My Fashion Wish List

I started reading J’s Everyday Fashion (http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/) a few months ago and I loved her idea for creating a monthly fashion wish list. For my current and projected job, income, and life pace (not to mention my already enormous wardrobe) it was just not fiscally (or spatially) smart to do a monthly wish list. Instead, I generated a list of fashion basics that I want to locate within the next calendar year. I typed it up in Notes on my iPhone (so I could easily reference it while out thrifting) and I have it here for you all to see below.

I then decided to begin finding photographs that accurately represent what these items will look like- though not necessarily the exact piece I wanted. The night before my last major GW trip, I pinned photos for several list items: black lace up bootie with heel, striped blouse (and other secretary-style blouses), a blue Oxford and a white Oxford. Below is a screen shot from my Wish List board on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/ladypsychology/)

Maybe I should put things out into the universe more often because the goddesses of GW seriously smiled upon me. I thrifted: 4 secretary-style blouses, one white Oxford, a brand new pair of black lace-up booties, and a Hawaiian themed dress (not pictured). See swatches and snap shots below.

That swatch on the top left is nearly identical to the maroon looking top I had pinned just the day before! (It’s hard to see the pattern on the photo) The white button up is Express brand, barely been worn and fits perfectly. Total cost of this haul? $27. I dare to hypothesize that purchasing that Express Oxford new would have been at least that cost, if not more.

So my suggestion would be 1- Make a list of core pieces you covet & 2- use Pinterest to post photos

            So tell me readers, Ever had a very successful GW or thrifting haul? How many pieces for how much? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Consignment V. Goodwill

Navy & white floral wrap dress- Tommy Hilfiger Outlet (via local consignment shop, NWT) ~$21

Indian penny pendant necklace- Vintage (from grandmother)

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

TOTAL COST: Approx. ~$41

            I was a little unsure about even using this outfit for BGH because, as a total ensemble, it’s on the simple side. However, I figured it would give me an opportunity to talk about my recent experiences in consignment shops.

            My mother and I ventured out in our semi-new city to check out a few consignment shops. I’ve been thrifting pretty regularly at Goodwill but I tend not to hit other thrifty stores, like consignment shops, because they tend to mark up for a product so similar to GW. Of course the prices are still reasonable, especially compared to retail. Many consignment shops have rules about the labels it will accept along with the amount of visible wear an item has. This is helpful to the buyer because it can mean less digging and quality labels.

            BUT (there’s always a but…) for me, thrifting is so much about the hunt. Consignment stores take away that joy for me! Nothing makes me smile quite like finding that vintage, unique, or one of a kind piece at GW (and at a killer price). To be fair, the consignment stores I visited were very reasonable, one was far less than my expectations, price wise, and I was thrilled to snag two vintage scarves. I would recommend a consignment shop to individuals who might feel Goodwill is too far a jump from the regular retail stores she frequents. Consignment shops often have their clothing divided by size, as well as garment type, making it much easier to search.

            This dress was a true snag, even at $21 (when compared to $5 for a dress at GW). It has so many qualities I like in dresses: classic silhouette (wrap dress), timeless color combination (navy and white), fun print (while still mature), good length (even with lanky arm syndrome), & finally, it’s made of some genius material that breathes and doesn’t wrinkle (even after you roll it into a tiny ball and squish it in your suitcase). For all of these reasons, I am already planning on including this dress on next summer’s family trip to Hawaii.

            Tell me readers: Are you more likely to shop consignment or shop at Goodwill (or similar thrift store)? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B