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.

How To Wear A Button Up: With a Statement Necklace

            Recently, I came across an image created by Lauren of My Closet in Sketches in which she shows 6 ways to wear a button up shirt. I LOVED the idea and was so inspired that I decided to do outfit posts for each concept. Here is today's:

            I love the statement necklace I received for Christmas and knew it was the perfect piece for this post. As a personal choice, I prefer not to wear my oxfords all the way buttoned up. To give the outfit a comparable appearance, I wore a turtleneck. If you haven’t tried the turtleneck-under-a-button-up before, do so! (see how I wore it HERE). Lauren’s idea is excellent because the button up is the perfect canvas for a statement necklace.

See how else I wore this skirt HERE.

Thriftfully Yours,

B

The Polka-Dot Sweater

-->

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

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

Pretty Patriotic

Polka dot secretary blouse- James Kenrob (vintage, from Goodwill) ~$3.50

White and gold pencil skirt- Worthington (via JC Penny) ~$7

Skinny light blue belt- Vintage (via Goodwill) ~$1

Navy blue leggings- via Gabriel Brothers ~$4

Brown boots- Xappeal (via Rack Room Shoes) ~$20 (on sale)

TOTAL: $35.50

            Riding boots! It’s something I actually love about fall. My boots are sort of beat. I bought them on clearance 3+ years ago at Rack Room Shoes in what has turned out to be a snag at $20. These boots have been put out, NEW, every year for just around $50 and they’re not real leather! Not worth $50, maybe $20. Regardless, mine are starting to peel and are scuffed at the toe. It may be time to start scouting for a new, leather pair. Perhaps Christmas list…

            In other news, it is cold enough to wear my secretary blouses! We’re starting with this one and working through my entire collection. My outfit sort of ended up looking quite patriotic, especially after I added red coat.

Tell me readers, Any tips for finding a great pair of leather riding boots? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B