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 

Secondhand Shoes?!

As a kid, I would carefully prepare outfits mirroring colors throughout. I was very “matchy matchy.” Black shoes, purple tights, black skirt, purple top, black hair bow- yeah, that intense. Over time, my sense of fashion pairings has evolved, but I still love putting together outfits based on color. I pulled this blouse out and quickly selected the black skirt and red shoes to match the stripes in the top. Visually, I think the solid neutral bottom is a good balance to the visually stimulating top.

It’s been a while since I posted an outfit entirely from thrift store finds. This is generally a challenge because of shoes which is probably one of the items the general population would feel weird buying second hand. Honestly, I’m not a germaphobic person. My real thought is “Do I want to own suede shoes that are preppy and amazing and would retail for around $90 or not?”

For six bucks, I purchased what are easily the nicest shoes I own (okay, maybe my UGGs are really the nicest). The quality is high (good materials) and the signs of wear were minimal, which is hard to find with second hand shoes. These were clearly taken care of. If you’ve ever owned something suede, you know how even a light drizzle can ruin it. 

Tell me readers, Would you rock this matchy matchy look? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunt@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thrifty Threads: A Goodwill Shopping Review

My most recent trip to the GW was VERY fruitful! I snagged 6 pieces and two accessories. I almost stayed seasonal! Just one little slip- Oops?

(Starting top L and moving clockwise)

1. American Eagle Coral Chunk Knit sweater $4

I LOVED the over-sized buttons and the shawl collar!

2. Heart on my Sleeve tie cardigan $4

Not a quality brand, but good over jeans.

3. Merona chevron vest $3.50

Slowly building my vest collection! Still looking for navy and white.

4. Banana Republic patterned top $3.50

Great quality- great print! 

5. Talbots polka dot oxford $3.50

I’ve seen so many great versions of the polka dot blouse, so I was very excited to find this one, especially from a great brand like Talbots!

6. Ship N Shore vintage purple oxford $3.50

When I saw this top, I thought “Challenge Accepted!” I LOVED the color and knew I could find a way to style it to look chic- keep your eyes open for this one! I won’t be able to wait too long to wear it.

7. Blue and white scarf  $1

I don’t know who made this scarf, or what it’s made of but for a buck, I snagged it!

8. Silver Chrysanthemum Broach $5

Such a classic broach- I plan on pinning it on my winter coat!

TOTAL COST for 6 pieces of clothing and 2 accessories: $28

Tell me readers, What are you most recent shopping snags? Thrifted or not! Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

The Color of the Season

Teal long sleeve top- Ann Taylor (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Velvet paisley pants- Lee (via Goodwill) ~$5

Gold bead necklace- Old Navy ~$5

Brown leather belt- Vintage (from mom)

Red suede shoe- Riekers Shoes (gift)

TOTAL COST: $13.50

            I thrifted these pants a few years ago, long before my major obsession with thrifting began.

They’re a hair short, but I just ignore it! It’s so hard to see in this photo, but the print is just great. I’d really love to have them taken to a tailor and made into skinny pants- then I could wear them with boots! I love prints, so when I happen across a plain piece that I like, I try to snag it. Otherwise, I only have prints to wear with prints and that gets difficult. This top is a beautiful color and the details make it special (the shawl collar and the skinny cuff).

            I am definitely feeling this color this fall! When I look at all the tops I’ve thrifted recently, MANY of them are in this color family. It’s so fabulous and goes well with many other colors and prints.  

Tell me readers, What is your go-to color this season? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

LOUD Prints

Blue floral dress- Vintage (no tag) (Goodwill) ~$4

Pink leggings- Given to me

Grey knee highs- OU (gift)

Cognac boot- Rack Room Shoes ~$20 (on sale)

Pink rose earrings- Forever 21 ~$6 (for a pack of 3)

Silver necklace- Vintage (Flea Market) ~$1

TOTAL COST: $31

            This dress is another one of those “so bad it’s good” pieces. When I saw it at GW, I hoped it would fit and I got lucky. I think it might actually be home sewn, so I’m not sure how old it is. The print is Asian inspired, with geishas and cherry blossoms. While  I love dresses with long sleeves and a shorter hemline- I often wonder how to style them… Since the fall weather has (mostly) taken over here in the North, I’ll be wearing this style of dresses with tights and leggings.

            The print is so loud and so memorable that this dress is a piece I wear sparingly. It’s always bittersweet when I acquire pieces this like. I love loud pieces, stand out pieces. Of course I know that I impose these “fashion rules” upon myself, but quite frankly, I have so many other pieces I love to wear that wearing this dress on repeat isn’t smart regardless of print.

Tell me readers, What are your loudest pieces and how long to you wait between wears? 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

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

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

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

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

Jump Back

Periwinkle top- Banana Republic (via Junior League) ~$ .10

Navy and white pin stripe shorts- Gap ~$20

Gold strand necklaces- Consignment ~$6 (for 2)

White and leather belt- Vintage (from mom)

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

TOTAL COST: $39.10

            It’s September. That means that warm or even hot days should be appreciated. I always have to remind myself not to rush into my fall wardrobe too soon because by November, I’ll be a little tired of it. Today was hot, so I jumped back into shorts and a tank. This top was purchased at my Dollar Dash jaunt at the local Junior League- Banana Republic? for around TEN CENTS? Yeah, I was pleased. It’s a great color that refused to photograph accurately, so I apologize. I always struggle to style these shorts (they are a very thin navy and white pin stripe), so I end up ignoring them most of the summer. They’re great quality- produced by Gap, so I know they’ll last me. I normally don’t to blues with blacks, but I love these sandals so much I’m wearing them as much as possible. In the fall, I try to stay away from sandals because my toes get cold easily (and I miss my UGG boots).

Tell me readers, Are you having a hot or cool fall so far? 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

Goodwill Goodies: A Shopping Recap

Since it’s time for back to school (& work) for mom and I, we did double duty with back to back thrift store visits before we get too busy to search the racks. On our first day, we hit our local GW. As I mentioned in my last few shopping recap posts, I am trying to focus on fall fashions when I’m shopping since it’s fast approaching. Again, I was lured in by a few summery pieces but did manage some fall ones also. Here’s the recap!

(Starting Top L square, moving clockwise)

1. I’m not sure what my obsession is with heather grey, but it lives on! This Eddie Bauer tank top with cream detailing is more fun than a plain grey tank but is still versatile. I plan on using it as a layering piece in the fall.

2. This skinny striped Banana Republic tank is another piece I felt would transition well to fall. I also feel like the colors and shape a bit more grown up than some of my other tank tops, which is a plus as well.

3. Most of the Goodwill’s I have been to often get left overs from Target. These swim bottoms are NWOT and are preppy and nautical (two things I LOVE). However, upon arriving home, I realized I don’t have any tops that coordinate. Boo. Hoping I can find a navy and white top with anchors on it at a final sale somewhere soon J

4. I’ve relapsed, readers. I bought ANOTHER secretary blouse and it’s not even a solid color (which I proclaimed would be the only other one’s I would be on the look out for). I couldn’t resist! It’s navy blue with red and light blue abstract spots on it, AND it has a peter pan style collar. Couldn’t resist. I now have TEN- Oops?

5. Oh LOFT- How I love thee. These patterned capris are so fun and fit very well. I’m excited to wear them well into fall. Wondering how I could pattern mix them… Stripes?

Tell me readers, Where do you like to buy your bathing suites? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet to me, BsGoodwillHunt

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

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 :)

Jealous of J. Crew

Grey Jumper- Criss Cross (via Goodwill) ~$5

White button up- Express (via Goodwill) ~$3.50

Black oxford shoes- Fioni (via Goodwill) ~$5

Polka dot socks- Urban Outfitters (maybe?- Old)

TOTAL COST: $13.50

            I have to give it up to J. Crew. While they produce a lot of classic, basic items, there are also show stopping ones. Jenna Lyons (President and Creative Director) has excellent instincts about pairing these pieces into truly amazing ensembles, which are really more like works of art. Like this little gem, for example…

So ridiculous, so quirky- I don’t think that most J Crew shoppers would wear this look as is, but this look, and others, speak to my (at times) off-beat sense of personal style. Today, I took a much more simple inspiration of J. Crew’s current line up. While perusing the J. Crew website, I came across this grey jumper over a white button up. I was drawn to the simplicity and familiarity of the look. Don’t I own a jumper just like that? Sure do! Here it is and yes, it has pockets just like the J. Crew version. I thrifted this little ditty for just $5, compared to the J. Crew look-a-like price of $188- that comes to a virtual savings of $183.

Want more look-a-likes? 

Here are some polka dot pieces- a super hot trend throughout the new J Crew catalog. The left is an Old Navy dress for $44 (available online only) while on the right is a similar looking J. Crew sweater for $268. Those base colors look almost identical to me… Hrm…Coincidence? 

Old Navy also just released 3 sweaters that look extremely similar to the J Crew. The major differences? Neck line (crew v. boatneck), J Crew’s version has a cute button closure in the back, the scale of the polka dots, and the price ($24 v. $268). I bought the best dupe of the group, the green one. Check them out!

Tell me readers, Which designers do you look to to inspire your ensembles? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

The Classic Statement

Silk red and black floral blouse- Ann Taylor (via Goodwill) ~$2

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

Dark green skinny belt- Target (via Goodwill) ~$1

Gold pointy toe heels- Nine West (via BonTon) ~$20

TOTAL COST: $30

            I recently took a trip to Tennessee and visited a Goodwill store while I was there. Items were separated men’s and women’s but beyond that- the sorting was lacking. My favorite GW locations are those in which items are sorted by garment type and color. The pricing at this location was also different. The general cost of short sleeve tops was around $2 whereas in my area, they are $3.50. When I saw this pattern and fabric, I knew the brand to be quality. The only down side to silk (especially a printed silk) is that is has to be dry cleaned. I know the long-term value of a piece like this. It’s a classic statement piece, which is my favorite kind of garment. I can’t wait to find other ways to wear it throughout the year.

            Tell me readers, How are your favorite thrift stores set up? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Labeled Lady

Silk teal sweater- Ann Taylor (via Junior League) ~$7

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

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

Dark pink suede loafers- Talbots (via Goodwill) ~$6

TOTAL COST: Approx. $21.50

            Nearly all my favorite preppy, classic designers are represented in this outfit (most notably missing is Banana Republic). That stereotypical Hamptons vibe is totally my aesthetic in the summer. Goodwill and other thrift stores in my area have been so good when it comes to label quality. I have seen a lot of really pricy brands and that makes me happy, especially at Goodwill. This means someone likely purchased this quality item for full price, owned it and then donated it- that is charity people. Building an adult, grown-up work wardrobe can be expensive (especially when one is a student) but it doesn’t have to be. This sweater is 100% silk and manufactured by Ann Taylor. I want to wear it with everything I own- it’s sure to be a favorite this fall and winter.

            I decided not to wear any accessories with this outfit (besides my faux diamond earrings) and instead, to do some online browsing for appropriate jewelry. I picked 3 websites and found two necklaces and two bracelets/watches that I thought might each pair well with this preppy look.

(Top L, moving clockwise) 

Jewel IQ Tortoise Link Necklace: This is my statement option. I have been coveting this preppy staple for a while- just waiting for the right incarnation. I found it here, at Jewel IQ, where shipping is free on all orders and no individual piece is more than $25. HOLLER! I love this necklace. Excellent length, good coloration, and I like the change in link size. Jewel IQ is also carrying those ever-popular bauble necklaces- So good! It’s on my wish list! Just waiting for the right color.

Stella and Dot Gold strand Necklace: This is the understated option. I love gold and teal together, it has a very luxe feel to it. I’m rarely understated, but this piece is a yes for me.

Fossil Pearl Banded Watch: I originally went searching for a tortoise band watch from Fossil that a friend of mine has- it wasn’t on the website but this beauty was. How classy. For me, it’s like a pearl bracelet and a watch all rolled into one. The bracelet length sleeve of the sweater (not intended to be, I’m sure- I just have extra long arms) exposes the wrist perfectly for a statement piece like this.

Stella and Dot Gold Spike Bracelet: Again, gold and teal are totally biffs. I have been eyeing up this little number on many of the fashion blogs I read, including J’s Everyday and I think it is an excellent combination of edgy and classy. I’ve seen it layered very effectively as well, so that increases its versatility.

Tell me readers, Which jewelry look is your favorite? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Junior League Line Up

 

            Today, my mom and I took our first trip to our city’s Junior League. The Junior League mission statement is as follows: The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. (http://www.ajli.org/)

            It functions as a second hand store. Community members can sell their items for a few dollars and the Junior League resells them at a reasonable price. I wasn’t sure what the pricing would be like compared to other charitable organizations like Goodwill, but I thought it was quite reasonable. I managed to snag 3 items for 13 dollars.

            When I spotted this polka dot dress (David Warren: New York) on the rack, I hoped it would be a great silhouette and my size- It was both. It’s classic and fun- words that perfectly describe my style. The teal v-neck is a Banana Republic top which could be dressed up or worn casually. It’s a great addition to my “work wear” tops collection. Finally, this 100% silk sweater by Ann Taylor is so much more special than this photo would suggest. It fits perfectly and the color looks great with everything. Can’t wait to wear it as a layer piece.

            I would definitely go back. There was a really nice representation of quality brands: Talbots, Ann Taylor, LOFT, Banana Republic, J Crew, etc. Everything I looked at was under $10. Some items were cheaper than they would have been at GW and some were more expensive, so for me, I would say it just about balances out. They are having a giant end of the season sale in the middle of August (Fill a bag for $1!) so I’ll be sure to check that out.

Tell me readers, Do you think the polka dot trend is here to stay? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com

Thriftfully Yours,

B