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

Gem Tones

Emerald green tee- Banana Republic (via Consignment) ~$3

Purple chino shorts- Land N’ Sea (via TJ Maxx) ~$15

White and leather belt- Vintage (from mom)

Gold and pearl strand necklace- Consignment ~$3

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

TOTAL COST: $27

            I love purple and green together, so I was excited to pair this new top with my purple chinos. My love for color extends to my shoes as well, as I selected my rose pink loafers. Of course, this beautiful emerald/teal top is going to transition perfectly to fall. I love gem tones, but don’t own many pieces in the classic gem shades. This top really jumped out when I thrifted it at a local consignment shop about a month ago as something I did not already have. I am often guilty of buying in multiples when it comes to classic staples. Of course, using thrifting as 60-70% of my shopping, this can take time. I cannot wait to find more shirts like this one my BR. It’s cotton, soft, stretch, and easy to wear, but so much more visually interesting than a regular tee-shirt.

Tell me readers, What items do you like to buy in multiples? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Tie Dye Traveler

Purple Tie Dye dress- Pink Rose (via TJ Maxx) ~$20

Deer antler necklace- Etsy (gift)

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

Gold belt- Goodwill (no brand) ~$2

Congac leatherette D&G (knock-off) purse ~$20

TOTAL COST: $62

            I love the look of a maxi dress, but I rarely find a good opportunity to wear them (I have 3 total). On this day, I was strolling a city followed by dinner at a nice restaurant. When I saw this dress years ago in TJ’s, I loved the boho vibe that the understated tie-dye gave it. It’s also an excellent length for me (I have long legs). I even attempted appropriate accessories whereas, in the past, I would have thrown on the dress and given up. This necklace is such a great statement piece- I love wearing it but feel as though it should be saved because I never want to be predictable.

Tell me readers, What is your statement jewelry piece? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com
Thriftfully Yours,
B

Palazzo Passion

White camisole- Gap Outlet ~$10

Bright turquoise ¾ cardigan- Gap Outlet ~$20

Polka dot palazzo pants- Xhilaration (Target) ~$10 (on sale)

Silver gladiators- Bongo (via TJ Maxx) ~$5

Gold and turquoise pendant necklace- Old Navy ~$7

TOTAL COST: $52

            Okay. You caught me. There are no thrifted items in this post, but I don’t want to let that stop me from sharing my outfit. I recently started reading Kendi Everyday and she recently a had post about the challenges of posting in which she discussed the disconnect between her blog persona and her real self. In this post, she wore palazzo pants. This inspired me to add it to my wish list, and 2 days later I found a pair at Target on sale for around $10 (originally $20). (The second block shows a close up of the pants because in the full-length shot, they just look solid black)

            In a previous post, I discussed how fictitious television characters influence my fashion choices. In a show I started watching recently, Girl on HBO (currently on hiatus), there are four lead females, each with their own very distinct style. I’m generally somewhere between a Marni and a Shoshanna (if this is Greek to you, WATCH THE SHOW) but these pant are all Jessa. The Jessa character is some weird amalgamation of hipster, hippy, and bohemian, with a look full of floppy hats, peasant blouses and top-knot buns. Her carefree approach to fashion inspires me to wear what I want, regardless of what that is. Out of season? Mismatched? Absolutely ridiculous? I DON’T CARE! I’ll wear it all and feel comfortable. (Steps off of soap box)

Tell me readers, Do you always follow your fashion lovin’ heart? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

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

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

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