Category: Uncategorized

Horsin’ Around

 

Sometimes when you find one fantastic piece it can inspire a whole outfit. That was the case with these mahogany brown, vintage leather riding boots. The boot’s leather was incredibly soft, perfectly distressed and they featured unique buckles and a slim fit. I knew I had to purchase them and create a complete look around them.Boots
The outdoorsy style of Ralph Lauren helped inspire this outfit. Ralph Lauren’s clothing sells a certain kind of active lifestyle which can be easily replicated with inexpensive pieces from Goodwill. A warm chunky, wool-patterned sweater from Susquehanna Trail Outfitters and a complimentary red plaid flannel shirt from Mossimo (from Target) top off my favorite dark blue skinny jeans. And with that, I am ready to ride!

Kirsten w horses For a different look, in cooler weather pair the boots with tights and a sweater dress; for the summer try, a crisp white sleeveless top and skinny khaki pants for another riding-inspired look.

Finding a designer or style you love and then recreating the look through pieces from Goodwill is fun and exciting. Be it Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors or a modern, edgier designer, Goodwill is your go-to place to stay in style yet on budget.

Kirsten

Goodwill – Bethlehem, PA:
Boots: $12.97

Goodwill Outlet on St. Lawrence Avenue, Reading, PA:
Sweater: 60 cents
Shirt: 60 cents

Total: $14.17

 

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 stores to decorate her home and wardrobe. She is a stylist and volunteer for the fundraiser the Goodwill Runway Show, which is held every spring in Reading, PA.

Suburban Jungle

Navigating the dress code of everyday life can be a challenge. Make it easier to get dressed every morning by having a few “go-to” uniforms in your closet. One of my favorites is a simple shirtdress and boots.

Screen Shot 2016-01-15 at 11.07.56 AM This version in an unusual dark olive green is from the Mossimo brand (from Target). It has a drawstring waist and a button up, collared top. The shirttail hem adds to the casual feel, but is easy to dress up or down depending on your accessories.

Screen Shot 2016-01-15 at 11.07.38 AM The chunky, stacked heeled boots in soft brown suede are from American Eagle and feature a sturdy sole in case of slippery weather. If we would be having a colder winter in Pennsylvania, I would add cozy brown tights.

The textured brown, copper and gray faux leather purse from Relic is big enough to carry all your necessities and the large silver buckles and tassel add interesting details. A few silver chains added on pick up the silver on the handbag and complete the look. Add a jacket and grab your keys and you are ready to stylishly face the day!

Kirsten

Outfit from Goodwill in Morgantown, PA:
Dress: $5.50
Boots $4.97
Purse: $4.97
Total: $15.44

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 stores to decorate her home and wardrobe. She is a stylist and volunteer for the fundraiser the Goodwill Runway Show, which is held every spring in Reading, PA.

Styles for All Ages

 

I’m happy that my children have grown up “thrifting” with me and enjoy searching for their favorite fashion brands at Goodwill. It’s not hard to find the labels you or your family love. These dresses from Forever 21 are great looks for tweens, teens or anyone wanting a youthful vibe.
Blog1 Chloe’s black sleeveless dress, which was found new with the tags, has just the right amount of feminine touch with the delicate sheer fabric. The silver studded collar adds edginess, as do the black patent Mossimo (from Target) combat boots also from Goodwill.

Maddie goes with a bright pop of color with the teal short-sleeved dress with a smocked waist. The laser-cut detail on the shoulders, neckline and hem add a fun, modern touch. She finished her outfit with a rhinestone headband (also from Goodwill) and bright white Converse sneakers. Both girls are comfortable for an afternoon of shopping or dressy enough for attending a middle school dance.

Blog2 Teaching your kids that they can get a whole outfit at Goodwill for the price of just one piece from their favorite mall store is rewarding. And knowing that by shopping at Goodwill you are helping to fund life and job training for those with challenges is rewarding!

Kirsten

Outfits are from Goodwill in Royersford, PA
Black dress: $8.50
Teal dress: $5.50
Boots: $9.97
Rhinestone headband: $1.97
Total: $25.94

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 stores to decorate her home and wardrobe. She is a stylist and volunteer for the fundraiser the Goodwill Runway Show, which is held every spring in Reading, PA.

New and Vintage Jewelry

 

While you may think of Goodwill for clothing or housewares, many stores have a great selection of earrings, bracelets and necklaces to accent your existing wardrobe.

Jewelry can change the feel of a simple outfit such as jeans and a t-shirt and give it date-night worthy status. Or it can take last year’s style and elevate it to this year’s trend.

This colorful, Egyptian-inspired, bib necklace (all jewelry is new from Target, but found at Goodwill prices) is the perfect compliment for Vanessa’s simple red, silk blouse. We paired it with black pants, but try it with jeans and a jacket for a casual brunch with friends.necklace

The glittering gold and rhinestone bracelets will sparkle and attract attention to your hands.
While hoops may be a classic choice, these textured, gold earrings are big enough to be noticed, but simple enough to be worn every day.earrings

model Besides new jewelry, Goodwill has vintage and costume pieces that will set you apart and make your style unique. Load up several pins on a blazer label; layer a few delicate necklaces together; pile on some bangles or try mismatched earrings. Have fun with your accessories, but remember that jewelry is meant to compliment, not overpower your look. Be sure and take advice from fashion designer Coco Chanel about accessories: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”

Ciao, Kirsten

From Goodwill in East Earl, PA:
Necklace – $9.99
Bracelets: $5.99
Earrings: $3.99
Total: $19.97

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 stores to decorate her home and wardrobe. She is a stylist and volunteer for the fundraiser the Goodwill Runway Show, which is held every spring in Reading, PA.

Living on the Edge

 

Being a bit edgy can be a fashion risk, but with pieces from Goodwill you can try out any style you want without a major cash commitment. Today’s outfit is perfect for anyone wanting to try out an urban chic look.
picture3 Step out of your comfort zone with some easy modern pieces. A vegan-friendly faux leather jacket with brown stitching accents is great for dressing up or down. Skinny jeans are now a wardrobe staple. With low, heeled black boots, they take on a rocker vibe. A pop of color with the chartreuse t-shirt brightens the whole look and makes the darker pieces stand out. Finally, layer on some necklaces and bracelets to finish the look.
picture1 This outfit can take you from a concert to dinner with friends to just hitting the town. Today’s model Lexi, a 20-something student, appreciates finding her favorite brands such as American Eagle, Aeropostale and Express at Goodwill.

Don’t be afraid to try a new look. New clothes can give you the confidence to try something else new in your life. Step out of your comfort zone and live on the edge in 2016!

Outfit from Goodwill Store in Shillington, PA:

Faux leather jacket: $10.00
T-shirt: $3.97
Skinny jeans: $6.50
Boots: $6.97
Total: $27.44

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 stores to decorate her home and wardrobe. She is a stylist and volunteer for the fundraiser the Goodwill Runway Show, which is held every spring in Reading, PA.

Champagne Wishes

There’s still one more holiday to go in 2015! Ring in the New Year with friends or family and an outfit as sparkling as a glass of bubbly.

We’re headed to a friend’s party and I want to stand out, yet still be comfortable. The Forever 21 loose-fitting gold sequined top needs no necklace to accent it.Screen Shot 2015-12-28 at 11.00.53 AM The bootcut black velvet pants from Ann Taylor have enough stretch to let me indulge in a few tasty treats one last time this year! Metallic red pumps from Nine West add a festive touch and are a low enough heel to be comfortable to socialize with our friends until the ball drops. Screen Shot 2015-12-28 at 10.59.06 AM This entire outfit cost me just $21.92 at Goodwill.Screen Shot 2015-12-28 at 10.58.49 AM

Depending on your event, other options could include a simple black dress with gold chandelier earrings for a formal dinner; skinny jeans, knee-high boots and a festive sweater for a girls night out; or, if you are planning on staying in, how about a pair of comfy pajamas and some bling to toast in the new year? Whatever you end up doing, New Year’s Eve is one of the best excuses to dress up, so make the most of it. And, with pieces from Goodwill you can afford to go all out, even if you are staying in!

Happy New Year!
Kirsten

New Year’s Eve Outfit purchased at Goodwill in East Earl (Lancaster County, PA)

Top: $3.95
Pants: $5.00
Pumps: $12.97
Total: $ 21.92

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 stores to decorate her home and wardrobe. She is a stylist and volunteer for the fundraiser the Goodwill Runway Show, which is held every spring in Reading, PA.

Baby it’s cold outside…Well, sometimes.

 

Even though we have been enjoying record warmth in Pennsylvania, we know it won’t last and before you know it, we will be trudging through a cold, wintery January.

But, Goodwill is a great place to find outerwear to keep you toasty warm. From down parkas to leather jackets to wool coats, you can get an assortment of toppers. The great prices mean you can invest in some trendy pieces in a bright color or animal print and match your coat to your outfit or mood.
Closeup of coat
I found a Marmot coat, which is a well-known outdoor brand, at Goodwill. It was only $10. Retail cost for this coat is about $225. It is light-weight, down-filled and kept me warm on a blustery day in Philadelphia. I added a pop of color with a graphic red and black knit scarf, which was only $4 at Goodwill.Kirsten coat

Adding accessories such as scarves and gloves can easily help update your look. Be sure to check the jewelry cases when shopping at Goodwill. Adding a few classic rhinestone pins will add sparkle and shine to a classic wool coat that you might already have in your closet!


“Get a really good coat that will last a couple of years and that you can’t wait to put on when the weather starts to turn.”
– Amber Le Bon, British fashion model

When the weather eventually does turn cold, you’ll be prepared with your new coat and accessories!

Stay Warm,
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 stores to decorate her home and wardrobe. She is a stylist and volunteer for the fundraiser the Goodwill Runway Show, which is held every spring in Reading, PA.

Find Your Motivation With Cute or Cool Workout Clothes from Goodwill

 

Guest blog by Lauren, Penn State University Student.

At any time of the year, exercising and staying active is in style. Often times, people struggle with staying motivated and on track.

What helps motivate me? Cute or cool workout clothes! It certainly helps.Lauren2

Just like any other successful clothing purchase, whenever I find athletic apparel that fits me well and fits my budget, I am excited to put them on and try them out! Finding workout clothes that are comfortable, functional, and reasonably priced is a trifecta win!

Lauren3 The problem with this motivational tactic is that athletic apparel is so expensive. Some large retail chains charge more than $30 for a workout top and more than $40 for shorts or pants! Thankfully, I found brand name athletic clothing at Goodwill at prices I can easily afford. I found these brand-new, tags-still-on Champion leggings at Goodwill for $6.50, which I can wear to my yoga and Zumba classes as well as for running outside or lifting weights at the gym.

For $3.50, I also found a nicely fitted workout top that can be worn for pretty much any type of exercise. A friend of mine found brand new trendy, exercise pants too. She loves them for yoga.

Finding affordable and fashionable athletic apparel can really change the way you approach working out. Working out and being active becomes another opportunity to show off your style and individuality.

While many people point out their insecurities and imperfections as a way to motivate themselves to be healthier and more active, I say it is better to feel content and comfortable in your own skin. Feel good and proud about being healthy! Become motivated by self love and by desire to better ourselves FOR ourselves. Lauren1

Tap into your unique fashion style and let it shine!

 

Have you ever gotten all dressed up and realized that your outfit needs a little something-something? Well, that is how Jeanette was inspired to redesign a one-of-kind accessory.

Jeanette’s creation made her the winner of the accessory category in the Goodwill ReDesign Contest.Jeanette2

What is the ReDesign Contest?
The Goodwill ReDesign Contest required interested participants to buy items at Goodwill and transform the pieces. There were 4 winning categories:

  • Social Media Favorite – Finalist with the most likes on Facebook won this category
  • Avant Garde – Create an innovative look that is experimental and pushes the boundaries.
  • Repurpose the Dress – Transform a dress (wedding, prom, formal) into another article of clothing.
  • Accessories – Construct an accessory (i.e. handbag, hat, jewelry or shoes) using a variety of items.

They submitted an entry form, receipts from Goodwill, and before and after photos of a redesign to Goodwill Keystone Area. Entries were judged on the use of Goodwill items, originality, overall appearance, and technical ability. Selected finalists walked the catwalk in their designs at the fundraiser Goodwill Runway Show in April 2015. Each category winner received a $75 Goodwill gift card and will be featured in an upcoming issue of Berks County Living.

AN INTERVIEW WITH JEANETTEJeanette

How did you get started in redesigning clothing and why do you shop at Goodwill?

I started re-designing clothing over four years ago after attending my first Goodwill Runway Show and ReDesign Contest. I shop at Goodwill because it benefits a good cause and you never know what you will discover.

What Goodwill locations do you shop at and what items do you typically look for when considering a redesign piece?

I shop at the Goodwill stores in Montgomeryville and Royersford, PA.
I look for creative pieces that have a little flair to everyday items.

How do you create your redesigns?

Have you ever been all dressed up and ready to head out the door when you realized that you didn’t have an appropriate sweater or shawl? This gave me the inspiration to create a formal cover for those special occasions. I chose items that could be used other than their original purpose. The tiered blue fabric was from a dress which I embellished with a shimmer fabric from a child’s tutu, feathers from a Halloween mask and a broach. The cover could be worn over both shoulders or just one.

What was your experience like at the Goodwill Runway Show?Jeanette3

The Goodwill Runway Show is always an exciting and energetic venue for raising awareness about Goodwill. The lively audience and great fashions add to the evening of fundraising, dining and socializing.

What advice do you have for aspiring redesigners?
Tap into your unique fashion style and let it shine!

Mad Men Redesign Wins Over Voters

 

Inspired by Mad Men’s Betty, Peggy, and Joan, Kirsten redesigned a vintage dress that captured the nostalgia of the 60s, but modernized it for today’s wardrobe. The voters loved it and made Kirsten the Social Media Favorite winner of the Goodwill ReDesign Contest.KirstenK-S-SocialMediaFavorite

What is the ReDesign Contest?
The Goodwill ReDesign Contest required interested participants to buy items at Goodwill and transform the pieces. There were 4 winning categories:

  • Social Media Favorite – Finalist with the most likes on Facebook won this category
  • Avant Garde – Create an innovative look that is experimental and pushes the boundaries.
  • Repurpose the Dress – Transform a dress (wedding, prom, formal) into another article of clothing.
  • Accessories – Construct an accessory (i.e. handbag, hat, jewelry or shoes) using a variety of items.

They submitted an entry form, receipts from Goodwill, and before and after photos of a redesign to Goodwill Keystone Area. Entries were judged on the use of Goodwill items, originality, overall appearance, and technical ability. Selected finalists walked the catwalk in their designs at the fundraiser Goodwill Runway Show in April 2015. Each category winner received a $75 Goodwill gift card and will be featured in an upcoming issue of Berks County Living.

AN INTERVIEW WITH KIRSTENKirsten

Why do you shop at Goodwill?
I started shopping at Goodwill over 15 years ago when I discovered I could purchase high-quality clothing and high-end designer pieces for my workwardrobe at great prices. After I had my children and with finding out how quickly they outgrew their clothes, it was a no-brainer to shop for them as well! My favorite Goodwill store is in East Earl (Lancaster County, PA) and my second would be Morgantown (Berks County, PA).

How did you get started in redesigning clothing?
My dream job is to be a fashion designer. I have always been crafting outfits on my own. I started redesigning when Goodwill announced it would have a ReDesign Contest at the Runway Show in 2011. Since then, I have had entries in each show. And I have won several times as well!

What items do you typically look for when considering a redesign piece?
I comb the racks hoping to find a treasure to transform. I never know when inspiration will strike.

Describe the creation of your redesign.
When I found the handmade, vintage, polyester, orange dress, I knew I had to update it (but keep its original style). To modernize the piece, I cut off the high collar and bell sleeves. I was going for a Mad Men look and feel. The hand-painted, silk screened design on the fabric only highlighted the era it came from and made a fun conversation piece when pointing out the actual signature of the original artist. Not wanting to waste the sleeves, I crafted them into a draw-string purse with faux tortoise shell handles.

What was your experience like at the Goodwill Runway Show?
I have enjoyed every show that I’ve been in and this year was no exception. Meeting the other designers and seeing their creations and talking about their ideas and plans is as much fun as the contest itself. I have made some great friends through this event. I learned that Goodwill is more than a place to buy used clothing and that they help people with challenges learn job skills and find jobs.

What advice do you have for aspiring redesigners?
Don’t be afraid and mostly, don’t think you are too old to try new things! I would have never thought at 42 that I would follow my dreams of being a fashion designer! Goodwill made that happen for me.