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

Complementary

Yellow Oxford- J Crew (via Salvation Army) ~$ .50

Purple Chino Shorts- Land N Sea (via TJ Maxx) ~$15

Oversized sunglasses- Wet Seal ~$3.00

Faux-Tortoise Link Necklace- JEWELIQ (gift, retails for $20)

Teal Barrel Bag- Merona (at Target) ~$30

White and Leather belt- Vintage (from mom)

Silver Gladiator Sandals- Bongo (via Marshall’s) ~$5

TOTAL COST: $53.50

            When I buy a new piece I love, regardless of present season or the seasonality of the piece, I always want to wear it as soon as possible. When I snagged this J Crew Oxford on my last trip to 50% off Wednesday at SalVal, I swear the .50 price tag motivated me all the more to style it immediately. So right after washing, drying and ironing, I built an outfit around it. I usually stay away from wearing complementary color, which seems weird because by definition, they are complementary- they go well together. In my opinion, sometimes these colors can look a bit childish together, especially when the colors are worn in their most primary, crayon-like shade. Luckily, the shade of this J Crew top is a bit more pastel and the shorts are more vibrant, allowing for color contrast.

            Can I mention again how much I love this necklace? I wish they were still selling it because now you all can’t buy one (SAD FACE). It’s so light weight and goes well with so many colors and styles. I’ve been loving necklaces styled over collars lately and the length on this is just perfect for that!

Tell me readers, Which complementary color pairing is your favorite? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours, B

Shopping Recap: Salvation Army

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 Hi Readers!

Here’s the haul from my most recent trip to Salvation Army. I snagged eight pieces that I can’t wait to share with you and mix into my wardrobe.

(Top R- going clockwise)

American Living Plaid dress ($4) It’s not a fall item but a great piece. I love sundresses for summer and don’t have anything in this style.

Red Hawaiian Faux Wrap skirt ($2.50) I bought this for one purpose- my Hawaiian vacation. Next summer the family is flying all the way to the lovely islands and I am planning a vibrant and fun wardrobe! Where else can I respectably wear this skirt besides on vacation?

Pink Striped, French Cuff Ralph Lauren Oxford ($2.50) Hands down, the BEST purchase of the day. Perfect quality and such amazing details. I already own a pink oxford (my Le Tigre) but the materials are different and this one has such a more formal vibe. I think I’ll try to work it with jeans or a pencil skirt!

Yellow J Crew Haberdashery Oxford (.50) This tag HAD to have been an error. It was marked for $.99 and it was a 50% off Wednesday so that means I thrifted this beauty for just FIFTY CENTS. It’s got ¾ sleeves which make it good across multiple seasons and the color is different for my wardrobe.

Green V-Neck Liz & Co Polka Dot Sweater ($2.50) I’m still not done buying polka dot items for the upcoming season. While I know nothing of this brand, I loved the color and pattern on this sweater. It fits very well and will be great with jeans on cool days. I’ll have to do a little brand scouting to learn more.

Green V-Neck GAP Sweater ($2.50) This is a mix between a thermal top and a sweater. Great texture, soft and long sleeves. Green is my new favorite color (Can ya tell?!)

Vintage Navy Secretary Blouse ($2.50) I did it. I bought another blouse. It’s hard to see the print from this distance, but I couldn’t pass it up and for $2.50, why fret over adding another to my collection?

Black Chunky Knit Sweater Vest by NY &Co ($2.00) Not the vest I’ve been looking for (navy and a pull over) but I still liked this enough to purchase. I’ll add it over top of long sleeves for extra warmth in the winter when my reptile like body is sad and cold.

Readers, I’m so glad to see I have readers, but I want to get to know you! Please comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com and tell me how you found the blog and your thoughts. It will be greatly appreciated!

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Weekend Watch

Hello Readers! Welcome to my new blog "segment"- Weekend Watch. I have not been posting on weekends (mostly due to scheduling and lack of profound outfits) but I still wanted to post. Rather than just blab on about my life, I decided to do something fashion related, and this idea was born.
This week, I'm pulling my most recent fashion pins from Pinterest and making a full post about it. Of course, in line with the whole thrifty theme of my blog, I am selecting items that will (usually) be under $30 an item. My general rule is under $20 for new pieces, but I'm making an exception so I can cover a slightly larger price range. Enjoy!

 

This is a Lauren Conrad for Kohl's polka dot blazer. The polka dot craze is still going strong and I LOVE this piece. It's presently on sale for $35 (Oops, already broke my rule, sorry!). What a great deal (originally $70, wowza)

 This Old Navy plaid shirt is an excellent (cheaper) alternative to this PiperLime version worn by Sarah Vickers of Classy Girls Wear Pearls. I love the green color on both shirts and I think it looks great with denim. This piece is on sale for $16.50. Haven't checked the fit or quality in person. Old Navy is hit or miss in that department, so I NEVER recommend online buying, only online looking.

 These dresses by Mossimo (at Target) are $25 (on sale right now!) and come in this bright pink and more subdued grey. Love both! I have to try it on for length, but this is one of my favorite's from this week's Watch. I wish there were more color options.

 The next two options are both from Forever21. The striped top is SUCH a J Crew rip off but hey, that's my favorite kind of rip off. Nautical stripes and shoulder button detailing? YAY!
The stripped dress is SO Megan Draper (of Mad Men) singing in a Parisian night club, no? I'd NEVER have anywhere to wear it, but I HAD to share it!

 Finally, these Target skirts come in at least 8 colors and are less than $20! Great deal. Will be trying these on soon. It's all about the fit and the length- again, no online ordering for me!

There you have it, readers, my first ever Weekend Watch! I hope you enjoyed my selections for the week.
Spot something great that I missed? Tell me about it! Email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet to me at BsGoodwillHunt
Thriftfully Yours,
B

Preppy Pineapple

Striped Pineapple tank- J Crew (via a store in OBX) ~$15 (old)

Khaki chinos- J Crew (via Salvation Army) $3

Red braided belt- H&M ~$5

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

TOTAL COST: $43

            Oh J. Crew- how I love thee, but NOT your in store pricing! AH! Of course the J Crew outlet exists, but did you know that the merchandise is not “leftovers” but a totally different line that is made of lower quality material? Yeah. Sad days. I love outlets because I love deals, but I do not love this system. I would much rather pour over rack after rack at Goodwill or Salvation Army to find the great deal. It’s so rewarding. Like these shorts, for example. I found these on a 50% off Wednesday at SalVal and hoped they’d fit. They’re a bit longer than I usually wear, but still shorter than a Bermuda cut, so I don’t consider them too “mature” for me. This tank top is a favorite of mine, but how often can one wear a sequined striped pineapple top? Not very often. Wish I had it in watermelon… But pineapple is such a great looking fruit.

Tell me readers, What do you think is the most interesting looking fruit? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours, B

Saving at Salvation

            Are you thinking, “ANOTHER shopping update?! What gives?! How often do you shop?” Readers, this summer has been an all time high for purchasing but consider these two points…

1. I made a huge shift to 80%+ thrift shopping (vs. buying retail)

2. In exchange for helping find, launder, describe and photograph the items on our eBay site, I do not take a percentage of the earnings, rather, I purchase a few items as part of the store haul.

Also, it was 50% off Wednesday- my favorite. Without further explanation, onto the review!

(Starting top left and moving clockwise)

Silky floral pajama pants: These were ONE DOLLAR, ‘nuff said.

NY & Co tan shift: Easy to wear. Summery.

Massimo fuchsia ruffle pop over: The color is NOT accurate, its not nearly this fluorescent, it’s much more of a fall pink.

J Crew Bermuda chino: J Crew bottoms are so expensive new so finding a great pair of their shorts at a thrift store is my favorite thing. 

Gold tone chain link necklace: Anyone ever painted metal jewelry? I want to spray this black…

Tell me readers, How often do you shop? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Orange

Orange sleeveless button up- St. John’s Bay (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Plaid Madras shorts- J Crew ~$30 (old)

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

TOTAL COST: $53.50

            Sort of a pricy outfit for three pieces, no? I bought these shorts YEARS ago at a J Crew while on vacation (possibly in Vegas or California somewhere…) before I became more in tune with monies and thrifting. Luckily for me, my weight has remained almost constant for quite some time so I can keep pieces I’ve had since high school. Don’t hate me! It’s not my fault! I’m sure weight karma will bite me someday.

            Anyway, on to the outfit- Mom said it looked very fall-like, because of the color scheme. I didn’t do that on purpose, but perhaps my subconscious knows that I am a little excited to pull out my bins and start rediscovering fall and winter pieces I haven’t seen in 6 months. I am wondering what colors I can wear with this top- I refuse to wear orange with black (Halloween) or green (a carrot), I think purple, pink or blue would look weird, so I’m left with… neutrals- and plaid, naturally.

Tell me readers, What colors do you wear with orange? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Church Lady

White button up- Express (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Pink cable knit vest- Tommy Hilfiger (via Salvation Army) ~$2.50

Green leopard skirt- Talbots (via Goodwill) ~$5

Gold link necklace- Thrifted (via Salvation Army) ~$9

Braided belt- H&M ~$5

Pink loafers- Talbots (via Goodwill) ~$6

TOTAL COST: $31

            I’m so proud of this outfit- it’s all thrifted, except the belt. All the pieces are quality brands and I don’t have to tell you how expensive this outfit would be if I’d purchased them all new. I love mixing colors, textures and patterns. I cannot wait to find new ways to mix this vest into my wardrobe.

I would like to draw special attention to the necklace. These gold chains are so popular right now and I’ve found them for you at a variety of price points.

(Start top L and moving clockwise)

Banana Republic $59

J Crew $165

Jeweliq $25

Fantasy Jewelry Box $28

Tell me readers, Which necklace do you like best? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

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

ASAP

Grey v-neck t-shirt- Forever 21 ~$3

Sea creature chino shorts- J Crew (via Goodwill) ~$5

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

White and leather belt- Vintage (from Mom)

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

TOTAL COST ~$34

            When I thrifted these shorts, I knew I had to wear them as soon as possible. Today, they picked me when I was getting ready and I was a bit confused as to what top to pair with them. I know most colors would go well with this brownish mustard colored print, but I went with the very safe grey v-neck you see here. I bought this shirt on deep clearance at Forever21 years ago and I love it. It’s my favorite/lucky shirt. I take it almost everywhere I travel, during all seasons. It’s comfy, it’s neutral and it’s versatile. I’m pleased with the overall look, but want to try again with these shorts. I hope the weather holds out through September so I can wear these shorts again.

Tell me readers, How would you style these shorts? Comment or email me at 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 :)

Hampton's on a Dime

Navy and white striped tee- Gap (via Junior League) ~$ .10

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

Braided brown leather belt- Vintage (from Mom)

Gold and pearl strand necklace x2- Consignment ~$6

Kelly green slip on shoes- TOMS shoes ~$54

TOTAL COST: $65.10

            When I saw this shirt on the rack at Junior League I was shocked- a perfectly good Gap tee shirt that hadn’t sold during the 50% or 75% off sales? By the time I’d finished filling my bag, my items were about ten cents a piece, perhaps less. This top is a classic- navy with skinny white stripes. I love the nautical look and knew this top would be perfect. I paired it with my J Crew white chino shorts, a brown leather belt and volia! Instant Hamptons. Having never actually been there (ahem…) This is what I imagine the classic Hamptonites look like.

            By the way- are you SO bored of me wearing these gold and pearl strand necklaces? Because I am not yet bored of wearing them! I am generally not a jewelry wearer, but there is so little risk associated with these necklaces. They aren’t family heirlooms nor were they expensive. The delicate silhouette makes them wearable with both dressy and casual pieces. I also this a bold piece, the the J Crew bubble necklace in white, would pair excellently with this look- definitely taking it to another level of dressiness.

Tell me readers, Have you ever been to the Hamptons? What do people actually look like there? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Jealous of J. Crew

Grey Jumper- Criss Cross (via Goodwill) ~$5

White button up- Express (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Black oxford shoes- Fioni (via Goodwill) ~$5

Polka dot socks- Urban Outfitters (maybe?- Old)

TOTAL COST: $13.50

            I have to give it up to J. Crew. While they produce a lot of classic, basic items, there are also show stopping ones. Jenna Lyons (President and Creative Director) has excellent instincts about pairing these pieces into truly amazing ensembles, which are really more like works of art. Like this little gem, for example…

So ridiculous, so quirky- I don’t think that most J Crew shoppers would wear this look as is, but this look, and others, speak to my (at times) off-beat sense of personal style. Today, I took a much more simple inspiration of J. Crew’s current line up. While perusing the J. Crew website, I came across this grey jumper over a white button up. I was drawn to the simplicity and familiarity of the look. Don’t I own a jumper just like that? Sure do! Here it is and yes, it has pockets just like the J. Crew version. I thrifted this little ditty for just $5, compared to the J. Crew look-a-like price of $188- that comes to a virtual savings of $183.

Want more look-a-likes? 

Here are some polka dot pieces- a super hot trend throughout the new J Crew catalog. The left is an Old Navy dress for $44 (available online only) while on the right is a similar looking J. Crew sweater for $268. Those base colors look almost identical to me… Hrm…Coincidence? 

Old Navy also just released 3 sweaters that look extremely similar to the J Crew. The major differences? Neck line (crew v. boatneck), J Crew’s version has a cute button closure in the back, the scale of the polka dots, and the price ($24 v. $268). I bought the best dupe of the group, the green one. Check them out!

Tell me readers, Which designers do you look to to inspire your ensembles? 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

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!

http://tinyurl.com/eBayCraftmom

Happy thrifting, readers.

Thriftfully Yours,

B

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           

The Skinny Cargo

Grey crest t-shirt- J. Crew ~$15 (on sale)

Denim cargo pedal pushers- Ann Taylor LOFT (via Goodwill) ~$7

Brown leather braided belt- Vintage (mother’s)

Ship & map printed triangle scarf- Local consignment shop (no brand) ~$6

Gold chevron slip-on- Toms Shoes (gift, retails for $54)

TOTAL COST: Approx. $28

I don’t wear denim often- not even in the winter. I own quite a few pairs of jeans and the ones I wear the most are two dark-wash skinny-cut pairs. These denim pedal pushers were thrifted at the GW a number of years ago and I barely wore them-in fact, they were in my own donation pile before I had the wherewithal to rescue and keep them until my styling’s were a bit more on the mature side. The fit is great, the wash is dark and the length makes them workable for spring, summer and early fall. They even have these great cargo-style pockets that became significantly more popular after the “skinny cargo” was unleashed upon the fashion public two seasons ago. Ann Taylor LOFT was totally ahead of that trend- who would’ve thought!

While many looks I post here on BGH could be classified as “casual,” this seems even more so, and I attribute it to the denim. The heather grey tee and pedal pushers were alright, but needed something else to make the outfit more attention grabbing- thus the scarf bow. I’m not sure that it was the right choice for this outfit, but when I get something new, I can’t help but feel the intense desire to test it out as soon as possible. This fashion-impulsivity causes me to do some weird things, like wear out of season clothes or mix style genres. This scarf is one of two I recently purchased at a local consignment shop ($6 a piece!) and I am already obsessed with all the ways I intend to tie/wear it. I found an excellent graphic on how to tie square scarves all sorts of interesting ways and I will post it with another entry I’ve got on deck. My fashion muse for this scarf/giant hair bow is the lovely Blair Waldorf (of Gossip Girl, naturally). While I doubt this ensemble en total would be appealing to her, the vintage hair adornment is a classic-Blair.

Tell me readers, Do you take fashion inspiration from a TV/Movie character? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B