The Oxford Shoe

 

            I’ve long been pining over the oxford shoe—but without a lot of inspiration on how to wear them, I stopped looking for a new pair. Of course, as it often happens, when you stop looking for something is when you find it. I came across this all leather pair at Salvation Army recently and scooped them up. They look like they’ve barely been worn which is another bonus.

            Because these shoes remind me of men’s wear, I selected other masculine pieces to go along with them. To give the shoes high visibility, I paired then with my skinny OP cords. For a pop of color, I picked my Brooks Brothers plaid shirt. I’ve been wearing button up shirts nearly every day and I’m constantly looking for new ways to wear them. I’m doing a series on ways to wear the button up shirt (see it HERE and HERE) but “with a sweater vest” wasn’t on that original list.

See how else I wore this plaid button up HERE

Thriftfully Yours,

B

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.

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

Merry Christmas!

Dear Readers,
I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and thank you for all the support you give me by reading my little blog.
As Ever,
B

Fancy Plaid

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In my last post, I discussed how the versatility of pieces is important. Since I started reading fashion blogs regularly, my fashion inspiration and my ideas for remixing have increased ten fold. I would never have thought to wear my plaid button up over a turtle neck until the beautiful Blair over at Atlantic Pacific posted this photo.

            I thrifted my plaid blouse about a year ago. It’s a vintage Brooks Brothers piece. When I picked it up, I figured I’d wear it casually with jeans or under a sweater. Once I saw this picture, I could not wait to dress it up. I love increasing the flexibility of a piece- Thanks Blair!

Tell me readers, Would you wear plaid in a fancy outfit? Comment, email me (BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com) or tweet me (BsGoodwillHunt)

Thriftfully Yours,

B

PS- See that amazing cluster necklace in the inspiration photo? I found a great dupe on Etsy that I’m asking Santa to give me for Christmas 

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

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

Classy Girls Wear Pearls

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Plaid Dress- American Living (via Salvation Army) ~$4

Dark Fuchsia Cardi- Merona (at Target) ~From mom

Oversized Sunglasses- Wet Seal ~$3

Pearl Necklace- Gift

Teal Barrel Bag- Merona (for Target) ~$30

Tan Sandal- Target ~$20

TOTAL: $57

            Today is my homage to the blog run by the glamorous Sarah Vickers, Classy Girls Wear Pearls. If you have not seen her blog, please check it out! I am a lover of plaid and finding a plaid dress was a great excitement. The length is appropriate on me, which is tricky in a sundress, and this one far exceeds my fingertips! Hooray! Naturally, I paired it with a cardigan and my new bag. Sadly, the seasons are changing and this dress is getting packed up after this wear until next spring.

Tell me readers, What blogs inspire your outfit choices? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thirftfully 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