#secondhandfirst

I can’t believe I’m writing this in 2025: the Threads algo showed me a post written by a mom saying that she refuses to dress her kids in secondhand clothes because it is gross.

But I guess it’s a good reminder of the slow fashion bubble we live in…while shopping secondhand first feels second nature to many of us, there are still a lot of people out there who think that secondhand clothes are gross, ugly, and only for the most desperate, unstylish people. 

It is imperative that we get as much wear as possible out of the clothing that already exists.

Experts believe our planet’s future depends on all of us buying 75% less brand new clothing. That means opting for secondhand as often as possible.  And that means getting most people to buy shop secondhand more often.

28-08-20: enchanting room décor 

Its official – I’ve found my new favourite charity shop. I’ve actually been to this Barnardo’s store before but never spent enough time in there to realise how amazing it is. The main selling point is the fact that it’s a donation centre so they’re always getting new things and it’s extra cheap. I spent £5 (!) on eight different knick-knacks that are probably my favourite home décor pieces I’ve ever thrifted – and some of them you could probably find for ten times the price in Anthropologie! 

 I love how all of the pieces aesthetically match with each other – I’ve already got visions of how I’m going to style them in my new flat. I’ve started to collect a few pieces together that I already owned and that I knew I wanted to take with me to the flat, but I really wanted to get my hands on a glass tray that I could display my perfumes on. Barnardo’s pulled it out the bag with these two gorgeous vintage glass trays. I definitely didn’t need both – but because they were only £1 each I couldn’t resist. 

This kind of eclectic decoration style definitely isn’t for everyone buttttt, if it is for you then I highly recommend ditching the high street and favouring the charity shops for your home décor. 

Not only will you end up with a decorated space that’s says much more about you and your personality, but you also get the satisfaction that you’re helping worthy causes and doing your bit to shop sustainably. I’m going to make it my mission to scout out more local donation centre charity shops in my area as clearly they’re treasure troves. 

Weaved tray 50p 

Painted blue vase 50p 

Wooden painted floral box 50p

Stone inlay box 50p

Green glass tray £1

Clear glass tray £1

Clear glass pot 50p

WHERE’S MY PSL?

Fall is one of my favorite seasons (the only thing I don’t like about it is that I know Winter will be next!) But the lovely light, changing leaves, pumpkins and pumpkin spice lattes, layered looks, and tall boots all make my heart skip a beat. I even like that fact that it means back-to-school for me now. 

Here is a casual look for Fall - did you catch the sneak peek of my #leopardprint #mulberrysilk #sustainable #secondhandfirst top by Amour Vert on Instagram this week? If not, give a follow over there to see a slightly different side of Mrs. American Made - some travel, some purchases, and a bit of inspiration. Have a great week!