This Months Favorites: January

            I’m starting a monthly recap wherein I will highlight my top 5 outfit posts from the month. These are outfits SO good that I might actually repeat them (but please don’t tell anyone!).

The Graphic Sweater

When I received this sweater for Christmas, the obvious and simple choice seemed to be to style it with jeans. However, I want to challenge myself and style it as part of a dressy ensemble first. I selected my black ruffle skirt and it ended up being the perfect pair to my “Pardon My French” sweater. If I repeat, I am likely to select a different shoe—maybe my new oxfords or a pair of heels.

The Pleated Skirt

Thrifting this pleated tennis skirt has totally started a new obsession and I suspect it will turn out much like the one with secretary blouses (I have 10). This was the first time I styled this skirt and I loved the simplicity of the two solids together. I’ll probably wear this outfit again out to dinner.

Double Plaid

I’ve seen plenty of bloggers wear shirts over dresses, but I haven’t seen many wear a shirt under a dress in this style. Every once and a while, I am randomly inspired to put two seemingly random pieces together. Even more rarely than that—those two pieces seem to work together in perfect harmony. I would have never thought that an LBD and a plaid shirt could be such good friends—an unlikely pairing that works!

The Striped Oxford

When I began focusing on building my professional wardrobe this fall, I wanted to add more button up shirts, and boy, did I. This one, a striped blouse by Ralph Lauren, is in perfect condition and looks great dressed up and with jeans!

How to Wear the Rugby Shirt

This post was inspired by a Ralph Lauren ad which paired a rugby shirt with a blazer. I typically think of wearing rugby shirts in a super casual way—like with jeans. Dressing it up with a blazer and skirt expands its versatility in my wardrobe. I’ll definitely try this look again with some tweaking.

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

Shopping Review: Recent Purchases

Readers, here are my recent purchases from Kohl's, Lands' End, and Target. 

Chaps Plaid Boys Button Up $7.65

Okay readers, I lied. I said I was done with plaid—but I did it again. I was perusing the boy’s section of Kohl’s and spotted this plaid button up. It was on mega clearance and I had to snap it up! Always remember to shop multiple departments! You never know what you might find. (Remember that time I found a boys rugby shirt? I did. See that post HERE).

Lands’ End Tall Down Puffer Cost with Hood $90

I own many coats, but none that I would consider winter weather appropriate. I have a few wool coats that are more fashionable than warm and I decided I needed to change this. I waited until after Christmas, hoping there would be sales on sites like Eddie Bauer, Lands’ End and L.L. Bean who all produce quality coats that are good for wear even in freezing temperatures. I knew I wanted down/puffer, in a color other than black and with a fur-lined hood—this coat is that and more. The color is perfect—dark enough that it won’t show ever mark and different enough from black that I won’t resemble 90% of the coat wearing population. The cost has a double zipper and snaps closed too. The pockets are fleece lined as are the interior cuffs—making it impossible for cold wind to sneak into your sleeves. The length is perfect for me—not too long, not too short. When I sit down my rear is covered (great for outdoor events, like a late fall football game). And this coat is WARM. I didn’t have a price in mind for this purchase, but I was secretly hoping to snag a great piece for under $100 and I did! It was sold out online and I hunted it down in a Sears for cheaper than the online price! I love when that happens!

Xhilaration Purple Heathered Tights $5

For the past two years, I have been focusing on patterned tights and have acquired a large collection. However, I own a lot of patterned clothing and wanted some solid (but still fun) tights to wear in cold weather. These opaque tights from Xhilaration (at Target) are thick enough for winter, come in a rainbow of colors and are only 5 bucks. I already own them in heather grey and dark purple. They wash well.

Thriftfully Yours, 

B

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

Bobby Soxer

Peach V-neck sweater- Ralph Lauren (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

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

Lady bug earrings- JEWELIQ (complementary gift with purchase)

Blue and white floral scarf- No tag (via Goodwill) ~$1

Pink shoes- Keds (old)

TOTAL COST: $10

            Here is a “costume-inspired” outfit for Halloween. I paired my RL vintage sweater with slim leg jeans for a classic retro look. I accessorized with fun ladybug earrings, a neck scarf and simple Ked sneakers. I thrifted this sweater quite awhile ago and although I like it (and the brand quality), this is it’s final wearing. Goodbye sweater! You’re on to bigger and better things.

            Is it weird that I wore this outfit a while ago (i.e. not on Halloween)? I figured it would be more appropriate for Halloween than any other outfit I have on stand-by.

Tell me readers, Is an outfit like this too costume-y for everyday wear? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Weekend Wishes: Part I

In lieu of Weekend Watch, I am beginning a 2 week post on my Wish List for fall and winter. Many of the pieces I’m looking for are general concepts and the photos I use to do not necessarily represent the exact piece or brand that I am looking for. Some of these pieces are trends for the season whereas others are classics that will last for years.

This weekend, I’ll be sharing a few styles of button up shirts I’m on the hunt for as well as a must have on many ladies lists- the School Boy Blazer. 

1. The Gingham Oxford: This print is seasonless. For fall and winter, I want to use the pops of patterns under sweaters or a blazer. I’d love to end up with the Gingham Oxford in a few colors.

2. The Scarf Print Blouse: Ralph Lauren has been putting out these silky scarf print blouses for years. A number of bloggers I read daily have shown off their vintage RL blouses. They can be loud and tacky if not styled correctly, but I love a fashion challenge. 

3. The Plaid Button Up: Plaid for fall is sort of a no brainer. I have only one plaid flannel, so I’m looking to add another, either green or red. Great for layering once it gets cold. 

4. The RL Classic Oxford: Here is the exception to my “brand” statement above. I am looking for these oxfords in all 4 colors done by POLO by Ralph Lauren. I’m hoping to hit the RL outlet soon to scoop up a few.

5. The School Boy Blazer: I have long appreciated other people wearing blazers without wearing it with a suit. I was never sure I could do that. A few years ago, I purchased (thrifted) an Express brand classic black blazer. I knew it was a great deal and I hopped I would find ways to wear it. It’s taken a while, but the blazer bug has bitten me. I recently added a navy blue blazer and two collarless jackets to my collection. I’m still looking for two more: Tweed and Plaid. 

Tell me readers, What items are on your wish list for fall and winter? 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...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

Ina Inspiration

Pink and White striped Oxford- Ralph Lauren (via Salvation Army) ~$2

Black Leggings- Under Armor (gift, old)

Sunglasses- Wet Seal ~$3

Swavorski Mickey Earrings- Disney World (gift)

Pearl necklace (gift)

Black gladiator sandals- Ruff Hewn ~$13

TOTAL: $18

            Have you ever watched the “Barefoot Contessa” with Ina Garten? She is one of my favorite Food Network chefs. Her show is filmed in the Hamptons, full of New England style. In nearly every episode she cooks in an oversized Oxford with the collar popped and a pearl necklace. I’m just learning to style button-up shirts in a feminine way and I think I’m kind of loving them over leggings.

RED ALERT READERS: I wear leggings as pants. Judge away! I held off for a long while after the trend started, but then I realized that I am not ashamed of my body, so leggings as pants are okay! Of course, the styling is important when doing this, and I think the length and more full shape of the top helps balance the tight look on the leg.

Tell me readers, Do YOU wear leggings as pants? Why or why not? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt
Thriftfully Yours,

B

Shopping Recap: Salvation Army

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 Hi Readers!

Here’s the haul from my most recent trip to Salvation Army. I snagged eight pieces that I can’t wait to share with you and mix into my wardrobe.

(Top R- going clockwise)

American Living Plaid dress ($4) It’s not a fall item but a great piece. I love sundresses for summer and don’t have anything in this style.

Red Hawaiian Faux Wrap skirt ($2.50) I bought this for one purpose- my Hawaiian vacation. Next summer the family is flying all the way to the lovely islands and I am planning a vibrant and fun wardrobe! Where else can I respectably wear this skirt besides on vacation?

Pink Striped, French Cuff Ralph Lauren Oxford ($2.50) Hands down, the BEST purchase of the day. Perfect quality and such amazing details. I already own a pink oxford (my Le Tigre) but the materials are different and this one has such a more formal vibe. I think I’ll try to work it with jeans or a pencil skirt!

Yellow J Crew Haberdashery Oxford (.50) This tag HAD to have been an error. It was marked for $.99 and it was a 50% off Wednesday so that means I thrifted this beauty for just FIFTY CENTS. It’s got ¾ sleeves which make it good across multiple seasons and the color is different for my wardrobe.

Green V-Neck Liz & Co Polka Dot Sweater ($2.50) I’m still not done buying polka dot items for the upcoming season. While I know nothing of this brand, I loved the color and pattern on this sweater. It fits very well and will be great with jeans on cool days. I’ll have to do a little brand scouting to learn more.

Green V-Neck GAP Sweater ($2.50) This is a mix between a thermal top and a sweater. Great texture, soft and long sleeves. Green is my new favorite color (Can ya tell?!)

Vintage Navy Secretary Blouse ($2.50) I did it. I bought another blouse. It’s hard to see the print from this distance, but I couldn’t pass it up and for $2.50, why fret over adding another to my collection?

Black Chunky Knit Sweater Vest by NY &Co ($2.00) Not the vest I’ve been looking for (navy and a pull over) but I still liked this enough to purchase. I’ll add it over top of long sleeves for extra warmth in the winter when my reptile like body is sad and cold.

Readers, I’m so glad to see I have readers, but I want to get to know you! Please comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com and tell me how you found the blog and your thoughts. It will be greatly appreciated!

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

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

One Blouse Two Ways

Black printed blouse- Ship N Shore (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Grey button pencil skirt- Ann Taylor LOFT (via Goodwill) ~ $5

White pants- Ralph Lauren (via Marshall’s) ~$25

Grey pointy flats- Nine West (via Goodwill) ~$5

TOTAL COST:

Outfit One ~$11.50

Outfit Two ~$33.50

            I love finding versatility in my clothes. My plethora of secretary blouses can be worn in both dressy and casual ways. In look one, I paired my blouse with this excellent find, an Ann Taylor LOFT skirt I thrifted. The original buttons were plain so I swapped them out for these beautiful silver crest ones. In the photo, both pieces look like the same color, but there is more definition and separation when you see it in real life. I went for a more relaxed look in my second outfit. I would have never thought to wear them untied until I saw this photo from a favorite blog of mine, Pink Peonies (http://www.thepinkpeonies.com/). 

I also love the white pants with the dark top. This blouse looks plain from far away, so I included a close up of the print. 

It’s an interesting one and I’m not sure what it’s supposed to be, but I love the incorporation of orange and blue as small detail colors.

Tell me readers, Which look do you prefer? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Remix and Repeat

White Polo- Ralph Lauren (via Marshall’s) ~$20

Multicolored floral Capri- Jones New York Signature (via Goodwill) ~$5

Baby blue skinny belt- Goodwill (no label) ~$1

Rose suede loafers- Talbots (via Goodwill) ~$5

TOTAL COST: Approx. $31

            I have been searching and searching for the perfect pair of floral patterned Capri or crop pants as they are on my wish list. Goodwill and Salvation Army seemed like pretty hopeless options because new trends take a while to make it to thrift stores. However, my mother found this pair in our local Goodwill and I love them. The colors are lovely and vibrant. I’m also so pleased with how many different styling options these Capris give me! I did a quick once-over of my closet and found 6 additional pairings!  I chose to keep the accessories as consistent as possible (although I could have had a blast with different shoes, belts, and accessories) so that the focus is on the Capris and the different top colors and shapes I utilized.

(L-R top, then bottom) 

(Click to enlarge)

This orange (the color didn’t really photograph accurately) v-neck tee as well as the yellow tank top are both casual ways to wear these capris. I also wanted to find a print-on-print option. Print mixing is a true art. I thought that a wide striped top would be an excellent compliment to the random floral of the capris. Using colors found in the capris, I selected this coral and white, and this chartreuse and white tee. I am pleased with the pairing! I’m not sure that any other print, besides a stripe, will work though. Any ideas, readers? I finished up with a popular selection this year- the chambray top. Mine has ruffles (YAY) and a rolled sleeve. I think it the chambray was a bit lighter in color, it would be even more successful. Finally, I did an untucked look (GASP!) with this lilac button up. Even though purple is not in these capris, the tone of this top goes with the tone of the floral.

            Tell me readers, Which pairing is your favorite and what other ideas do you have? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Jellies For Adults

Black tank top with thin white stripes and collar- Ralph Lauren POLO (via Marshall’s) ~$20

Pink, white and black striped skirt- Dana Buchman (via Goodwill) ~$5

Glitter rose earrings- Totally forget, probably Target or Forever 21 ~$3 (possibly?)

Pink jellies- Delia*s ~$20

TOTAL COST: Approx. $48

            I was going for a “retro-housewife” look today. While I am not thrilled with how it looks in the picture, I did get a few compliments from classmates and I thought in person that the prints somehow worked better. This skirt is one I’ve long had from Goodwill. It’s a good length, it's pleated and there is pink in it- a winning combination. I truly wish the black parts of this skirt were navy, as pink, navy and white is another winning color trio in my book. Ah well, for $5, it’s still an excellent deal.

            Are you thinking, “Jellies are being made for adults?!” the answer is yes. I bought these from Delia*s a number of years ago and barely wear them. Why? They are not comfortable for nearly any amount of walking and if your feet sweat even a little, forget about keeping them on at all- it’s like a Slip ‘N Slide. I was headed to class (read: MINIMAL walking), wanted to wear a flat and thought a pink shoe would be nice with this outfit, so here they are! Adult jellies.

Tell me readers, What childhood fashion trend to you miss? Inbox or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B