Wearing White: Post-Conventional

Mint green v-neck t-shirt- Target ~$5

Pink circle print cardigan- Target (via Goodwill) ~$4

White jeans- Ralph Lauren (via Marshall’s) ~$25

Sunglasses- Wet Seal ~$3

Tortoise link necklace- JEWELIQ (gift, retails for $20)

Brown leather braided belt- Vintage (from mom)

Gold slip ons- TOMs (gift, retail for $54)

            Certain followers of rules do so without examining the effectiveness of the rule in their own life. However, I am in Kohlberg’s Moral Development stage titled “Post-Convention” and I evaluate each rule by my own standards. “No White After Labor Day” is a rule I simply cannot get behind. It was warm on this day, so white pants didn’t feel weird. I wouldn’t wear them in the dead of winter, but it’s not because of some arbitrary rule- but because I more “wintery” looking items I’d like to style. I wear white in other ways (sometimes called “winter white”) during cooler months, specifically in sweaters.

Tell me readers, What do you think about white during cooler months? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

The Art of Letting Go

Brown and white striped tank- Banana Republic (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Pink cargo Capri- Express (via Goodwill) ~$4.00

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

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

TOTAL COST: $13.50

            I purchased these capris YEARS ago at Goodwill and have been holding onto them. I wear them a few times a year, and I love the color, but I’m thinking I’m over the cargo trend. I got rid of two other cargo carpis this summer, but was hesitant with these. I thought, maybe one more goodbye wearing…I’ve thrifted two pairs of capris this season that are excellent replacements for this pair. As soon as I can find capris in this color, I think I will be ready to let them go.

Tell me readers, Do you have pieces in your wardrobe you have trouble letting go of? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Preppy and Feminine

Pink oxford- Le Tigre (via department store) ~$20

Light teal tank- Gap Outlet ~$10

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

Faux tortoise link necklace- Jeweliq ~$20

White and leather belt- Vintage (from Mom)

Gold slip ons- TOMS Shoes (gift, retails for $54)

TOTAL COST: $55

            Two blogs that I really love (J’s Everyday & Classy Girls) inspired me to wear a long sleeve oxford with shorts.

 I’m still searching for the perfect, classic blue oxford, preferably Ralph Lauren (the label both of these ladies are wearing) but for now, I am working this look with my pink Le Tigre oxford. My new tortoise link necklace from JEWELIQ is perfect with this preppy ensemble. Pink and white is such a great color combination- it’s preppy and feminine. Can’t wait to remix this top later in fall or winter.

Tell me readers, Would you wear shorts with a long sleeved top? Comment or email me at BsGoodwilHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Exceptions

Red, pink and orange tank- Cable & Gauge (via Junior League) ~$ .10

Pink shorts- Tommy Hilfiger outlet ~$25

White and leather belt- Vintage (from Mom)

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

TOTAL COST $25.10

            Here’s another summery piece I picked up recently and rushed to wear before fall renders these pieces worthless. When I am thrifting, no matter where, I have standards for the pieces I buy. I try to select quality pieces from brands with which I am familiar: Banana Republic, Gap, J Crew, Express, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, etc. This shirt, however, was not produced by one of these retailers. But, dear readers, there are things called “exceptions.” For example, when I get to fill a paper grocery bag with clothes for A DOLLAR and the approximate “cost” of each piece I selected is approximately TEN CENTS- I may be less picky about the brands. While I did mange to get a piece each from Gap and Lands’ End, the pattern and shape of this top urged me to purchase despite lacking label.

Tell me readers, Do you ever ignore your fashion rules and why? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

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

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

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

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

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

Hanger Appeal

Multicolor abstract print ruffle top- Halogen (via Goodwill) ~$5

Bright pink ¾ sleeve cardigan- Gap Outlet ~$20

White jeans- Ralph Lauren (Via TJ Maxx) ~$25

Necklace- Vintage (gift from grandmother)

Belt- Vintage (mother’s)

Gold herringbone shoe- TOMS Shoes (gift, retails for $54)

TOTAL COST: $104 ($50 w/o cost of shoes)

            I am trying to increase my work-friendly wardrobe, especially spring/summer tops, so I focused on that during my last trip to GW. Along with a light blue Banana Republic button up, I also snagged this multicolor, abstract printed top. It also has ruffles, which I’m obsessed with. (Nothing says “preppy” quite like a ruffle.) This top caught my eye because of the print (ok, yes, and the ruffle) but when I picked up the hanger to look at the tag and size, I was disappointed. It looked very sad (and saggy) on the hanger. If one wants to be a successful Goodwill shopper (or thrifter in general) one must give up on the idea of hanger appeal. I figured trying a shirt on takes less than a minute. So I had little to lose and a new shirt to gain! Trying it on proved that its (lack of) hanger image was not representative of how it looked on! It’s stretchy, comfortable and versatile.

            A note on styling: It’s hard to see in this photo, but I have my pants cuffed. I remember when short pants were a big social no-no. It meant you had outgrown your clothes. As a full sized adult, it’s no longer a question of outgrowing my pants, it’s now a more overt style choice. I think cuffing pants is a great way to wear pants during the spring and summer months on cooler days. Ankles are a great body part to show off, as they are not overly provocative. 

Tell me readers, Are you as into ruffles as I am?! Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B