When I first started Eye Hate Heels, I was in my early twenties and feeling the pressure to succumb to micro trends and the fast fashion of it all, I regularly threw what little money I had at companies like Forever 21, Express, H&M, and Zara because I wanted to be able to incorporate a version of every hot ticket item I was writing about and seeing come down the runways into my own wardrobe.
Fast forward a decade and I have a greater appreciation for well crafted, ethically sourced garments. Sustainability is top of mind and while my style hasn’t changed much, my shopping habits are much more conscious. Trends come and go, but there is something to be said about prioritizing quality and personal style over throw away items.
We all know I love me some Rent the Runway (code RTRMEGHAN gets you 40% off any of their multi-item plans!), but when it comes to making a purchase, there is something to be said about the hunt. The most coveted pieces in my wardrobe are the pre-loved garments I sourced myself. Sites like Depop, Vestiaire Collective, The Real Real, Poshmark, Goodwill – you get the gist – are just oozing with archives waiting for a new home. Be it a vintage DVF wrap dress from the 70s, a mini skirt from Phoebe Philo’s Chloé era, a Prada dress from the 2000’s collection by Miuccia (which I’m currently wearing!), etc. The thrill of securing what you set out to find is insanely fulfilling. Dare I say better than an everything bagel toasted with cream cheese after a hot yoga sesh on a Saturday morning.. or is that just me?
What I so wish I knew a decade ago is that the ability to wear the look is there and you don’t have to surrender to shopping at SHEIN nor break the bank to achieve it.
