thrift – The Concordian

Just over a year ago, I decided to stop buying fast fashion.

This decision stemmed from an unnerving experience opening a parcel from Urban Outfitters, wherein I found a hair — a human hair to be precise — on my (made in Bangladesh) denim skirt. The idea that this hair belonged to a factory worker, most probably underage, most definitely underpaid, was enough to make me pack up the skirt and send it back.

Since then, I have shopped exclusively from ethical and sustainable local, independent designers and transparent brands, as well as vintage and thrift shops. As a fashion school graduate and someone who works in the fashion industry, this proved to be a challenge in the beginning.

Where was I supposed to find something new, in good condition, hip, not-too-trendy, and that conveyed my personal style?

After a year’s worth of scouting my options in and around the city, I’ve compiled a repertoire of my go-to thrift shops in Montreal. Whether your budget is high or low, or if you are looking for something trendy, there is definitely something for everyone.

For a classic thrift experience, Fripe-Prix Renaissance Plateau (Mont-Royal Ave.) offers a great selection of items at a super reasonable price. There are racks on racks of clothing and accessories, as well as an extensive offering of books and vinyls, all in great condition.

L’Armée du Salut (Notre-Dame St. in Griffintown) has — in my opinion — the best selection of pants and denim. With over seven racks of bottoms alone, you can find anything from a pair of vintage Levi’s to a pair of corduroys, at prices typically ranging from $3 to $12.

If you have a slightly higher budget but still want the authentic “thrift” experience, there are tons of shops for you. The infamous Eva B on St-Laurent Blvd. remains more expensive than your average thrift store, with prices averaging $20. However, their exciting mish-mash of retro fabrics, prints, and patterns is sure to brighten your wardrobe.

For staple pieces, such as flannels and denim shirts, Hadio (Mont-Royal Ave.) is the place to go. Their prices are more expensive than your average thrift store, but with shirts lining every inch of the wall, you are sure to find a quality vintage item in brand new condition.

For some funky finds, The Little Shop in Parc-Ex is a great spot to hit up. With a much more eclectic feel, you can find a variety of vintage hats, fur coats, and party dresses. If you’re into more of a street style look, L N F Shop on Parc Ave. offers a mix of old and new, from vintage Nike to some more recent pieces from brands like Atelier New Regime.

Many thrift shops offer more of a boutique-style experience in Montreal. The only downside is that with a more curated selection comes a more elevated pricetag, and thus, not necessarily a classic thrift experience.

However, for those trying to stop supporting fast-fashion, shops such as Annex Vintage on St-Viateur St. offers curated pieces that often hit the racks in collections, and provide a variety of trendy clothing in brand new condition, with a price that remains lower than that of fast-fashion giants such as Zara and H&M. From week to week, you can find the store filled with anything from denim or velvet items, to retro winter puffer jackets.

Similarly, Ex-Voto on St-Laurent Blvd. in Little Italy offers a smaller, well-curated variety of clothing. They also have a wide selection of locally made goods, jewelry, and accessories, making it the perfect place to shop for gifts.

If you’re looking for unique pieces, Citizen Vintage is the place for you. Their two locations, in the Plateau and in Mile End, offer vintage items which have been altered and repaired, having them looking brand new. In addition, they have an in-house collection, Studio Citizen, consisting of clothing that has been made by hand in Montreal, from fabric scraps and deadstock fabric, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

With three locations spread out across Mile End and Little Italy, Empire Exchange offers a great selection. I’ve found my fair share of designer items at the various Empire Exchange locations — a Burberry polo and Saint Laurent denim shorts, among others — making it a great place to keep an eye on and peruse the racks every now and then. Who knows what you’ll find?

Whether you’re contributing to a circular cycle in an effort to be more sustainable, making a conscious effort to not support companies who exploit their workers, or trying to stick within a budget, thrifting is a feel-good pastime that is sure to bring out your personality and satisfy your need for shopping.

Photos by Brittany Romeo-Clarke

How fast fashion negatively affects our environment and how we can do better as consumers

I know that as a student, it is hard to keep up with the fast-changing world of fashion trends that incite our consumerism while on a tight budget. We tend to buy from the stores right around the corner from our homes. It’s close, it’s cheap and it gives us access to more. But, have you ever stopped and thought about how damaging these stores are for the environment?

Fast fashion is characterized by the mass production of clothes and cheap prices, to the extent that some stores have around 52 different seasons every year, according to the documentary The True Cost. That means new clothes coming in every week, which hooks consumers and attracts those who are more money-conscious. It sounds great in theory—I mean, who doesn’t like variety and low prices? However, the reality and the manufacturing ethics behind these products are not so great.

Behind these clothes are starving women and children who work long hours and for little money, according to The Guardian. Not only that, but these workers are abused in order to meet unrealistic deadlines, according to the same article. According to The Independent, these factories mostly operate in Asia and are known for their use of toxic chemicals, large amounts of material waste and contamination of one of the most precious natural resources: water. Large amounts of water. Thus, fueling the overheating of our planet, according to BBC. Since clothes have become even more accessible than before, we buy more, we use less and we waste on a larger scale.

If you are vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian, you probably already have a grasp on how harmful agriculture is for the environment. But did you know that, according to Forbes, the second largest industrial polluter world-wide is the fashion industry? If you are committed to minimizing your consumption of animal products and you are already interested in being more environmentally conscious, why not apply this living ethic when it comes to shopping?

Montreal is known for its style—I’m sure you know what I mean. The further you wander out of downtown and into the Plateau-Mile End, the more evident this becomes. Thrift shops also start clouding your vision, as there are plenty, and some are really worth checking out. Buying second-hand clothing is an amazing step towards being more sustainable: you help small businesses, you reuse, and it is affordable (unless you’re shopping in the Plateau). Plus, it has its advantage beyond the environmental question—you won’t be wearing what everyone else already is.

Some of my favourite items in my wardrobe have been found in thrift shops, and surprisingly, I purchased them from Value Village. It is a huge store and can be a little overwhelming, but if you have a good eye and some enthusiasm, you will find some valuable treasures. Another one of my favourite thrift stores is definitely Ruse Boutique; it is a consignment store that always has unique pieces from renowned brands at unbeatable prices. If you are not already sold by these two suggestions, you should try Annex Vintage, Cul-de-sac, Citizen Vintage, Eva B, Empire Exchange, Bohême Friperie, or just walk up St. Laurent Blvd.

If thrifting is not your thing, you could start being more conscious when you shop by selecting only products made with recycled materials, non-toxic dyes or organic fabrics. Although these small changes won’t fix the global environmental issue at hand, they do make an impact that multiplies as more people adopt them. If this article sparked anything in you, I would highly encourage you to watch The True Cost (available on Netflix), investigate and stay away from the most damaging mass production brands, like Zara, H&M, and Forever 21. Reusing makes you feel and look better. And more importantly, will help the environment. It’s a win-win situation.

Graphic by @spooky_soda