2021 Spring Forecast

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! My mailbox is full of seed catalogs and fashion magazines full of colorful and bright spring styles! Fashion is starting to break out of its winter doldrums, and at least on the printed pages, (Yes, I still love holding magazines or books in my hands) color and patterns spring eternal.

There may still be snow on the ground, but I’m ready to trade in my heavy sweaters and boots for lightweight fabrics and sandals. We’re not quite there yet, but I am updating my wardrobe from ideas found in the March issue of InStyle Magazine.

Today’s blog outfit is my interpretation of Proenza Schouler’s 2021 spring show and subsequent layout in InStyle Magazine. According to InStyle, their fashions are providing a “cool art-lady vibe with painterly prints.” What caught my eye about the dress and what reminded me of the Proenza Schouler offerings were the similar colors and dramatic features – balloon sleeves and cropped ruffled hem. Who wouldn’t want to look like a cool art-lady???

This tunic dress was new-with-tags from Elizabeth and James (a Kohl’s brand). (Goodwill: $6.95; Retail $60). It is still currently for sale on their website. The magazine spread had a simple color palette – green, white, and black, so I decided to recreate the designer look on a thrifted budget.

I added dramatic stiletto-heeled Calvin Klein boots (Goodwill: $6.95; Retail $129) and a structured Etienne Aigner bag (Goodwill: $6.95; Retail $198) to add the sharp black modern contrast to the artistic and romantic green and white flowy dress. I like the dichotomy of the colors and style. (Sunglasses and necklace were my own).

While I am not a slave to new fashion trends, I enjoy pulling inspiration from designers but recreating them on my terms and within my budget. Goodwill Keystone Area allows me the options and affordability to recreate whatever style I want – whether it is the latest trends or classic looks from any era.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Dress: $6.95
Boots: $9.97
Bag: $6.97
Total: $23.89
Retail: $387

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.

Sweet & Low

 

Valentine’s Day is less than a week away! You don’t have much time for a DIY project, but your local Goodwill Keystone Area store can hook you up with something unique, thrifty, and special for the Valentine or Galentine in your life! Every item featured today is five dollars or less!

Two items were part of recent fashion blogs, and the others are new-to-me pieces. I picked up these home goods recently, and they would make great gifts for anyone. I love finding presents at Goodwill. You can be pretty confident no one else will be gifting the same item to your recipient. You are also making good choices by shopping sustainably, supporting your community through Goodwill Keystone Area’s mission, and finding great values to keep more money in your wallet (which hopefully you bought at Goodwill!).

First, the showstopper: a gorgeous vase. I found this Orrefors vase at the Reading outlet for around $2.50. A little research revealed this heavy crystal vase originally sold for over $250. It must have received a chip or two and was donated to Goodwill. A little chip or a few flaws doesn’t bother me! And don’t let the picture fool you – it is ten inches tall and easily holds a dozen or more roses. Pick up a vase at your local store, make a DIY bouquet and deliver it to a favorite friend or family member.

Speaking of my fashion blog entries, recently I featured the new-with-tags Nine West clutch (Goodwill: $3.99; Retail $35),

decorated in a beautiful heart print as well as the leather, beaded cuff bracelet from Victoria Emerson (Goodwill: $5; Retail: $58).

You can scroll back in the blog and read about these in my last post, “Rosy Hues”. Accessories such as clutches, jewelry, and scarves make great gifts for the fashion-lover.

Maybe you have a beach-lover in your life? Find a small container (in this case, a metal basket from Southern Living) and fill it with shells or pebbles from a favorite beach. You could also fill it with small pinecones or potpourri. Larger containers could hold a set of colored markers for an artistic friend. The possibilities are endless!

Another unique container is this silver-plated leaf tray. Here, I have it filled with a few of my rings, but small earrings or a few bracelets or necklaces would look lovely in it on a dresser. You could start a collection for someone of silver pieces and hunt for a piece each birthday or holiday.

Lastly, art is always a personal gift. These miniatures, which feature short sentiments for a sister (I have one and also have two daughters) and for a friend (Luckily, I have the best of those!), are small enough are perfect to be placed on a desk at home or work. There is a large selection of framed artwork at Goodwill! You can find any genre for anyone! Or buy an empty picture frame or two and print out your own pictures for an extra-personal gift.

Goodwill Keystone Area can provide you with sweet and low(priced) gifts for almost anyone in your life. Secondhand gifting was a huge trend for the holidays in 2020, so why not keep that going and stop by your local store today and find just the right Valentine’s gift. Go thrifting with love today!

Happy Valentine’s Day,
Kirsten

Vase: $2.50
Clutch: $3.99
Bracelet: $5.00
Metal basket: $1.99
Trinket Tray: $1.99
Art: $0.97 each
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.

Rosy Hues

 

In a prolog about this post: My original idea was to use a bunch of roses as a prop. Roses before Valentine’s Day are thrifty, so I treated myself. In the end, the thorns ended up being a literal thorn in my side (and hand) as I carried them around, trying to make the photos look festive. I will spare you those photos…

My last post featured a dramatic red and black floral dress, which I think had a fun vintage Valentine style. But what if you’re a more casual dresser? Or maybe you just want to shop your closet and find something appropriate for Valentine’s Day? I rely on my classic standbys of mixed prints, a blazer, and jeans. You can go wrong on Valentine’s Day (or any other day be it a workday, a weekend, or a random Tuesday afternoon) with these essential pieces.

A standard wool blazer is a wardrobe staple that will take you from work to play from day to night. I loved this rose-colored Talbot’s version when I saw it on the rack. Its bright color jumped right out at me, and the subtle windowpane plaid and fitted silhouette made me immediately add it to my cart. (Goodwill: $8.49; Retail $189) I started forming an idea in my mind of how I would style it and headed to the blouses.

I wanted a piece that could transition into spring, so I looked through the sleeveless blouses and honed in on this creamy, floral one from Violet + Claire. It was a brand I am not familiar with, so a quick internet search revealed that “Violet + Claire was founded in 1985 and creates the quintessential chic blouse for every woman. They always offer to their customer’s wardrobe staples that are effortless and utterly modern.” I liked it, it coordinated well with the jacket, and I was sold on their fashion mission statement, so in the cart, it went. (Goodwill: $4.95; Retail: $28).

To give the outfit a casual vibe, I decided to go with jeans. And I lucked out finding this new-with-tags pair from Calvin Klein. The cut is “Slim Boyfriend” ad they fit a little looser than the skinny jeans I have typically been wearing. They retailed for $79, but Goodwill Keystone Area’s price was $6.95.

Accessories included a new-with-tags heart-print clutch from Nine West (which I’ve featured before). (Goodwill: $3.99; Retail: $35) and a stunning Victoria Emerson leather Boho Cuff bracelet. You can find very similar ones on her current website for $58. I had found this pretty piece for $5.00 at the Goodwill Keystone Area boutique in the Phoenixville, PA location. Do yourself a favor and stop by – it’s like shopping at a trendy, high-end store with Goodwill prices!

I could have searched for cute pink or red booties or flats, but decided not to go overboard on the rosy romantic theme and chose a pair of neutral studded, faux leather “Christa” mules from Universal Thread, a Target brand. They retailed for $44 when new, but my Goodwill price was $7.47. Not bad!

In the end, the cost of my casual Valentine look was $36.85, which I imagine is well under the cost of a dozen red roses on Valentine’s Day. Wrap yourself in a bouquet of rosy hues and call it a day – no thorns involved – just great prices and the knowledge you are supporting your community.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Jacket: $8.49
Blouse: $4.95
Jeans: $6.95
Clutch: $3.99
Bracelet: $5.00
Shoes: $7.47
Total: $36.85
Retail: $433+

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.

Vintage Valentine

 

The pandemic doesn’t have to cancel date nights or holidays such as Valentine’s Day. In 2020 the average consumer spent almost $200 on Valentine items such as candy, flowers, jewelry, and experiences (dinner out, a spa visit, movies, or a trip). This year, with COVID, gift-givers will be steering away from outside events and planning more get-togethers and meals at home.

I enjoy cooking, so planning a romantic and tasty meal at home is not an inconvenience for me. However, this year, I’ll make sure to use the fancy crystal, open a good bottle of wine, and dress for the occasion. According to Town and Country magazine article, “10 Ideas to Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Home This Year”, with a little advanced planning it is easy to have a romantic holiday without leaving the sofa. Here are a few of their suggestions to make the day special:

  • Have an Indoor Picnic
  • Dip Everything in Chocolate
  • Bundle Up in the Backyard
  • Take a Virtual Cooking Class
  • Indulge in a Move Marathon

This year it will be my daughter, my husband, and me, so I’ll prepare a tasty brunch (in comfy clothes or pajamas) in the morning and a fancier meal in the evening. For dinner, I’ll make an effort to dress up in something special and festive. Goodwill Keystone Area makes it easy to find either those cozy clothes for breakfast or a fancier outfit for the evening. Obviously, with the store being organized by color, choosing something red or pink is simple!

Recently, I happened to pull together an outfit that gives me Mad Men vibes. The bold red and black floral dress from Dress Barn is the star of the outfit. The faux-wrap fit is extremely flattering, and the knit fabric makes it comfortable. (Goodwill $6.95; Retail $60).

I won’t be going out to dinner, but for the photoshoot, I added this tiered, fur-trimmed knit cape. I picked it up a long time ago and never knew how to wear it. The pom-pom trim gives it major vintage vibes and I felt like a mid-1960s lady headed to brunch. (Goodwill $4.95; Retail $50) The cape would also be fun over a blouse and jeans – it has possibilities now that it has come back into the forefront of my closet.

Since I’m not going out, I slipped on comfortable velvet Mary Jane heels, but in actuality, I’ll probably be wearing slippers. These beauties were discovered “new with tags” at the new Morgantown location for $7.47 (Retail $54). Just for fun, I added a vintage black satin handbag (Goodwill $3.97; Retail $30).

After almost a year in yoga or sweat pants (besides my workday looks), I look forward to any little reason to go the extra fashion mile. Why not dress up for a nice meal at home? It may not even be homemade – take out or frozen pizza count as well. And while you’re planning for Valentine’s Day, you can visit your local Goodwill to pick up some Valentine décor. Add a few punches of color with some red or pink dishes or maybe a new vase for flowers you may give or get. You might also find a few gifts for your friends or family while looking for a new-to-you Valentine outfit for yourself. Spice up your home and wardrobe and show a little thrift love from Goodwill Keystone Area.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Dress: $6.95
Cape: $4.95
Shoes: $7.47
Bag: $3.97
Total: $23.34
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.

Keep Out The Cold, In Style

 

Black down puffer coats, while warm and sometimes essential for cold Pennsylvania winters, make me long for a more original piece of outerwear. Bright colors and patterns are always a staple of my wardrobe, so why not have a unique jacket?

Polka dots are always in style so this bold and graphic wool jacket from CoffeeHouse. CoffeeHouse was not a brand I was familiar with so a little research online revealed that CoffeeShop is a part of Santa Fe Apparel. According to their website “We manufacture true outerwear that always stays on the cutting edge of fashion. We’ve become notorious in our industry for designing quality garments for trendy-savvy consumers. We pride ourselves not only on the creation of great jackets and coats but also on our ability to make them available to a wide array of shoppers through private label designs and our own four collections: CoffeeShop, CoffeeShop Kids, Mo-Ka, Bleecker & Broad!”

My cost at my local Goodwill Keystone Area store was $9.50 and this coat would have retailed for around $65 when new. The classic black and white color scheme will always be in style and the wide collar and button-down sleeves add some flair.

Since I’m always a fan of mixing prints, I paired this with a plaid Loft blouse (Goodwill: $4.95: Retail: $59) and a red and black knit scarf (made from bamboo!) from Papillon. This is another new to me brand and the scarf has buttons that enable it to be worn in a variety of ways. There’s a complete YouTube video to show you how to style it in a variety of ways! “Papillon™ transforms the everyday scarf into the style of your choice to coordinate with any outfit on any day! This innovative design has buttons at each end to allow endless versatility in fashion, security, and comfort. Transform your Papillon from a scarf to a shawl or cardigan, just to name a few. Make it yours today and create your own style!” (Goodwill: $1.97: Retail: $49)

Simple dark wash skinny jeans from Loft (Goodwill: $7.25: Retail: $79) and a black leather B. Makowsky purse (Goodwill: $6.97: Retail: $198) are wardrobe staples that can be worn in a variety of ways and with different outfits. To finish the ensemble, I added black, heeled booties from Linea Paolo. The embroidery and embellishments elevate these from just regular black boots and the red finished off the look and pulls it all together. My cost at Goodwill was $8.99, but these retail for $225.

I still love that I find fashion brands and styles that surprise and delight me! And Goodwill Keystone Area makes it possible for me to discover new brands at prices that I love as well as making me feel good about shopping through their mission of supporting the local community.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Coat: $9.50
Shirt: $4.95
Jeans: $7.25
Scarf: $1.97
Boots: $8.99
Bag: $6.97
Total: $39.63
Retail: $675+

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.

Goin’ Fishin’

 

It may be a little chilly for regular fishing right now, but I caught myself this perfect, oversized fisherman’s sweater – a wardrobe staple that can adapt to many different occasions. Below are a few highlights from the history of this unique sweater, but you can read the complete history here.

The fisherman sweater, previously known as an Aran jumper, served both Irish fishermen and farmers starting in the late 1800s or early 1900s. The sweaters take their name from the Aran Islands off the Irish coast. The cold seas and gloomy, rainy weather on land required a weather-repellent outer layer to these workers warm.

Enter the fisherman sweaters. The wives of the fisherman and farmers knitted cream-colored sweaters with intricate cable and Celtic knot-like stitching. The women had to be extremely skilled because each sweater can take up to two months to complete and have 100,000 stitches. The patterns on the sweaters symbolize various meanings. The cable stitch depicts a fisherman’s ropes and a wish to catch many fish. Originally, these sweaters were made with lamb’s wool, which naturally repelled water.

An actress and princess made the fisherman’s sweater famous and fashionable: When VOGUE magazine featured a photo of Grace Kelly wearing a fisherman’s sweater while sailing, demand from the public took off. They later included a pattern in the magazine, and the sweater was recreated in new colors and patterns by home knitters and mass retailers, other than the original cream version.

I hooked this classic sweater during a visit to the Muhlenberg Goodwill Keystone Area store. I had found the floral Chico’s pants (Goodwill: $4.95; Retail: $79) (realistically, they are comfortable, more professionally-styled leggings) on my first sweep through the store. If I find one unique piece, I try and find something to coordinate with it, so I don’t have to search and match a color or pattern later. I headed to the sweater racks and eventually settled on the Old Navy cotton fisherman’s sweater. (Goodwill: $5.75; Retail: $39)

It will be great to pair with jeans or a midi skirt and sneakers for a modern take. For this look, I did a French tuck with the sweater over the black and floral pants. There are many colors in the pattern so I can wear it with a variety of shades.

I chose comfortable Clark’s tall boots (Goodwill: $7.47; Retail: $200+) and a vintage, oversized clutch in rich oxblood leather. (Goodwill: $3.99; Retail: $40)

2021 is my year to embrace colorful and comfortable clothing. This outfit checks all those boxes as well as being sustainable and stylish. I just read this quote “The magic of shopping secondhand is that you don’t find the right clothes. The right clothes find you.” I whole-heartedly believe that and hope you all give thrift shopping a try in 2021. Shopping at Goodwill Keystone Area isn’t just good for your wallet; it can warm your heart as well.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Sweater: $5.75
Pants: $4.95
Boots: $7.47
Bag: $3.99
Total: $22.16
Retail: $350+

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.

New Year’s Eve 2020

 

A year ago we were all toasting in the New Year for 2020! It was going to be a great year! 2020 means perfect vision or being able to see clearly. We were all so optimistic! We had no idea what was about to arrive. I don’t need to recap all that happened as we all know how 2020 will be remembered.

But now, we’re about to ring in 2021. We’re a little more cautious, a little unsure, but also hopeful. Your New Year’s Eve is probably not a huge gathering, but hopefully a small intimate party of your immediate family or friends. You might not be dressing up in something sparkly or festive and could even be in your pajamas all day (we’ve all done that a time or two this year).

But why not add a little fun to usher in the New Year? My outfit (completely thrifted from Goodwill Keystone Area) adds a little shine along with some practicality and comfort. It started with this lurex jacket from Alice & Olivia. I had purchased it earlier this fall when dressing up around the holidays still seemed like a possibility. It sat in my blog stash until I styled it for this New Year’s look.

I did my research as I wrote this blog and discovered it retailed for $595. Wow! It still sells used online for $200. That gave me a little hope and some encouragement for 2021! And to keep thrifting! But, I don’t usually part with my amazing finds. I still have the $2,500 bag I purchased at the Goodwill outlet for under $3.

The rest of the outfit is simple and classic – a tank top, jeans, clutch, and flats. The black velvet tank top was from Chico’s (Goodwill: $3.95; Retail: $50). The jeans are from White House Black Market (Goodwill: 4.75; Retail: $90). The suede black clutch is from Loft (Goodwill: $4.97; Retail: $60). And the “Banks Glitter” flats are from Circus by Sam Edelman (Goodwill: $3.95; Retail: $80).

While you are out shopping at Goodwill Keystone Area for some holiday gifts, maybe pick up a little sparkle for this special night? Toast to the New Year in something special – even if it is pajamas with a couple of sequins on them!

I hope 2021 brings us all happiness and health. Maybe you find joy in simple things and everyday life! Stay safe this holiday season – wash your hands, wear your mask, and keep social distancing.

Happy New Year,
Kirsten

Jacket: $7.50
Tank Top: $3.95
Jeans: $4.75
Flats: $6.97
Bag: $4.97

Total: $28.14
Retail: $875+

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.

Blogiversary

 

This holiday season starts my 6th year as the Goodwill Keystone Area fashion blogger. I’m still excited every time I walk into a Goodwill Keystone Area store, not knowing what treasure I might leave with. The thrill of the hunt is amazing, but even more amazing is the fact that Goodwill is such a wonderful non-profit organization that supports the local community and possibly even your friends and family members.

You might see me just having fun modeling thrifted fashions, but in reality, Goodwill Keystone Area stores and business services fund programs and services that help people with disabilities learn job and life skills. 92 cents of every dollar that goes into the register helps fund programs for local community members seeking hope and independence.

By shopping at Goodwill Keystone Area retail stores you are also helping the environment by repurposing clothing and home goods that could otherwise go into a landfill. Donating your used goods helps supports 40 stores in 22 central and southeastern Pennsylvania counties.

Goodwill Keystone Area’s mission is “To support persons with disabilities and other barriers to independence in achieving their fullest potential as workers and as members of the broader community. Goodwill helps persons with disabilities as well as people who are at an economic disadvantage or may lack education or work experience. Additionally, we provide job skill training to youth and seniors.”

I’m proud to represent such an organization. The clothes are fun to shop for, model, and write about, but being a part of a non-profit which changes lives is the best part of being the Goodwill Keystone Area Fashion Blogger.

Since I always have to have a fabulous anniversary outfit – here it is! The beaded sequined bolero jacket from Belle Point weighs about 5lbs but is another wonderful vintage find. My holiday theme this year is color and fun if you haven’t noticed! This little jacket adds a pop of fun to whatever I would pair it with. It was $7.50 in the holiday section.

The rest of the outfit can be multi-seasonal. A traditional LBD (little black dress) from Loft features intricate pleating on the sleeves and bodice and a bow tie at the neckline. I like the floaty feel and comfortable fit of the fabric. It’s perfect to dress up or down and light enough to be worn in warmer months. It was $6.95 but retailed for about $79. The gold clutch was a vintage find at the Goodwill Keystone Area outlet in Reading. The Calvin Klein boots – made from vegan leather – also feature pleating detail on the back of the shaft. (Goodwill: $9.97; Retail $79).

Thank you for joining me on thrifty blogging journey. I hope you still enjoy reading my posts as much as I love creating them.

Happy holidays from your thrifty fashionista!
Kirsten

Jacket: $7.50
Dress: $6.95
Clutch: $1.00
Boots: $9.97
Total: $25.42
Retail: $300+

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.

Holiday Traditions

 

In a typical year, I would head out to get our Christmas tree and a few poinsettias in a functional outfit that was worthy of roaming around a hill in chilly weather. Maybe a down jacket or a fleece coat. But nothing about this year is typical. If I can make something as simple as getting a tree a fun fashion moment, then why not?

Like many other families, we are decorating earlier than normal to bring some traditional festivity to an abnormal year. Decking the halls inside and lighting the lights outside has become something we can do to make our home a little more cheerful. If you need any décor, be sure and stop by your local Goodwill Keystone Area store for a variety of holiday decorations from wreaths, to ornaments to Christmas stockings!

We headed out recently to get our tree and a few potted poinsettias to bring some nature into our home. The local greenhouse we go to was filled with a variety of colorful plants. It was the perfect place to showcase yet another festive sweater that featured a Christmas tree complete with embroidered and beaded ornaments and shoulder pads (which I left in!). The shoulder pads give it away as 80s or early 90s, but the label was cut out, so I don’t know who designed this beauty.

I did wear it with jeans from Loft (Goodwill: $6.50; Retail $79) and “Wilma” duck-toe boots from Esprit (Goodwill: $7.47; Retail $60). These were completely appropriate for possibly spending an afternoon in the great outdoors.

After selecting a few flowers we spent a few hours of family togetherness in the car stopping at a few local tree farms to find the perfect tree. We eventually found one right around the corner from our house from a nice family-owned business. I couldn’t resist a few photos in the pines as we hiked around the hill. Make the world your runway!

Don’t save those “good clothes” for “special occasions”. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we have to embrace what we have and who we spend our time with. Use the good china and crystal, wear the sequins, and celebrate everyday traditions, especially around the holidays. And don’t forget to shop at Goodwill Keystone Area stores for the perfect items for everyday use or special occasions. Every day is what you make of it!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
Kirsten

Sweater: $5.75
Jeans: $7.25
Boots: $7.47
Total: $20.47
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.

It’s a Merry 80s Christmas!

 

I’m an 80s girl through and through. Give me all the popped collars, pegged jeans, and preppy fashions. I grew up with pop art, Duran Duran music, and Esprit and Benneton clothing. There was no lack of color in my wardrobe when I was in high school. But, everything that is old is new – again and again. So finding older items has become harder as more people are searching for them at Goodwill Keystone Area stores – either for their wardrobe or to resell.

Still, I’m amazed that I can find fabulous vintage 80s Christmas sweaters at my local Goodwill Keystone Area stores. Maybe this year it is from all the cleaning out that everyone did while they were quarantining at home. If so, then I thank you for this gorgeous find, whoever you are! This sweater is from Chicago designer Lisa Nichols and originally sold (in the 80s!) for $225 – $250. According to her bio, her sweaters appeal to women who really want to be noticed and who want something fun in their wardrobes. You can read more about her here.

Each year I make it a goal to uncover at least one or two “ugly” or “festive” Christmas sweaters. And for these, beauty is in the eye of the beholder because I think this one emblazed with Christmas balls, gold trim, plaid detail, and even actual ornaments, sewn to the hem and collar, is a stunner! The chunky knit and cropped length also gives it away as a true vintage find.

The black suede heels are also from the 70s or 80s. The elastic loop, button close with the platform soles give their vintage away, and they are the type of details I love to find in a shoe. They make them unique and the perfect complement to the sweater. They are also comfortable enough to wear for work as the heel is not too high. These would look great with tights and a dress this winter.

The jeans from Vigoss are a new-to-me brand. Their website states that “Since 2002, Vigoss USA has highlighted the inherent beauty of denim, by creating washes and treatments that bring out its unique characteristics. From washes to hardware, Vigoss USA pays the utmost attention to each pair of jeans. Today, Vigoss USA continues to push the boundaries of quality, design, and fit through the integration of new materials and construction, making for great collections that transcend seasons, lifestyles, and trends.” They are a mid-price denim brand with prices ranging from $74 – $89 online. My Goodwill price was $7.25.

The purse, from Guess, makes the yellow in the sweater pop. GUESS is a brand that has been around since the early 80s. According to their website, “GUESS was established in 1981 by the Marciano brothers, who left the south of France in pursuit of the American dream.” Growing up, a pair of GUESS jeans with the upside triangle logo was one of my most prized articles of clothing, that and a pair of bubble gum pink Reebok hightops. This clutch is new but still fun.

Goodwill Keystone Area is an amazing resource for those of us looking for fun in their wardrobe. I’m glad that I can find beautiful, unique, and affordable pieces to make my holiday outfits standout and get noticed! Next time you’re shopping at Goodwill, have a little fun and add some vintage to your closet.
From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Sweater: $7.50
Shoes: $7.47
Jeans: $7.25
Clutch: $6.97
Total: $29.19
Retail: $425

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.