Latinx Sustainable Influencer Spotlight: Lala from Lotta Thrift Finds

Thrifting in Chicago is an exciting and ethical way to shop for unique clothing. It helps shape your authentic sense of style while practicing your susty values. Social media is a great tool for you to find amazing thrift stores and inspiring influencers. Lala from @lottathriftfinds is an amazing example of someone that uses Instagram to showcase her cool and thrifted pieces from the windy city ! She was born and raised in Ecuador and more than happy to share with us her knowledge around thrifting.

Photo Courtesy from Lala

How did you first learn about thrifting and why is it important for you?

I began thrifting when I was little out of necessity! I grew up in a low income immigrant family and that was the only way we could afford to get new back to school clothes. I used to hate it! I didn’t understand why I couldn’t get brand new clothes like the other girls in my grade. My mom made every effort to show me how thrifting gave me a unique sense of style. She made it cool for me!

So as I grew up thrifting was just my way of shopping. I love it! I get to find cool unique items and I feel good about building a sustainable closet that also helps my wallet! Thrifting is important to me because It has helped me find my sense of style and helped me be confident in my own body. Plus it helps that I can be kinder to the planet by not consuming new products as often. 

What inspired you to start @lottathriftfinds on Instagram?

I started my Instagram page because I began to hear from my close friends how they loved my outfits and couldn’t believe the majority was thrifted. 

I began to see my friends getting interested in thrifting. It felt so good to have inspired my friends to begin thinking about the effects the clothing industry has on the planet. It was amazing! They asked if I would post photos of my outfits. So I did! And it’s been so fun. 

Photo Courtesy from Lala

What are some key tips to thrift sustainably and ethically? 

Some tips for thrifting sustainability and ethically are simple: a) shop your closet first! See what you have and what is missing from your closet. b) only shop for items that are missing in your wardrobe. If you buy too much just because it’s second hand or cheap it defeats the purpose of mindful consumption. c) always look in every area of the thrift store. 

Even if it’s not your size, still take a look! You could miss some beautiful pieces. d) have a budget. Having a budget when I walk into a thrift store helps me stick to my plan. This prevents me from impulse purchases. e) do not forget the homeware section! f) bring a bag. I always bring my own bag for when I am done. 

Besides thrifting, how do you practice sustainability in your everyday life?

Thrifting is a huge part of my cooperation in living a more sustainable life. However,  I also shop at my local grocery stores and bring my own bags. I have minimized my dairy and meat intake. I cook at home for the majority of my meals which to me means less take out containers to deal with.

I try to avoid single use plastics in my home. I buy cleaning products in bulk so that I minimize my plastic consumption. I have stopped using disposable razors for over a year now. My safety razor is bomb!! Everyday I try to make choices that will reduce my contribution to harming the planet. 

What are some good approaches for thrifting in big cities, such as Chicago? 

You have to approach thrifting in a big city with an open mind! Sometimes you don’t find anything and sometimes you find amazing items! I love getting to know the city and it’s surrounding areas by going to thrift stores. You get a feel of the towns by what you find at thrift stores. There is a large homeless/ low income community who depend on city thrift stores for clothing. Since thrifting has become trendy the prices in big city stores have skyrocketed! This has caused some issues for these communities. 

By not thrifting in the city so often I feel like I am not contributing to this issue. This is why I like to shop more in the suburbs. If you do find yourself needing to shop in the city, that is fine too! But be mindful of workers and the people who are shopping alongside you. Be kind. 

What are some of your favorite thrift finds? 

There are so many thrifted finds I love! But if I had to choose my favorites would have to be my long black leather jacket, camel wool coat, and my pink reading chair! The chair I found at a Salvation Army in Michigan. I was on a work trip and wanted to visit the nearest thrift store. This vintage velvet pink chair cost me $15. I had to strap it to my trunk and drive it down to Chicago very slowly, I had a small trunk. Lol I couldn’t leave it behind. 

Photo Courtesy from Lala

Are there any thrift stores you'd recommend in Chicago?

In Chicago I tend to visit the Village discount thrift stores. I don’t really shop at curated thrift stores. I like the hunt of digging for treasure. I also like to go to the Salvation Army in Humboldt Park. It’s pretty hidden but it always has great items. I usually skip Goodwill stores in the suburbs, not my vibe. But I love going to Salvation Army stores all around the suburbs. I drive all over Illinois for work so I tend to visit a thrift store wherever I go. 

You can follow Lala on Instagram at @lottathriftfinds