The Striped Oxford (Casually)

            I have around 20 button-up shirts (not including all those secretary blouses, see HERE) so I’m always looking for new ways to wear them. So far, I’ve tried wearing them over turtlenecks (HERE) and under sweaters (HERE). For me, the button up shirt is synonymous with office attire. I’ve worn button ups with dressy trousers and skirts.

            This striped Ralph Lauren top with Peter Pan collar is a piece I recently thrifted and couldn’t wait to style it. A button up with jeans isn’t some great fashion revelation, certainly. However, it is new for me! I love how each piece balances the other, stylistically. I used the same concept of balance with the accessories—a pearl necklace and cowboy style boots.

See how else I wore these dark wash skinny jeans HERE and HERE

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Thrifty Threads: A Christmas Gift Review

Hello Readers,
I hope your Christmas celebration was lovely! Today, I'm going to recap my fashion related gifts. My thrifty-ness doesn't ever go away, so even when I'm not the purchaser of something, I'm still looking for a good deal! Each item on the list was under $30 and I cannot wait to integrate them into my collection.
Enjoy,
B

Pardon My French Forever21

Red Plaid Sweater Forever21

Grey Sheep Sweater Old Navy 

 Pearl Cluster Necklace Etsy (Eienblue)

Pearl and Rhinestone Necklace Lisner (via Ebay)

 White & Blue Anchor Stud Earrings Etsy (JoannaBizu)

Renegade Spike Bracelet GroopDealz

 Blue Velvet Large Tote Merona (via Target)

Blue & Brown Owl Coin Purse Thirty-One

 Plaid Embroidered Smoking Loafer Rock & Republic (via Kohls)

Yellow Corduroy Smoking Loafers SO (via Kohls) 

Weekend Watch: V

Welcome to the 5^th edition of Weekend Watch! This week I cover novelty sweaters, fun spins on basic bottoms, and leatherette.

Both of these sweaters are from Forever 21 and retail for around $23 each. I love prints and this blue elephant sweater is so sweet. I love that they styled it this way- over a collared shirt.

The second I saw this “Pardon my French” sweater, I knew I had to check it out in person. Sadly, when I visited, they were out! Seems like everyone had the same idea. Kate Spade had a shirt in the latest collection with the same phrase (which, I’m sure, is why F21 is manufacturing it).

These playful bottoms are both from JC Penny. Both pieces retail for $25. I LOVE the print on this skirt- great with many different color tops. I own so many printed tops that I would probably pass on this for my own collection, but it’s definitely a statement piece!

The tuxedo pants, on the other hand, are a piece I would use in my wardrobe. I have been a fan of skinny jeans for years, and just now I am beginning a search slim leg work appropriate pants- starting with black ones. I want to go visit these soon

 

Leatherette (aka pleather) has really been improving since it’s arrival on the market as an alternative to authentic leather. Both of these pieces are from Target. I spotted this bias-zip deep teal leatherette jacket with faux-fur collar on the last visit to Target. I’ve been toying with the idea of buying a black or cognac colored moto jacket- but it has to be warm. This one is definitely on the lighter side- more appropriate for fall or early spring. Target has a number of different leatherette pieces and a few of them are truly amazing leather substitutes- so buttery and real feeling. This coat retails for around $40.

This cute Fox coin purse is only $7 and comes with a few other animal faces (like owls!). I don’t presently have a use for it- but I had to share it with all of you! Someone buy this cutie thing, people!

Tell me readers, Did you come across something cute that I missed this week? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Back to the Mid-Atlantic

Well, Readers, I am back form vacation- and can I say "BURRRR!" I totally did not plan to come back to cold weather (it was warm when we left!) so my return outfit was totally laughable- I can't even talk about how BAD it was.
Now that I'm back to fall weather, I can post this lovely outfit from before my trip! Enjoy.

Red and navy rugby shirt- Chaps (via Junior League) ~$3

Dark wash skinny jeans- Forever21 (via Consignment) ~$6

Sunglasses- Wet Seal ~$3

White and leather belt- Vintage (mom’s)

Pearls- gift

Lace-up boots- Target ~$20

TOTAL: $32

            I wore this to a large outdoor fair for dogs. I knew I’d need to help wrangle my big furry puppy, so I wanted something that was simple and not fussy. My recently purchased (children’s) rugby top seemed to be a great choice. Paired with skinny jeans and my adventure boots (or granny boots if you ask Mom), I was concerned it would look to masculine. I decided to add pearls and keep my hair down. Do you think I accomplished that? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com  or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Weekend Watch II

Welcome to the second installment of Weekend Watch! Enjoy-

Forever 21 Necklace ($8)

LOVE this necklace & what a great piece for the price! That pave detail link is such an excellent touch. I haven’t checked my local store yet, but I know that in store selection at Forever 21 jewelry is generally much greater online than it is in the store. I have a necklace VERY similar to this already, but it was thrifted, so here is a great dupe if you liked mine!

Target Merona Loafers ($25)

I DID try these on at my last trip to target and I can tell you, I am seriously considering purchasing. They are comfortable and fashionable. I may use these as replacements for my truly beat-up moccasins- I’ll be thinking about them, maybe I’ll visit them again…

Pink Pineapple Whale Earrings ($25)

This online store sells some really beautiful jewelry for reasonable prices. These are so preppy and nautical- I LOVE them. I wish I knew how large they were… They also come with anchors

Target Merona Barrel Bag ($30)

I purchased this bag during a special Target was running- buy one Merona purse, get one 50% off. Well, I had been spying on this one for a while and easily found a second so I could get the deal. It has little metal feet, which I love and the color is perfect for fall. I wish the material was a little more rigid and stood tall when empty but it doesn’t totally fall flat either. 

Joe Fresh Jaquard Sweater ($19)

Oh Joe Fresh- Why do you not yet have online shopping? If you haven’t heard of this brand yet, go to their website RIGHT AWAY! They have great pieces at really affordable prices. Sadly, they don’t yet have many stores in the US (but they do have some in NY and Canada), however, this summer they signed a deal with JC Penny to sell their clothing in Penny’s starting next year. I picked this sweater because I love the print and it comes in 6 colors.

Forever 21 Stripped Cardigan ($20)

I cannot wait to see this cardigan in person. It’s buttonless, so it looks quite a bit more like a collarless blazer than a cardigan, but it’s knit material. It’s preppy and timeless. I may need to order this online just to ensure I get to check it out.

JC Penny Colorblock Dress ($30)

This color block dress is like an LBD with a twist. I LOVE Kelly green, so naturally I’m excited to see that color featured here. I’m not sure what the fabric feels like, and that’s a huge part of my decision to purchase (alone with fit and price of course).

Target Merona Stripped Sweatshirt ($20)

I look over Target’s website on the regular and never saw these. On a recent store visit, I spotted them and only then was able to find them on the website. It comes in another stripped color and a few solids, but these two are the best, most chic options. I think they’re quite J Crew-esque and you’ll never see this price at THAT store.

 So readers, see something great this week that I missed? Tell me about it! Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours, 

B

Regret Purchase

Black tank top- Old Navy ~$7 (on sale)

Black cropped cardigan- Old Navy (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Polka dot swing shorts- Forever 21 ~$18

Gold bead necklace- Old Navy ~$5

Black gladiator sandal- Ruff Hewn ~$13

TOTAL COST: $46.50

            I really see outfits differently in photos than I do in real life, or even looking in a mirror. The pictures of this outfit made me realize that these shorts would look great with a blousy mid or long sleeved top. Also, this cardigan looks more like a cropped jacket than a sweater. It has no buttons and the cut is excellent, especially considering it was manufactured by Old Navy. While I am pleased with the look of this outfit, I must admit these shorts are a regret purchase but only because I paid nearly $20 for an item I’ll wear a few times a year only. I totally talked myself into them. If they were longer, or sat a bit lower on the hip, I think I’d be happier. I’m preppy sure they shrunk (slightly) and also faded a little after 1-2 washes. ANNOYING. Had I spent the $4 Goodwill or Salvation Army price, I can guarantee I wouldn’t be whining right now. Lessons learned!

Tell me readers, What was your last regret purchase? Comment or email me at BsGoodwilHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Current Consignment

            As I have mentioned before, one of my thrifting rules is to purchase pieces that are of high quality rather than simply buying cheap/inexpensive pieces. On my latest trip to a local consignment store, I was a rule breaker (partially). I picked up this Ralph Lauren rugby shirt (which was on my fall wish list) and it is a rule following piece. 

Ralph Lauren is an EXCELLENT quality brand and for $10, this was a great find. I was a little bad following the discovery of the rugby top. I found two pairs of dark wash skinny jeans that fit perfectly. So you’re asking, “What’s the problem? Dark wash is classic. Skinny silhouette works for your figure. Good fitting jeans are hard to find and if you bought them at a consignment store, they were probably a good deal!” Well reader, you are right on all counts but what you have not addressed is the brand. 

These brands (Papaya and Forever 21) are only worth about $20 or less new (I thirfted mine for $4.50 & $6) and are not quality brands. However, all those other positive attributes outweighed the negative. Finding denim with a good fit is a challenge for most women and therefore I make a lot of exceptions with jeans.

            I find that trendy items pop up much more often in consignment stores compared to Goodwill. Perhaps this is because people have purchased these items more recently and are not willing to freely donate them and would rather make a few bucks by consigning. This consignment store has a Juniors section in addition to the women’s section. The brand separation mostly makes sense with brands like J Crew, J Jill, Banana Republic or Ann Taylor on the women’s side and Hollister, Aero, American Eagle or Abercrombie in the juniors section. However, Gap and Old Navy, two brands that I like, were mostly on the juniors side so I made sure to check that out as well. While I was perusing the jeans selection, I came across some very good brands like 7 for All Mankind, Lucky Brand, and Joe’s Jeans. Unfortunately, they were not my style, color or cut, so I passed.

Tell me readers, What brand of jeans fit YOU best? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Literally Literal

Sheer navy floral tank- Liberty for Target (via Goodwill) ~$3.50
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

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