Ashley Pokone, known by her Instagram handle Plaidlattes, is no stranger to secondhand shopping. This practice started in her childhood and grew into a passion. To celebrate National Secondhand Wardrobe Day, we caught up with Ashley, a committed shopper at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana retail stores, to learn more about her love for thrifting.

Growing up, Ashley often wore hand-me-downs, extending the life of the clothing as long as possible. Her first visit to Goodwill ignited a love for thrift shopping that has only grown. She’s now a regular at the Goodwill store on Olio Road in Fishers, Indiana.

“Through shopping at Goodwill, I discovered I could find the clothes I loved for a reasonable price,” Ashley said.

One of her most memorable finds at Goodwill was a dress designed by the famed Dominican fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, which she bought for just $7.99.

“It’s a piece of fashion history, and even though it didn’t fit me then, I had to have it,” Ashley said.

Ashley’s interest in fashion took off in her late teens. Since 2008, she has studied fashion magazines and explored different styles, which led to her love for creating fashion-related content, including refurbishing thrifted clothes and DIY tutorials.

One of the things Ashley appreciates about shopping at Goodwill is the consistent layout across its 75 retail locations, which makes it easy to navigate and shop efficiently.

“Goodwill has been a big part of my life from a young age. I never really thought about going to other thrift stores. I like the layout and the fact that it feels familiar in different locations,” she said.

When shopping, Ashley relies on her sense of touch to determine the quality of the fabric. Her familiarity with different textures is so refined that she often identifies a brand by how it feels alone. She explores every section of the store, regardless of gender or size, and usually shops while listening to music, which can influence her choices and style.

Occasionally, she invites friends to join her on Goodwill shopping trips and advises those struggling to find items they like.

“I encourage them to look through the entire store. Many people get stuck in one section, but the style and sizing have changed over the years. My friends always walk out with a big bag in the end,” she said.

For Ashley, Goodwill offers a treasure trove of unique items from various eras. She carefully selects her purchases, fills a cart, and then narrows her choices to the best pieces based on their versatility and quality. 

By shopping at Goodwill, Ashley finds affordable and unique fashion pieces and supports her community. Her commitment to secondhand shopping helps keep resources within the local economy, promotes sustainability by reducing waste, and supports Goodwill's mission to change lives daily through education, employment, and health. Ashley’s love for thrifting reflects how local thrift stores like Goodwill can be a source of personal joy and a means of giving back to the community.

Find the nearest Goodwill retail store near you.