Second Hand, Not Second Best

Hyperlocal thrifting advocate shares her love of gently used shopping on the ‘gram 

By Kalene McCort  Photos Jaime Carpenter

In the Grammy-winning anthem of 2012, “Thrift Shop,” Macklemore and Ryan Lewis laid bare the joy of stumbling upon chic second-hand finds at unbelievably low prices. Enter Sarah Howlett, a Boulder-based writer and editor, who is intimately familiar with the electrifying adventure of hunting down preowned treasures herself.

“I’m just, by nature, a kind of a thrifty, frugal, penny pincher type of person,” Howlett says. “I’ve always loved a coupon and stretching a dollar.”

Throughout the years, she has evolved into a fervent hyperlocal thrifting advocate, serving as a guiding force for individuals eager to explore the prime establishments and optimize their thrifting endeavors. Through her Instagram account (@boulderthrifter), she not only shares insightful tips but actively engages with her followers by showcasing her discoveries, addressing queries and highlighting fellow thrifting enthusiasts. Notably, she has meticulously crafted a comprehensive guide, offering an in-depth exploration of the treasures awaiting discovery in local stores.

“I think the COVID decluttering movement is still rippling,” Howlett says. “There was a moment there in 2020 and early 2021 where the thrift stores were just absolutely packed because it was lockdown, plus everybody was reading Marie Kondo.”

Navigating the plethora of second-hand shops sprawled across the Front Range, Howlett consistently gravitates toward the city limits, drawn by the abundance of thrift stores in Boulder. Within this compact radius, each establishment unfolds a captivating array of items, creating a thrifting haven that keeps her exploration both diverse and conveniently close.

Between work calls and time spent at her computer, Howlett can be found combing the aisles of Tru Hospice Thrift Shop, Pig & Pearl Secondhand, Goodwill, Greenwood Thrift, Resource Central and Salvation Army. Art Parts is another one of her favorites when seeking art supplies or fabric for a DIY project.

In her early 20s, while working as an editorial assistant at a New York fashion magazine, Howlett developed her love for thrifting. The culture of the Big Apple compelled her to limit possessions and stick to a budget, laying the foundation for her enduring passion for second-hand treasures.

“Furnishing my apartment was purely Craigslist and curb stuff,” says Howlett, who didn’t shy away from lugging furniture across Manhattan. “I needed to make my money go further. I became accustomed to spending money below my means and working to find the right piece, because, at the time, my bedroom was literally head-to-foot the size of a full-size bed. I had very little space, so the pieces had to fit; they had to work. I couldn’t constantly buy new stuff. That’s how it started, how my brain got to think about second-hand items before brand new items.”

While Howlett’s wardrobe is heavily thrifted—she estimates about 85%—her favorite possessions are those that grace the walls of her home.

 “I really treasure the art because I don’t really know much about art,” Howlett says. “I have no background. I’m of the ‘if you like it, you like it’ persuasion; when I find second-hand art that’s especially original, I just love it—because it’s affordable, it’s kind of quirky and put together in a collection has a really neat, eclectic vibe.”

A few years back, Howlett decided to Google the name of an artist who made a landscape painting she purchased at a local thrift shop. The creative behind the work was the late watercolorist Sybil Rew, who was based in nearby Gunbarrel. Howlett tracked down the artist’s son and acquired more original works of Rew, which she gifted to family that Christmas.

Howlett takes pleasure in unraveling the fascinating histories behind her diverse collection of pieces, relishing the excitement of discovering designer items at remarkably affordable prices.

Whether it’s stumbling upon pristine, unworn UGG boots for her daughter or securing a stylish Burberry coat for her mother, Howlett consistently demonstrates her keen eye for thrifted treasures, always keeping others in mind during her scavenging adventures.

“People don’t realize how many new-with-tags or new-in-the box things are out there,” Howlett says. 

Amidst the realm of fast fashion, where items are often swiftly discarded, Howlett sees thrifting as a form of environmental activism. She believes it extends the lifespan of items, preventing them from ending up in landfills and promoting a more sustainable approach to consumption—an approach that anyone can practice. 

“If the idea of going into a second-hand store with all of the different areas of all the different things overwhelms [you], start in just one area,” Howlett says. “If you’re not in a mood to go through the racks and look down on the low shelves and fan through the picture frames, you can still have that experience where you get a taste of it and then go on your way.” She also encourages folks to check the return racks outside of dressing rooms for fabulous finds. 

Ultimately, Boulder’s vibrancy and high economic standing are two factors reflected in the pieces and arrangements found in local thrift shops.

“I’ve been in thrift stores in smaller towns than Boulder or towns that are more remote, and they just don’t have the staff to make little displays,” Howlett says. “The volunteers at Tru Hospice make these really cool end caps that are always kind of a theme. That kind of stuff just makes it really delightful to shop in these places, and it’s all thanks to the people who work and volunteer there.”