A few weeks ago, Jenni Rotonen from the Pupulandia blog put over 50 pieces of clothing up for sale on Emmy. Jenni is an experienced secondhand store explorer. So we asked her about her best finds and her thoughts on consumption.
What are your own reasons for buying secondhand clothes?
“Buying used is always a more ecological choice than purchasing a completely new garment. I like layering in dressing, and secondhand is often a more personal option than wrapping yourself in the season’s latest trends. Another plus is that secondhand is often a bit more affordable than new clothing. On the other hand, good quality lasts over time and many wears, so it’s worth paying for quality clothes even when they’re used.”
Your best secondhand find?
“I’ve made such great secondhand finds that it’s hard to name just one. I’ve found some incredible treasures for a bargain, like Manolo Blahnik heels, a beautiful Japanese robe, and the perfect vintage Levis.”
What was the hardest part about putting clothes up for sale on Emmy?
“Listing clothes for sale on Emmy was really easy, but maybe the most nerve-wracking part was how my clothes would be priced and how they would look in the photos. Of course, I was also a bit nervous about whether they would actually sell.”
Did you wear recycled clothes as a child, or did you discover them only as an adult?
“Wearing recycled clothes has been familiar to me since childhood—in fact, I only rarely got new clothes as a child. I have a big family and a bunch of older cousins, so I inherited most of my clothes from them. I don’t remember ever being upset about it as a child; it was always a special day when a bag full of old, but new-to-me, clothes arrived from my cousins.”
What else do you buy secondhand besides clothes?
“I often buy household items and furniture used as well. Or actually, I don’t really need to buy anything now, since my home is already nicely furnished, but I have bought, for example, an antique linen cabinet, an old bookshelf, an armchair, as well as dishes and all kinds of small household items secondhand. I like that things or clothes have a story.”
What vintage clothes are you interested in right now?
“I especially love spotting beautiful, relaxed dresses, quality coats, Japanese robes and kimonos, as well as timeless leather bags and shoes.”