Always sharing her latest Goodwill find, Alex Stratton is the ultimate thrift shopper. From hunting down housewares to finding her fashion favorites, she truly is a thrift queen. Alex proudly wears her thrifted finds and is never shy to let you know it’s from her local Goodwill and why it’s important to shop secondhand. Keep reading to learn why thrifting is important to Alex and her tips for new secondhand shoppers.
Q: What/who sparked your interest in thrifting? What stage of life were you in?
A: I have always been into thrifting. My mom was always shopping at yard sales when I was little. I got it from my mom! My mom passed away in 1995, and shortly after she did, I started shopping at goodwill when I was 15 or 16. I hope I make my mom Roxie proud that I carry on what she taught me about thrifting.
Q: Why do you choose to thrift/shop secondhand? Specifically, at Goodwill?
A: I love Goodwill, because there are just so many possibilities in life. Not only does Goodwill help communities and gives back it helps me stay stylish. Second hand gives things a new life, and from being in a landfill. It helps us as a society be much more sustainable. Goodwill holds so many treasures that no one seems to know about. Plus there are a dozen ways to redo something these days and that’s what Goodwill has… it has endless opportunities. Thrifting allows me to be my true and authentic self, creative, wild, and free.
Alex shows off her latest find from the Johnston Goodwill location – a dinosaur ring holder. Browsing the racks, Alex eyes a dress she likes, similar to the orange dress she dons today. Alex browses the racks for a shirt that catches her eye.
Q: How has thrifting impacted your life?
A: Thrifting has impacted my life in a number of ways. It has not only allowed me to be my true self, it helped me furnish my home, save money, be stylish, find all the fancy stuff on the cheap, and connect with so many other people. Being thrifty has always been away in my life from grocery shopping to plain ole everyday shopping. I have always had a love of unusual things that speak to my soul. You wouldn’t believe the number of people that I’ve connected with by just asking me where I got things my usual response is oh it’s from Goodwill. I have connected with collectors, antique lovers, resellers, and just other folks on the internet who thrift.
In the past, I have always had trouble fitting in, but I have truly found a wonderful community within the thrift community. I always tell people if “I were a millionaire, I’d still shop at Goodwill.” It also impacts my life because when I don’t want something I have somewhere to take it instead of just throwing it away. That helps provide and create jobs for someone else and gives back to our Iowa community. It’s important that we stand strong as Iowans and be proud of where we come from.
Q: What do you wish others knew about the thrifting experience?
A: Thrifting is such a positive experience. There are all kinds of Facebook groups out there dedicated to thrifting who always talk about the stigmatization of thrifting “it’s used, its old its whatever.” I wish people would see what happens to stuff in its afterlife, it goes to a landfill and it’s not sustainable. In a world of ‘I want it now’ and ‘give it to me as fast as I can get it’ people tend to be a bit more spendy to buy new and throw old away. When they donate it allows other people to have a chance to love it. Thrifting experience allows you to be creative in so many ways. With all the social media focus on it, the possibilities are endless. That’s what people need to see: with thrifting the possibilities are literally endless.
Q: What’s your thrift experience typically like?
A: I like to start usually in the clothing. I have a colorful eye, usually I will see it and it will speak to me. I sometimes go in with a list and have an idea of what I’m looking to complete a project. Then I’ll go to that specific section. I always look at every piece of clothing and I always tell people don’t discount sections you’d normally skip over, there might be treasures in there! One section I never skip out on is books, media, and jewelry- the best treasures always come from that. I am an all-over thrifter. I never really have a strategy, it’s whatever my creativity and thought process leads me to. Thrifting and creativity all begins with you.
Q: What’s your all-time favorite item you’ve thrifted?
A: This heart bag is from Fredricks of Hollywood which doesn’t exist anymore. I found this at the Goodwill in Davenport Iowa. I use it every Valentine’s Day! It’s one of my most fun bags!
Continue reading more Goodwill thrifters’ stories.
