Four Reasons to Gift Shop Local, Thrift, Vintage, and Boutiques this Holiday Season

December 2, 2022

Four Reasons to Gift Shop Local, Thrift, Vintage, and Boutiques this Holiday Season

You have probably heard it before, "Oh, thrift that," or "It's vintage!" You are probably already anxious over the thought of spending an afternoon going place to place finding unique, quality, heirloom gifts that will create long-lasting memories in the hearts and minds of your loved ones.

The concept of gifting preloved or reused items may even still carry a bit of a stigma. It shouldn't. It is more affordable, supports your local community and makes a difference in the environment.

"Fast Fashion has us buying the latest and greatest fashion stylings and some brands even crank out new styles every week," Michael Armanno says, Principal Designer of Kalypso Couture. "There is so much in the world already, and we just don't see it, or know where to look."

To help guide you on your Bespoke Journey, Kalypso Couture has detailed a few stellar reasons to introduce sustainable shopping habits into your schedule this holiday season. We've also added a few Tips and Suggestions if you want a hands off personal shopping experience.

Sustainable Shopping

Fast Fashion introduces massive amounts of waste into our environment. The idea that the unsold, unloved clothing goes to poor third world countries is a farce. The reality is that many of these places you think of, end up being links in a long supply chain lead by corporate brands owned by investment firms.

According to recent data published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in 2018 alone, nearly 21 million tons of textile waste, furniture and furnishings ended up in landfills.

Shopping sustainably gives you the opportunity to buy your favorite garments virtually through thrifty apps or even in your own local community. That prevents these garments from ending up in a landfill, which is where all of those losing super bowl tees go. In fact, whether you shop online or local, the chance is that those items were sourced from secondhand shops and thus the benefit of moving money has passed through a few hands. Your dollar means a lot more to these smaller operators.

Four Reasons to Gift Shop Local, Thrift, Vintage, and Boutiques this Holiday Season Kalypso Couture Bespoke Tailored Suits in Jacksonville FL

Affordable Luxury

Have you noticed how everything is a bit more experience these days? Don't count on that changing. That is where your affordable luxury comes in. A little easier on the wallet and often quality heirloom garments last a lifetime.

Go to any local thrift shop or vintage store and google the first thing that catches your eye, tell me it isn't selling for more on Ebay. I'll wait.. keep this tab open.

Welcome back. For the same money, you can gift far higher quality items. That is the pure beauty of bespoke economics. Many times, you will find things still in the box.

Supporting Small Business

Thrift and vintage shops are typically locally owned, aside from your big name stores I don't need to advertise, sometimes you find a diamond in the most hidden of places — and they're counting on your support this holiday season.

Four Reasons to Gift Shop Local, Thrift, Vintage, and Boutiques this Holiday Season Kalypso Couture Bespoke Tailored Suits in Jacksonville Florida

Money spent locally stays in the community. Supporting your neighbors and friends and their employees. These local businesses often sponsor a lot of your regional events.

Heirloom Quality

One of our favorite parts of the Bespoke Journey is the history of a garment, or an accessory. Many quality vintage garments especially were crafted specifically for the wearer. Who they were, what they did, their impact lives on in that piece, and with a new opportunity for life, a world of new memories and experiences can be shared.

"Once at a social, a new neighbor of mine inspired me to take a look in the wardrobe." says Michael Armanno of Kalypso Couture. "I pulled out a suit, I had a feeling it would fit, and told them to put it on." That suit fit perfectly, and in kind Armanno's neighbor gifted him a 1940's Vintage Smoking Jacket, a regular appearance in the holiday season to date.

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The Secret Life of a Clothier

It is no secret, thrifting takes time. A lot of time. But sometimes the bespoke journey takes us out of our comfort zone, so I would encourage you to take the time. Try building a few hours into your weekly routine and prepare a list of items to keep a look out for. The best gifting opportunities come all throughout the year.

There are certainly the standard haunts when it comes to thrifting, but don't miss out on Estate Sales. They come and go quickly, so you have to stay spry. They tend to be a gold mine for entire wardrobes, or other unique items you mmay have never considered.

Tap into the community. There are a number of groups and communities online that barter and trade or offer up deals you just don't find in stores. I highly recommend Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing Groups if you have children. Young people age out of their clothing fast, and often times if you catch an offer, it will be bulk items in a similar size group making it easy to keep up with the sprouts.