Growing up in a family where money was always tight, I have an enormous ability to live within a simple wardrobe and I am no stranger to "Hand Me Downs". My grandmother has the best clothes and I recall being so excited when she would clean her closet bc I had a chance to get something cool or as some may call "vintage" when she sorted through her 4 closets. Not only was it enjoyable to see all of the wonderful clothes she had, it was the feeling of having something of my grandma's that made the experience of receiving a "hand me down" in many ways very special to me.
When my mom would go through her clothing, she would offer me some of her "favorite" pieces and every time I wore her clothes, I felt confident, beautiful, and even more connected to her. It was this sense of love and gratitude that kept me when I would get bullied or criticized for not having "new clothes" like my friends who thought that having new clothes made you a better person.
My thirteen year old niece now shares my love for thrifting in "my closet". She likes my clothes better than her own, and it tickles me every time I notice something missing and she smiles and says, "you remember that you gave me that a long time ago". Whether I did or not, I know that once its on her body, it no longer belongs to me, because at that point it has been handed up and over to her.
I believe in giving and when someone is in need, I would rather buy them something new, but if I do give out of my closet, I give of my best. The cost of the item is no matter, and hopefully the heart in which I handed something down is received with love and an understanding that the clothes I wear are shared in love.
Hello Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this personal post of yours. You're blog is very comprehensive, and you have put a lot of thought into the concept of your company. It is very clear that fashion is your passion and that you have a lot of personal experiences that are touching and helped you become the person you are today.
I believe your firm is going to do very well, and women, which of whom I assume is your target audience will LOVE what you have to offer! Good job and keep up the good work!
Hi Jennifer. I truly enjoyed reading this post. I can relate with hand-me-downs. I also grew up in a household with very little money. What we did get new we were very appreciative for. I have always shopped at thrift stores and bargain department stores. I shared clothes with my mom growing up; and now my daughter shares mine. It does make you feel good when you can share some of your favorite things with those you love. When I am able to hand down my clothes to someone who truly needs them, it is priceless to see the joy it brings to them and the appreciation they have for it. Thanks for sharing this post and some of your personal passions with us. I look forward to reading more from your blog.
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