Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
One Blouse Two Ways
Black printed
blouse- Ship N Shore (via Goodwill) ~$3.50
Grey button
pencil skirt- Ann Taylor LOFT (via Goodwill) ~ $5
White pants-
Ralph Lauren (via Marshall’s) ~$25
Grey pointy
flats- Nine West (via Goodwill) ~$5
TOTAL COST:
Outfit One
~$11.50
Outfit Two
~$33.50
I
love finding versatility in my clothes. My plethora of secretary blouses can be
worn in both dressy and casual ways. In look one, I paired my blouse with this
excellent find, an Ann Taylor LOFT skirt I thrifted. The original buttons were
plain so I swapped them out for these beautiful silver crest ones. In the
photo, both pieces look like the same color, but there is more definition and
separation when you see it in real life. I went for a more relaxed look in my
second outfit. I would have never thought to wear them untied until I saw this
photo from a favorite blog of mine, Pink Peonies (http://www.thepinkpeonies.com/).
I also love the
white pants with the dark top. This blouse looks plain from far away, so I
included a close up of the print.
It’s an interesting one and I’m not sure what
it’s supposed to be, but I love the incorporation of orange and blue as small
detail colors.
Tell me readers,
Which look do you prefer? Comment or
email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully
Yours,
B
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Don't You Step on My Pink Suede Shoes
Floral dress-
Derek Heart (via Goodwill bargain bin) ~ $0.75
White and blue
paisley cardigan- Old Navy (via Goodwill) ~$3.50
Dark pink suede
loafers- Talbots (via Goodwill) ~$6
TOTAL COST:
Approx. $ 10.25
I
rarely create an outfit in which I have thrifted every piece- namely because I
only own 3 or 4 pairs of shoes from Goodwill- but here I have managed to do it.
Of course I went for a print on print pairing, it has become my new mission to
learn the art of print mixing. I would say this effort is pretty good, maybe a
6 or 7. The true gems of this outfit are the shoes. These little babies are
suede, in excellent condition and made by Talbots. My desire to identify my
virtual savings led me to the Tablots web page to look for a suitable
comparison item. What I found were $105 suede ballet flats. Well can’t you just
image my surprise and glee (and slight horror) at that piece of information!
Virtual savings of almost $100 on a single item! It’s one of my best thrifts to
date.
Tell
me readers, Would you spend $100 on
suede loafers? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully
Yours,
B
Friday, July 27, 2012
Oops, I Did It Again (& Again)
My
favorite seasons for fashion are fall and winter. Shops like Goodwill and
Salvation Army offer some out of season items at all times, which means I can
be collecting special pieces all year round, regardless of the present season.
At times, I find myself getting hooked on a specific type of garment. Recently,
that piece is the secretary blouse. Three years ago, while participating in a
Goodwill “up-cycle”/re-fashioned” fashion show, I was assigned this beautiful
outfit…(check out that fabulous hat and those heels!)
I fell in love
with the silk paisley blouse and purchased it (for $3.50) after the show. My
sense of fashion was a bit different in 2010 and I hardly wore this top.
However, it planted the seed for what has truly turned into an obsession with
the secretary (or tie-neck) blouse. My interest in this garment really
accelerated after I purchased this pink, purple, and blue paisley blouse.
I received many
compliments on it and loved the special feel that only a vintage piece can
give. I wanted more and so my collection began. Presently, I have 9 secretary
blouses (varying sleeve length) that were all thrifted. These tops are on trend
for the upcoming fall season, however, you’re not going to find them for a
better price or more special looking than thrifting a vintage one.
Case and point?
(Left: Saks
Fifth Ave, Right: Equipment {via Last Call: Neiman Marcus})
I like both of
these blouses but with price tags of $69 & $139 respectively, I wouldn’t
dare buy either. My entire collection of 9 secretary blouses (the remaining 8
pictured below) cost me around $32. If I have to choose between 9 different
options for $32 or one blouse for $69 (or even $20 at a store like Forever 21)-
it’s not really a fair fight :)
They’re silky
and light-weight enough for late summer/early spring and with a cardigan,
sweater vest or blazer, they work as a layering piece all winter long. I should
probably stop buying them, but I could go for a few more in solid colors- as you
can see, I only have one (the silky champagne blouse- all the rest are printed,
though it’s hard to see). Maybe black or purple?
Tell me readers,
What do you think of this trend? Do you
have a favorite among my 9 blouses? What are your style suggestions for this
trend? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully
Yours,
B
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Remix and Repeat
White Polo-
Ralph Lauren (via Marshall’s) ~$20
Multicolored
floral Capri- Jones New York Signature (via Goodwill) ~$5
Baby blue skinny
belt- Goodwill (no label) ~$1
Rose suede
loafers- Talbots (via Goodwill) ~$5
TOTAL COST:
Approx. $31
I
have been searching and searching for the perfect pair of floral patterned
Capri or crop pants as they are on my wish list. Goodwill and Salvation Army
seemed like pretty hopeless options because new trends take a while to make it
to thrift stores. However, my mother found this pair in our local Goodwill and
I love them. The colors are lovely and vibrant. I’m also so pleased with how
many different styling options these Capris give me! I did a quick once-over of
my closet and found 6 additional pairings! I chose to keep the accessories as consistent as possible
(although I could have had a blast with different shoes, belts, and
accessories) so that the focus is on the Capris and the different top colors
and shapes I utilized.
(L-R top, then
bottom)
This orange (the
color didn’t really photograph accurately) v-neck tee as well as the yellow
tank top are both casual ways to wear these capris. I also wanted to find a
print-on-print option. Print mixing is a true art. I thought that a wide
striped top would be an excellent compliment to the random floral of the
capris. Using colors found in the capris, I selected this coral and white, and
this chartreuse and white tee. I am pleased with the pairing! I’m not sure that
any other print, besides a stripe, will work though. Any ideas, readers? I finished up with a popular selection this
year- the chambray top. Mine has ruffles (YAY) and a rolled sleeve. I think it
the chambray was a bit lighter in color, it would be even more successful.
Finally, I did an untucked look (GASP!) with this lilac button up. Even though
purple is not in these capris, the tone of this top goes with the tone of the
floral.
Tell
me readers, Which pairing is your
favorite and what other ideas do you have? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully
Yours,
B
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Ebay Highlights
Dear Readers,
As
you may know, my mother runs an Ebay store (http://tinyurl.com/eBayCraftmom).
The main focus of our store is offering quality brands at affordable prices. I
wanted to highlight some of the great stuff there right now. (From top left, moving clockwise)
~These
trouser-style gauchos are Banana Republic “Ryan Fit” and they are a size 2.
They are a wool blend and feature a cuff at the hem. They are in excellent
condition (just need a pressing). Seasonally, they are best for fall or winter
with a heel or knee high boot. We are starting the bidding at $20. Banana
Republic is currently selling pieces with a similar shape for upwards of $50!!
Virtual savings of $30 if you buy from us.
~This Lilly
Pulitzer blue gingham skirt is so preppy and whimsical with all-over ice cream
cone embroidered details. It is a size 10. Great with a white polo or button
up, it’s a classic. Seasonally, best for spring and summer. We are starting the
bidding at $18. Lilly Pulitzer is currently selling similar skirts for around
$90! Virtual savings of $72 if you buy from us.
~These fuchsia
knee-length capris from J. Crew are a beautiful piece. Brightly colored and
printed capris are on trend this summer. Great for spring and summer. Pair it
with anything from a classic button up or a basic tee. We are starting the
biding at $16.99. J Crew is selling similar capris for $60! Virtual savings of
around $43 if you buy from us.
~This colorful
skirt is by Trina Turk- size 6. The multi-colored stripes are whimsical and
fun, perfect for spring and summer. Paired with a tank and statement belt,
you’re ready for dinner out! This skirt isn’t even posted yet! You’re getting
the insider scoop! We will probably price it around $35. Trina Turk is
currently selling skirts for around $150. Virtual savings of $115 if you buy
from us! That makes this piece the steal of the lot.
If you want more
information, check the website for more detailed descriptions. So go ahead and look! We have a number of other pieces listed including excellent denim and vintage coats. Cash in on virtual savings!
Happy thrifting,
readers.
Thriftfully
Yours,
B
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The Long & The Short of It
Star print wrap
dress- Episode (via Goodwill) ~$5
Gold beaded
necklace- Old Navy ~$5
Gold pointy toed
heels- Nine West (via Bon-Ton) ~$20
TOTAL COST:
Approx. $30
This
is an all silk dress I thrifted recently. Buying an item for me generally means
that I find it to be versatile. However, this dress is not. It’s not seasonally
diverse. And as a single piece (rather than separates) its overall look can’t
be changed too greatly. The pattern and style (a wrap) grabbed me but the
strange combination of short hem and long sleeves as well as the “Dry Clean Only”
label really made apprehensive. However the mental image of me wearing this
dress strolling along Hampton’s beaches in the evening possibly wearing this
necklace…
convinced me to buy it. Honestly, for $5, I bought the fantasy.
I’m
going to try and restyle this dress in the winter with black, opaque tights-
Interested to see how it goes…
Tell
me readers, How would you restyle this
look for other seasons? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully
Yours,
B
Monday, July 23, 2012
The Star Piece
White and black
print tank- Ann Taylor (via Salvation Army) ~ $3.00
Off White
cardigan- Vera Wang for Kohl’s ~$5
(sale)
Black capris-
Old Navy ~$10 (sale)
Red braided
belt- H&M ~$5
Gold slip ons-
Toms (gift, retails for $54)
TOTAL COST:
Approx. $23.00
When
I saw this shirt at Salvation Army, I immediately hoped it would be my size.
The print really spoke to me- it’s a common design on woven cane chairs and
I’ve never seen it printed on any fabric. The collar is a bit different from a
regular tank top, which I like- I think it makes it a more special piece. Ann
Taylor for a couple of dollars is nearly unthinkable. Salvation Army offers a promo
every day of the week. Items are tagged with colored price tags. Each day, a
specific color is 50% off and every Wednesday, all items are 50% off. This shirt
was purchased on a day when pink tags were 50% off.
A
note on styling: I generally do not wear so much black and white in one outfit,
however, I felt this shirt was more likely to be the “star” piece if I wore
understated bottoms. I actually wish I’d had a white belt when I put this
together, but alas- red belt.
Tell
me readers, What do you do to make one
piece pop in an outfit? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully
Yours,
B
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Literally Literal
Pink shorts- Tommy Hilfiger Outlet ~$25
Pink flower earrings- Forever 21 ~$5 (multipack)
Brown sandals- Target ~$20
TOTAL COST: Approx. $53.50
I wore this outfit to visit the University of Tennessee Botanical Gardens. Seeing flowers and wearing flowers. I can be extremely childish in my dressing habits. Going to the zoo? Wear something zoo-y. Seeing Arabian Nights? Tunics and harem pants. It's silly, but it's the theater kid in me. I'm certain my excellent (and literal) outfit went unappreciated by fellow floral fanatics, but you, dear readers, will see the thought I put in :)
This shirt was a long ago Goodwill purchase. It's clearly supposed to be lingerie and I bought it with the intent of using it as a beach cover-up, which is also why I packed it. However, it was very hot the day we were heading to the gardens and it seems like an excellent selection, especially when one also considers the floral print. It's not a very versatile piece but I bought it years before I was more conscious of what I was buying, even for $3.50.
Tell me readers, Do you ever get creative and use lingerie in your everyday wardrobe? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully Yours,
B
Saturday, July 21, 2012
50 Classics
White and navy
striped t-shirt- Tommy Hilfiger (via Marshalls) ~$15
Navy cotton skort-
via Boscov’s ~$10
Map print scarf-
Thrifted (no tag) ~$6
Gold slip-ons-
Toms Shoes ~(gift, retails for $54)
TOTAL COST:
Approx. $31
I
simple, chic look and thought, what better way to accomplish that than to go
with preppy classics? My style is flexible, but I do enjoy the classics. All
women should build a wardrobe based on their personal tastes, however, I find
this list of classics to be pretty helpful. In this picture, I’m working a few
of the items- can you spot them?
Here’s
the checklist and a link (http://www.bellechantelle.com/2011/02/50-classics-for-your-closet.html) to a pictorial version.
Currently I
have 42 items (although some, like the trench or blazer, are variations of the
piece rather than what is stated). The missing items I’m currently searching
for are: Classic Oxford (in blue) and Black Cigarette Pants.
Tell
me readers, How many items on the list
do you have? or Which are you still searching for? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully
Yours,
B
Friday, July 20, 2012
Jellies For Adults
Black tank top
with thin white stripes and collar- Ralph Lauren POLO (via Marshall’s) ~$20
Pink, white and
black striped skirt- Dana Buchman (via Goodwill) ~$5
Glitter rose
earrings- Totally forget, probably Target or Forever 21 ~$3 (possibly?)
Pink jellies-
Delia*s ~$20
TOTAL COST:
Approx. $48
I
was going for a “retro-housewife” look today. While I am not thrilled with how
it looks in the picture, I did get a few compliments from classmates and I
thought in person that the prints somehow worked better. This skirt is one I’ve
long had from Goodwill. It’s a good length, it's pleated and there is pink in
it- a winning combination. I truly wish the black parts of this skirt were
navy, as pink, navy and white is another winning color trio in my book. Ah
well, for $5, it’s still an excellent deal.
Are
you thinking, “Jellies are being made for adults?!” the answer is yes. I bought
these from Delia*s a number of years ago and barely wear them. Why? They are
not comfortable for nearly any amount of walking and if your feet sweat even a
little, forget about keeping them on at all- it’s like a Slip ‘N Slide. I was
headed to class (read: MINIMAL walking), wanted to wear a flat and thought a pink shoe would be nice
with this outfit, so here they are! Adult jellies.
Tell me readers,
What childhood fashion trend to you
miss? Inbox or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully
Yours,
B
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Separates Have More Fun
Black, white and
red silky tie dress- WD NY (via Goodwill) ~$5
Silver
gladiators- Bongo (via TJ Maxx) ~$5
TOTAL COST:
Approx. $10
Ah
this dress. Silky to the touch (though not silk) and easy to wear. Only, it
doesn’t make for an interesting outfit post. (That’s kind of the thing about
dresses. Separates are much more fun!!) I did thrift this dress at a GW a
number of years ago, which fits my blog’s mission statement. It’s a little big
for me, but it ties in the back so I make it work. I had never heard of WD NY
as a brand of clothing and the tag is super boring, but a Google hit reveals
that it is a brand sold at Lord & Taylor (no wonder we haven’t crossed
paths) and the retail price for dresses is in the $60 range. WOAH! Virtual
savings of $55. Do I think this dress is worth $60? NO! Maybe $20- MAYBE!
Alright, end rant about over priced clothing. Side note, don’t these gladiators
go with everything? What will be my go-to winter shoe?
Tell me readers,
Have you ever heard of WD NY? Inbox
or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully
Yours,
B
Sal-Val Scouting
Mom and I decided to pop by the local
Salvation Army for some thrifting. Our local GW is quite small compared
to others I’ve visited, so when we’re really in the mood to search the
racks, it is best to hit the Sal Val as it’s at least 3x larger. We did A
LOT of picking and trying on. I came out with 6 pieces for a total cost
of $23.00. Mom also added a few new pieces to our eBay account (http://tinyurl.com/eBayCraftmom).
My favorite snag of the day is an item that was on my Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/ladypsychology/)
wish list- a removable fur collar for a winter coat. I had pretty much
given up on finding one in the stores I visit, so I was perusing Etsy
for something well priced that didn’t look like a bad rug. I had found a
few nice, real rabbit fur collars and some nice faux’s for anywhere
between $15-$30. The price I paid for this little gem…?
$7.50. It’s faux, its lush, it ties at the bottom, it’s excellent. Another item off the Wish List!
The remaining 5 pieces are all
clothing: 2 (more) vintage secretary blouses (black with orange and blue
accents {Ship ‘N Shore}, and the red, white and black vertical stripe
{Knitmakers}), a Land’s End deep red with white cherry blossom print
cardigan, black and white print Ann Taylor tank top, and a white Ann
Taylor poppy printed skort. I will admit, I have a serious addiction to
tie-neck, secretary blouses. With the addition of these two, I now have 8
of varying sleeve lengths (Perhaps it’s time to stop…). Not all of the
pieces I bought are summer season clothes, so you’ll just have to wait
to see how I work them into my fall/winter wardrobe. I’m sure the poppy
skirt and black and white printed tank will be working their way into
some up coming posts! I have a hard time waiting to wear my new pieces.
Tell me readers, What item of clothing do you have multiples of? Inbox or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully Yours,
B
~P.S. Check out this thrilling polyester
number I tried on. Sadly it didn’t fit (wouldn’t zip up in the back) but
I got a picture of it! Mom says its very “Laugh In.” I loved it. Don’t
know where I would wear it, but what a piece to have around for parties
or a photo shoot!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Virtual Savings
Lilac sleeveless
button up- Eddie Bauer (via Goodwill) ~$3.50
Green
embroidered chino shorts- J Crew ~$30
Pink flower hair
clips- Target ~$4
Brown leather
belt- Vintage (from mom)
Green & navy
sandals- Lands End ~$10
TOTAL COST:
Approx. $47.50
You
may remember this lilac top from my “Heapin Haul” post. Well here it is, all
clean and ironed. I love it! It’s in excellent condition- I doubt it was worn
more than a hand full of times before it was donated. The fit is great and the
style is classic. It seems like this shirt can go with anything- denim, khaki,
black, brown, etc.
I
always like to check out current pricing on pieces on similar pieces,
especially when I find an item to a certain quality. For this top, I hopped on
over to the Eddie Bauer website. What did I find? A top like this sells, full
price, for $50. Can I say that, although it’s a lovely top, I would never
pay $50 for it. Part of the reason I like it is because I got it for such a
great price (can’t beat $3.50). Virtual savings of $46.50! That price is partly
based on the label but also based on quality. The stitching, detailing and
quality of the fabric and buttons is part of what a $50 price tag is based on.
Tell me readers,
Do you ever look at comparable prices
for your Goodwill snags? Inbox or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.net
Thriftfully
Yours,
B
Challenge Accepted!
Ditsy floral tiered dress- Express outlet ~$20
Peacock and blue feather earrings- Forever 21 ~$6
Baby blue vintage skinny belt- no tag (via Goodwill) ~$ .97
Brown sandal- Target ~$20
TOTAL COST: Approx. $46.97
Recently in the
Northeast, we had a horrific heat wave. Beating the heat in a
fashionable way can be a challenge, but as Barney Stinson often says:
Challenge Accepted! I’ve had this dress for a few years and rarely wear
it. The dress is tiered and without a belt, I end up looking slightly
like a Christmas tree because I’m pear shaped. My new-to-me baby blue
skinny belt was the perfect choice for a pop of color, which breaks up
the busy pattern, and gave the silhouette a better shape. What may not
be obvious in the photo is that the fabric used is actually a
stretchy-mesh, which is highly breathable, making it perfect for hot
weather. I wore this dress out to dinner, so I added my feather
earrings. I’m not sure if this trend is “over” but I’m not ready to let
it go.
Tell me readers, How do you stay cool and fashionable when the weather gets hot? Inbox or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully Yours,
B
So Bad It's Good
Black scoop neck t-shirt- Old Navy ~$7
Red iris maxi skirt- No tag (via Goodwill) ~$5
Vintage gold pendant necklace- Flea market ~$5
Silver gladiator sandals- Bongo (via TJ Maxx) ~$5
TOTAL COST: Approx. $22
Dear beautiful
vintage skirt- Why are you tagless? I can’t research you and find other
pieces who look like you. I can’t locate the shift dress version of you
on Etsy. Le sigh. These, dear readers, are the pieces I shop
thrift FOR. The rare, the one of a kind, the “it’s so old, it’s new.”
These also happen to be love-it-or-hate-it type pieces, or the ever
popular, “it’s so bad, it’s good.”
When I saw this skirt, I hoped it would fit
and I got lucky. It’s polyester, which means three things: it’s machine
washable (awesome), it doesn’t wrinkle (a plus), and it’s not a natural,
or breathable fabric (i.e. bad in the heat). I’m not really sure what
season it’s meant for, so I intend to pretty much wear it year round.
The negative aspect associated with such a piece are factors such as
versatility— What else can I wear it with? Additionally, I can’t wear
this piece more than once a month (if that) because of its bold
appearance. It’s a statement piece. I have a number of pieces like this
(also including an abstract spotted leopard pair of skinny pants and a
baby blue, cherry blossom and bird printed vintage dress). As an
outgoing girl, especially in fashion, these are pieces I’m drawn to
naturally. However, one needs balance in her wardrobe and that need for
balance leads to the purchase of basics. Basics like this scoop neck
black t-shirt. I think they pair well together. The neutral top leaves
all the attention of the beautiful print on the skirt.
Tell me readers, Is this skirt “so bad it’s good” or a unique snag? Inbox or email me your opinion at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully Yours,
B
Pastel Princess or Easter Egg?
White, frill collar tank- Ann Taylor LOFT outlet ~$20
Purple shorts- Land N Sea (via TJ Maxx) ~$15
Light green ¾ cardi- No tags (via Goodwill) ~$3.50
Silk scarf- Vera Bradley (gift)
Pink sneakers- Keds ~$20
TOTAL COST: Approx. $58.50
I want to wear these purple shorts weekly
but I have restrained, dear readers, so that you can see more of my
wardrobe. That has been a very happy side effect of documenting my
outfits- I am wearing much more of my collection. Even with hundreds of
choices, I have favorites that I feel pulled to wear again and again. I
never know when something I buy, new or thrifted, is going to become a
favorite- I mean, I liked it enough to buy it, didn’t I? I hate to boil
it down to only a few factors but I assume versatility, wearibility and
flexibility are all important to consider. These shorts are definitely
all three!
I look a little like
an Easter egg, which I gracefully accept. This isn’t a color palate I
wear a lot, I prefer bold or deep colors, so it’s refreshing to pair a
few pastels together for a new vibe. Something is missing though— frilly
socks that all the little girls wear to church. Do they sell these for
adults? I guess I should Google that…
Tell me readers, Do you think wearing multiple pastels automatically makes you look like your fashion inspiration was the Easter bunny? Inbox or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully Yours,
B
Looks Good Standing Up...
Pink button-up dress- Issac Mizrahi for Target (via Goodwill) ~$5
Paisley cardigan (swatch pictured)- J Crew (?) (via Goodwill) ~$3.50
Bow earrings- Forever 21 ~$5 (multipack)
Green faux-suede skinny belt- Target (via Goodwill) ~$1
Brown wedges- Target ~$20
TOTAL COST: Approx. $34.50
See how good this
dress looks standing up? Yeah, I know, such a pity that my hips and the
extra small nature of this dress didn’t become better friends. I found
it out the hard way, while at school where I’m supposed to be looking
professional… Eek. My dressing room routines are going to need to expand
to trial sitting. This means I’m now pursuing a replacement of some
sort, likely in a solid color, but maybe polka dots.
The cardigan,
although not pictured, is one of my favorite GW snags, which is saying a
lot considering the number of pieces currently in my wardrobe from GW
is around 100. The tag has been cut out, but the quality of the fabric
and buttons leads me to believe it’s a quality brand. The pattern and
style make me think J Crew, but who knows! Regardless, it’s a wonderful
addition to my (large) cardi collection.
As my
recycled/upcycled/refashioned wardrobe grows, I cannot wait to see how
low I can get my outfit costs. This is a good indicator. I’m going
hunting tomorrow with my mom, so perhaps I’ll find my replacement dress
or a new-to-me vintage gem.
Tell me readers, What are your thoughts on the button-up dress as a trend? Inbox or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully Yours,
B
Heapin' Haul
On my last trip to Goodwill, I had an excellent haul for the menial cost of $27. Did I mention I bought 6 pieces of clothing and two belts? WOWIE! One dress, a grey private school style romper, is not pictured (it’s getting dry cleaned). I’m always so impressed with what I can get for the regular price of ONE new item. As I mentioned before, I am building my belt collection and these two are great additions. The baby blue one is a vintage piece I snagged for 97 cents! I’ve already worn it a handful of times, it’s so versatile! The emerald green faux-suede belt was a new with tags Target belt. Original price? $12.90. Goodwill price? $1.00. Virtual savings of $11.90. HOLLER!
My favorite clothing piece I snagged is
definitely this red iris print vintage maxi-skirt. It’s a print that
isn’t a pattern, which I find interesting. The black and white print
short sleeve secretary blouse is also vintage (tag reads: Ship N Shore).
The silk star-print wrap dress is not very versatile seasonally
speaking as it has long sleeves but a shorter hem, but I look forward to
the perfect opportunity to wear it. Maybe a date?
The lilac button-up is a perfect condition
Eddie Bauer. The pink button up collared dress is sadly, a post purchase
regret. It looks lovely standing up (I have one outfit post in this
dress) but sitting down, it’s a bit too tight and the buttons gape a
bit, making it inappropriate to wear out. Luckily I have a more petite
friend (My designer friend, Monica- check out her site here http://monicatulay.foliohd.com/)
who I’m passing it along to. I have been told that you can make returns
to GW but I’m not sure that I would. I either donate it (again) or find
a better-suited friend.
Can’t wait to find ways to incorporate these items with my existing closet!
Tell me readers, Ever had a particularly good haul? Tell me about it! Inbox or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully Yours,
B
No Bras Shall Be Worn
Tropical bird print romper- Department store (sorry, don’t remember) ~$20
Straw cloche- Disneyland ~$25
Orange cummerbund- borrowed from another dress
Silver gladiator sandals- TJ Maxx ~$5
TOTAL COST: Approx. $50
My
apologies, followers, no thrifted items in this outfit. I loved this
look too much to leave it out from my blogging. This romper was
purchased during my “romper phase” (about 3 summers ago). I loved the
print (and the pockets!) so much that I bought it despite its
backlessness (see other photo).
A backless romper or dress presents a
problem- do I wear a bra? No. Error, error, mayday. NO BRAS SHALL BE
WORN. If you’re a busty gal, or just not comfortable going braless, just
ignore this daring trend.
Even though I had purchased this piece, I
ignored it for the first year almost entirely. It’s taken me time to
realize that bold style choices do not have to ruin my life or stop me
from changing my later fashion choices. I won’t lie, I do a lot of
checking when I wear a piece like this. Am I covered? Am I comfortable?
It can be a challenge. But I’m not going to get any younger, and
therefore, any more appropriately aged to wear a piece like this. While
some pieces, like cardigans and pencil skirts can follow me for years,
this romper’s life in my closet is limited and it should be worn now.
The outfit served me well for an evening concert in the park-
lightweight to combat the heat and the casual setting made the revealing
nature of the dress perfectly acceptable.
Tell me readers, Would you ever wear a daring backless romper or dress? Inbox or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully Yours,
B
Bermudas: Two Ways
Outfit #1
White polo- Ralph Lauren (via TJ Maxx) ~$20
Black and white print Bermuda shorts- Old Navy (via Goodwill) ~$5
Straw cloche- Disneyland Park ~$25
Light blue skinny belt- Vintage (no tag, via Goodwill) ~$ .97
Green slip-ons- Toms Shoes ~$54
TOTAL COST: Approx. $104.97
Outfit #2
Black scoop neck t-shirt- Old Navy ~$7
Black and white print Bermuda shorts- Old Navy (via Goodwill) ~$5
Silver necklace- Flea market ~$1
Red braided belt- H&M ~$5
Black wedges- TJ Maxx ~$10
TOTAL COST: Approx. $28
Same Bermudas, different outfit AND different
price point. What a difference the cost of accessories can make, right?
I could really go on and on about this cloche and these shoes, but that
would go against the mission statement of this blog- I strive to
provide information about the purchasing and styling of thrifty
clothing.
These Bermudas, on the other hand, were
an excellent deal. I call them my Betty Draper’s. They are versatile
despite their bold appearance. In fact, it’s reminding me of Grease with
“Sandy 1” and “Sandy 2.” Sandy 1 is conservative and clean cut whereas
Sandy 2 is more sexy- tighter outfit and higher shoes.
That light blue skinny belt in outfit one?
EXCELLENT find at Goodwill. 97 CENTS for a belt?! That’s unreal. I’ve
got to check those belts out more often. For a girl who hates belts- I
now have 6 and could use a few more basic ones.
Tell me readers, Which piece of clothing in your wardrobe do you find to be super versatile? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully Yours,
B
Fashion, Fit & the Fourth
Red top with white detailing- Calvin Kline (via Goodwill) ~$3.50
White and gold pencil skirt- JC Penny ~$7 (on sale)
Earrings- Local artisan ~$5
Light blue skinny belt- no tag (Goodwill) ~$ .97
Sandals- Lands End ~$10 Nine West (Via Bon Ton) ~$20
TOTAL COST: Approx. ~$26.47/36.47
I love dressing with
purpose and holidays often provide me with an opportunity to do so.
Here’s my not-too-costumey Fourth of July ensemble. This post may be a
good time to talk about sizing. I don’t put a lot of stock in women’s
sizes. Each manufacturer does it differently and aside from that, the
type of garment effects sizing too. For example, a tight, body hugging
dress would require a larger size (for me) than would an empire-waisted
dress, as I have a more pear-like shape. When shopping, especially true
while thrifting, it is more important to look at the garment itself, and
don’t get hung up on what the tag says about size. This Calvin Kline
top was labeled extra-small, but it looked more like a medium and the
print was so excellent that I had to try it. As I mentioned in an
earlier post, it takes only a few moments to try something on. So when
we look at gain v. loss, it’s a fabulous top to gain, and only a few
seconds to lose. This skirt, while not from a thrift store, was so
classy and versatile (and cheap! $7 is an excellent deal) that despite
it’s Petite sizing, I tried it on- and voila! Instant wardrobe staple.
You might notice I
am wearing a different pair of shoes than I featured in the detail box. A
good friend of mine who is also an excellent style blogger, (http://sugarandspicebyavb.blogspot.com/)
said that while my outfits are stylish, my shoes are lacking, and
recommended my gold heels, so here they are! While we’re talking about
SugarSpiceStyle, she is also a talented nail artist (she’s tried tricky
techniques like water marbling). I decided to do something patriotic for
Independence Day!
Tell me readers, Have you ever used a holiday to inspire your look? Inbox or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully Yours,
B
Instant Inspiration
White Button-up- Express (via Goodwill) ~$3.50
Denim Bermuda shorts- via JC Penny ~$20
Navy, white and green nautical square scarf- local consignment shop (no tag) ~$6
Pyramid spike post earrings- H&M ~$5 (multipack)
Yellow and brown leather bag- Perry Ellis (via Goodwill) ~$2
Green slip-ons- Toms Shoes (gift, retails for $54)
TOTAL COST: Approx $36.50
You might remember this shirt from my Wish List post (http://bsgoodwillhunting.tumblr.com/post/26160395305/my-fashion-wist-list)- I really couldn’t wait to wear it and whilst reading Pink Peonies (http://www.thepinkpeonies.com/), I came across this photo:
Instant inspiration! I don’t often try to
recreate a photo, but I needed a semi-casual way to wear a white button
up shirt and this fit the bill. Of course, I dressed it up with the
scarf (Feels so Hampton’s/Ina Garten-y) and today’s photo is the end
result.
Speaking of that
scarf, in a previous post where I wore my other newly thrifted scarf as a
gigantic hair bow, I mentioned that I had found an excellent graphic on
Pinterest (Follow me! http://pinterest.com/ladypsychology/) all about ways to tie triangle scarves and here it is:
(full website link http://vmacandcheese.com/2011/09/20/how-to-tie-a-scarf/#comment-3498)
Now that I have a
few scarves in my collection, I plan on trying out and incorporating all
of these styles into my outfits! Can’t wait to share them all with you.
A note on the other
accessories: These are the other earrings I was talking about! They’re
understated but different. The purse is one of my few accessory finds
from Goodwill. It’s leather, has a snap closure and is highly portable-
LOVE IT! And for 2 dollars, what a find!
Tell me readers, What is your favorite way to wear a scarf? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully Yours,
B
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