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: VI

            My weekly perusal of retail websites yielded an overwhelming number of desired pieces from one brand: Old Navy. Compared to what I normally find, I am excited. It definitely seems like ON is stepping up their game! Here are my top picks from their new arrivals.

1. The Critter Sweater $29.94

Critter Sweaters from Old Navy

This item should have been featured on Weekend Wishes. I’ve seen bloggers rocking critter sweaters from brands like J Crew (French Hen), Madewell (Sheep), and the Gap (Owl) and knew that as this trend grew, it would become available at all price points. Old Navy is offering Critter Sweaters in three prints: Owl, Fox and Sheep.

2. The Polka Dot Sweater $24.94

Polka Dot Sweaters from Old Navy

Polka dots are not hot news but they are still trending! Old Navy released three light weight, ¾ sleeved polka dot sweaters in September and now, a full sleeve sweater is available as the temps get colder.

3. The Striped Boatneck $12.50

Striped Boatneck Tops from Old Navy

A classic and chic item. This top comes in multiple colors and can be worn dressed up or down.

4. The Sequin Baseball Top $24.94

Sequin Baseball Top from Old Navy

A perfect “day-to-night” piece. I especially love the midnight blue one. I would feel great tucking this into a pencil skirt or paring it with jeans- great flexibility.

5. The Printed Sweater $32.94

Printed Sweaters from Old Navy

It’s no secret- I’m a sucker for a print, so it’s no surprise I selected these three options.

6. The Skinny Pant $34.50

The Skinny Pant by Old Navy

I had the Skinny Trouser on my Wish List a week ago and I’m so glad to see Old Navy following in Big Brother Gap’s footsteps in offering this silhouette. I’m pretty excited to try these on in basic black. 

Tell me readers, Would you snag any of these Old Navy items? Comment, email me, (BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com) or tweet me (BsGoodwillHunt)

Thriftfully Yours, 

B

PS- I have NOT had the opportunity to check the quality or feel of these items in person as my store has not stocked these items by the time of my visit. If you have any feedback on these pieces, please let me know. Thanks :)

The Capri Suit

             

           A while back on Veronika’s Blushing, I saw a great photo of V wearing her skinny black capris as part of a suit. 

I thought it was so chic and a fun twist on the boring, traditional pants suit. I had every I needed already in my closet, but I would’ve never thought to wear them together. 

           I thrifted this blazer years ago and held onto it because I knew one day, I would need more professional clothing. The retail price for an Express brand blazer like this would be more than $50 and I snagged this one for just $7. To keep it from looking too masculine, I used pink as my accent color.

Tell me readers, How do you style a suit? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Halloweeny

Coral chunky cardigan- American Eagle (via Goodwill) ~$4

Black and white striped dress- Old Navy ~$25

Black leggings- Department Store ~$4

White Bubble Necklace- JEWELIQ (gift)

Pyramid earrings- Forever 21/Target (? not sure, prob around $4 for the pair)

Black knee high boot- (gift)

TOTAL COST: $37

            I have some very strong rules about color pairings. One of these rules pertains to this color combo: Black and Orange. For me, these colors are only appropriate around or on Halloween. I broke out my ON black and white striped dress for the occasion. I’ve been so excited to transition these dresses (I loved them so much, I bought two {the other is red and navy blue}) into fall and winter by pairing them with tights or leggings and boots. I’m already planning my next wearing of this dress (in a month or too, as to be fair to all my other pieces)!

Tell me readers, Do you wear black and orange together all times of year? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Fashion Inspiration: Carolina Herrera

White button up- Express (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

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

Red iris print maxi skirt- No tag (via Goodwill) ~$4

Pearl necklace (gift)

Black gladiator sandal- Ruff Hewn ~$13

TOTAL COST: $24

            Another random warm day here in the North East. For this outfit, I was inspired by Carolina Herrera. She often pairs a full length skirt with a simple white button up shirt. I added my buttonless cardigan for warmth. I wore this skirt this summer with a simple black tee shirt and couldn’t wait until enough time had passed to wear it again. This time around, I paired it with my white button up. I don’t own much red, but that’s another natural choice for top colors for future wears. I also HAD to break out these sandals again- they’re so comfortable!

Tell me readers, How would you style this loud, statement skirt for fall and winter? 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

Cute Clutch

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White polka dot sweater- Old Navy ~$25

Black capris- Old Navy ~$7 (Old)

Sunglasses- Wet Seal ~$3

Yellow Flower- H&M ~$6 (for two)

Mustache clutch- Target (gift)

Black gladiator sandal- Ruff Hewn ~$13

TOTAL: $54

            You already know how much I love this sweater so I’ll skip it and go right to this moustache clutch. Target calls it a “pencil case”- who knows. Regardless, it is absolutely excellent. They’ve been making them in different prints and colors for over a year now. They retail for about $20. I’ve used it as a wallet and a clutch. Are all women pouch lovers or just me? It’s such a selling point. This clutch has so many different compartments it’s great. It also has card holders inside. Just go buy one. Or two.

Tell me readers, Would you buy this clutch? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

The End of Summer

Black and white stripped dress- Old Navy ~$20

Gold link necklace- Thrifted (Salvation Army) ~$9

Red braided belt- H&M ~$5

Teal barrel bag- Merona (at Target) ~$30

Black gladiator sandals- Ruff Hewn ~$13

TOTAL COST: $77

            I have been waiting to wear this dress since I got it! It’s a dress I want to wear through multiple seasons, so I hurried to style it for one of the last warm days in September. I rolled up the long sleeves and belted it- still rocking bare legs, my friends! Once it’s colder, the sleeves will come down and I’ll be wearing leggings and a great pair of boots.

What do you all think of my new bag? A friend recently mistook it for a Coach bag! Precious, my dear, but I’d be afraid to own one of those! This is a $30 leatherette bag from Target that I featured in my Weekend Watch post. Of course, I styled this look using my beloved black gladiator sandals. Summer is now officially over, so I only have a little bit more time with these lovely sandals.

Tell me readers, What are your thoughts on my new bag? 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

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

Weekend Watch

Hello Readers! Welcome to my new blog "segment"- Weekend Watch. I have not been posting on weekends (mostly due to scheduling and lack of profound outfits) but I still wanted to post. Rather than just blab on about my life, I decided to do something fashion related, and this idea was born.
This week, I'm pulling my most recent fashion pins from Pinterest and making a full post about it. Of course, in line with the whole thrifty theme of my blog, I am selecting items that will (usually) be under $30 an item. My general rule is under $20 for new pieces, but I'm making an exception so I can cover a slightly larger price range. Enjoy!

 

This is a Lauren Conrad for Kohl's polka dot blazer. The polka dot craze is still going strong and I LOVE this piece. It's presently on sale for $35 (Oops, already broke my rule, sorry!). What a great deal (originally $70, wowza)

 This Old Navy plaid shirt is an excellent (cheaper) alternative to this PiperLime version worn by Sarah Vickers of Classy Girls Wear Pearls. I love the green color on both shirts and I think it looks great with denim. This piece is on sale for $16.50. Haven't checked the fit or quality in person. Old Navy is hit or miss in that department, so I NEVER recommend online buying, only online looking.

 These dresses by Mossimo (at Target) are $25 (on sale right now!) and come in this bright pink and more subdued grey. Love both! I have to try it on for length, but this is one of my favorite's from this week's Watch. I wish there were more color options.

 The next two options are both from Forever21. The striped top is SUCH a J Crew rip off but hey, that's my favorite kind of rip off. Nautical stripes and shoulder button detailing? YAY!
The stripped dress is SO Megan Draper (of Mad Men) singing in a Parisian night club, no? I'd NEVER have anywhere to wear it, but I HAD to share it!

 Finally, these Target skirts come in at least 8 colors and are less than $20! Great deal. Will be trying these on soon. It's all about the fit and the length- again, no online ordering for me!

There you have it, readers, my first ever Weekend Watch! I hope you enjoyed my selections for the week.
Spot something great that I missed? Tell me about it! Email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet to me at BsGoodwillHunt
Thriftfully Yours,
B

A Shopping Haul: Old Navy

A while ago, I got some Old Navy “cash” and had to wait until it was good to use. I’ve been stalking the Old Navy website to figure out how I can best spend $50 and then get the $20 off. Here are some of the options I was looking at. I tried on (or visually examined) all these pieces and more.

The first item I tried on were these blouses. I was so excited for this item. So many expensive retails are putting out similar blouses and so I’m hunting for my bargain version. Unfortunately, the fit was BAD. I tried a variety of sizes and nothing worked. While they looked fine, they totally restricted my arm movement. Also, I under anticipated how ridiculous the large breast pockets would look. This was a pass- I am still hunting.

The second item were these corduroy skirts. I didn’t even bother picking one up to try on. They were not an item I was dying for and they just looked so cheap in person. Another pass.

The third item, more skirts, were these striped pencil skirts. A little too tight for me. Pass.

Next, the dresses- I was so excited to see these striped bracelet sleeve shifts with color block top on the web site. 

Prior to the release of these dresses, ON had posted these full sleeve dresses in four color combinations. 

Now, here is where I get confused. The full sleeve dress have better construction, thicker material and slightly more conservative hem lines and retail for $19.95. The bracelet sleeved dresses are thinner material, shorter hems, shoddier construction and are $24.95. My biggest question is why were they released in that order? The dress with the thinner material, and shorter hem and sleeve should have been released in SUMMER. But WHATEVER Old Navy, I liked your cheaper dress better and saved $5. In fact, I bought two. The navy dress with red stripes and the black dress with white stripes. Can’t wait to try it belted, with boots, with leggings, a cardigan, etc. (Hurry up fall).

Finally, I bought a 2^nd light weight polka dot sweater. I already own the green one and I love it so much (and fear them selling out before hitting sale) that I got it in the white with black polka dots.

My total for 3 pieces (2 dresses and the polka dot sweater) was $64 but with my ON cash, I paid $44!

I'm fairly pleased. Still have my $5 off of $25 from their FB page, so I'm not sure what to get with that (if anything).

Tell me readers, Where do you like to shop? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

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

Jealous of J. Crew

Grey Jumper- Criss Cross (via Goodwill) ~$5

White button up- Express (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Black oxford shoes- Fioni (via Goodwill) ~$5

Polka dot socks- Urban Outfitters (maybe?- Old)

TOTAL COST: $13.50

            I have to give it up to J. Crew. While they produce a lot of classic, basic items, there are also show stopping ones. Jenna Lyons (President and Creative Director) has excellent instincts about pairing these pieces into truly amazing ensembles, which are really more like works of art. Like this little gem, for example…

So ridiculous, so quirky- I don’t think that most J Crew shoppers would wear this look as is, but this look, and others, speak to my (at times) off-beat sense of personal style. Today, I took a much more simple inspiration of J. Crew’s current line up. While perusing the J. Crew website, I came across this grey jumper over a white button up. I was drawn to the simplicity and familiarity of the look. Don’t I own a jumper just like that? Sure do! Here it is and yes, it has pockets just like the J. Crew version. I thrifted this little ditty for just $5, compared to the J. Crew look-a-like price of $188- that comes to a virtual savings of $183.

Want more look-a-likes? 

Here are some polka dot pieces- a super hot trend throughout the new J Crew catalog. The left is an Old Navy dress for $44 (available online only) while on the right is a similar looking J. Crew sweater for $268. Those base colors look almost identical to me… Hrm…Coincidence? 

Old Navy also just released 3 sweaters that look extremely similar to the J Crew. The major differences? Neck line (crew v. boatneck), J Crew’s version has a cute button closure in the back, the scale of the polka dots, and the price ($24 v. $268). I bought the best dupe of the group, the green one. Check them out!

Tell me readers, Which designers do you look to to inspire your ensembles? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

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

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

So Bad It's Good

Black scoop neck t-shirt- Old Navy ~$7

Red iris maxi skirt- No tag (via Goodwill) ~$5

Vintage gold pendant necklace- Flea market ~$5

Silver gladiator sandals- Bongo (via TJ Maxx) ~$5

TOTAL COST: Approx. $22

            Dear beautiful vintage skirt- Why are you tagless? I can’t research you and find other pieces who look like you. I can’t locate the shift dress version of you on Etsy. Le sigh. These, dear readers, are the pieces I shop thrift FOR. The rare, the one of a kind, the “it’s so old, it’s new.” These also happen to be love-it-or-hate-it type pieces, or the ever popular, “it’s so bad, it’s good.”

When I saw this skirt, I hoped it would fit and I got lucky. It’s polyester, which means three things: it’s machine washable (awesome), it doesn’t wrinkle (a plus), and it’s not a natural, or breathable fabric (i.e. bad in the heat). I’m not really sure what season it’s meant for, so I intend to pretty much wear it year round. The negative aspect associated with such a piece are factors such as versatility— What else can I wear it with? Additionally, I can’t wear this piece more than once a month (if that) because of its bold appearance. It’s a statement piece. I have a number of pieces like this (also including an abstract spotted leopard pair of skinny pants and a baby blue, cherry blossom and bird printed vintage dress). As an outgoing girl, especially in fashion, these are pieces I’m drawn to naturally. However, one needs balance in her wardrobe and that need for balance leads to the purchase of basics. Basics like this scoop neck black t-shirt. I think they pair well together. The neutral top leaves all the attention of the beautiful print on the skirt.            

Tell me readers, Is this skirt “so bad it’s good” or a unique snag? Inbox or email me your opinion 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