the MINDFUL FASHION issue
Thrifting brings me peace of mind, and I think it’s something about the disorder. Finding the special things in disarray is so soothing.” AUBREY LOFTUS, Bella Vista
LOFTUS
like, ‘I want to get a pair of black skinny jeans,’ they will have no black skinny jeans. I go in to see what the AIDS Thrift gods have given me today.”
ANTHONY NANNETTI, 72 Social shopper Anthony Nannetti, of South Philly, has been frequenting Philly AIDS Thrift for more than 10 years. “In my case, I don’t see it as thrifting,” he says. “I see it as just a fascinating experience. It’s going into a place that’s unlike any other certainly in the area, and finding everything from kitchen supplies, clothing, books, CDs,
albums — everything. You name it. Eventually, you will find it here.” Nannetti, who is retired, stops into the store about five times a week to look for items that remind him of the past, noting Philly AIDS Thrift brings to mind old five and dime stores because of its variety of merchandise. He also comes in to socialize. Nannetti spends much of his time looking for books and has made friends with others who frequent this section of the store. He’s also particularly close with staff and volunteers — they even helped clean out his mother’s home when she passed away. “It’s a social experience as well as a shopping experience for me, absolutely,” he says.
AUBREY LOFTUS, 34 Thrifty fashionista Aubrey Loftus, of Bella Vista, started thrifting as a teenager, trying to recreate outfits she saw in magazines. “It was my way of finding fashion,” she says. Today, she still thrifts to recreate outfits she sees on social media, aiming to be both fashionable and sustainable. She’s constantly watching videos on TikTok and Instagram of others sharing their thrifted looks and even posts finds of her own on the account @modernmisfits, including her wedding dress that she thrifted for $40, she says. “I love how thrifting and the randomness of it dictates my style.” As a mental health practice, Loftus will often stop by Philly AIDS Thrift on Friday nights, when the store is quiet. “Thrifting brings me peace of mind, and I think it’s something about the disorder,” she says. “Finding the special things in disarray is so soothing.” Another benefit to thrifting is the community connection it brings. Loftus has experienced people recognizing the clothing she’s thrifted as something they likely donated, she says. “It connects you with your community in a cool way.” ◆
to donate Bring items to Philly AIDS NANNETTI
16 GRID P H IL LY.CO M M A RC H 2024
Thrift between noon and 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. P HOTO G RAP HY BY M ATTHE W BENDER