Working it Out

 

You may think that being a fashion blogger for Goodwill Keystone Area is my full-time job (and wouldn’t that be cool!), but I have a brand new full-time career opportunity where my organization motivates girls to get active through a positive and educational program.

So, I decided that I need to be more active and positive, so the first step (of course) was getting a few new work out outfits that flatter my figure. Squeezing into clothing that doesn’t fit properly on your current body doesn’t make anyone feel good.

I turned to my local Goodwill store to help me achieve that goal. While some people may prefer simple, all black activewear outfits, I always turn to colors and patterns for my wardrobe – no matter what I’m doing and wearing. I started with these vibrant and fun full-length leggings from Ideology. This brand is sold at various retailers from Macy’s to Amazon. A description from their website says that “A gym essential, Ideology’s versatile stretch leggings keep you moving through your toughest workouts!” And I sure hope so! They retailed for around $29.99, but Goodwill’s price was $6.50!

After finding the leggings, I needed a coordinating top and this turquoise Under Armor Heat Gear tank was exactly what I wanted! Under Armor is a popular brand and a great find for $4.50. They sell for around $25 when new.

I like my new work out outfit and I love that I can find a wide variety of clothing from wear-to-work outfits to work out clothing at Goodwill Keystone Area stores. Check your local store for whatever your wardrobe needs might be!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

KirstenBlogHeadShot

 

About The Blogger

Kirsten is a 40-something mom, wife and marketing professional. She loves all things crafty, tasty and fashionable, especially while being frugal. She enjoys hunting for treasures at her local Goodwill Keystone Area stores to decorate her home and wardrobe.

Swim Style

 

The calendar may say July, but department stores are starting to advertise back-to-school and fall looks while summer outfits are still the everyday norm. Do you know who still has racks of bathing suits, cover-ups and shorts and tees? Goodwill Keystone Area, that’s who!

On a recent vacation to the Florida Keys, I sported a completely thrifted poolside outfit from my local Goodwill. The patterned bathing suit from Figleaves was purchased new-with-tags for $4.00 at one of the recent 50% off sales at my local Goodwill store. Their brand of suits retail for approximately $70 online. The trendy polka dots and ruching add fun and detail to a simple tank suit.

I paired it with a flowing blue and white striped cover-up that was accented with pink embellishments. It has a tie closure and perfect for throwing on top of a swimsuit or over a tank top and skinny jeans with sandals for a summer night out.

To carry around my books, sunscreen and other necessities, a roomy and colorful Lauren Ralph Lauren leather tote was the perfect accessory. I scored this bag for $6.97, but it sold new for about $228! Not a bad deal – I saved 97% off retail!

There’s still plenty of summer fun to be had! Visit your local Goodwill Keystone Area store to pick up some summer necessities for your summer trip to the beach, lake or local pool.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Swimsuit: $4.00 (half off day- originally $8.00)
Cover up: $6.50
Bag: $6.97
Total: $17.47
Retail: $325+

KirstenBlogHeadShot

 

About The Blogger

Kirsten is a 40-something mom, wife and marketing professional. She loves all things crafty, tasty and fashionable, especially while being frugal. She enjoys hunting for treasures at her local Goodwill Keystone Area stores to decorate her home and wardrobe.

Going Bananas for Goodwill

 

I’ve talked about finding favorite brands among the Goodwill Keystone Area racks before and Banana Republic is one of brands I search out because I know it offers consistent quality and classic appeal. Finding those labels is always a nice surprise.

According to their company website, “Banana Republic was founded in 1978 by Mel and Patricia Ziegler, who originally called the company “Banana Republic Travel & Safari Clothing Company.” The original concept for the company was to sell items that fit a safari theme. In 1983, Gap purchased the company, changed the name to “Banana Republic,” and rebranded the stores to achieve a more upscale image.

Customers shop Banana Republic for “versatile, contemporary classics, designed for today with style that endures. Through thoughtful design, we create clothing and accessories with detailed craftsmanship in luxurious materials.”

This pattern on this black ¾ sleeve shift dress reminds me of fireworks on hot summer night. It would have retailed for around $119, but my cost at Goodwill was $5.50. I’ll be able to transition this dress into fall or winter with tights boots and a blazer.

To bring out the colors in the dress, I added a small pink cross-body bag from Tignanello and a beaded purple and gold necklace. These accessories don’t overwhelm the festiveness of the dress, but add just the right touch to finish the look.

Lastly, strappy black patent and rattan sandals from NY&CO completed this perfect summer evening out look. They would have sold for about $59.99.

You can find even better deals on your favorite brands through July 4th! Shop Goodwill’s 99¢ Sale, details here!

Whatever your favorite brand is, you can most likely find it at Goodwill Keystone Area stores. Mall store labels at thrifty prices!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Dress: $5.50
Bag: $4.97
Shoes: $6.97
Necklace: $3.97
Total: $21.41
Retail: $275+

KirstenBlogHeadShot

 

About The Blogger

Kirsten is a 40-something mom, wife and marketing professional. She loves all things crafty, tasty and fashionable, especially while being frugal. She enjoys hunting for treasures at her local Goodwill Keystone Area stores to decorate her home and wardrobe.

Warm Weather Looks

 

Warm humid days with cooler evenings are here and dressing in light playful prints and colors are just what the season ordered. Strapless dresses are a fun summer look and when you throw on a classic denim jacket, you have a perfect June outfit.

My friend Jeanette is modeling an adorable strapless cotton print dress. The yellow, blues and white evoke a beachy vibe for a night on the boardwalk. You could add a cardigan or a light jacket when the sun sets and temps drop, but a jean jacket is so Americana and my favorite go-to piece for an extra layer. This one is from Guess, a class American denim brand, and the faded grey/black wash makes it unique.

To pick up the colors in the dress, I added a yellow snake-skin print clutch. It has plenty of room for your phone, lip gloss, etc. but doesn’t overwhelm the outfit. Yellow has been a popular color this spring and snakeskin print is popping up all over my fashion feed!

Metallic wedge sandals from Kenneth Cole Reaction are a nice neutral choice for footwear. The platform of these sandals makes them easy to wear and elongates the leg. These are very versatile and could be worn with skinny jeans and a tunic top for a more casual look.

Finally, to pick up on those colors again, I added a navy beaded necklace. Jewelry at Goodwill Keystone Area stores is so affordable, that I stock up on unique pieces when I find them, even if I don’t have anything to pair with them – yet!

Summer calls for light and bright outfits, layered looks and colorful pops of accessories. And all these things are readily available at your local Goodwill Keystone Area store! Get out and get shopping!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Dress: $5.50
Jacket: $10.00
Clutch: $6.97
Shoes: $6.97
Necklace: $1.97

Total: $31.41
Retail: $320+

KirstenBlogHeadShot

 

About The Blogger

Kirsten is a 40-something mom, wife and marketing professional. She loves all things crafty, tasty and fashionable, especially while being frugal. She enjoys hunting for treasures at her local Goodwill Keystone Area stores to decorate her home and wardrobe.

It’s in the Bag!

 

Summer is officially here! Lazy warm days, beautiful sunsets, weddings, trips to the beach… it’s all going on in June. It’s time to break out the sandals, maxi dresses and summer accessories including the iconic summer straw bag. According to Harper’s Bazaar (June 7, 2019) “The versatile straw bag is a spring/summer staple, as wearable in the city with jeans as it is on the beach.”

Embrace the warm, summer weather with straw bags from clutches to totes to carry-alls. And, at Goodwill Keystone Area, you can find all those styles and more. Whether you are looking for a small bag to accessorize a garden party or a wedding or a large tote to fit your beach necessities, Goodwill has got you covered at prices that won’t break the bank. And those prices are even better on Wednesday, June 26th, when the next 50% off sale is happening at your local store! See sale details and find a Goodwill near you, click here.

If you’re looking for a feminine clutch for a more formal event, this embroidered floral clutch fits the bill. $4.97 is a great price for this vintage-style bag. You could also pair it with jeans and a t-shirt for a casual night out

This simple utilitarian tote is just perfect for a visit to the beach. The open-weave beige rattan bag lets the sand sift out while keeping your necessities inside and the red leather handles add a pop of color. I found this bag at and Goodwill Outlet and paid less than $1.00!

Finally, this more modern and trendy bag from VANS (yes, the sneaker brand!) would make a great summer purse. It’s lined with fabric that cinches closed and has pockets to your small items don’t get lost. And the navy, grey, teal and purple make it coordinate with lots of colors in your wardrobe. This bad retailed for $80 when new, so $6.97 makes it a great buy!

Be sure and check your local Goodwill store for seasonal accessories. Straw bags are a timeless summer item that you’ll reach for every year.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Embroidered clutch: $4.97
Beige tote with red handles: $1.00
Vans blue tote bag: $6.97

KirstenBlogHeadShot

 

About The Blogger

Kirsten is a 40-something mom, wife and marketing professional. She loves all things crafty, tasty and fashionable, especially while being frugal. She enjoys hunting for treasures at her local Goodwill Keystone Area stores to decorate her home and wardrobe.

Going Out and Dressing Up

 

This weekend, you might be celebrating all types of moms: moms, grandmothers, bonus-moms, pet moms or anyone like-a-mother to you. And that might include taking them out to brunch (or lunch or dinner).

A meal out is a nice way to celebrate the mom in your life. And going out can mean dressing up! For me, dressing up almost always means a dress. This embellished, graphic printed, raglan-sleeve dress from Michael Kors is a beauty. I love the pink and black pattern and the loose cut and flattering fit. It’s also made of an easy-care fabric that I can throw in the washer (Moms love that!). I paid $5.50, but Micheal Kors dresses like this retail for around $150.

I got lucky and found black and rattan platform sandals, also from Michael Kors for $9.97. They would have sold for about $140 at the mall. Michael Kors is one of my favorite brands to look for at Goodwill Keystone Area stores. The designs are always very classic and timeless and hold up well against current trends.

Since the dress had an embellishment at the neck, I did not wear a necklace, but did add oversized hoops. The bag I carried was Kenneth Cole New York and would have been valued at $150, but my cost was $6.97 at Goodwill.

Spending time with mom could also mean shopping. Why not treat her to a trip to your local Goodwill Keystone Area store? You might find some designer brands at great prices while spending quality time with her, combing the racks for treasures!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Dress: $5.50
Purse: $6.97
Shoes: $9.97
Hoops: $1.97
Total: $24.41
Retail: $470+

KirstenBlogHeadShot

 

About The Blogger

Kirsten is a 40-something mom, wife and marketing professional. She loves all things crafty, tasty and fashionable, especially while being frugal. She enjoys hunting for treasures at her local Goodwill Keystone Area stores to decorate her home and wardrobe.

Petal Power

 

April showers are prepping us for lots of May flowers. It’s the time of year when florals and pastels come bursting on the scene, filling the mall stores and shops with lots of colorful fashion choices.

But, neither of those things – florals or pastels – are a new trend, so finding them at your local Goodwill Keystone Area store is as easy as perusing the racks of your neighborhood location. And from May 1 – 5, you can get $10 off a $30 purchase with your Goodwill Keystone Area Rewards Card. Click here to find out more!

My friend, Laurie, is modeling a black and floral-print Lauren Conrad dress. Lauren Conrad is an actress, turned fashion designer, who has a line of clothing and accessories at Kohls. According to the website “The LC Lauren Conrad collection is inspired by the carefree yet confident designer herself. Brought to life by modern silhouettes, softly feminine details and inviting home decor, the collection is designed for a chic, effortless lifestyle. Her clothing is affordable, but by finding this dress at Goodwill, it was downright thrifty.

This fun spring dress would have retailed for about $50 at Kohls, but I saved almost 90% by picking it up for $5.50 at Goodwill.

I paired it with a pastel pink handbag with neon accents from Jessica Simpson. Simpson is another singer/actress turned fashion designer. Both ladies are doing quite well with their respective lines. This bag sold for about $100 at stores like Boscov’s or Macy’s, but again, I saved almost 90% and snagged it for $10.

Finally, strappy black and gold sandals from Classified (retail – $30; my cost $6.97) accent the black in the dress without being too heavy for the warming spring weather. And a multi-chain gold necklace complimented the gold in the sandals nicely without overwhelming the delicate floral dress.

Start searching those Goodwill racks for light, sunny and spring fashions and save even more with the upcoming sale!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Dress: $5.50
Purse: $10.00
Shoes: $6.97
Necklace: $3.97
Total: $25.91
Retail: $210+

KirstenBlogHeadShot

 

About The Blogger

Kirsten is a 40-something mom, wife and marketing professional. She loves all things crafty, tasty and fashionable, especially while being frugal. She enjoys hunting for treasures at her local Goodwill Keystone Area stores to decorate her home and wardrobe.

Feeling cute might go donate half my closet to Goodwill later.

 

Feeling cute might go donate half my closet to Goodwill later just in time for their 50% Off Sale on Sunday, April 28th (sale details here!).

Recently, I’ve changed my style opting for a neutral, rockabilly look for my day to day outfits. How lucky am I that I found another beautiful pair of vintage Levi’s jeans! These usually sell for over $50 even on resale sites, it seriously feels so lucky! I didn’t even have to touch my sewing machine they just fit perfectly.

A bold grid sweater top adds such a trendy vibe to this look & keeps me warm on those chillier days.

It’s so funny surprising my friends with looks like this that are 100% thrifted, they are always impressed. Who can guess the only new things I’m wearing are the hat & earrings.

Can’t wait for the sale on the 28th to see if my jean luck holds out. Just for my thrifty Instagram followers (@chicrevolt treasures ), I’m giving @goodwillkeystonearea a special collection of my vintage hats and handmade clothing! Will you find some of my donated clothing during your thrifting hunt? If you aren’t grabbing all your friends for a little retail self-care on the 28th, you’re missing out.

Easter Chic

 

Just like marshmallow Peeps candy, sunshine, and daffodils, yellow is popping up all over the place this spring. This sunny color is perfect for the warm weather that is starting to bloom in our area.

I found this dress from Eva Mendes at New York & Company “new-with-tags” for $10 at my local Goodwill Keystone Area store. Retail for this dress was $89. The description of this line on the website states “From sheath dresses to maxis, fit-and-flare shapes to curve-hugging sweater dresses, it’s easy to create a look that’s unmistakably you. Available in fresh florals, graphic prints, deep hues, and pretty pastels, and with waist-defining belts, and embroidered embellishments, they deliver feminine style that’s both timeless and modern. With workday and weekend looks, plus special occasion looks, Eva Mendes dresses feature beautiful options for dressing up – or down.” The sheer overlay was light and airy and feels completely appropriate for a sunny spring day.

To contrast the yellow, I paired the dress with green accessories. The pale green fabric purse is vintage and was only $4.97. It reminds me of something my mom might have carried in the early 1960s.

The necklace was modern, and the green jewels sparkled against the floral fabric. Finding fun statement pieces like this at Goodwill prices always makes me happy. $3.97 was a real bargain!

Finally, since it is spring, sandals are definitely a must for me. These green fabric espadrilles from Mia2 were comfortable and stylish. My cost at Goodwill was $6.97, but they would have retailed for about $49 when new.

It’s time to break out those soft pastel colors and florals. Stop by your local Goodwill Keystone Area and fill your closet with sunny yellows, soft lavenders, and pretty pinks! They never go out of style this time of year.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Dress: $10.00
Purse: $4.97
Shoes: $6.97
Necklace: $3.97
Total: $25.91
Retail: $200+

KirstenBlogHeadShot

 

About The Blogger

Kirsten is a 40-something mom, wife and marketing professional. She loves all things crafty, tasty and fashionable, especially while being frugal. She enjoys hunting for treasures at her local Goodwill Keystone Area stores to decorate her home and wardrobe.

Spring Has Sprung!

 

This past weekend we really got a taste of spring. Balmy temperatures, windows open and people working in their yards. For me a rite of spring is to start to transition my winter to spring/summer wardrobe in my closet and to make sure I’m pedicure ready – for those open-toed sandals I’ve been more than ready to wear.

I’m feeling as colorful as an Easter egg in this vibrant, water-colored outfit. A patterned sleeveless blouse from JohnPaul Richard was the starting point for this look. New it sold for around $45, and I paid $4.50 at my local Goodwill Keystone Area store.

Next, brightly-hued denim (from Loft) added more of a punch. Colored denim is still in for spring and I am already picturing these with a simple black tank top and black sandals later in the season. My price at Goodwill was $6.95, but denim like this sells for $69 at the retail store.

A simple jean jacket was the perfect topper for these cooler spring days. Jean jackets are a closet necessity for me and this one from Gap has been featured in several posts and in lots of everyday outfits. For just $6.50, its cost per wear is already negligible. I love this piece!

Since there were so many colors in the top, I had plenty of options for accessories. The fun, fringed purple cross body bag is from Sondra Roberts Squared. While not a high-end brand, this bad retailed for about $75.00 – my cost? $4.97!

Since I already had featured plenty of red and purple in the outfit, why not turquoise? I’m a huge fan of Nine West footwear and these turquoise bejeweled cork sandals did not disappoint, especially for only $7.47!

A stone and bead necklace ($3.97) and feathered and bead earrings (also $3.97) were both originally from Target. Their colors pulled the outfit together and made me feel like a rainbow or an Eater egg.

It’s time to open those windows and change up your wardrobe! If you need some new spring pieces, be sure and visit your local Goodwill Keystone Area store for a few Easter gems!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Top: $4.50
Jeans: $6.95
Jacket: $6.50
Purse: $4.97
Shoes: $7.47
Necklace: $3.97
Earrings: $3.97
Total: $38.33
Retail: $375+
KirstenBlogHeadShot

 

About The Blogger

Kirsten is a 40-something mom, wife and marketing professional. She loves all things crafty, tasty and fashionable, especially while being frugal. She enjoys hunting for treasures at her local Goodwill Keystone Area stores to decorate her home and wardrobe.