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Embracing "Whimsy" Through Thrifting

Whimsy is one of this year’s biggest buzzwords and making life more whimsy or “whimsymaxxing” has quickly become a major online trend, especially with thrifting influencers. But what does this word mean? What does this aesthetic entail?

 

What is Whimsy?

You can think of whimsy as playful, quirky, sometimes maximalist or the opposite of minimalist. Whimsy entails choosing “cute” over “practical” and reminiscing on our childhood when everything felt magical and carefree. A recent social media trend, for example, that portrayed whimsy well involved cutting shapes out of food, like bananas or even butter, and turning them into stars or hearts placed delectably on pancakes or toast. This act requires a little more work and time but it’s fun and visually appealing, and this is the whole point of whimsy!

 

How Do I Become More Whimsical?

Secondhand stores are a great source for whimsy decor, materials, and fashion. Since a pillar of whimsy is embracing our inner child, more and more people are seeking out things they remember from their childhood- items that haven’t necessarily been popular in ages. What a better place to find these than the thrift store! Secondhand stores also offer an array of fun, quirky things to add interest or sparkle to the mundane.

Want to know how you can embrace whimsy in your own life? Here’s a list of items we recommend looking for the next time you’re at the thrift:

  • Pins- these add detail to your bags, hats, clothes, etc.
  • Cute dishware and mugs with designs
  • Trinkets- these can live in your home or car, they add a little something fun to look at
  • Ribbon- cute ribbon is great for crafts or for adding detail to ordinary items
  • Buttons- fun buttons are so whimsy-coded, they add a little something extra to clothing, notebooks, hair pins, etc.
  • Trays- you can use trays to hold your perfume collection, a coffee table spread, candles, etc.
  • Cutouts or molds- use to make shapes out of your food!
  • Fun clothing accessories- belts and hats
  • Physical media- CDs, cassette tapes, records, DVDs
  • Other craft supplies- stamps, fun paper, stickers
 

I hope this list inspires you for when you visit the thrift next! Come visit us at any of our 3 Overflow locations Monday-Saturday; we'd love to see you!

 

Mari Russo, Marketing Coordinator, Overflow Thrift Store