Sassy Tights

 Blue Oxford- Lands’ End (via Salvation Army) ~$3

Grey skirt- LOFT (via Goodwill) ~$4

Gold strand necklace- Consignment $3

Fancy tights- Target ~$7 (on sale)

Maroon velvet loafers- (via Salvation Army) $3

TOTAL COST: $20

         It cracks me up that the most pricy piece of this outfit were the tights! How hilarious! It’s because they were the only thing purchased new (and they were a sale item). These tights, I think they’re Merona brand, last FOREVER. I don’t even hand wash them- I pop them into the machine and they come out with no problems! It’s a miracle. I own around 6 pairs of different patterns of this style of stocking. Highly recommended.

            In other news, I finally found the blue oxford I was looking for. However, it’s ¾ sleeve, so I might want to continue hunting for the Ralph Lauren long sleeve top I’d been originally searching for. This skirt was cute when I bought it, but it needed an upgrade. I replaced all 8 buttons by hand with these beautiful brushed nickel ones with crest design. So worth it- it’s made it look much more expensive, in my opinion.

Tell me readers, Have you ever swapped out buttons or other features of a garment to change the look? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Weekend Watch...Sort of?

Hello Readers from the Most Magical Place on Earth!
I am vacationing in Disney World with my lovely brother, A. I have a High/Low clothing item to share with you and a few great shoes for fall. Sorry my list isn't comprehensive, but my focus is on spending time with the favorite brother and enjoying all the Magic here.

Left: I found these pants in Ralph Lauren's latest collection. While this isn't a brand I ever buy new, I do like to get inspired by looking at their new pieces. These equestrian themed skinny pants definitely caught me attention! At $120, they're totally unpractical!
Right: These look-a-likes from Forever 21 are around $13! Yes- they are leggings, not pants. I'd like to see them in person, but they're a well priced alternative to the RL version.

I LOVE this $60 leatherette skirt by NY&Co. Yes- it's beyond the range I usually look at, but a leather or leather alternative skirt has been on my list since fall began! I'm still looking around, but I like knowing that the trend is strong enough that multiple stores should carry similar, lower priced options.

These two faux-croc pumps are from DSW and retail for around $40. I think skins like croc are very fall and winter weater appropriate. The red mary-jane shoes are a bit more sassy, whereas the black ones are more standard.

Nothing says autumn quite like a riding boot. This pair from DSW are real leather and retail for around $70. I might have to order these..

This pair of deep tan ballet flats also work as a great mock-loafer, with their beautiful metallic link detail and tassels. They retail for just around $26 and come in 4 other colors.

Thanks for tuning in! See anything I missed? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwilHunt
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

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

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

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

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

Don't You Step on My Pink Suede Shoes

Floral dress- Derek Heart (via Goodwill bargain bin) ~ $0.75

White and blue paisley cardigan- Old Navy (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

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

TOTAL COST: Approx. $ 10.25

            I rarely create an outfit in which I have thrifted every piece- namely because I only own 3 or 4 pairs of shoes from Goodwill- but here I have managed to do it. Of course I went for a print on print pairing, it has become my new mission to learn the art of print mixing. I would say this effort is pretty good, maybe a 6 or 7. The true gems of this outfit are the shoes. These little babies are suede, in excellent condition and made by Talbots. My desire to identify my virtual savings led me to the Tablots web page to look for a suitable comparison item. What I found were $105 suede ballet flats. Well can’t you just image my surprise and glee (and slight horror) at that piece of information! Virtual savings of almost $100 on a single item! It’s one of my best thrifts to date.

            Tell me readers, Would you spend $100 on suede loafers? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B