Last Sunday was National Second-Hand Wardrobe Day, and I love that this day exists.

Aside from the fact that I’ve been rocking second-hand finds since middle school, there couldn’t be a better time to recognize the value of wearing previously-loved items.

As of 2017, 1 in 5 North Americans are reportedly shopping resale clothing regularly. That number is skyrocketing year over year, and it’s nothing compared to the rest of the world, where about 80% of the global population regularly utilizes secondhand goods! (source)

Secondhand clothing is predicted to grow even larger than fast-fashion in 10 years, and in my opinion? That’s incredible for consumers and the planet.

Wasteful habits may be on the rise in modern society, but upcycling, resale, and second-hand clothing shopping is growing at an exponential rate. Just check out this incredible 2019 resale report by Thredup.

Inspiring stuff, right?

I was thinking about the second-hand shopping phenomenon a lot while vacationing with family this month. While my little blog is just one corner of the internet, I’ve been feeling increasingly passionate about using it to promote the second-hand movement to my fellow fashion lovers.

See, I do a lot of vintage and second-hand shopping, especially on Etsy. Did you know they offset carbon emissions for every order placed on the site? I don’t always make time to share those finds, but I’m going to start.

In honor of this lovely summer of 2019, I’m kicking it off with this rad vintage lifeguard tank top. I bought it from an Etsy shop called The Beard And Lady. They specialize in cool vintage tees and retro denim.

On the last day of vacay, I took it for a test drive on the boardwalk at Hammonasset Beach. Yep, I’m obsessed!

This post is about more than just showing off a cool tank top, though.

I’m hoping to hop on my soapbox for a second to talk about consumption choices and how we fill our closets.

You probably know by now that the fashion industry is a pretty big offender when it comes to exploiting natural resources and human labor.

As alarming news about our climate and our planet continuously rolls in, we’re presented with a chance to create change with habits we may have previously taken for granted. This includes the clothes we buy and the brands we support through those purchases.

I’ve come a long way in my shopping habits in the past 6 months. I’m far from perfect, obviously, and I haven’t shifted to 100% second-hand in my own wardrobe. I do make a conscious effort to find used items before I buy new ones, though.

I also patronize smaller local businesses, turning to retail giants only when I have to. But I can do better. We all can!

I truly believe that every person’s actions make a difference when it comes to an entire society “voting” with their dollars, creating demand around common goals.

Everything you do has an impact, one way or another. If you’ve been left feeling hopeless—or worse, apathetic—in the wake of commentary about humanity being past the tipping point, reel it back in. Set aside that dark thought.

Small shifts implemented by a large group of people can create immediate change.

Waves of positive change will become inevitable if we take back our power and take action, whether that’s actively changing up our consumption habits or donating money to organizations who are on the front lines of eco-preservation.

One way clothing and fashion lovers (like you and I) can make a difference? Supporting the revolution of second-hand.

We can lessen the fashion industry’s impact on the planet over time by rejecting the idea that we need a new wardrobe every month.

After all, it’s an industry that functions, shifts, and evolves according to consumer demand. More than ever, brands are taking note of consumer habits and shifting their business models accordingly.

That means we do have the power.

And hey—it won’t be so bad, this shopping second-hand stuff! Did you know that most of the “new trends” you spot online can be found in the archives of vintage on Etsy and eBay? I’m not exaggerating when I say you can find literally anything you’re into. It’s all been done before.

Second-hand shopping sites and boutiques are crawling with unique, one-of-a-kind items that will spice up your wardrobe.

Once you start shopping around, you’ll find that vintage clothing is often better-constructed, made with more durable materials (seriously, how are all of those 90s tees still so vibrantly printed?), and more fun to wear!

There are many ways to engage in this “revolution”, and the result will be a happier planet, a happier bank account (you’ll shop less and spend less), and a positive cycle of clothing karma (which you can read all about here, if you’re curious: Clothing Karma: 5 Undeniably Good Reasons to Buy Vintage Clothes).

I’m an optimist, and some people scoff at me when I talk about this stuff. But I believe with every fiber of my being that individuals taking action can create substantial and life-altering change for all.

So… do you want to be a part of the second-hand shopping revolution?

What’s one small change you’re committing to as summer ends?

Leave a comment below or come let me know on IG.

As I write this I’m sitting next to my window and a row of dew-speckled potted plants, sipping hot coffee that reminds me of how morning smells at mom and dad’s house. It’s the first cool and crisp morning of late-summer, and my Libra sensibilities are taking over.

I’ve loved this summer more than the last few, but I’m ready to embrace sweater season, leaf-hunting, and all of those cozy cliches you’ll find on IG around this time.

Life is shifting and changing quickly, and for once I can say I’ve graduated from that feeling of barely keeping one hand above the surface. I’m quitting my multi-project addiction cold turkey and focusing wholeheartedly on one big dream.

And let me tell you… that’s a first in my life!

It’s as if all of the mantras and inspirational quotes and goal lists have started to take hold—at least, some of them. 😉

Since I’ve been working on establishing a flexible, but inspired morning routine (I crawled out of bed at 6am this morning), I thought finally updating this blog would be a nice way to kick off my day. Here’s a glimpse of what I’ve been up to (and how I’m doing on my 50 non-crucial goals).

Sooo… I vlogged a week in my life!

You get to see it all, from bad hair days and botched schedules to commutes, mini-adventures, and daily routines. Morning to night, 7 whole thrilling days.

From exciting things like parties and photoshoots—to less exciting things like freelance work and existential crises, this video is a pretty accurate snapshot of my life this spring.

It made me realize how much I love the in-between moments. The evenings cooking at home, watching a rainstorm, organizing and rearranging, strolling through a farmer’s market…

It’s not exactly glamorous or fascinating, but I had a ton of fun making it. I hope you have fun watching it!

If you like the video, subscribe to my channel! I post somewhat randomly but it’s always a good time.

Oh, and if you want a bizarre behind-the-scenes snapshot of just how much went into making this bad boy, here’s a final screengrab of my editing software right before exporting.

Wooow, right? Enough to put me off vlogging for a few more months.

P.S. Yes, that’s a burn on my arm! Right before filming this vlog began, I reached over the kettle while it was boiling and the steam got me. I was very eager to make a cup of tea. Thankfully, it’s pretty much healed up by now. 🙂

The Hey Mishka Vintage summer ’19 shoot happened Saturday! Thanks to the incredible team—and my new favorite vintage-sourcing gems—it was a success. I’m sooo stoked to share these photos with you guys.

Many more to come. Special thanks to my amazing team:

• Model: Emily
• Makeup: Krystal Raydo
• Assistant styling: Natalia Brexodo

Stay tuned for the official announcement when the collection hits the shop! Meanwhile… bookmark Hey Mishka Vintage, follow the shop on IG at @heymishkavintage, and jump on the Hey Mishka Vintage mailing list for updates on sales & more!

Allow me to introduce you to my newest vintage find: a roomy Forenza jacket with a classic 90s silhouette, drawstring waist, and an oversized hood.

Joy, SPARKED.

Some of the boldest pieces I own, whether for color or silhouette, are vintage. This particular jacket also sparked a new kind of passion in me, beyond acquiring gems for my own closet.

I want to convince you to shop vintage, too.

Adding vintage and second-hand clothing to your wardrobe is beneficial in so many ways. It’s both an eco-friendly alternative to fast fashion and a more creative, satisfying way to create your personal style.

Rather than just post photos of myself in my new favorite jacket (which I’m also doing, because… joy sparked!), I’ll break down some of my top reasons for adding vintage to my year-round wardrobe.

If any of them resonate with you, comment below!

Here are 5 undeniably good reasons to buy vintage clothes.

Of all the vintage stuff I adore, coffee mugs are among my favorite things. Is it because I drink a lot of coffee (I mean, my blog’s newsletter called the Coffee Break)? Because I love sassy ’90s phrases and pop colors?

Because the morning ritual of coffee is made sweeter knowing you’ve rescued your mug from second-hand kitchenware doom?

Who knows!

But, as the official household name of decluttering Marie Kondo would say, they spark major joy.

When I wander into a thrift store here in the city, one of the first things I do is checkout shelves of kitchenware for cute mugs.

If your kitchen cabinet doesn’t have a collection of quirky vintage mugs, don’t despair. Etsy and eBay are quite literally bursting with them—and once you dive down this rabbit hole, you’re almost guaranteed to emerge with some new (old) goodies.

Here are 25 of my favorites!

What better way to say “I love you” than with a warm-and-fuzzy cocktail you made yourself? 🍸❤️

Erin—a.k.a. the bartender of my heart—stopped by the other day with a tote bag of booze and fancy drink utensils to whip some up. She created three delicious libations to serve to friends and lovers on the most commercially romantic day of the year. 😉

The afternoon was an ode to the cocktail we mixed up for a v-day blog post many years ago! If you remember that, you’re a true Hey Mishka OG.

The cocktails range from mild to strong in intensity, but all are pretty simple to whip up with ingredients you won’t have trouble finding.  Oh, and they’re really pretty.

After drinking copious cocktails in order to film this video (I know, I know, occupational hazards), things got pretty warm-and-fuzzy. Mentally, anyway!

Whether you’re having a party with the girls or planning a special night with your s.o., these DIY valentine’s day cocktail recipes will add a whole new level of deliciousness to the mix.

Don’t forget to ask for a tip. 💋

After you watch the video, grab the full recipes below. Bottoms up!

In the immediate wake of the down-on-NYFW post I wrote yesterday comes an example of fashion I feel good getting excited about.

Vegan Fashion Week was held from February 1—4 at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles and California Market Center in Downtown LA. The event gives an empowering platform to conscious brands and designers to showcase game-changing fashion.

Vegan designers and activists were invited to showcase innovative, cruelty-free, and sustainable collections. They offered an inspiring look into a future—a place where compassion is the industry norm.

Groundbreaking textile solutions were presented, including Piñatex® pineapple leather (woah!), apple leather, eco-friendly faux fur by Ecopel®, faux wool, and more. If you’ve never heard of some of these, you’re not alone—but how exciting. And you know I love faux-fur! 😉

Designers included Dr. Martens, Matea Benedetti, Noemie Devime, Altiir, Bayem, Ecopel, Enda, New Rock, Mink Shoes, Mistohn, Sarah Regensburger, Chloe Trujillo, Vegan Club, WastedLA, and Arsayo.

Apparently, the event was such a success that Vegan Fashion Week creator Emmanuelle Rienda is already preparing for next season’s showing: “I am on a mission to challenge the fashion industry at its roots until cruelty-free is the norm.”

Here are some looks from the runway & a few snaps backstage.

Warning: This is a borderline anti-fashion post written by someone who works in fashion and has lived/breathed fashion for the past decade. I’m not against style, design, or creativity (or glitz and glamour if I’m being real) but I am against the current state of our industry and how consumers are basically hamsters running around in a circle inside of an H&M. I… well, you’ll see.

Fashion week is starting, and I find myself more triggered than excited.

I was so deep in that shimmering mess for a decade, but the world can’t afford to keep ignoring how detrimental the fashion industry really is to people, the planet, and our idea of happiness in general.

Mass-market fashions are churned out at a rate that is physically draining and killing factory workers. Fabric is thrown away by the ton during production and after we buy, wear, and discard clothing. Thrift stores are overflowing and developing nations are in turn overwhelmed with our unwanted items, shipped by the boatload, which is also impacting their economies and putting local artisans out of business.

The planet suffers from depleted resources, excess waste, and toxic byproducts.

Oh, and rampant ego.

And why? So we can buy new shit at H&M every week? So we can be sold on the idea that “happiness” is a new bag or dress?

I’ve been enamored with fashion for my *entire* life, pouring over the pages of Vogue, etc, and I’ve spent thousands and thousands on clothing over time. So Shouldn’t I be ECSTATIC by now, if these things are supposed to be satisfying and make us happy?

It’s a cycle of bullshit. It’s hype. It’s empty. We get tired of new things within a month and we’re back online, ordering a new wardrobe with a few clicks. Clothing gets cheaper and crappier in quality. We get more addicted because it’s so easy to buy.

And Fashion Week (in every city it erupts in) is just the parade that kicks off another season of wasteful, mindless consumption.

I used to focus on the creativity, innovation, and excitement of it all, especially when I was bragging about getting seats at shows in my 20s, but now it’s a reminder of a dark future the industry is helping to create.

Listen, I LOVE style. I LOVE fashion. I LOVE design.

I’ve been struggling for a couple years about how these passions, these loves fit into the next part of my life because they breed major guilt, the way they’re manifesting now. And guilt is the TINIEST part of this problem.

It’s time to make peace with style, art, and design inspiration in a way that rejects the wasteful reality of the fashion industry.

We need to reassess. We need to flip everything on its head and rethink the way we shop. We need to take action, one by one, and keep asking our peers to stop and think about what they’re buying.

It seems impossible since we’re so used to shopping this way (without thinking, I open browser tabs to see what’s new in stores I like, because it feels FUN in the moment), but if you think about it, fast fashion and our current wasteful buying habits have only been in play for about 15 years, and even less if you hone in on the extreme state they are in now.

It’s reversible. The industry WILL change if consumers change. Supply meets demand.

And if we don’t change, we’re just going to implode. Something is going to give (and it might be the entire planet).

I do believe consumers have been on this inevitable trajectory for decades, and here we are, but I also think people are waking up to the patterns and cycles we’ve all been trained to stay stuck in.

I think that’s why Marie Kondo is suddenly a household name and “minimalism” is trendy. It’s because we dream of a life where we’re not controlled by stuff. We want things to have meaning, right down to our clothing and personal style.

Anyway, this is getting long, so just wanted to leave some productive action steps here:

👚 Buy less, less often. Buy higher quality. Yes, that usually means more expensive. Reject the idea that sales are irresistible and cheap is good. Find a hobby to replace shopping. I am also working on this!

👚 When you do shop, shop second-hand. Reject the idea that second-hand is a dusty basement thrift shop. There are hoards of online markets to browse with high-quality vintage and second-hand clothing. Start with Etsy, Ebay, and Poshmark.

👚 When you’re getting rid of clothing, think about where it’s going and during what season. Call ahead and ask what thrift stores need. Find out what consignment shops are buying. Take responsibility for the things you brought into your life in the first place, and get rid of them responsibly.

👚 Watch Marie Kondo’s show on Netflix if you haven’t already. She might be a bit hard to swallow, but at least she’s switching up the narrative about the North American addiction to stuff.

I will always get chills when I see a beautiful dress go down the runway. I will always fawn over girly, gorgeous dresses and people who have amazing style. I will continue to support small designers and creative, eco-friendly brands. I will always remember my fashion education fondly and hand-bead to destress on Sunday afternoons… but I’m going to work hard on changing my bad habits. I’m going to work very hard to be more aware.

Wouldn’t fashion be more fun and uplifting if it didn’t come with bad karma and guilt? I certainly think so.

Thanks for coming to my actual Ted Talk haha.

This started off as a social media post, but I don’t want it lost to timelines, so I put it here, too. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I’m curious about your thoughts! Comment below or email me: hey@heymishka.com

Who says girls don’t buy themselves heart-shaped jewelry? I mean, Pam says it on The Office when she’s unraveling a scandal, but she’s way off. I adore heart-shaped earrings—and the bolder, the better!

They make a great statement accent for Valentine’s Day (or any day), but since cupid’s b-day is upon us, I rounded up my favorite vintage heart-shaped earrings on Etsy for you to browse.

They range from around $10 to $100, so there’s something for everyone. Bonus points! Buying vintage is more eco-friendly (and fun) than grabbing the latest fast-fashion trend from a major retailer. Give it a shot!

Here are 24 perfect pairs of vintage heart-shaped earrings to try.

Heart-Shaped Vintage Earrings Under $15

1. Black and White Heart Earrings ($10)

2. Pink Plastic X’s and 0’s Heart Dangle Earrings ($10)

3. 80s Paint Splattered Heart Earrings ($8)

4. 80s Metallic Heart Dangle Statement Earrings ($9)

5. Mondrian-Inspired Heart Dangle Earrings ($12)

6. 80s Heart Hoop Post Earrings ($11)