Cardigan as a Shirt

            Recently, I began a professional internship in my field. I work 5 days a week. This program requires professional attire, but no skirts. I never realized how much I like wearing skirts and dresses, so getting dressed has been a bit trying, to say the least.

Additionally, the building in which I work is extreme in it’s temperatures. One half of the building is cold and the other is hot, like 100 degrees hot (sometimes). This forces me to dress in layers because I never know which side I’ll need to be working in.

            These factors (wardrobe restrictions and temperature) have really challenged me. I’m looking at my closet and all I see are things I can’t wear. My method has essentially been: pants, layers, sensible shoe. I thrifted this Lands’ End sweater in brand new condition and decided to highlight the print by wearing it all the way buttoned up, as though it were an Oxford shirt!

See how else I wore these pants HERE!

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Versatility

 

           

           I’m always looking for more ways to wear a piece. The more flexible it is, the more value it has in my wardrobe. I will rarely repeat an outfit exactly because I love remixing.  A top that “only looks good” with one skirt is a waste of very precious real estate, i.e. my CLOSET. Therefore, when I go shopping, I cannot simply consider liking or attraction to the piece. If I can’t image 3+ ways to wear a piece, it’s a much harder sell. 

            Consider this top. I have a multitude of secretary blouses so I don’t want to repeat the same look every time I decide to wear one. I have shown this style of blouse worn with skirts, pants and now under a jumper. The feel of the look is also changed by tying the blouse or leaving it loose. If it were warmer, I would even consider rolling the sleeves for a different look. 

Tell me readers, Do you consider the versatility of a piece when shopping? Comment, email me (BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com) or tweet me (BsGoodwillHunt).

Thriftfully Yours,

B

The Fall Short

Purple striped top- Gap Outlet ~$20

White leatherette jacket- Boscov’s ~$25

Black wool shorts- Charlotte Russe ~$10

Patterned tights- Target ~$7

Sunglasses- Wet Seal ~$3

Bubble necklace- JEWELIQ (gift)

Grey socks- UO (gift)

Cognac boots- Rack Room Shoes ~$20 (on sale)

TOTAL COST: $85

            I have long loved the fall/winter short. As a kid I had this great red tweed suit from Hartstrings that was shorts and a blazer. All you need is a pair of great tights. These are not my summer shorts- the shorts I wear in fall and winter are heavier material, generally wool. They are too hot for summer. In this outfit, I styled them in a very casual, funky way. I would easily pair them with a more opaque pair of tights and a black blazer for a more professional look. I have a brown pair I thrifted that I plan on styling with my new navy blazer- keep your eyes peeled!

Tell me readers, Do you rock shorts in fall? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

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

Weekend Watch III

Welcome to another edition of Weekend Watch where I do the shopping FOR you and show you great deals from all over the internets.

(Starting top L, moving clockwise)

1. Cinnamon Bauble Necklace by JEWELIQ $25

This color is so great for fall. Need I remind you- Free shipping? BUY NOW!

2. Xhilaration Pink Glasses Pencil Case $12.99

Here’s another one of those “pencil case” clutches from Target. I love the fun retro print and the bright color is a head turner.

3. Old Navy Raspberry Punch Skinny Belt (2-pack) $19.94

I love a skinny accessory belt! These also come in “Lemonbar” (includes yellow and mint green) and “Saucy Red” (includes red and black).

4. Pink Suede Satchel by Gap $24.99

What a beautiful piece! It’s on sale so this piece and price might not last for long! Also comes in Mustard and Teal (both of which are slightly pricier)

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1. Merona (at Target) Green and Navy Plaid Blazer $34.99

I’ve been stalking this blazer for months. Perfect with the sleeve cuffed (showing off the awesome striped lining!) and some layered bracelets.

2. H&M Floral Cropped Pant $35 (these also come in leggings, which are only $10!)

These abstract floral slim leg crop pants are absolutely beautiful. The colors are fall appropriate. I will definitely be visiting H&M to see these in person!

3. H&M Plaid Wool Winter Shorts $30

Shorts for winter? Yes. A trend I love- I’m so glad to see it back again this year. Pair with opaque tights and some boots and you’re good to go!

4. Old Navy Striped Long Sleeve Top with Ruffle $12.50

Loving stripes for fall- throw in a ruffle and I am sold! I’ll be checking these out in-store soon!

There you have it! Find anything great that I missed? Tell me about it! Comment or email be at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

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

Skinny & Spotted

Green polka dot sweater- Old Navy ~$25

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

Dark wash skinny jeans- Papaya (via Consignment) ~$4.50

Faux tortoise link necklace- JEWELIQ (gift)

Red loafers- Talbots (via Goodwill) ~$6

TOTAL COST: $38.50

            Dark denim skinnies, loafers, and a polka dot sweater- this is one of my favorite outfits yet. This Old Navy sweater is an EXCELLENT piece, if you don’t own one yet, seriously check into it! I loved it so much after just a few wears that I went back and bought a second one in white with black polka dots. I could seriously sing it’s praises for 6 more paragraphs, but I’ll spare you. Just go to ON and try it on.

            You know how with some trends, you think they’re terrible and you can’t wait for them to end or you liked it at the start, but you tire of it? I hope I NEVER feel that way about skinny jeans. Skinny jeans salvaged my relationship with denim! I barely wore jeans in HS. Just around my senior year, skinny jeans began their popularity reign. I hopped on board and never looked back. I dress them up or down and wear them with every color and print imaginable. Thrifting for jeans is tedious but no more than it is at a regular retail store. In fact, remember that thrifted jeans have already been washed and worn, making the fit when you try them on the fit you are going to have once you take them home and wash them. No shrinking. It also gives you exposure to a very wide array of brands. I’ve never heard of Papaya but it turns out the brand suits my body type and I’d never have found it had it not been for thrifting! Okay, end preach.

Tell me readers, What trend do you LOVE? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

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

Pretty Paisley

Blue paisley tube dress- Target (via Goodwill) ~$4

Crème Brulee Baubles & matching earrings- JEWELIQ (gift, retails for $25)

Stretchy gold belt- Goodwill (no tag) ~$2

Silver gladiator sandals- Bongo (via Marshalls) ~$5

TOTAL COST: $11

            I  bought this dress a few summers ago because I was doing a photos shoot and the photog suggested wearing a dress while shooting in the water. Knowing the water source we were shooting in wasn’t the most clean, I naturally did not want to use something I already owned because it could have been ruined. 

Luckily, I didn’t end up getting the dress wet and I kept it! Sometimes I fold it over and wear it as a maxi skirt. It’s wonderful. It was also a great opportunity to showcase the BABULE NECKLACE I reviewed in my last post.

Tell me readers, Have you ever bought something for one purpose and ended up using it for something else? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

An Open (Love) Letter to JEWELIQ

Dear JEWELIQ,

            Hello and thank you for coming into my life. I’ve been stalking looking at your webpage for a while now, so I’m not entirely sure how it began. The most probable explanation is that I found your lovely business while reading one of the countless fashion blogs I read on a daily basis. Whoever that was, I offer you a cosmic thanks.

            You see readers (and JEWELIQ), I am not a “jewelry person.” I fear expensive jewelry. I don’t want to lose it or break it, or worst of all, tire of an expensive piece and feel guilty for not wearing it more often. The pieces I DO have are mostly costume jewelry- inexpensive pieces that make a big statement. So, when I came across this website, my jewelry concerns dissipated- I mean, all pieces under $25 with free shipping? And then I saw it. The bubble necklace. Sure, a lot of people are making similar versions, but not for a better price (Did I mention FREE shipping? Yes. Free.)

            With my birthday approaching, I quickly put the Crème Brulee Bauble Necklace and the Tortoise Link Necklace on my wish list. Unfortunately, my mother didn’t see the Baubles on the website (I think they were on page 2) and ordered something else, which I then had to return. Returning something is always a headache, but not this time, readers. I emailed Anna over at JEWELIQ and the exchange went effortlessly. I also got these beautiful ladybug earrings as part of a special promotion they were running to say “Thanks” to their customers. HOW LOVELY! They are a little heavy, but I wear them with those larger supportive backs and they’re great. 

            JEWELIQ, you just keep coming out with these beautiful pieces. Most recently, the Bauble Necklace in Bordeaux. Swoon. Also on the list: The Sailor necklaces and the Chocolate Disco bracelet- I’m sure by next week, the list will grow…) Also, recently I saw a fan on Twitter ask about rings, and you said, they will be added eventually. I, for one, am very excited. Please, keep up the excellent work!

            Readers, PLEASE check out JEWELIQ. All styles are represented. FREE SHIPPING. Do it. Also, they write you notes and ship everything in these velvet-y bags. I am obviously hoarding them all and plan to use them when I travel. 

I will continue to check your site weekly (if not more often) and pin all my favorite to Pinterest. Thank you for helping me become a jewelry lover! You did it! I’m a convert.

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