TikTok Thrifting Queen Micah Russell on Fast Fashion and the Rise in Thrifting

A Gucci bag. The perfect denim skirt. Fun going-out tops. TikTokers are finding some real treasures at thrift stores. And their ‘thrift hauls’ are inspiring many — maybe even you — to join the hunt in search of big savings, one-of-a-kind items, or in the name of sustainability. Yet, even thrifting has spurred debate. To learn more, we spoke with personal shopper and stylist Micah Russell, who has built a large TikTok following by selling custom secondhand clothing bundles. Here’s what she had to say...

Q: Many people have recently gotten into thrifting because it offers an alternative to fast fashion. Was that the case for you?

I think the more people talk about [the problems with fast fashion], the more people thrift. And the more people thrift, the more they enjoy it … I’ve always been into thrifting because of my grandma — she owned a thrift store when I was little … Fast fashion didn’t really come into play [for me] until these Shein hauls and “outfit of the day” (OOTD) videos. I would make videos doing the same thing, but only with secondhand pieces … I would get on TikTok and talk about how every time you buy something [from these fast fashion companies], you’re saying, ’This is what I agree with.’ So when you support Shein, you’re supporting [alleged] forced labor, child labor, and unfair wages … People would respond with the reasons why they had to shop at [fast fashion] brands, like they have more plus-size options or it’s what they can afford … That’s when I was like, ‘I need to create a solution to this.’ Because I realized people felt it was their only option.

Q: There are many ways to make fashion more eco-friendly. What’s the benefit of thrifting, rather than, say, buying from “sustainable” brands?

With thrifting, the pieces already exist. While sustainable brands are great, they’re still producing more pieces … Thrifting repurposes things already out there, which I think is true sustainability. Of course, some people argue that [thrift shops] are intended to help people who don’t have a lot of money, and if you shop there, you’re taking pieces from them. But some of the thrift stores where I live in Oklahoma City say they put out [approximately] 2,000 pieces a day — and throw out or donate thousands of other pieces to giant warehouses. So there really [seems to be] a surplus.

Q: Critics have also argued that the recent explosion of interest in thrifting may consequently lead to the gentrification of thrift stores. Is that something you’re concerned about?

I’ve already seen it happen, with thrift stores raising prices and selling online. For example, Goodwill no longer sells jewelry in stores. They sell it online. They also now have boutiques, with pieces from high-end brands. I’ve heard some argue that resellers are at fault for [this], but resellers have been around forever. [A lot of it may be] inflation ... but I also believe it’s these big thrift store chains trying to capitalize off the popularity ... [Particularly since] I don’t see these issues yet in nonprofit thrift stores or smaller mom and pop stores.

… Even on TikTok, I see all these videos where people are going thrifting — but they’re at a vintage store or an antique mall. That’s not thrifting ... [I think] thrifting means everything’s donated. Whereas, antique malls and vintage stores are all curated. Everything there has been bought at a thrift store, estate sale, garage sale, or somewhere else.

Q: If someone does thrift, what advice do you have for those who find it totally daunting?

Go in there with an idea of what you’re looking for ... Don’t go in feeling like you have to look through every item. Go to the aisle with the type of piece you’re looking for and as you’re walking, look at the patterns and feel the fabrics ... Let your fingertips tell you what they’re feeling, and you’ll find a piece. That’s what I do ... Also, don’t underestimate the kids’ section. They love to put women’s clothes there.

Q: What thrifting find are you most proud of? 

I have two. Do you know [the watchmaker] Swatch? [It made these] giant clocks that look like watches and go on your wall [which were popular in the ‘80s]. I found one in all my favorite colors — pink, lime green, and orange — for $7 at a Goodwill here in Oklahoma City. I took it to my shop and it sold within 30 minutes for $700. Then, I found this gold zodiac mirror … I [first] saw it on a vintage store’s Instagram, but it had already sold … I started Googling to see if I could find one on Facebook Marketplace, but they were selling for $2,000. I kid you not, I go to the thrift store the very next day and there’s one for $30. I still have it.

📺 In entertainment…

Looking for something to do this weekend? Tomorrow is National Cinema Day — meaning, you can catch some summer blockbusters in participating theaters for just $4. Or try your hand at a childhood classic: Uno, which has celebrities going wild. Not into cards? Then, take notes from Gen Z and give CDs another spin — but maybe stay clear of their “bummer summer” playlists.

👗 In style…

Turns out, stellar fashion may be written in the stars. Meanwhile, if you love skirting the rules, good news: Easy, breezy, and super trendy white maxis are in — and approved for wear long after Labor Day. Just make sure to pair it with some “superbly luxe” foot jewelry. Plus, the high pony is reaching new heights. 

✨ In girl culture…

As more and more true crime fans embrace “If I Go Missing” folders, TikTokers are celebrating older sister energy. Also, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Ariana Grande are giving us more proof that the ladies (not girlies) got in formation this summer. Oh and, happy Women’s Equality Day. 

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Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Career opportunities where the sky is literally the limit. 

If you’re looking to make career moves, Boeing’s got you covered. Check out their open roles in aerospace, and see where inspiration can take you.*

2. Insanely comfy pants for every occasion. 

We’re talking work, travel, and everything in between. Athleta’s fan-fave, silky sleek pants are made of featherweight stretch fabric and have easy-access pockets. Psst…grab other Athleta essentials during their End of Summer Sale, featuring styles under $50, starting August 31.*

3. Our official review of Windmill's AC unit.

Spoiler alert: It's so much better than old-school window units. And it's not an eyesore, so you can keep it up year-round.

*Slams laptop shut until Monday.* We know the feeling. And we’ve got some tips for escape.

Labor Day weekend is just around the corner (read: next week), but you can keep the summer vacay vibes going all year — with a whiff of your wrist. Fragrance, whether made by hand or store bought, can help transport you anywhere from your fave beach spot to your dream travel destination. If you’re ready to tap into your scents of adventure, here are a few ideas…

• The Caribbean. Dreaming of sipping rum punch on a secluded beach? In that case, some experts suggest looking for a scent that includes coconut, florals (jasmine, ylang ylang, magnolia), or fruit (tangerine, pineapple). Two great options include Guerlain’s Mon Guerlain and Milèo’s Amber Elixir Oud. 

• The Mediterranean. To capture the freshness of the French or Italian Riviera, go for something with herbs and spices, like basil, oregano, and thyme. Aquatic florals, like white or pink lotus, can also help evoke the seaside. Ready to dive in? Try Aerin’s Mediterranean Honeysuckle or Acqua di Parma’s Arancia di Capri.

• The Southwest. Conjure the desert’s earthy vibes with notes of orange blossom or cacti. Or, for a scent inspired by Joshua Tree, look for something with blue cypress or sage. DS & Durga’s Sweet Do Nothing and Byredo’s Mojave Ghost are both scentsational.

• The Pacific Northwest. Embrace the great outdoors with notes of amber, sandalwood, or frankincense. Or, for something more reminiscent of a crackling campfire, check for notes like black spruce, cedar, or clove oil. Two highly recommended fragrances: Maison Margiela’s Replica By The Fireplace and The Nue Co.’s Forest Lungs.