Catherine Grace Sigman

"You're not gonna blend in, so just embrace it already."

"Thank you very much, that makes me feel much more relaxed."

I spent most of my formative years playing soccer, tutoring young students, working at local juice bars, and doing art, although one hobby overtook more time than others in my youth. What my mom calls an obsession is truly my passion: thrifting and repurposing old clothing. Since I can remember, I have joked with my parents that every day is a fashion show. Christmas morning could hardly rival the unbridled joy of receiving that telltale trash bag full of hand-me-downs from cousins. I developed a deep appreciation for the fine embroidery that adorns vintage blouses, the sturdy leather of well-loved purses, and the timeless details on vintage denim.

As I grow older, I realize that this is more than a way to pass my time; my clothing has become a crucial element of my self-expression. My love of thrifting helps me approach each day with positivity as if every moment is an occasion to be excited for. Last year, thrifting became a way for me to manage depression, as it gave me an excuse to celebrate each day and helped me connect with a network of young people with the same passion. Celebrating used clothing has broader impacts than my own self-expression, though. Every item I thrift and repurpose becomes a reminder to be conscious of the environmental and social value of goods. The way I see it, my closet is a lovingly curated collection of items that just as easily would have been discarded. This becomes a daily reminder of gratitude for the things I have, a reminder of my responsibility of stewardship toward earth, and a creative outlet to imbue my life with art.