LBD

Collarless tweed jacket- Focus 2000 (via Salvation Army) ~$6

LBD- Ann Taylor LOFT (via Goodwill) ~$5

Gold strand necklaces- Consignment ~$6 (for 2)

Paisley tights (gift)

Purple mary-jane shoe- Delias (gift)

TOTAL: $17

            This outfit is a great example of how tiny modification to “good” thrifted/consigned/vintage items can make them classics. I already blogged about the haircut I gave the fringe on this collarless jacket after buying it, but I’m not sure that I mentioned this dress. It is one of my first pieces from the LOFT (thrifted of course) and it fit SO PERFECTLY (and an appropriate length!) that I overlooked the fluted sleeve.

 It wasn’t terrible in its original state, but its seasonal versatility was low. I couldn’t put a jacket or cardigan over it because of the sleeve volume, so I decided to do some 101 level alternations. I used a tiny pair of scissors to cut the thread holding the fluted sleeve to the regular sleeve. I then hand sewed the sleeve. It is now a very classic LBD! It was the perfect basic dress so I could feature my new jacket.

Tell me readers, Do you ever do basic alternations to your clothes? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

The Color of the Season

Teal long sleeve top- Ann Taylor (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Velvet paisley pants- Lee (via Goodwill) ~$5

Gold bead necklace- Old Navy ~$5

Brown leather belt- Vintage (from mom)

Red suede shoe- Riekers Shoes (gift)

TOTAL COST: $13.50

            I thrifted these pants a few years ago, long before my major obsession with thrifting began.

They’re a hair short, but I just ignore it! It’s so hard to see in this photo, but the print is just great. I’d really love to have them taken to a tailor and made into skinny pants- then I could wear them with boots! I love prints, so when I happen across a plain piece that I like, I try to snag it. Otherwise, I only have prints to wear with prints and that gets difficult. This top is a beautiful color and the details make it special (the shawl collar and the skinny cuff).

            I am definitely feeling this color this fall! When I look at all the tops I’ve thrifted recently, MANY of them are in this color family. It’s so fabulous and goes well with many other colors and prints.  

Tell me readers, What is your go-to color this season? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Still Chic

Teal v-neck sweater- ODCC (via Junior League) ~$ .25

White sleeveless button up- Ann Taylor (via Salvation Army) ~$3

Grey herringbone trousers- H&M ~$30

Pearl necklace- gift

Purple skimmer- Delias (gift)

TOTAL COST: $33.25

            Some pieces in my wardrobe have managed to stick around for years, despite not focusing on quality. These wide leg trousers from H&M were purchased as far back as 9^th grade! That’s right, I’ve had this pair of pants for just about 10 years. Not only do they still fit, but they’re still chic. There are classic pieces all women should own, and if you purchase smartly, they’ll be with your for years to come. I paired this wardrobe staple with one of newest (and most thrifty) finds, this super soft vintage sweater from the Junior League- snagged for just a quarter. The preppy result is professional without being unapproachable.

Tell me readers, What staple pieces have been in your wardrobe forever? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Kindred Spirits

Teal sweater- Ann Taylor (via Junior League) ~$7

Snow leopard skinny pant- City Streets (JC Penny) ~$20

Brown leather braided belt- Vintage (from mom)

Tan moccasin- Lamb (The Shoe Department) ~$20

TOTAL: $47

            I love this sweater. I bought it over the summer when the Junior League was selling this 100% silk piece for just $7. It really doesn’t look like anything special but I have some strange special connection to it. I wonder who owned it before me? Perhaps we’re kindred spirits. Anyway, I finally got to wear it as it’s been a bit cooler. I love the pairing of textures in this outfit. Mixing prints is an art, but mixing textures is also a skill. I love these printed pants, but rarely wear them! They are so memorable that I feel the need to wait long periods of time between wears. Am I giving too much observational credit to my classmates?

            If you read this blog on the regular, you may notice that I RARELY wear my hair up. I think I look funny (read: bald) and it also hurts my head to wear it up for extended periods of time. On this day, I was headed to class after a bridal photo shoot and left my hair and make up from the shoot on all day. I’ll include a few behind the scenes pictures at the bottom.

Tell me readers, Do you think there should be a waiting period between wears for really loud or memorable pieces? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully yours,

B

PS Does this outfit sort of remind you of this J Crew ensemble? Unintentional, but I guess not subconsciously!

 

Photo Shoot Pictures

 Photo from Tina's Salon & Day Spa

Photo from Tina Dolin

To Donate or Not to Donate- That is the Question

Pink ruffle top- Target (via Salvation Army) ~$2

Tan skirt with embroidery- Ann Taylor LOFT (via Goodwill) ~$4

Bauble necklace- JEWELIQ (gift, retails for $25)

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

TOTAL COST: $26

            This top is just the cutest, right? Though it’s season is just about over so I hurried to wear it before fall takes over. It’s light weight but not too sheer. It’s a Target brand (maybe Mossimo?) which I generally do not buy at a thrift store, but I made an exception (it was 50% off Wednesday). I loved how it pulled the pink details out of this tan LOFT skirt that I’ve had for a while now. I always get compliments when I wear it, but I never immediately pull it out of my closet with joy, feeling “I must wear this skirt today!” It just doesn’t happen. I figured I’ll wear it a few times in fall and decide if it’s time to re-donate it or not. Finally, I topped off the outfit with my JEWELIQ bauble necklace (in Crème Brulee) because I thought the v-neck on this top made the perfect frame for a necklace this shape.

Tell me readers, What items to do hold on to even when they’re not your favorites? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Seven Nation (Salvation) Army

            Here is the recap from my latest 50% off Wednesday trip to Salvation Army. I am really trying to focus on Fall and Winter pieces now that summer is nearly ending (sad face). Of the seven pieces I thrifted, four are definite fall/winter wear, two are wearable in multiple seasons and my final piece is jewelry. 

1. I remember seeing this Fair Isle-style sweater at American Eagle a season or two ago, but $50 for a sweater I might wear 5 times a season is NOT a good deal for me. If you wait long enough, someone will get bored with their $50 purchase and donate it for lovely thrifters like you and me. It is warm and cozy, perfect for snowy weather.

2. This sweater dress by Chadwick’s is my favorite purchase of the haul. It fits perfectly. As I’ve mentioned, I largely ignore sizing when I’m shopping. This dress is Petite (which I am NOT) but I tried it anyway- and VOILA, it’s made for me. Can’t wait to pair it with tights or leggings and a knee high boot. 

3. One of my absolute favorite labels to stumble upon while thrifting is J Crew. The preppy and classic design aesthetic really appeals to me but the in store prices do not. This wool, above the knee kilt-like skirt is a great addition to my collection of standard pieces. It also works well for my job at an Irish pub.

4. Last season, I was on the hunt for a pair of corduroy leggings. I had a hard time finding a pair that was not meant to look like jeans, with a zipper, button closure or pockets. I didn’t want these features because I do not intend to wear these alone, but rather, under skirts and dresses. Pockets and buttons add bulk so they’re out. These are old Express leggings (I’m surprised they made these, probably in the 90’s)

5. I recently added knit sweater vests to my fall shopping wish list. While there was nothing interesting in the actual vest section, I also searched the tank top section where found this silky cable knit tank top. I recently wore it as a tank top with white jeans and it was perfectly preppy. I’ll be leaving it out for fall, though, to make it work as a vest. (I’m still hunting for a navy pull over v-neck vest)

6. Another brand I love to see is Ann Taylor. This sleeveless white button up is a great classic piece. Perfect alone in the summer, with a cardigan in fall or spring, or under sweaters in winter. I will not pay $50+ for such a basic piece new, but I don’t want to give up on the quality that can be associated with pricy items- so what do I do? I THRIFT! 

7. These bold chain necklaces are SO popular right now. This one has a length of about 18” (it’s always hard to tell in photos how long necklaces are). I am not really a jewelry person, especially the expensive stuff. I’m just too fearful that I’ll lose it, break it, etc. I love costume style jewelry because it’s inexpensive and bold. This piece (which does not have any indication of a brand) came in at $9.

Tell me readers, How are you transitioning some of your summer pieces for fall? Comment or email me BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

My Goodwill Fill (+Today is my BIRTHDAY!)

       

     Mother and I have visited yet another Goodwill in the surrounding area, this one near a grocery store (Wegmans) which we like to shop at 2-3 times a year. This Goodwill had some excellent brands, so we will probably be back (on our next out-of-town grocery trip). I snagged 6 pieces for myself, 5 of which were fall/winter pieces. I did make one summery exception, but we’ll get to that.

            Starting with the four square photo (Top L, going clockwise) This long sleeve grey J Crew tee is soft and warm. Not to mention, perfect for layering. Ann Taylor put out this fold over collared long sleeve tee in dusty teal- it’s a much more dressy take on the long sleeve cotton shirt. This navy and white long sleeve Gap is the fall/winter companion to the very similar looking Gap tee I found at the Junior League $1 bag sale. It’s cozy and nautical. Finally, this ½ sleeve lightweight sweater cardigan by Express is perfect for fall. It will allow me to wear some of my tank tops for a few more weeks. I also snagged two bottoms: these seaweed patterned J Crew chinos and this vintage purple wool pencil skirt. I had to snag these J Crew chinos- they retail for upwards of $40, so for $5 I have a giant savings AND J Crew shorts. The wool skirt is going to be great with a number of my secretary blouses. Can’t wait to start styling for fall- I’m getting bored of my summer wardrobe.

Tell me readers, Have you started fall shopping? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

PS- I will do an outfit post about my Birthday in a few days, so stay tuned :)

Con Accento

White and brown print tank top- Ann Taylor (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Khaki shorts- Old Navy ~$20

Gold slip on shoes- TOMS (gift, retails for $54)

Gold 24” strand necklace with pearl accents- Consignment (no brand) ~$3

Gold 20” strand necklace with pearl accents- Consignment (no brand) ~$3

Army green belt- Target (via Goodwill) ~$2

TOTAL COST: $31.50

            It’s rare to see me in an all neutral palate outfit, but here it is! I still manage to get some pizzazz in my ensemble with gold accents. The necklaces are recent thrifts from a consignment store and I just love them. They will mix well with many looks, casual and dressy. I am still new at the art of jewelry layering, so this is my “bunny slope” attempt.

Tell me readers, What are your tips for jewelry layering? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours, 

B

Immediate Yes

Chartreuse tank- Gap Outlet ~$10

Bright pink ¾ cardigan- Gap Outlet ~$20

White and poppy print skort- Ann Taylor LOFT (via Salvation Army) ~$5

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

Deer necklace- Etsy (gift)

TOTAL COST: $55

            I love bright colors and pieces that make a statement- I think that this outfit communicates that idea. This Ann Taylor LOFT poppy print skort (for those of you confused, like my computer’s spell check function, skirt + short= skort) was an immediate yes. Of my 12 Ann Taylor/LOFT pieces, 9 were thrifted. It’s a brand I’ve come to appreciate much more as I get older and my fashion orientation switches from student to professional. Some brands just fit your body right, and Ann Taylor is one of those brands for me. Unfortunately, buying new from them on a regular basis is not an option. I still window shop- in fact, Ann Taylor has been selling these lace shell tanks (see below) for months now and they’re so fabulous, but for $98, I just can’t justify it (not even a little).

    

            I also wanted to share my manicure for the week. It’s OPI Hot & Spicy with China Glaze Fast Track (Hunger Games collection). It went quite well with the orange hues in the skort.

Tell me readers, Do you have a certain brand that fits you the best? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

The Classic Statement

Silk red and black floral blouse- Ann Taylor (via Goodwill) ~$2

White and gold pencil skirt- Worthingtons (JC Penny) ~$7

Dark green skinny belt- Target (via Goodwill) ~$1

Gold pointy toe heels- Nine West (via BonTon) ~$20

TOTAL COST: $30

            I recently took a trip to Tennessee and visited a Goodwill store while I was there. Items were separated men’s and women’s but beyond that- the sorting was lacking. My favorite GW locations are those in which items are sorted by garment type and color. The pricing at this location was also different. The general cost of short sleeve tops was around $2 whereas in my area, they are $3.50. When I saw this pattern and fabric, I knew the brand to be quality. The only down side to silk (especially a printed silk) is that is has to be dry cleaned. I know the long-term value of a piece like this. It’s a classic statement piece, which is my favorite kind of garment. I can’t wait to find other ways to wear it throughout the year.

            Tell me readers, How are your favorite thrift stores set up? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Labeled Lady

Silk teal sweater- Ann Taylor (via Junior League) ~$7

Purple sleeve-less button up- Eddie Bauer (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

White shorts- J Crew (via Goodwill) ~$5

Dark pink suede loafers- Talbots (via Goodwill) ~$6

TOTAL COST: Approx. $21.50

            Nearly all my favorite preppy, classic designers are represented in this outfit (most notably missing is Banana Republic). That stereotypical Hamptons vibe is totally my aesthetic in the summer. Goodwill and other thrift stores in my area have been so good when it comes to label quality. I have seen a lot of really pricy brands and that makes me happy, especially at Goodwill. This means someone likely purchased this quality item for full price, owned it and then donated it- that is charity people. Building an adult, grown-up work wardrobe can be expensive (especially when one is a student) but it doesn’t have to be. This sweater is 100% silk and manufactured by Ann Taylor. I want to wear it with everything I own- it’s sure to be a favorite this fall and winter.

            I decided not to wear any accessories with this outfit (besides my faux diamond earrings) and instead, to do some online browsing for appropriate jewelry. I picked 3 websites and found two necklaces and two bracelets/watches that I thought might each pair well with this preppy look.

(Top L, moving clockwise) 

Jewel IQ Tortoise Link Necklace: This is my statement option. I have been coveting this preppy staple for a while- just waiting for the right incarnation. I found it here, at Jewel IQ, where shipping is free on all orders and no individual piece is more than $25. HOLLER! I love this necklace. Excellent length, good coloration, and I like the change in link size. Jewel IQ is also carrying those ever-popular bauble necklaces- So good! It’s on my wish list! Just waiting for the right color.

Stella and Dot Gold strand Necklace: This is the understated option. I love gold and teal together, it has a very luxe feel to it. I’m rarely understated, but this piece is a yes for me.

Fossil Pearl Banded Watch: I originally went searching for a tortoise band watch from Fossil that a friend of mine has- it wasn’t on the website but this beauty was. How classy. For me, it’s like a pearl bracelet and a watch all rolled into one. The bracelet length sleeve of the sweater (not intended to be, I’m sure- I just have extra long arms) exposes the wrist perfectly for a statement piece like this.

Stella and Dot Gold Spike Bracelet: Again, gold and teal are totally biffs. I have been eyeing up this little number on many of the fashion blogs I read, including J’s Everyday and I think it is an excellent combination of edgy and classy. I’ve seen it layered very effectively as well, so that increases its versatility.

Tell me readers, Which jewelry look is your favorite? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Junior League Line Up

 

            Today, my mom and I took our first trip to our city’s Junior League. The Junior League mission statement is as follows: The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. (http://www.ajli.org/)

            It functions as a second hand store. Community members can sell their items for a few dollars and the Junior League resells them at a reasonable price. I wasn’t sure what the pricing would be like compared to other charitable organizations like Goodwill, but I thought it was quite reasonable. I managed to snag 3 items for 13 dollars.

            When I spotted this polka dot dress (David Warren: New York) on the rack, I hoped it would be a great silhouette and my size- It was both. It’s classic and fun- words that perfectly describe my style. The teal v-neck is a Banana Republic top which could be dressed up or worn casually. It’s a great addition to my “work wear” tops collection. Finally, this 100% silk sweater by Ann Taylor is so much more special than this photo would suggest. It fits perfectly and the color looks great with everything. Can’t wait to wear it as a layer piece.

            I would definitely go back. There was a really nice representation of quality brands: Talbots, Ann Taylor, LOFT, Banana Republic, J Crew, etc. Everything I looked at was under $10. Some items were cheaper than they would have been at GW and some were more expensive, so for me, I would say it just about balances out. They are having a giant end of the season sale in the middle of August (Fill a bag for $1!) so I’ll be sure to check that out.

Tell me readers, Do you think the polka dot trend is here to stay? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B