    Here are some additional tips for finding great deals at charity shops:

    Be patient: It takes time to find the best deals at charity shops. Don't expect to find your dream item on your first visit.
    Be flexible: Be willing to try on different sizes and styles. You might find something you never thought you would like.
    Be willing to negotiate: If you find an item that you really like, don't be afraid to ask for a lower price.
    With a little patience and effort, you can find great deals at charity shops and help a good cause at the same time. Telkom University

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