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

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

Black & White

Printed short sleeve tie blouse- Ship N’ Shore (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Black pencil skirt- Target ~$20

Pearl necklace- gift

White skinny belt- no tag (via Goodwill) ~$2

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

TOTAL COST: $38.50

            A warm day amidst some chilly ones! I used this brief weather reprieve to wear this blouse that I thrifted a while ago. Wearing black in the summer is something I shy away from because it doesn’t seem seasonally appropriate, so when I bought this blouse, I had to put it away for a while. Fall seemed to be a great time to pull it out and this day really allowed the blouse to be on full display (i.e. no cardigan needed). I stayed with the black and white theme when selecting the rest of the outfit. Looking back, the belt was a misstep- there are no belt loops on the skirt, so it was moving all over- annoying.

            I think this may be the final wearing of my new favorite sandals of all time- but don’t worry, just for the fall and winter seasons. Packing up and swapping out my out of season clothes has been a semi annual tradition for YEARS. I love taking out the bins and rediscovering all those pieces. I also get to put away my summery stuff. It’s refreshing- but I am going to miss those sandals for the next 6 months (or so).

Tell me readers, What items are you sort of sad to put away for fall and winter? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

The Polka-Dot Sweater

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Green polka dot sweater- Liz & Co (via Salvation Army) ~$2.50

Black skinny corduroys- OP (via Goodwill) ~$4

Gold and pearl strand necklace- (via consignment) ~$3

White and leather belt- Vintage (from mom)

Boots- Rack Room Shoes ~$20 (on sale, they are still selling them new!)

TOTAL: $29.50

            I have been waiting to wear some of the new-to-me fall/winter clothes I’ve thrifted in the past few months and the weather is finally cooperating. This sweater has been on stand-by for a chilly day for a while. Polka dot sweaters have been EVERY WHERE this year- J Crew, Old Navy, Gap and Brooks Brothers have all manufactured similar polka dot sweaters (but not for a better price). If you’ll remember, I purchased 2 other polka dot sweaters, new, from Old Navy. Why a third polka sweater, you ask? This was not only a great deal, it is also a much thicker sweater than the other two and is roomy enough for layering during the more harsh winter months.

Tell me readers, How have you been expressing the polka dot trend? 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

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

Yo-Yo Weather

Purple sleeveless button up- Eddie Bauer (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Off white cardigan- Vera Wang for Kohls ~$5 (on sale)

Blue printed capris- LOFT (via Goodwill) ~$4

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

TOTAL COST: $32.50

            With the weather yo-yoing like crazy, I am forced to bounce back and forth between summer and fall-ish outfits. These capris are a recent purchase, even though I vowed to switch my focus to fall clothes, I couldn’t resist these great LOFT capris. I paired them with the purple top in an effort to bring out the periwinkle detailing in the print a bit more. My go-to style with summer clothes is generally preppy. However, my style becomes a bit more diverse in fall and winter when I can do a bit more layering- which switches it up a bit. Stay tuned to see all my fall and winter clothes that have been hiding!

Tell me readers, Do you keep out of season clothes stored away? or leave everything out year round? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Preppy Pineapple

Striped Pineapple tank- J Crew (via a store in OBX) ~$15 (old)

Khaki chinos- J Crew (via Salvation Army) $3

Red braided belt- H&M ~$5

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

TOTAL COST: $43

            Oh J. Crew- how I love thee, but NOT your in store pricing! AH! Of course the J Crew outlet exists, but did you know that the merchandise is not “leftovers” but a totally different line that is made of lower quality material? Yeah. Sad days. I love outlets because I love deals, but I do not love this system. I would much rather pour over rack after rack at Goodwill or Salvation Army to find the great deal. It’s so rewarding. Like these shorts, for example. I found these on a 50% off Wednesday at SalVal and hoped they’d fit. They’re a bit longer than I usually wear, but still shorter than a Bermuda cut, so I don’t consider them too “mature” for me. This tank top is a favorite of mine, but how often can one wear a sequined striped pineapple top? Not very often. Wish I had it in watermelon… But pineapple is such a great looking fruit.

Tell me readers, What do you think is the most interesting looking fruit? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours, B

Saving at Salvation

            Are you thinking, “ANOTHER shopping update?! What gives?! How often do you shop?” Readers, this summer has been an all time high for purchasing but consider these two points…

1. I made a huge shift to 80%+ thrift shopping (vs. buying retail)

2. In exchange for helping find, launder, describe and photograph the items on our eBay site, I do not take a percentage of the earnings, rather, I purchase a few items as part of the store haul.

Also, it was 50% off Wednesday- my favorite. Without further explanation, onto the review!

(Starting top left and moving clockwise)

Silky floral pajama pants: These were ONE DOLLAR, ‘nuff said.

NY & Co tan shift: Easy to wear. Summery.

Massimo fuchsia ruffle pop over: The color is NOT accurate, its not nearly this fluorescent, it’s much more of a fall pink.

J Crew Bermuda chino: J Crew bottoms are so expensive new so finding a great pair of their shorts at a thrift store is my favorite thing. 

Gold tone chain link necklace: Anyone ever painted metal jewelry? I want to spray this black…

Tell me readers, How often do you shop? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Orange

Orange sleeveless button up- St. John’s Bay (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Plaid Madras shorts- J Crew ~$30 (old)

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

TOTAL COST: $53.50

            Sort of a pricy outfit for three pieces, no? I bought these shorts YEARS ago at a J Crew while on vacation (possibly in Vegas or California somewhere…) before I became more in tune with monies and thrifting. Luckily for me, my weight has remained almost constant for quite some time so I can keep pieces I’ve had since high school. Don’t hate me! It’s not my fault! I’m sure weight karma will bite me someday.

            Anyway, on to the outfit- Mom said it looked very fall-like, because of the color scheme. I didn’t do that on purpose, but perhaps my subconscious knows that I am a little excited to pull out my bins and start rediscovering fall and winter pieces I haven’t seen in 6 months. I am wondering what colors I can wear with this top- I refuse to wear orange with black (Halloween) or green (a carrot), I think purple, pink or blue would look weird, so I’m left with… neutrals- and plaid, naturally.

Tell me readers, What colors do you wear with orange? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

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

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

Seven Nation (Salvation) Army

            Here is the recap from my latest 50% off Wednesday trip to Salvation Army. I am really trying to focus on Fall and Winter pieces now that summer is nearly ending (sad face). Of the seven pieces I thrifted, four are definite fall/winter wear, two are wearable in multiple seasons and my final piece is jewelry. 

1. I remember seeing this Fair Isle-style sweater at American Eagle a season or two ago, but $50 for a sweater I might wear 5 times a season is NOT a good deal for me. If you wait long enough, someone will get bored with their $50 purchase and donate it for lovely thrifters like you and me. It is warm and cozy, perfect for snowy weather.

2. This sweater dress by Chadwick’s is my favorite purchase of the haul. It fits perfectly. As I’ve mentioned, I largely ignore sizing when I’m shopping. This dress is Petite (which I am NOT) but I tried it anyway- and VOILA, it’s made for me. Can’t wait to pair it with tights or leggings and a knee high boot. 

3. One of my absolute favorite labels to stumble upon while thrifting is J Crew. The preppy and classic design aesthetic really appeals to me but the in store prices do not. This wool, above the knee kilt-like skirt is a great addition to my collection of standard pieces. It also works well for my job at an Irish pub.

4. Last season, I was on the hunt for a pair of corduroy leggings. I had a hard time finding a pair that was not meant to look like jeans, with a zipper, button closure or pockets. I didn’t want these features because I do not intend to wear these alone, but rather, under skirts and dresses. Pockets and buttons add bulk so they’re out. These are old Express leggings (I’m surprised they made these, probably in the 90’s)

5. I recently added knit sweater vests to my fall shopping wish list. While there was nothing interesting in the actual vest section, I also searched the tank top section where found this silky cable knit tank top. I recently wore it as a tank top with white jeans and it was perfectly preppy. I’ll be leaving it out for fall, though, to make it work as a vest. (I’m still hunting for a navy pull over v-neck vest)

6. Another brand I love to see is Ann Taylor. This sleeveless white button up is a great classic piece. Perfect alone in the summer, with a cardigan in fall or spring, or under sweaters in winter. I will not pay $50+ for such a basic piece new, but I don’t want to give up on the quality that can be associated with pricy items- so what do I do? I THRIFT! 

7. These bold chain necklaces are SO popular right now. This one has a length of about 18” (it’s always hard to tell in photos how long necklaces are). I am not really a jewelry person, especially the expensive stuff. I’m just too fearful that I’ll lose it, break it, etc. I love costume style jewelry because it’s inexpensive and bold. This piece (which does not have any indication of a brand) came in at $9.

Tell me readers, How are you transitioning some of your summer pieces for fall? Comment or email me BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

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

My Goodwill Fill (+Today is my BIRTHDAY!)

       

     Mother and I have visited yet another Goodwill in the surrounding area, this one near a grocery store (Wegmans) which we like to shop at 2-3 times a year. This Goodwill had some excellent brands, so we will probably be back (on our next out-of-town grocery trip). I snagged 6 pieces for myself, 5 of which were fall/winter pieces. I did make one summery exception, but we’ll get to that.

            Starting with the four square photo (Top L, going clockwise) This long sleeve grey J Crew tee is soft and warm. Not to mention, perfect for layering. Ann Taylor put out this fold over collared long sleeve tee in dusty teal- it’s a much more dressy take on the long sleeve cotton shirt. This navy and white long sleeve Gap is the fall/winter companion to the very similar looking Gap tee I found at the Junior League $1 bag sale. It’s cozy and nautical. Finally, this ½ sleeve lightweight sweater cardigan by Express is perfect for fall. It will allow me to wear some of my tank tops for a few more weeks. I also snagged two bottoms: these seaweed patterned J Crew chinos and this vintage purple wool pencil skirt. I had to snag these J Crew chinos- they retail for upwards of $40, so for $5 I have a giant savings AND J Crew shorts. The wool skirt is going to be great with a number of my secretary blouses. Can’t wait to start styling for fall- I’m getting bored of my summer wardrobe.

Tell me readers, Have you started fall shopping? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

PS- I will do an outfit post about my Birthday in a few days, so stay tuned :)

Hampton's on a Dime

Navy and white striped tee- Gap (via Junior League) ~$ .10

White chino shorts- J Crew (via Goodwill) ~$5

Braided brown leather belt- Vintage (from Mom)

Gold and pearl strand necklace x2- Consignment ~$6

Kelly green slip on shoes- TOMS shoes ~$54

TOTAL COST: $65.10

            When I saw this shirt on the rack at Junior League I was shocked- a perfectly good Gap tee shirt that hadn’t sold during the 50% or 75% off sales? By the time I’d finished filling my bag, my items were about ten cents a piece, perhaps less. This top is a classic- navy with skinny white stripes. I love the nautical look and knew this top would be perfect. I paired it with my J Crew white chino shorts, a brown leather belt and volia! Instant Hamptons. Having never actually been there (ahem…) This is what I imagine the classic Hamptonites look like.

            By the way- are you SO bored of me wearing these gold and pearl strand necklaces? Because I am not yet bored of wearing them! I am generally not a jewelry wearer, but there is so little risk associated with these necklaces. They aren’t family heirlooms nor were they expensive. The delicate silhouette makes them wearable with both dressy and casual pieces. I also this a bold piece, the the J Crew bubble necklace in white, would pair excellently with this look- definitely taking it to another level of dressiness.

Tell me readers, Have you ever been to the Hamptons? What do people actually look like there? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Dollar Dash

          

          Recently, our local Junior League had its semiannual Fill a Bag for $1 to clear out old spring/summer merchandise and make way for the first wave of fall/winter wear. Of course, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to see what I could snag for a buck so I went over close to the beginning of the event, hoping for a better pool from which to pick. However, 4 days prior to the bag sale, the store offers 50% followed by 75% off all items, so when you get to dollar bag day, it’s just the dregs left. Overall, I am pleased with my haul. I snagged 4 pieces for myself and a few others for the shop. Here are my haul highlights: Gap navy & white striped crew neck tee, Cable & Gauge multicolored circle tank, lavender Lands’ End pullover, and a paisley button front dress by Too-She-She.

Tell me readers, What fall items are you hoping make their way into your thrift stores? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

PS Yesterday was National Thrift Day, hope you celebrated by thrifting a great new piece for your wardrobe. 

Snag of the Season (& 50th Post!)

White ¾ gauzy top- Hollister Co. ~$20

Purple tank top- H&M ~$7

Pink chino shorts- Tommy Hilfiger Outlet ~$25

Gold and pearl strand necklace- Consignment ~$3

White and gold skinny belt- Goodwill (no brand) ~$2

Black gladiators- Ruff Hewn (via BonTon) ~$13

TOTAL COST: $70

            For a blog that is about thrifting and saving money, this outfit is looking kind of expensive. However, it was a put together look and I decided to document it. You see, I haven’t been so into thrifting my whole life. My focus has really expanded in the past 3 years and both the top and bottom of this outfit are more than 3 years old. The true sales high light of this outfit are my new sandals. You know those $5 silver gladiators I’ve been wearing all summer? They’re still alive (no need to worry) but the quality isn’t great and I’m just not sure how much longer they are going to make it. Enter these shoes. BonTon is having a huge sale and I hunt down these babies, originally $89- What a snag! They are comfortable and stylish. I LOVE those tassel details! I know I only have a few months to bond with them before they go into fall/winter hibernation, but until then- they will be my go-to shoe!

Tell me readers, What was your end of the season snag? 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

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