Still Chic

Teal v-neck sweater- ODCC (via Junior League) ~$ .25

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

Grey herringbone trousers- H&M ~$30

Pearl necklace- gift

Purple skimmer- Delias (gift)

TOTAL COST: $33.25

            Some pieces in my wardrobe have managed to stick around for years, despite not focusing on quality. These wide leg trousers from H&M were purchased as far back as 9^th grade! That’s right, I’ve had this pair of pants for just about 10 years. Not only do they still fit, but they’re still chic. There are classic pieces all women should own, and if you purchase smartly, they’ll be with your for years to come. I paired this wardrobe staple with one of newest (and most thrifty) finds, this super soft vintage sweater from the Junior League- snagged for just a quarter. The preppy result is professional without being unapproachable.

Tell me readers, What staple pieces have been in your wardrobe forever? 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

Kindred Spirits

Teal sweater- Ann Taylor (via Junior League) ~$7

Snow leopard skinny pant- City Streets (JC Penny) ~$20

Brown leather braided belt- Vintage (from mom)

Tan moccasin- Lamb (The Shoe Department) ~$20

TOTAL: $47

            I love this sweater. I bought it over the summer when the Junior League was selling this 100% silk piece for just $7. It really doesn’t look like anything special but I have some strange special connection to it. I wonder who owned it before me? Perhaps we’re kindred spirits. Anyway, I finally got to wear it as it’s been a bit cooler. I love the pairing of textures in this outfit. Mixing prints is an art, but mixing textures is also a skill. I love these printed pants, but rarely wear them! They are so memorable that I feel the need to wait long periods of time between wears. Am I giving too much observational credit to my classmates?

            If you read this blog on the regular, you may notice that I RARELY wear my hair up. I think I look funny (read: bald) and it also hurts my head to wear it up for extended periods of time. On this day, I was headed to class after a bridal photo shoot and left my hair and make up from the shoot on all day. I’ll include a few behind the scenes pictures at the bottom.

Tell me readers, Do you think there should be a waiting period between wears for really loud or memorable pieces? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully yours,

B

PS Does this outfit sort of remind you of this J Crew ensemble? Unintentional, but I guess not subconsciously!

 

Photo Shoot Pictures

 Photo from Tina's Salon & Day Spa

Photo from Tina Dolin

Thrifty Threads: A Junior League Shopping Review

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Here’s my shopping recap from my last trip to the Junior League.

(Starting top L, moving clockwise)

1. This super soft sweater is vintage and bears in insignia ODCC. There is a place, locally, called the Outdoor Country Club and I’m wondering if this wasn’t an old uniform or available for purchase in the past. I wouldn’t have been drawn to it if it weren’t on the 4 items for $1 rack. Oops?

2. Recently, I added a new item to my fashion wish list- a collarless jacket. I stumbled across this one in the cardigan section and loved it. It looks horrific on the hanger- so please trust that this piece is a good one. I’ll definitely wear it open with jeans most of the time, but am open to alternative stylings. It’s vintage AND machine washable.

3. This new rugby top has a secret- it is actually a children’s top. I never thought I would fit into children’s clothes, but apparently boys XL is the exception. I did buy a Rugby top earlier this season (Ralph Lauren, grey with maroon stripes) but still wanted one with wide stripes. I also secretly hoped I could find one in red and navy, so -how lucky am I?

There you have it, readers, my shopping trip all summed up! Keep your eyes open for how I work these new pieces into my wardrobe.

Tell me about your recent purchases! Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Jump Back

Periwinkle top- Banana Republic (via Junior League) ~$ .10

Navy and white pin stripe shorts- Gap ~$20

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

White and leather belt- Vintage (from mom)

Black gladiator sandals- Ruff Hewn ~$13 (on sale)

TOTAL COST: $39.10

            It’s September. That means that warm or even hot days should be appreciated. I always have to remind myself not to rush into my fall wardrobe too soon because by November, I’ll be a little tired of it. Today was hot, so I jumped back into shorts and a tank. This top was purchased at my Dollar Dash jaunt at the local Junior League- Banana Republic? for around TEN CENTS? Yeah, I was pleased. It’s a great color that refused to photograph accurately, so I apologize. I always struggle to style these shorts (they are a very thin navy and white pin stripe), so I end up ignoring them most of the summer. They’re great quality- produced by Gap, so I know they’ll last me. I normally don’t to blues with blacks, but I love these sandals so much I’m wearing them as much as possible. In the fall, I try to stay away from sandals because my toes get cold easily (and I miss my UGG boots).

Tell me readers, Are you having a hot or cool fall so far? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Second Chance Shirt-Dress

Pink paisley shirt dress- Too She She (via Junior League) ~$ .10

Pink leggin- Boscov’s ~$5

Gold chain necklace- Salvation Army ~$9

White skinny belt- Goodwill ~$2

Black gladiator sandal- Ruff Hewn ~$13

TOTAL COST $29.10

            So way back on my first ever trip to our local Junior League, I tried on this dress. I have been searching for a shirt-dress and this one was pink and paisley to boot. However, I didn’t love it, even for $7. I had already found 3 other pieces that I loved, so I just said “No thanks” to this piece. However, weeks later, I returned to the League for their $1 bag sale and what piece do I recognize on the racks, but this very dress. I already knew it fit, so I snatched it up. For TEN CENTS I can definitely get interested in this dress. I normally wouldn’t style this dress with leggings but it was cold out and I was headed to church, so for modesty’s sake, I popped them on.

            This is my first real attempt at a top knot hair style and I like it. Next time, I’ll try to get it a little more “top.” Unfortunately, I get ponytail/bun headaches, so I can only leave it up for a few hours before I rip it down and massage my scalp for 20 minutes.

Tell me readers, How would you style this dress, especially accessories, I feel like these shoes weren’t the best match… 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

Junior League Line Up

 

            Today, my mom and I took our first trip to our city’s Junior League. The Junior League mission statement is as follows: The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. (http://www.ajli.org/)

            It functions as a second hand store. Community members can sell their items for a few dollars and the Junior League resells them at a reasonable price. I wasn’t sure what the pricing would be like compared to other charitable organizations like Goodwill, but I thought it was quite reasonable. I managed to snag 3 items for 13 dollars.

            When I spotted this polka dot dress (David Warren: New York) on the rack, I hoped it would be a great silhouette and my size- It was both. It’s classic and fun- words that perfectly describe my style. The teal v-neck is a Banana Republic top which could be dressed up or worn casually. It’s a great addition to my “work wear” tops collection. Finally, this 100% silk sweater by Ann Taylor is so much more special than this photo would suggest. It fits perfectly and the color looks great with everything. Can’t wait to wear it as a layer piece.

            I would definitely go back. There was a really nice representation of quality brands: Talbots, Ann Taylor, LOFT, Banana Republic, J Crew, etc. Everything I looked at was under $10. Some items were cheaper than they would have been at GW and some were more expensive, so for me, I would say it just about balances out. They are having a giant end of the season sale in the middle of August (Fill a bag for $1!) so I’ll be sure to check that out.

Tell me readers, Do you think the polka dot trend is here to stay? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B