Travel-Inspired Fashion: Belle Bakst on Thrifting, Sustainability & Global Style
In Episode 8 of “Check-In with Bryan and Jeremy,” we had the pleasure of hosting Belle Bakst, a renowned fashion writer, beauty icon, and activist. Belle shared her insights on the intersection of fashion, writing, and activism, emphasizing how travel inspires her style and the importance of sustainable fashion choices.
Travel-Inspired Fashion: Shopping Local and Thrifting
Travel offers a unique opportunity to draw inspiration from diverse cultures and styles. Belle Bakst highlights the value of observing local fashion trends during her journeys, using them as a source of inspiration for her own wardrobe. One sustainable and enriching way to incorporate global influences into your style is by shopping local and thrifting while traveling.
Benefits of Thrifting While Traveling
- Unique Finds: Thrift stores often carry one-of-a-kind items that reflect the local culture and fashion sensibilities, allowing you to acquire pieces that tell a story and stand out from mainstream fashion.
- Sustainable Fashion: Purchasing second-hand clothing reduces the demand for fast fashion, minimizing environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.
- Budget-Friendly: Thrifting is cost-effective, enabling you to expand your wardrobe without overspending, leaving more room in your budget for other travel experiences.
- Cultural Immersion: Exploring local thrift shops provides insight into the community’s history and values, offering a deeper connection to the place you’re visiting.
Tips for Successful Thrifting Abroad
- Research Local Thrift Stores: Before your trip, identify popular thrift shops or markets in your destination. Belle Bakst, known for her expertise in mixing high and low fashion, suggests exploring various stores, from the Salvation Army to high-end boutiques, to find unique pieces.
- Visit Affluent Areas: Thrift stores in affluent neighborhoods may offer high-quality items at reasonable prices. As noted by experts, exploring stores in such areas can yield valuable finds.
- Timing Matters: Belle advises that the best time to go thrift shopping is when it’s rainy, as fewer people are out shopping, increasing your chances of finding hidden gems.
- Inspect Items Carefully: Examine clothing for any damage or wear. Ensure that any necessary repairs are manageable and that the item is worth the investment.
- Negotiate Prices: In some cultures, haggling is acceptable. Belle suggests that it’s perfectly okay to ask for a discount, especially if you’re buying items as a set or bundle.
- Pack Light: Leave space in your luggage for new acquisitions, or consider shipping items home if you plan to purchase in bulk.
Incorporating Thrifted Items into Your Wardrobe
- Mix and Match: Combine thrifted pieces with your existing wardrobe to create unique ensembles that reflect both your personal style and the influences of your travels.
- Alterations: Tailor thrifted clothing to fit perfectly, enhancing their appearance and making them feel bespoke.
- Care and Maintenance: Properly clean and care for second-hand items to ensure their longevity and maintain their aesthetic appeal.
Embracing local shopping and thrifting during your travels not only enriches your fashion repertoire but also supports sustainable practices and deepens your connection to the destinations you explore.
For more insights and tips from Belle Bakst on fashion, writing, and activism, tune in to Episode 8 of “Check-In with Bryan and Jeremy.” Available on all major podcast platforms, this episode offers a captivating discussion that will inspire your fashion journey both at home and abroad.