With New York Fashion Week at a close and Paris Fashion Week in hot pursuit, fashion is once again on the mind.

Although designers often center collections on newness, the focus for ThriftEd Mag is and always will be secondhand clothing. In honor and celebration of sustainable fashion values, we encourage you to share your creative thrift editorials right here.

Showcase your creativity in photography, fashion styling, artistry and more by submitting your thrift editorials to the first-ever ThriftEd Mag cover contest in collaboration with East Village Vintage Collective (EVVC). Simply send along your photoshoot and share the inspiration behind it. Entries are due by 11:59 PM EST Feb. 28, 2026.

The chosen winner will receive not only the cover perks (and social media praise) for the second volume of ThriftEd Mag but also a $100 giftcard to EVVC, redeemable in-store or online.

Submissions can be sent via email to info@thriftedmag.com with subject line “Cover Contest.” Make sure to follow both ThriftEd Mag and EVVC on Instagram (and ThriftEd on Substack).

Spread the word. We look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Can thrifters imagine a future of elbowing a robot out of the way at the Goodwill bins? Or deferring their The RealReal cart to their AI shopping agent to scour new listings on their behalf?

Bots were already a hot topic among the sneaker and concert community for giving users front-line access to scarce SKUs. In fashion, that dynamic is no longer hypothetical.

So what comes next?

Predictably, the AI shopper is one such consumer shift noted in Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company’s “The State of Fashion 2026: When the Rules Change.” For the past decade, the organizations have partnered to analyze global consumer sentiment. This year’s edition was no different, capturing global themes like tariff turbulence and a workforce rewired, as well as consumer shifts and broader systemic forces at play in fashion.

An AI Witch Hunt

Already 53 percent of consumers cited using generative AI for shopping searches in Q2. AI adoption sits alongside other notable consumer shifts. Jewelry unit sales rose 4 percent, smart frames and wearables are projected to grow at 9 percent annually through 2028 and the well-being era continues to accelerate.

Well-being now ranks as a top daily priority for 84 percent of U.S. consumers surveyed — and 94 percent in China — underscoring how lifestyle values are increasingly shaping purchasing behavior.

Resale’s Rise

As brands pursue broader cost-cutting and margin-padding strategies across the fashion value chain, resale continues its trajectory in 2026.

Consumers, meanwhile, are unabashedly price and value conscious. From fabric quality to worker wages, shoppers are becoming more discerning. Eighty percent of shoppers cited value as a top driver of purchase. But consumer conviction is not limited to price alone: uniqueness remains a key resale driver especially among younger generations.

During a webinar last month, McKinsey senior partner and global leader of apparel, fashion and luxury Gemma D’Auria described resale’s “incredible growth trajectory.”

“As it becomes accepted and more part of brands’ strategic priorities – which we think it should – it will become even more mainstream,” continued D’ Auria. “Where do we begin? We suggest that you begin with the higher-value, more iconic items. This will differ region by region.”

That premium positioning is reflected in ThredUp’s recent black-and-white rebrand, designed to “embrace an intuitive experience that combines a confident, modern aesthetic with powerful, proprietary AI technology,” according to the company. In step with competitors, ThredUp has rolled out features including The Daily Edit, The Trend Report and AI-powered discovery tools.

Luxury Lagging?

Regional differences play out apropos across both the resale and luxury markets, the latter now facing a well-documented slowdown amid tightened discretionary spending and tariff-related uncertainty.

“Creativity and innovation is very important in China – it seems to be less important in Europe.”

Her guidance for luxury ultimately centers on a familiar but increasingly urgent principle: value proposition.

Retailers, she emphasized, must return to the fundamentals of audience listening. Emerging cohorts will define which values shape future shopping experiences — especially as technology becomes more deeply embedded in how consumers browse, buy and engage.

The Analog Retaliation

And even with AI’s supposed rapid re-write of business and commerce, some inklings of early counter-cultural consumer movements indicate a growing embrace of analog forms of media. Consumers are turning to CDs, VHS players, zines and textile crafts as a hearty unfettering of algorithmic control.

Michelle Gabriel, a lecturer on fashion at the Yale School of the Environment and Columbia University, sees this shift as a direct response to increasing digital abstraction.

“As the world is becoming less personal, more digital – there’s a return to intentionality. Look at journal culture, the rise of handmade. That is a direct response to how intangible everything feels.”

Gabriel also points to growing white-collar malaise. “Everyone hates their jobs – and feels this intense top-down pressure that wasn’t always that way.”

While career optimism still surfaces in her classrooms, Gabriel is rethinking how she engages students. At Yale, she’s been encouraged to adopt screen-free classrooms — an approach she says she’s eager to implement.

“The analog is the counter-trend, what remains to be seen is how intense is the addiction?”

High-rise, low-rise, boyfriend, mom — denim trends are dizzying. Manufacturers apply chemicals that weather the fabric (like life used to). Then, an influencer announces dark wash is trending and shoppers dump their distressed denim for new.

It’s enough to give you whiplash and, at thousands of dollars for designer denim, serious debt. But thrifted jeans can sell for 90 percent less than retail and shopping preloved reduces the 80 pounds of textile waste that the average American sends to landfill each year.

I first started thrifting in high school because it was the most affordable way to trend hop on a minimum-wage budget. I fixated on 1950s floral frocks, cashmere crewnecks with tiny moth holes that could be repaired with a needle and thread and broken-in Levi’s 501s with the wallet (or better yet, tobacco disk) outline on the back pocket.

After exclusively shopping secondhand for two decades – preferably in consignment, thrift, or council shops, which are the best place to discover treasure troves of vintage denim donated by someone’s grandparents – here are my hot tips to score the premium preloved denim:

Go-To Denim Thrifting Tips

1. Look for 100-percent cotton, which doesn’t stretch or sag and also won’t shed microplastics when you wash or dry it.

2. Try on anything that looks like it might fit, no matter what it says on the label – vanity sizing means a 1970s women’s size eight is today’s 14.

3. Many thrift stores don’t take returns, although some will give you credit, so confirm the store’s policy before you buy.

4. Want distressed? Consider razoring a few strategically placed rips and tears.

5. Always wash before you put anything in your closet or on your body – even if it still has original tags. Thrift stores don’t launder clothes before they put them on the racks and have no way of knowing if an item is clean except for a quick visual inspection.

Best of Los Angeles Denim Thrifting

Put your newfound denim thrifting tips to the test. Here are a few of my neighborhood hotspots near the beach in Los Angeles, where you can upgrade your denim wardrobe for a fraction of what you would pay in a traditional boutique.

Crossroads Trading Company, Culver City $$

Crossroads is a national chain and each store has a unique character. The Culver City location is my favorite – and if you’ve never thrifted before, this is a great place to start. This Crossroads is a large space with beautiful natural light, where you’ll find upscale brands mixed with designer pieces. There are racks organized by trend, plus a designer rounder where you can find labels like Missoni and Chanel.

The dressing rooms are spacious and the staff is friendly and patient, even if you roll up with twenty hangers on your arm. There’s also a giant parking lot and James Beard-nominated Lodge Bread is just across the street, if you need sustenance.

Don’t forget to check out the accessories – I once found a suede Clare V. purse tucked into a corner! If you’re selling, avoid weekends and early evenings because the wait can be hours; you can also download the Crossroads Waitlist App and sign up to get notified when it’s your turn. Crossroad pays 30 percent of store retail value in cash or fifty percent in trade.

The Posh Duck in Santa Monica,

This store was formerly known as the Closet Trading Company, the original location for a consignment boutique now franchised across the country. Offerings skew designer and slightly more expensive than an upscale thrift shop like Crossroads but are still significantly less than you’d pay in a retail boutique.

On the well-organized and highly curated racks you can find Free People, Frye, Jimmy Choo and Isabel Marant. You can also shop accessories online – at press time, there was a seriously deep well of Balenciaga.

If you want to sell at The Posh Duck, first create an account and then either price items yourself or leave that to the store; their commission structure pays as much as 70 percent of store retail for more expensive pieces.

St. Matthews Thrift Shop in Santa Monica, $

Located on Santa Monica’s charming Main Street, St. Matthews is an old-school thrift shop full of donated items, including housewares and furniture, where you can find some excellent sartorial selections at rock-bottom prices. Labels run the gamut from fast fashion to designer to authentically vintage; shirts are priced as low as $10 and dresses can be less than $20.

At these prices, this is the place to indulge a fashion fantasy: Their window mannequin recently wore a mini-kilt with thigh-high black stockings, fingerless red gloves and a lucky-cherry tank.

Run entirely by volunteers, St. Matthew’s is the nonprofit thrift shop arm of the Episcopal Church in Pacific Palisades, which was damaged but not destroyed in the 2025 fires. All proceeds are donated to local charities, including the Westside Food Bank.

Happy denim shopping!

About the Author: Rachel’s career as a journalist and environmentalist informs her writing. She holds an MFA in fiction and an MA in journalism, has published the Good Newsletter (now on Substack) since 2008, and hosts the Santa Monica Silent Book Club.

For ThriftEd Mag’s first vintage holiday gift guide, sellers from New York City’s East Village share their favorite nostalgia-inducing holiday finds.

Vintage Stocking Stuffers from East Village Vintage Collective:

Based in Manhattan’s East Village neighborhood, East Village Vintage Collective is a funky, affordable shop located across from a New York City community garden.

Colorful Kitsch

“We’ve always noticed these little treasures make great gifts for all ages. This is mainly because they kept coming back around in popularity since they were first created back in the late 1950s and were often remade by different toy makers, so they are nostalgic for many generations.

Also, every one of them is different. So, it’s like giving someone a personalized gift. Does your friend like football? There is a troll for that. The ‘80s? There is a troll for that. Shopping? There is a troll for that. And they are just plain fun!”

–Maegan Hayward, owner of East Village Vintage Collective.

Matchbooks with Flair

“These are always fun stocking stuffers particularly if you can find some that are from places you’ve actually been with the person you are gifting them to. It’s a great way to show that special someone that you love the memories you’ve made with them. But also, they almost always have some seriously cool art or funny scenes on them. And they are also just plain useful!”

–M.H., EVVC

More Secondhand Holiday Trends at 3rd & B’zaar:

Also in the East Village neighborhood, 3rd & B’zaar is a pop-up market and event space featuring a rotating curation of neighborhood vendors and lively community events. The venue offers everything from tarot card readings to collage-making and sip ‘n’ shops.

A Timely Tarot

“A 2026 tarot reading is the perfect gift for your whimsical bestie. A reading gives an exciting glimpse into the year ahead and, as the year goes on, the fun of watching the themes play out! The 2026 reading is wallet-friendly and can be delivered digitally or set up live at a vintage store.”

–Natalie Wozny, tarot reader at Glam Phantom

Festive Robes

“One of the only gifts that you can give your partner... your mom... your partner’s mom...maybe even dad? Within the myriad of this genre, there’s something for everyone. We all want to be antisocial and egregiously cozy, and with this uniting factor, you have cracked the code of gifting.”

–Danielle Chalk, owner of Wild Strawberries Vintage

Fanciful Brooches

“Brooches are a great gift idea that can be worn on scarves, bags, cozy sweaters and much more! Because they come in a wide variety of styles and colors, brooches make a versatile gifting option.”

–Alanna Goodman, owner of Snootie Seconds

Western Wear

“Western wear is another popular trend this year, and bolo ties make a unique gift, especially for anyone looking for something to pair with cowboy boots! My bolos are my most complimented accessories, and I like to treat mine like necklaces and wear them with dresses.”

–A.G., Snootie Seconds

Vintage Jewelry from a Marketplace Regular:

Silver Stunners

Shop Mosin is a featured vendor at East Village storefronts like AuH2O as well as marketplaces such as the recent Not-A-Normal Holiday Show.

“Jewelry is always the perfect gift for the holiday season, especially it’s vintage! Mosin specializes in sterling silver and gold because they last forever and can be heirloom pieces. If you’re not sure on what type of jewelry, a brooch or a pair of earrings is always a great idea because it fits everyone and it’s perfect to dress up your winter coat!”
–Monique Sinha, owner of Shop Mosin

Explore More Holiday Gifts:

For shoppers looking to give more thoughtfully this season, vintage and secondhand holiday gifts offer a sustainable alternative to mass-produced items. To support the vendors featured in this vintage holiday gift guide, consider visiting their shops in person, attending upcoming markets and events, or purchasing gift cards online.

For additional inspiration and sustainable holiday gifting ideas, shop ThriftEd Mag’s edit.

Shop the Edit

(Affiliate Disclosure: As part of the eBay ambassador network, ThriftEd Mag may receive a small commission if you purchase from our curated eBay storefront).

The most meaningful gifts don’t need to be new or expensive. This holiday, give the gift of books with fingerprints, glossy fashion histories and paper that has traveled through time.

Selected Fashionable Coffee Table Classics:

Gift: Accessible Luxury

Vendor: Various secondhand sellers

Price: $8–$30

Coffee-table fashion books are the unsung heroes of holiday gifting: big, glossy, glamorous — and incredibly affordable when found secondhand. Titles like “Coco Chanel and Her World” by Edmonde Charles-Roux, “Gucci: The Making of” by Stefano Tonchi, “Tiffany & Co.” or archival photography collections look luxe without costing luxury prices.

I love these because they speak to the joy of styling — books as décor, as art, as small monuments of taste. And when thrifted, they come with a story: once someone’s pride and display piece, now ready to begin again in a new home.

These are ideal for best friends, sisters, creatives, homemakers or the impossible-to-shop-for person. Stack two or three, wrap loosely in tissue, tie with a silk scarf (also thrifted) and you have a gift that feels curated, elegant and memorable.

Where to Buy:

• Op-shops (Vinnies/Salvos)

• Etsy vintage sellers

• Instagram resellers: @thriftbooks_au, @book_hunt_oz

“Little Book of Chanel by Lagerfeld” (by Emma Baxter-Wright):

Gift: Compact Coffee-Table Classic

Vendor: Norsu Interiors, various secondhand sellers

Price: $10–$34

There’s a particular pleasure in gifting something small but stylish, and “Little Book of Chanel by Lagerfeld” fits that sweet spot perfectly. Its minimalist black-and-white cover, linen texture and archival Chanel imagery make it feel like a pocket-sized treasure. This is the sort of book that sits beautifully on a bedside table or nestles into a curated stack on the coffee table, quietly elevating a space.

I found my copy secondhand, the way all good finds arrive: unexpectedly, between shelves of forgotten gems. That’s why gifting pre-loved books feels intimate — they already carry a history. The edges softened, the cover slightly matte from another home, another owner, another chapter of life.

Wrap it in black ribbon or pair it with a single thrifted pearl hair clip for a nod to Coco’s iconic styling.

Where to Buy:

• New: norsu.com.au

• Secondhand: Local op-shops, Depop, Marketplace, Vinnies/Salvos, AbeBooks

“Chasing Harry Winston” (by Lauren Weisberger):

Gift: Light, Sparkly Holiday Read

Vendor: Various secondhand sellers

Price: $6–$12

Some gifts are meant to feel light — like a prosecco-fizz moment wrapped in paper — and “Chasing Harry Winston” is exactly that. Written by Lauren Weisberger, author of “The Devil Wears Prada,” this novel is fun, fast-paced, and full of friendship drama, romantic mischief and New York glamor. It’s the kind of book you give someone who needs a break, a laugh or a reminder that life can be messy and sparkling all at once.

I found my copy secondhand, tucked between rom-com DVDs and pastel chick-lit paperbacks.There’s something lovely about gifting a book that already made someone else smile thereby passing joy forward in a sustainable loop.

This is a great pick for new mums needing escapism, friends going through big life changes, sisters who love a good rom-com storyline, or anyone who wants a beach read with personality. Pair it with a thrifted bookmark or a mini hand cream, and you’ve got a sweet, affordable and feel-good gift.

Where to Buy:

• Vinnies / Salvos / Brotherhood stores

• Secondhand indie bookstores

• Facebook Marketplace & Depop

• AbeBooks / World of Books

“Grace: A Memoir” (by Grace Coddington):

Gift: For the Fashion Dreamer and Creative Spirit

Vendor: Various secondhand and independent sellers

Price: $6–$25

Some books feel like meeting someone for the very first time — and “Grace: A Memoir” is exactly that. Coddington’s life story unfolds with the same gentle drama and imagination she brought to decades of Vogue editorials. From her days modeling in London to her orange-haired, sharp-eyed ascent as one of fashion’s most influential creative directors, this memoir is warm, candid, funny and beautifully human.

Finding this book secondhand feels a little magical — a reminder that fashion history doesn’t always live behind glass or in archives; sometimes it sits quietly on a shelf in an op-shop, waiting for the right pair of hands. For $6, this was my definition of a thrift treasure: rich with industry insight yet wrapped in a charming, illustrated cover that feels like a keepsake.

This makes a perfect gift for: fashion creatives, Vogue obsessives, emerging stylists or photographers, anyone who loves a life story told with humor, grit, and glamour and friends who need inspiration during big life shifts.

Pair it with a thrifted scarf as a bookmark, or wrap it in kraft paper with a red ribbon and a single flower — very Grace.

Where to Buy:

• Vinnies, Salvos, Brotherhood shops (often priced $4–$8)

• Independent secondhand bookstores

• eBay, Marketplace, AbeBooks

• Fashion archive resellers

About the Author: Montess Hughes is a writer and community-minded creative, newly exploring slow fashion and secondhand culture. Māori from Aotearoa, she is based in Melbourne and captures her love for storytelling, books, op-shop wandering and everyday beauty. She writes poetry, personal essays and community pieces, and enjoys capturing small magic in photos and words.

Photo Credit: All images courtesy of the author.

Distinguishing between thrifting, vintage and deadstock is one thing, but the evolving community terminology is another entirely. Here are a few to consider on your next thrifting trip.

“Bins find”

Refers to items scored at pay-by-the-pound thrift outlets.

“Charity Shop”

Common in the United Kingdom, a charity shop is a community run or donation-based shop that funds specific charitable initiatives.

“Grail”

A coveted piece considered a major personal achievement. This term is more predominant in the menswear community including platforms like Grailed and StockX.

“Haul”

A structured or chaotic reveal of items secured in a single sourcing mission – showing off one’s prowess for finding good deals or note-worthy finds. Similar to fast-fashion, thrift hauls have come under scrutiny for promoting overconsumption.

“Preloved”

A luxury-favored synonym for secondhand frequently tapped by resale platforms such as Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal.

“Reworked”

A piece altered, tailored or reconstructed into an entirely new garment.

“The Thrift”

Shorthand for the thrift store as a singular, living institution — an ecosystem that responds to intuition, good timing and taste.

“Thrift blindness”

A tongue-in-cheek term used by both seasoned thrifters and novices to describe moments when discernment falters, often triggered by an outrageous, borderline-ugly, or questionably priced item whose “value” clouds one’s judgment.

“Thrift gods”

The mythical forces believed to guide knowing thrifters toward extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime discoveries, typically of the designer or archival variety.

“Thrift karma”

A governing principle that one’s generosity and care within the thrift environment forges future shopping destinies. This fate could be enforced by picking up fallen items and rehanging them, bringing items forth from a fitting room or putting back a desirable item that is not fit for oneself.

“Thrift queen”

A given or self-appointed title for a skilled thrifter whose eye, dedication and editorial viewpoint consistently draw praise and reward.

“Thrifted versus styled”

A comparative visual format showcasing a piece first in its raw, newly-acquired form and then fully realized through intentional styling.

“ThriftEd Mag”

The original thrift editorial magazine dedicated to making reuse modern.

“Upcycled”

A piece creatively transformed or improved beyond its original form.

“White Whale”

A long-sought, highly specific item a thrifter hopes to find, often materializing from one’s Pinterest board.

Have ideas for any more entries? Comment your contributions.

Some people discover fashion through Vogue. I discovered it through the racks of a New York City Goodwill. My first thrift store visit began as a casual outing. I had no real goal, just curiosity. But what started as a simple browse became the spark for something larger. That experience introduced me to the creative potential of secondhand fashion and the broader environmental impact of what we wear. Over time, my curiosity turned into a mission. Today, through my platform “Nik’s Thrifts,” I work to make circular fashion more approachable through social media, in-person events, and a website with a customizable thrift map.

The fashion industry produces an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste each year (that’s one garbage truck full of clothes dumped every second!) Buying used clothing is one of the most direct ways to reduce the industry’s footprint. It effectively extends the life of existing garments and helps divert textile waste from landfills.

I bet as you’re reading this you’re wearing some type of cotton fabric? Maybe a new T-shirt? Did you know that producing a single cotton T-shirt consumes about 713 gallons of water? That’s a person’s drinking supply for almost three years! (Makes you think twice about what’s in your closet, right?) And cotton isn’t even the most widely-used fiber!

In a world dominated by fast fashion, few things feel better than replying to a compliment with, “Thanks, it’s thrifted!” Moments like that remind me why I fell in love with sustainable fashion in the first place, a passion that has guided both my studies and work.

From a young age, I’ve cared deeply about the environment. As fast fashion exploded and $300 SHEIN hauls filled social media feeds, my passion began shifting toward the fashion industry. After graduating from Lehigh University in 2024 with a degree in Environmental Studies, I enrolled in Columbia University’s Sustainability Management graduate program with a focus in sustainable fashion. Learning about the environmental and human costs of the industry has made it clear that eco-friendly fashion is both necessary and possible.

This is where I’ve found community.

Launching Nik’s Thrifts in January of 2025 allowed me to share my knowledge and practice with a greater audience. I built it for the person I once was: curious but uncertain, passionate but inexperienced.

Through social media content, community-led events and a website with a customizable thrift map, Nik’s Thrifts helps New York shop sustainably by exploring the city’s secondhand stores and fostering a collaborative space around eco-conscious fashion. On social media, Nik’s Thrifts is a platform for showcasing the city’s thrift stores, creative thrift flip alterations, and educational content. Organized meetups, including clothing swaps and thrift crawls, are in partnership with global nonprofit Remake. These events are great opportunities to make new friends, explore local secondhand stores, exchange clothes and participate in conscious shopping.

My Nik’s Thrifts website brings everything together with a personalized thrift map- something I’ve dreamed about for years and finally made a reality. The customizable map is designed to help you find secondhand stores that align with your interests, price point, and comfort level. New thrifters often feel overwhelmed, unsure where to go or how to start (I’ve been there! I get it!).

Consider the map a friendly guide, allowing you to input preferences such as location, style, and level of store organization. My aim is to help you feel encouraged to explore sustainably at your own pace, seeing eco-friendly fashion as more than shopping at stereotypical dare-I-say dusty, dirty thrift stores.

Circular fashion isn’t about revamping your whole closet at once, but about the small, consistent choices that build impact over time. Every thrift adventure tells a story- and now you’re part of mine.

Nikki Foster is founder of Nik’s Thrifts in New York City.

Photos Courtesy of Nikki Foster / Nik’s Thrifts

As part of my interview series on founders in the sustainable fashion space (Re.Vert Ventures), I sat down with Samuel Falzone, a multifaceted designer based in New Jersey behind his eponymous shop, to talk about his journey with his Reconstructed Collection of upcycled footwear, the role of repair and sneaker culture. Here is a snippet of the full interview:

Youssef Elbehri:

Sam, let’s start with your background. Who are you, and how did design become your path?

Samuel Falzone:

I’ve always been a maker. As a kid, I’d take apart anything I could — scooters, radios, toys — just to see how they worked. I thought I might be an architect or carpenter, but after working a construction job at 12, I realized that wasn’t for me. I shifted to smaller projects like skate ramps.

Skateboarding played a big role. I’d tear through shoes constantly but could never throw them away — each pair had memories attached. I guess that was my early connection to footwear design, even if I didn’t realize it at the time.

Y.E.:

What kinds of shoes do you usually work with?

S.F.:

Mostly vintage Nikes from the ’90s — especially ACG models and hiking boots. Many are “deadstock,” meaning they’ve sat in storage for 20 or 30 years. The uppers are fine, but the soles have turned to dust.

I rebuild them using durable Vibram outsoles and traditional construction methods, so they can actually be resoled again in the future.

Y.E.:

That’s rare for sneakers. Why is repairability so important to you?

S.F.:

Most sneakers today are glued, not stitched. They’re designed for performance, not longevity. I wanted to create something that could live multiple lives — like old leather boots that you can keep repairing.

Every pair I make can be resoled. I work closely with a cobbler in New Jersey and with Vibram directly. It took time to find someone open to experimentation, but now it’s a real collaboration.

Y.E.:

Why do you think people stopped repairing their shoes or clothes?

S.F.:

We’ve become careless consumers. Everything’s about convenience — buy, use, toss. Our grandparents valued repair because things were built to last.

I’m trying to bring that mindset back. When you repair something, you deepen your relationship with it. It becomes part of your story.

Y.E.:

Sam, as someone deeply immersed in footwear, do you feel pressure to always wear something that reflects your design values?

S.F.:

Definitely. There’s this unspoken expectation that a footwear designer should always be wearing something interesting. For me, a shoe has to meet a few criteria — it needs to be well-designed, meaningful and personal.

I’ll tell you a funny story. I was at my dentist — a guy who’s known me since I was a kid — and he looks down and says, “What are those? You’re a footwear designer?” I was wearing these completely beat-up Air Force 1s. He caught me off guard. Since that day, I’ve made a rule: if I’m not wearing shoes I designed or worked on, I feel off. They represent me, my craft and how I want to move through the world.

Y.E.:

You work mostly with vintage or deadstock shoes. How do you actually find them?

S.F.:

It’s a mix of thrift stores, online forums and word of mouth. I’ll spend hours on eBay or Grailed searching for specific models, but some of the best finds come from local spots — those random bins or estate sales where no one else is really looking.

Over time, people started reaching out to me directly. They’d say, “Hey, I’ve got this pair from the ‘90s — the sole’s gone, but the upper’s mint.” That’s the perfect starting point for what I do.

Y.E.:

Do you have certain silhouettes or eras you’re always drawn to?

S.F.:

Definitely. I’m obsessed with Nike [All Conditions Gear] ACGs and old hiking shoes — late ‘80s through early 2000s. That era had real experimentation with materials and construction. The designs were technical but weird in the best way.

You can’t find that level of character in most modern releases. When I rebuild those pairs, I try to keep that soul intact — just give it a second life with modern comfort and durability.

Y.E.:

What’s the feeling when you find a great piece — that perfect vintage pair?

S.F.:

It’s like treasure hunting. You’re holding a piece of history, something that’s been forgotten and buried. When I see a pair that’s literally falling apart, I don’t see trash — I see potential.

There’s a magic in bringing it back to life. It’s not just about saving materials — it’s about continuing a story that someone else started years ago.

Y.E.:

Do you ever struggle to source enough shoes or materials for your work?

S.F.:

All the time. That’s part of why every pair is one-of-one — I never know what I’ll find next. Some weeks I’ll come across five incredible pairs; other times, nothing for months.

It forces you to stay flexible as a designer. You learn to work with the material instead of against it — to let the limitations shape the creativity.

Y.E.:

Last question — what advice would you give to aspiring designers and entrepreneurs?

S.F.:

Just start. Don’t let ideas become intimidating. Take small, digestible steps and be honest with yourself. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. You owe that to yourself.

No one will push you harder than you can push yourself. Follow what excites you, even if it doesn’t make perfect sense yet. Curiosity is the best teacher.

Talking with Sam reminded me why craftsmanship still matters — not as nostalgia, but as resistance. His shoes aren’t just objects; they’re arguments for patience, intention and integrity in a world obsessed with convenience.

In an industry that rewards speed and volume, Sam’s work is a quiet rebellion — one built stitch by stitch, sole by sole. Reconstructed isn’t just about repairing shoes. It’s about repairing our relationship with the things we own. Check out the rest of Sam’s design work here.

Check out the full interview with Samuel, and subscribe for more resources for exploring all things secondhand.

Photo Courtesy: Samuel Falzone

Subscribe now

Thrifting has surged into the mainstream, but what exactly does it mean — and how does it differ from vintage, antique, or deadstock? Understanding these distinctions is key for shoppers, resellers, and sustainability advocates alike navigating the fast-growing resale economy.

Thrifting Redefined

According to Merriam-Webster, to “thrift” or “thrifting” means to shop for used goods, especially in a secondhand store. It’s the act of buying pre-owned items — clothing, books, furniture, and more — usually at discounted prices. The word “thrifty” originates from “to thrive” or “to prosper,” a reminder that resourcefulness and sustainability often go hand in hand.

Once associated with frugality or necessity, thrifting today is an intentional lifestyle choice. According to ThredUp’s 2025 Resale Report, the online resale market is projected to reach $40 billion by 2029. Nearly 60 percent of consumers say they’ll look for more affordable options like secondhand if retail prices rise, and almost half of Gen Z and Millennial shoppers say they plan to spend their entire apparel budgets on pre-owned fashion.

• Thrift: 🛍️

• Definition: Pre-owned items, typically sold at discounted prices

• Age: Any (not age-dependent)

• Examples: Clothing from thrift stores, used books, secondhand furniture

• Key Note: Affordable and sustainable choice

The Vintage Threshold

The word “vintage” carries a sense of curation and historical weight. Across a ThriftEd Mag analysis of resale platforms – among them Etsy, Depop, Facebook, Goodwill, Poshmark, Mercari, ThredUp, and The RealReal – the prevailing threshold for “vintage” is at least 20 years old, meaning items manufactured 20 or more years ago. Vestiaire Collective, an outlier, lowers that threshold slightly to 15 years. These distinctions help buyers and sellers separate truly era-specific pieces from more recent secondhand fads.

• Vintage: 👘

• Definition: Items 20+ years old, recognized for style or era

• Age: 20–100 years (platforms vary)

• Examples: 1980s denim jacket, 1970s band tee

• Key Note: Collectible and historically styled

Do or Deadstock?

Some marketplaces offer even more specific definitions. Etsy, for example, asks sellers to provide detailed information about a piece’s designer, materials, and provenance. The platform also defines “deadstock” as authentic, unworn inventory that was produced years or decades ago, not simply items inherited or found at estate sales.

• Deadstock: 🏷️

• Definition: Original, never-worn inventory from past decades

• Age: Any (but old, not recently produced)

• Examples: 1990s sneakers, vintage designer handbags still in packaging

• Key Note: Authentic, unworn, often collectible

An Antique Artifact

On eBay’s community forums, vintage often begins at around 40 years, while antique items are typically 100 years or older. The term “antique” can also carry legal weight. In Florida, antique dealers must register with the Department of Revenue for tax purposes. In Wisconsin, sellers of used home furnishings must document the identity of anyone they buy from. In France, antique dealers face strict regulations governing provenance, taxes, and authenticity. In other words, authenticity isn’t just a selling point—it can be a legal obligation.

• Antique: 🕰️

• Definition: Items 100+ years old, often legally regulated

• Age: 100+ years

• Examples: 19th-century furniture, collectible jewelry

• Key Note: Rare, legally defined in some regions

Why These Definitions Matter

In both the U.S. and Europe, these distinctions have implications for trade, taxation, and sustainability. As the resale market grows, organizations such as American Circular Textiles are pushing to modernize policy, including efforts to end double taxation on secondhand goods. The terms thrift, vintage, antique, and deadstock are more than aesthetic labels — they describe different points along a historical, economic, and ethical continuum that underpins the global circular economy.

• Know the Value: Age and rarity affect pricing accuracy

• Build Trust: Clear definitions prevent confusion and create transparency

• Stay Compliant: Some items, like antiques, have legal or tax rules buyers and sellers need to follow.

• Sell Smarter: Better tailor products to key audience and resale platforms

• Build a Sustainable Community: With clear social and sustainability benefits of secondhand, consumers can confidentially own and share this knowledge in wider their community

Subscribe now

Youssef Elbehri: Carrie, thank you for joining me. Before we dive in, could you give us an overview of who you are and how you first got into secondhand retail?

Carrie Peterson: Thank you for having me. Honestly, I never knew exactly what I was going to do as an adult. I studied English literature in Tucson, Arizona, and while I was in college I worked at a secondhand clothing store. I thought I’d eventually move into something like journalism, but after graduation I ended up in New York with a string of low-paying, soul-crushing office jobs.

One day, I was waiting on the subway platform, overwhelmed by the crowd, and I just thought: I can’t do this. I left, went to Barnes & Noble in Union Square, and grabbed a few books on how to start a business. I didn’t buy them — I just took notes. I had no capital, so I pulled $15,000 from credit cards and opened a storefront, living in the back. My goal was simple: make $40 a day to cover rent and survive.

Y.E.: What drew you specifically to clothes and fashion?

C.P.: I’ve always loved fashion. In seventh grade, my friends and I would shop at Fashion Bug — cheap clothes, probably fast fashion before I even knew what that was. But thrift stores were always more exciting; the variety was endless, and you never knew what you’d find.

Fashion wasn’t something I thought would become my career, but when I was stuck in jobs I hated, I asked myself: What can I monetize in my life? Clothes felt like the answer. Plus, I had a friend who reminded me that the people running businesses in New York weren’t so different from me. That gave me the push I needed.

Y.E.: Let’s talk about Beacon’s Closet. When did it feel like this was more than just an experiment — that it could be financially viable? And who’s “Beacon” in the name?

C.P.: Honestly, I still sometimes think, This is the end. I’ve never felt completely secure. But the very first weekend we made more money than I’d ever seen in my life — it would’ve taken me a month of office work to earn what we made in three days. That was huge.

At first, I was the only employee and closed a couple of days a week. Then a friend pitched in part-time. After a year I moved out of the back of the store into an apartment upstairs. Slowly, it grew — but I still see it as a small operation, even after 27 years and four locations.

As for the name: I never thought I’d have children, so I considered the store my “baby.” If I ever had a child, I thought I’d name them Beacon — which, thankfully, never happened, but it worked perfectly for the shop. The logo came from a friend’s design — a baby wearing glasses, inspired by Junior’s Café napkin art. That baby became our icon.

Y.E.: Do you have a strict definition of thrifting versus consignment, or does it irk you when people misuse those terms?

C.P.: Not at all. Back when we started, I used to define it more carefully — thrift stores are usually run by nonprofits, while consignment means items sit until you get your price. I preferred the term thrifting because it’s a catchall, and it captures the fun and immediacy of the hunt. These days, whether people say secondhand, pre-loved, or vintage, I don’t get hung up on semantics.

Y.E.: Why did you decide to buy inventory directly from consumers instead of just thrifting items yourself?

C.P.: After our very first week, we sold out of everything I had thrifted. Buying from people was always part of the plan — it’s the model I knew from Tucson, and I knew it worked. Picking on my own was too time consuming, and I wanted the store open regular hours. By buying directly, we could keep the inventory curated — on-trend, classic, or high quality — while being transparent about pricing.

Y.E.: What do you think about big brands starting their own resale or take-back programs?

C.P.: It’s both competition and a good thing. At first it was scary, but I don’t think it’s the same as what we do — we offer variety. I’ve even shopped secondhand from certain brands I love. The more resale there is, the healthier the ecosystem. Of course, when a competitor opened on our block and underpaid their staff, that stung. But overall, I see resale expanding as a positive.

Y.E.: Have you noticed a decline in clothing quality over the years?

C.P.: I’ve always heard that, but I’m on the fence. There have always been cheap clothes, and sometimes a $60 pair of Levi’s lasts longer than a designer piece. The bigger issue is fabric — synthetic blends wear badly and can’t be recycled easily. The problem isn’t just fast fashion; it’s fabric, labor conditions, and sheer overproduction. There’s simply too much clothing in the world.

Y.E.: How has consumer perception of secondhand changed?

C.P.: It’s changed dramatically. Until the 2010s, many people would say, “Ew, no way.” Social media shifted that. Seeing stylish people wear thrifted pieces made it aspirational, and it broke down the stigma. Now people see what’s possible and are proud to shop secondhand.

Y.E.: What steps have you taken at Beacon’s Closet to reduce environmental impact?

C.P.: We switched from plastic to wood hangers, converted to LED lighting, and try to minimize waste across operations — electronic time cards, recycled paper, reusable bottles. Since we rent, we can’t make structural changes like green roofs, but we employ about 100 people, cover most of their health insurance, and work to create a workplace that’s socially sustainable too.

Y.E.: And what about consumers — what can they do differently?

C.P.: When buying new, check the tags. If it’s not sustainable, skip it or choose the better option. If you’re thrifting, buy whatever speaks to you. Small shifts matter, just like the environmental improvements we’ve seen over decades. Consumers create demand — and that’s what drives change.

Author’s Note: This is a snippet of our interview. Watch the full interview here with Re.Vert Ventures here or listen to it here. Beacon’s closet has four locations across New York City – find them here.

About the Author: Youssef Elbehri is host and founder of Re.Vert Ventures – an interview series dedicated to founders in the sustainable fashion space.

In my journey with sustainable fashion, one question has always lingered: how can waste be transformed into something of value? How can what we discard become not just useful, but beautiful — an object with emotional weight and a story worth keeping? That question has fueled three upcycling projects, each now proudly displayed throughout my home.

Textiles were my natural starting point. Rugs and carpets, with their durability and artistry, seemed the perfect medium. The connection felt almost inevitable — my family is from Morocco, a country where weaving is heritage. While researching this topic, I discovered Carpet of Life, a social enterprise that turns old textiles into custom boucherouite rugs while providing fair work to rural Moroccan women and artisans too often marginalized in a fragmented supply chain. I immediately knew I wanted to contribute, first through consulting, and then more personally — by patroning my own carpet, sending off a bundle of my worn garments to be reborn as a rug.

Rugs Reborn

Through my consulting work, I knew I had to visit where these rugs are created. So while on a trip to Morocco, I found myself traveling from Marrakech across the desert to the remote village of M'Hamid El Ghizlane, where my carpet was being made. There, surrounded by the warmth of tea, dates, and Moroccan hospitality, I joined the women as they wove my pieces into a new form. My high school “lucky” shirt, and my prom shirt, scraps from my first custom design piece, and the jeans I wore through college — once stained, torn, and unwearable — were transformed into something enduring. Today that rug is more than decoration. It’s part artwork, part heirloom, and a reminder of how memory can be stitched into material.

Boucherouite rugs are made from recycled clothing and textile scraps, known for vibrant, eclectic patterns and free-form, improvisational designs, rather than following traditional symmetry or predictability. My specific rug is designed after a sunset.

Jorts? Meet “Jairs”

My second project began on the streets of Brooklyn. Like many New Yorkers, I’ve stumbled upon abandoned treasures left on sidewalks. One day, I found a mid-century modern chair with elegant lines but a ruined seat. I salvaged it, and thanks to the support of my tailor, reupholstered the cushion with denim from my old jeans. The result was a “jair” – a jean chair that’s full of character — using familiar fabric but for a renewed purpose.

That one piece sparked a new habit. I began seeking out broken, discarded chairs — street finds, forgotten bar seats, neglected marketplace listings — and bringing them back to life with scraps from my own projects. Each finished piece carries the spirit of reinvention: landfill-bound furniture, stitched back into relevance with fabric scraps that once carried my own stories.

Silk Threads

The third project drew from my love of interiors. To me, walls should be layered with textures, not just prints — an eclectic mix that tells a story. I’ve always admired how Hermès and other luxury brands frame trademark scarves as art, elevating fabric to the level of painting. In Bangkok, where my parents live, I discovered a silk shop that sold leftover cuts of patterned Thai silk. Too small for clothing, raw-edged, and irregular, they were otherwise destined to be forgotten. I took them home, finished the edges with the help of my tailor, and framed them myself. Silk is notoriously unforgiving to work with, but the effort was worth it. Now, those framed silks hang as a vivid reminder of travel, family, and the beauty of giving overlooked materials a second life.

Each project began with scraps and discards, but the result is far more than furniture or fabric. They are stories — woven, upholstered, and framed — proof that what we once considered waste can carry both memory and meaning when given the chance.

About the Author: Youssef Elbehri is host and founder of Re.Vert Ventures – an interview series dedicated to founders in the sustainable fashion space.

Dear ThriftEd Mag readers,

Happy (almost) National Thrift Shop Day!

It’s been several years since the origins of ThriftEd Mag. We first released Volume I, a 10-page print publication featuring 13 editorials in 2017 in Blacksburg, Va. Since then, many more captivating thrift editorials found a home on thriftedmag.com. And much of the digital archive is still available on Instagram.

Before pop-up shops became synonymous for brand marketing, we hosted two sold-out, pop-up thrift shops in Blacksburg, as well as an edition in New York City, in 2022, alongside a host of passionate resellers outside of a community garden.

While Volume I was the first and only print edition we ever published – we are keen to keep this thing going.

Allow us to reintroduce ThriftEd Mag to its new Substack home and audience. ThriftEd Mag stands for “Thrift” “Editorial.” We style fashion editorials with secondhand garments and host our own experimental pop-up shops in an effort to make reuse modern.

ThriftEd Mag aims to change the way people value clothing and the way they shop – challenging over-consumerism through a holistic lens of contrarian fashion sentiment.

Here, you can anticipate user-contributed editorials, think pieces on downsizing one’s wardrobe, items we are stalking on Insert-Resale-Platform-Here as well as ample, creative lifestyle content.

For guidance on contributing to ThriftEd Mag, please use this submission form.

Until then, thanks for being here.

Team ThriftEd