Embracing Style and Sustainability: Julia Parzyck on Thrifting and Personal Expression
Julia Parzyck, also known as Juju or Fit, Fat, and All That is an inclusive wardrobe stylist and confidence coach who helps people embrace their bodies and express themselves authentically through fashion. Her approach blends self-love, creativity, and sustainability, particularly through the art of thrifting.
Finding Your Personal Style
On the challenges of fashion trends and overconsumption, Julia says:
"I really value people that are creative with their style and just aren't telling other people like, 'this is what you should be wearing to be cool.' It feels very like high school popularity kind of vibes."
She emphasizes that self-expression begins with understanding yourself, not copying influencers:
"We're just relying on like, okay, we see this influencer that's wearing this outfit and then we buy the outfit. And then we think that we'll have the confidence that this influencer has because we purchased the exact same thing. And then we put it on our bodies and we're like, I don't feel confident. And it's like, because you're copying, copying and pasting, hoping that you'll get like that sliver of confidence from them instead of actually working on your own inner confidence."
Her styling sessions are designed to build self-awareness:
"I ask my clients, like, what are some pain points with your body? What are some parts of your body that you really love to show off? And what are some areas that you struggle with? And how can we kind of unpack that a little bit… maybe like push the edge and see like maybe we try like a shorter crop top and see how that feels."
Thrifting as a Creative and Sustainable Practice
Julia has long embraced thrifting, both for sustainability and style exploration:
"I have always loved thrifting. I love going to antique shops. My dad owns an architectural salvage business. And so I think it's just very much like rooted in my blood to like be a little secondhand shopper. And I really started when I was in Denver, really started to get into thrifting."
She acknowledges the challenges of thrifting in a curvier body:
"Existing in a curvier body, thrifting can be really hard because it just, feel like there's like not as many options."
Yet, she highlights the joy and creativity it brings:
"I found these gems of items and it's like the most compliments I was getting about outfits were things that I thrifted and it became like such a fun activity… it forced me to lean into my creativity way more than just shopping online."
5 Tips for Mindful Thrifting
Julia offers practical advice for thrifting successfully:
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"First look into your closet and see like, 'what am I shopping for?' …making sure that the things that you're getting are gaps that you have in your closet."
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"If you can only imagine one way to wear it, to me, it's not worth the investment."
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"Make sure I'm looking over the item. Are there any tears, stains, buttons missing and stuff like that? Because I've definitely gotten really excited then come home and I'm like, wait, this is shitty. This is stained."
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"I grab everything I like, I put it in my cart, and then I find like a quiet little cozy corner in the thrift store near a mirror, and I try things on slowly… I don't want to feel rushed in the process of buying something."
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"My girlfriend actually has like a plus size secondhand store and I have a depop as well where I share my thrifted items that I find and sell."
Styling and Confidence Go Hand in Hand
For Julia, styling is not just about clothing, it's about confidence and body positivity:
"We feel great. It's like, yeah, showing up for yourself is easy. Whereas like when you're not feeling good about yourself, those are the moments where it's really hard to show up for yourself."
She encourages clients to focus on the little things:
"Does it look like 10 seconds of deep breathing? Does it look like stepping outside and just like getting cold air on your face? Like these really, really small things, they may seem so small, but they're so pivotal in these journeys."
Her sessions combine style, coaching, and sometimes thrifting adventures:
"I've gone thrifting with my clients and help them sustainably add things into their closet, which is really fun… we continue working together in multiple ways after we do our intensive session."
Special Offer: 20% Off Coaching and Styling
As part of the Gathering Voices community, you can enjoy 20% off Julia’s coaching and styling services! Whether you want to explore personal style, build confidence, or refresh your wardrobe sustainably through thrifting, this is the perfect opportunity to work with Julia and invest in yourself.
Use code: GATHERINGVOICES at booking to claim your discount.
Closing Thoughts
Julia’s approach to fashion, thrifting, and personal expression is rooted in authenticity, sustainability, and self-love:
"It's fun when we start to listen to who we are and how we want to show up … fuck trying to be like everybody else."
Through mindful shopping, intentional styling, and confidence coaching, Julia helps clients, and anyone willing to embrace their individuality, create wardrobes that reflect their true selves.
Catch to the full conversation on the Gathering Voices Podcast on Spotify or YouTube.
