Category: Winter Clothing

Stylish Layering for Winter

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Vests are popular this winter, and a plaid shirt with an outdoor vest is a timeless, cozy pairing.

This southern inspired look keeps things casual and classy. This layered outdoor look is easy to throw on and just go – without feeling overdressed or underdressed.

And a vest is a perfect alternative when you don’t want to carry a coat.

Goodwill vest: $5.50

Peace & Progress, Alexandra K.

Crazy for Turtlenecks

 

I am crazy about wearing turtleneck sweaters this year and finding a place for them in my wardrobe. I think they are making a strong comeback. I’m seeing them highlighted in fashion magazines and websites. This simple look is warm and effortless. As we go deeper into the winter, everyone should own a cozy turtleneck. These sweaters compliment any body type.

And, of course, Goodwill is a great place to find turtleneck sweaters.

Turtle Neck
Goodwill green turtleneck: $4.50

        

Turtle Neck 2
Goodwill white turtleneck: $3.50

Make Your Style Work for You this Ugly Christmas Sweater Season!

It’s that time of year again! Break out your twinkling necklaces and sport those ugly Christmas sweaters. When you get that invite to an ugly Christmas sweater party, don’t be afraid to go all out! There are so many options these days. And the thing that I like best about ugly, festive sweaters, there is no judgment. For the most part, ugly is the new celebration. This year I wore an ugly Christmas sweater paired with some black jeans, high socks, and leather shoes. My friend Alexa wore a sweater as a dress, paired with sparkly tights and high heeled boots and thick socks. Make your style work for you this ugly Christmas sweater season.

Be sure to enter the Goodwill Keystone Area Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest for a chance to win a $100 Goodwill gift card! See full details and submit your entry, click here!

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The Power of Plaid


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By stylist and blogger, Annette K.

 

Runway plaid 2 & Quote

A quick walk through the aisles of your local Goodwill store and you’re bound to see them… Reds, blues, greens, yellows, pinks, browns, blacks.

Plaid.

Many people swear off plaids from their wardrobe.

“I look huge in plaid,” is a common phrase, or “It’s old-fashioned,” is another.

But plaid is a hot trend right now. And wearing plaid well can actually enhance your natural features and create harmony with your skin tone, hair color and body type.

When considering plaid, first think color. It’s important to create a color balance between your natural tones and the garment. If your skin is lighter in tone, choose more muted colors. If your skin is darker in tone, clearer, more bold colors will work for you.

Next, consider your body type. Taller frames can wear larger-scale plaid prints, but if you are on the petite size, choose a smaller plaid pattern.

Remember, you want to wear the plaid. You don’t want the plaid to wear you.

 

 

Visit Goodwill and find plaid to match your color tone, body type and budget. The model below is wearing clothes from the Goodwill Stores in Bethlehem and Fogelsville, PA.

Jillian plaid X2

 

Are you an aspiring fashion designer?  Enter our Re-Design Contest. The Re-Design Contest offers aspiring fashion designers, students, fashionistas and hobbyists the opportunity to show their creativity by repurposing items purchased at Goodwill. Finalists will have the opportunity to display their work at the Goodwill Runway Show on April 24, 2014 at the Body Zone, Wyomissing, PA. Doors open at 4:30pm, the show begins at 6:30pm. The show is Goodwill’s largest fundraiser in Berks County. For more information about the Goodwill Runway Show, go to www.yourgoodwill.org

Weather or not, Allentown marathoner runs on…

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By stylist and blogger, Annette K.

 

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Allentown native Darleen Rosenblatt Mostellar didn’t let frigid weather get in the way of her 2013 New Year’s Resolution!  In fact, she didn’t let wind, rain, snow or sleet get in her way either.

On December 31, 2013, Darleen ran her 2013th mile in her quest to run 2013 miles in the year 2013.

“And I ran one extra for good luck,” she said.

Considering Darleen is among the 50-something age group and a working mom of 2 teenage kids, running 2014 miles in one year became a daily priority and commitment.

“Lots of people ask me how I fit it all in,” she said. “It was persistence, dedication, and wearing lots and lots of layers.”

Darleen shops at Goodwill stores where she can purchase her layers at thrifty prices and keep within her family budget.

“I run outside in all kinds of weather. I never used a treadmill,” she said.

From fleeces, wools, cottons and blends, Darleen dresses with many layers in frigid temperatures including three on her legs and up to four on her upper body.  Then she uses a scarf around her face and mouth to help shield the cold air.

Darleen has been running for 35 years and has completed 28 marathons. Among which are Boston, Marine Corp in Washington DC, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and The Goofy Challenge in Orlando, FL. Her most recent run was the Christmas Classic in Bethlehem PA, where she and her son ran together.

A mentor to younger runners and inspiration to many, Darleen has made her 2014 resolution.

2014 miles… and maybe an extra one for good luck.

Don’t let dropping temperatures become an excuse to ignore your goals and resolutions. Layer up at Goodwill where you can find clothing for all types of weather at prices for all types of budgets.

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All clothing pictured comes from the Goodwill store in Bethlehem, PA.
Cost of clothing: running pants $4.00, fleece pullover $4.00, turtleneck $3.50, vest $6.00, scarf $2.00, gloves $1.00, headband .49

Have fashion tips or blog ideas? Interested in doing a donation drive at your home community, business, church or school? Contact Annette Kaiser at akaiser@yourgoodwill.org.

Thanks to Darleen Rosenblatt Mostellar for sharing her story and to store manager Phil Koch and assistant manager Sandra at the Goodwill Store in Bethlehem, PA for their time and assistance.

A vintage holiday…and a silent night

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By stylist and blogger, Annette K.

 

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After a busy day at work, I stopped at the Goodwill Store on Lehigh Street in Allentown, PA.

I was on a mission — run in, grab something festive for the holidays – a candle, a figurine, garland. Something that would awaken the Christmas spirit in my sleepy house, and make it feel merry and bright.

As I hurried through the aisles, I was struck by the multitude of holiday decorations. There were figurines, Santas, reindeer, snowmen and angels. There were vintage Christmas dishes tablecloths, and mounds of ornaments – some with European flavor, some homemade and even some with NFL and MLB insignia (…no comment).

I thought about the families and traditions that surrounded them. I imagined their history and stories. I found myself smiling and reminiscing as my pace slowed down and my stride began to relax. You never know what you’ll find.  That evening I ended up finding a few decorations for my home. I found something more…my Christmas spirit!

Not only do I get to enjoy these holiday decorations, but my purchases support the Goodwill’s mission of helping people with disabilities and other barriers become hopeful through a variety of programs and services.

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Wishing you a holiday filled with new memories.

Thanks to model Brianne Smiley and Rob Graver, manager of the Goodwill store on Lehigh Street in Allentown, PA.

Movember: Styling on a Budget After Weight Loss


 

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By stylist and blogger, Annette K.

 

It’s Movember! So of course, I can’t pass up writing about health and fashion for men. Movember is an annual, month-long, November awareness campaign, usually involving the growing of mustaches by men, to raise awareness of male cancers and other health issues.

Last February, Ryan Huth, manager for the Goodwill Store and Donation Center in Allentown, PA, tipped the scale at 275 pounds. Shopping only in “big” sections, he recalls feeling “fed up and disgusted” with how he looked. He decided he “couldn’t continue like this anymore” and made a change.

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Today, eight months later, Ryan is 60 pounds lighter and committed to living a healthy lifestyle. He attributes his weight loss to portion control, reducing his carbohydrate intake, and eating salads for dinner.

“I feel great,” he says. “It’s pretty easy once you put your mind to it.”

Ryan has donated his “old” clothes to Goodwill, which is where I met him to shop for clothes and styles that show off his new, healthy physique. Check out his new looks.

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Ryan has become healthier in just a few months. He wants to lose another 40 pounds to to meet his goal, but he’s become a walking billboard for men’s health.

And one more thing, Ryan was the Goodwill Keystone Area’s Movember winner of the 2012 Best Overall Mustache. He’s clean shaven today and preparing to do battle growing a prize-winning mustache for this Movember.

Thanks to Ryan Huth, store manager of Goodwill Keystone Area’s Tilghman Square Store for sharing your story. Keep up the great work, Ryan!

For comments and blog suggestions, please contact Annette Kaiser at akaiser@yourgoodwill.org

Homecoming and Goodwill—Fit for a Queen!

By stylist and blog writer Annette K.

It’s homecoming season, a time when adults reconnect with old friends and share collective memories and when kids connect and begin creating their own.
Whether you’re a woman going to a high school or college reunion or a girl primping for the homecoming dance, Goodwill Keystone Area stores have everything you need to look and feel like a Queen.

Ladies – When deciding what to wear for your outdoor reunion, leave the lined windbreaker and mittens behind. Instead, create an image of sophistication by layering with blazers, scarves and sweater dresses. Paired with leather riding boots or booties your classic style will leave a lasting impression.

Girls – When choosing your dress for the homecoming dance, remember to consider fit first, then accessorize. Your dress should be a reflection of who you are and should move with you instead of vice versa. Accessorize with statement pieces like chunky bracelets, silver shoes, or a brilliant signature necklace to add that exclamation point to your look.

Whether dressing for a dance or a reunion, visit your Goodwill store where racks of endless possibilities await. Homecoming offers the girl a chance to look older, and the woman a chance to look younger. What Queen could pass that up?

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For comments or fashion blog suggestions, please email Annette Kaiser at akaiser@yourgoodwill.org.
Thanks to the staff at the Bethlehem Goodwill Store and to models Jodi and Jillian McSwegan.
 

Fall Fashion – Long Skirts Are Back

Among the psychedelic patterns and exotic looks unveiled at Fashion Week in New
York City, was an old comfortable standby. The long skirt. It made a comeback last
week on runways, but it never left the Goodwill Keystone Area stores.

“We usually have a large stock of all kinds of skirts”, said Phil Koch, manager of
Goodwill Keystone Area’s Bethlehem, PA store.

The long skirt never really goes out of fashion because it adds a hint of femininity to any woman’s look. Worn at any length from knee-cap to maxi, longer skirts can be accented with any variety of belts or scarves, or dressed up or dressed down with blouses or tee shirts, blazers or sweaters.

The three skirts shown below were all taken off the racks at a Goodwill store just last
weekend.

Worn with a long tunic shirt, chunky belt and ankle boots, this long skirt is the hot look for a night on the town.
Worn with a long tunic shirt, chunky belt and ankle boots, this long skirt is the hot look for a night on the town.
With a knotted tee and high strappy sandals, this corduroy skirt is perfect for those warmer days and chilly fall nights.
With a knotted tee and high strappy sandals, this corduroy skirt is perfect for those warmer days and chilly fall nights.
This long rayon skirt is appropriate business attire when worn with a cropped jacket, turtleneck and ankle boots.
This long rayon skirt is appropriate business attire when worn with a cropped jacket, turtleneck and ankle boots.

Lookin’ for a Come Up at a Thrift Shop? Shop at Goodwill

 

Topping the Charts, Popping Some Tags with a 20-Dollar Bill

Most of you have probably heard the song “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, which mentions Goodwill. It was shot in part at a Seattle Goodwill Outlet. We think it’s cool that something we have known about for a long time – thrift shopping is fun and saves you cash – is mainstream.

We appreciate Macklemore and Ryan Lewis telling the world that thrifting is cool. Who wants to pay $50 for a T-shirt? Our customers are proud to find low-priced items that suit their style and they show off their new outfits, shoes and purses to their friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. They are proud #ThriftShop and #Goodwill enthusiasts. They decorate their home with items found at Goodwill.

Be Proud of Your Thrift Shop Purchase

Goodwill Keystone Area

Styling like Macklemore outside a Goodwill thrift shop.

If you only have $20 in your pocket, and need an outfit (or two), that $20 goes much further at Goodwill than any other retail store. AND, like Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, you will have fun stuntin’ in them.

Think like Macklemore and go to Goodwill. Fill your closet with come ups for less. Mother’s or grandpa’s clothes could fit your style perfectly.  Be it geek chic, retro, or en vogue, going to a thrift shop could make your day.

Thrift Shop
At Goodwill, the hat, the jacket, the shirt, for $20.

Through your generous donations and your purchases, Goodwill funds job training programs and helps people with disabilities or other employment challenges live a full and productive life. Your thrift shop purchases and donations create jobs and opportunities.