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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

To Donate or Not to Donate- That is the Question

Pink ruffle top- Target (via Salvation Army) ~$2

Tan skirt with embroidery- Ann Taylor LOFT (via Goodwill) ~$4

Bauble necklace- JEWELIQ (gift, retails for $25)

Tan sandals- Target ~$20

TOTAL COST: $26

            This top is just the cutest, right? Though it’s season is just about over so I hurried to wear it before fall takes over. It’s light weight but not too sheer. It’s a Target brand (maybe Mossimo?) which I generally do not buy at a thrift store, but I made an exception (it was 50% off Wednesday). I loved how it pulled the pink details out of this tan LOFT skirt that I’ve had for a while now. I always get compliments when I wear it, but I never immediately pull it out of my closet with joy, feeling “I must wear this skirt today!” It just doesn’t happen. I figured I’ll wear it a few times in fall and decide if it’s time to re-donate it or not. Finally, I topped off the outfit with my JEWELIQ bauble necklace (in Crème Brulee) because I thought the v-neck on this top made the perfect frame for a necklace this shape.

Tell me readers, What items to do hold on to even when they’re not your favorites? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

Glitzy Gala

Black dress with gold sequins- Department store (BonTon or Boscovs) ~$20 (on sale)

Black lace shrug- Express ~$20 (on sale, OLD)

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

TOTAL COST: $60

            Recently, I was invited to attend a gala at The Googleworks in Reading, PA. The Goggleworks is a museum but also serves as a site for artists to rent studio space and to teach a variety of classes. A dear friend of mine, James Maria, was recently honored by being accepted as an artist in residence at the Googleworks. Each year since it’s opening, the Goggleworks hosts a Black Tie Optional Gala. This year, Jimmy invited me and we had an absolute blast. This is what I wore. I wanted to be fun, because it’s an artistic event, but still classic.  For such a posh event, I managed a relatively inexpensive outfit! I rubbed elbows with some of the biggest names in Berks County who have donated funds to many local institutions, including a college I attended. It was fabulous. I am going to post some of the pictures from the evening, enjoy!

Thriftfully Yours,

B

A Shopping Haul: Old Navy

A while ago, I got some Old Navy “cash” and had to wait until it was good to use. I’ve been stalking the Old Navy website to figure out how I can best spend $50 and then get the $20 off. Here are some of the options I was looking at. I tried on (or visually examined) all these pieces and more.

The first item I tried on were these blouses. I was so excited for this item. So many expensive retails are putting out similar blouses and so I’m hunting for my bargain version. Unfortunately, the fit was BAD. I tried a variety of sizes and nothing worked. While they looked fine, they totally restricted my arm movement. Also, I under anticipated how ridiculous the large breast pockets would look. This was a pass- I am still hunting.

The second item were these corduroy skirts. I didn’t even bother picking one up to try on. They were not an item I was dying for and they just looked so cheap in person. Another pass.

The third item, more skirts, were these striped pencil skirts. A little too tight for me. Pass.

Next, the dresses- I was so excited to see these striped bracelet sleeve shifts with color block top on the web site. 

Prior to the release of these dresses, ON had posted these full sleeve dresses in four color combinations. 

Now, here is where I get confused. The full sleeve dress have better construction, thicker material and slightly more conservative hem lines and retail for $19.95. The bracelet sleeved dresses are thinner material, shorter hems, shoddier construction and are $24.95. My biggest question is why were they released in that order? The dress with the thinner material, and shorter hem and sleeve should have been released in SUMMER. But WHATEVER Old Navy, I liked your cheaper dress better and saved $5. In fact, I bought two. The navy dress with red stripes and the black dress with white stripes. Can’t wait to try it belted, with boots, with leggings, a cardigan, etc. (Hurry up fall).

Finally, I bought a 2^nd light weight polka dot sweater. I already own the green one and I love it so much (and fear them selling out before hitting sale) that I got it in the white with black polka dots.

My total for 3 pieces (2 dresses and the polka dot sweater) was $64 but with my ON cash, I paid $44!

I'm fairly pleased. Still have my $5 off of $25 from their FB page, so I'm not sure what to get with that (if anything).

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

Thriftfully Yours, 

B

Pretty Paisley

Blue paisley tube dress- Target (via Goodwill) ~$4

Crème Brulee Baubles & matching earrings- JEWELIQ (gift, retails for $25)

Stretchy gold belt- Goodwill (no tag) ~$2

Silver gladiator sandals- Bongo (via Marshalls) ~$5

TOTAL COST: $11

            I  bought this dress a few summers ago because I was doing a photos shoot and the photog suggested wearing a dress while shooting in the water. Knowing the water source we were shooting in wasn’t the most clean, I naturally did not want to use something I already owned because it could have been ruined. 

Luckily, I didn’t end up getting the dress wet and I kept it! Sometimes I fold it over and wear it as a maxi skirt. It’s wonderful. It was also a great opportunity to showcase the BABULE NECKLACE I reviewed in my last post.

Tell me readers, Have you ever bought something for one purpose and ended up using it for something else? Comment or email me at BsGoodwillHunting@gmail.com or tweet me at BsGoodwillHunt

Thriftfully Yours,

B

An Open (Love) Letter to JEWELIQ

Dear JEWELIQ,

            Hello and thank you for coming into my life. I’ve been stalking looking at your webpage for a while now, so I’m not entirely sure how it began. The most probable explanation is that I found your lovely business while reading one of the countless fashion blogs I read on a daily basis. Whoever that was, I offer you a cosmic thanks.

            You see readers (and JEWELIQ), I am not a “jewelry person.” I fear expensive jewelry. I don’t want to lose it or break it, or worst of all, tire of an expensive piece and feel guilty for not wearing it more often. The pieces I DO have are mostly costume jewelry- inexpensive pieces that make a big statement. So, when I came across this website, my jewelry concerns dissipated- I mean, all pieces under $25 with free shipping? And then I saw it. The bubble necklace. Sure, a lot of people are making similar versions, but not for a better price (Did I mention FREE shipping? Yes. Free.)

            With my birthday approaching, I quickly put the Crème Brulee Bauble Necklace and the Tortoise Link Necklace on my wish list. Unfortunately, my mother didn’t see the Baubles on the website (I think they were on page 2) and ordered something else, which I then had to return. Returning something is always a headache, but not this time, readers. I emailed Anna over at JEWELIQ and the exchange went effortlessly. I also got these beautiful ladybug earrings as part of a special promotion they were running to say “Thanks” to their customers. HOW LOVELY! They are a little heavy, but I wear them with those larger supportive backs and they’re great. 

            JEWELIQ, you just keep coming out with these beautiful pieces. Most recently, the Bauble Necklace in Bordeaux. Swoon. Also on the list: The Sailor necklaces and the Chocolate Disco bracelet- I’m sure by next week, the list will grow…) Also, recently I saw a fan on Twitter ask about rings, and you said, they will be added eventually. I, for one, am very excited. Please, keep up the excellent work!

            Readers, PLEASE check out JEWELIQ. All styles are represented. FREE SHIPPING. Do it. Also, they write you notes and ship everything in these velvet-y bags. I am obviously hoarding them all and plan to use them when I travel. 

I will continue to check your site weekly (if not more often) and pin all my favorite to Pinterest. Thank you for helping me become a jewelry lover! You did it! I’m a convert.

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