Author: yourg724

Depending on what holiday you celebrate this season, you may be wearing a lot of red and green or silver and blue. But, there are so many other festive colors out there that can help you celebrate the season!

My friend Laura is modeling a colorful casual outfit, perfect for shopping or brunching with friends at the holiday. The trendy velvet jacket, in a gorgeous lime green, is by Ellen Tracy. Laura picked it up on our Goodwill Thrift Trip last September, which is also where I met and befriended her and she’s now part of my Goodwill Gang! Ellen Tracy items are featured at stores like Nordstrom and this blazer probably retailed for about $150.

She paired it with the contrasting, but vibrant turquoise blouse. The bright green and blue play off each other beautifully.

The rest of the outfit features not-so-basic black. The leggings were Laura’s own, but the flat, leather, studded boots by Botkier are a fabulous designer find. Boots like this retail for about $250. Botkier New York is a contemporary leather accessories line carrying designer handbags and shoes for girls who are going places. Monica Botkier, a New Yorker, started her career as a fashion photographer before finding her calling as a handbag designer. Her pieces (including handbags and shoes) are now sold the world over in some of the most prestigious department stores and boutiques.

The suede clutch is by Loft and is big enough to hold her essentials. Bags like this retail for about $60, so I saved about 90%!

Don’t limit yourself to “traditional” colors this season. Branch out and experiment with festive hues, and pairing them with some high-end designer boots doesn’t hurt either! Be on the lookout at your local Goodwill for some standout colors this December!

Blazer: $6.50
Blouse: $3.95
Clutch: $6.97
Boots: $12.97
Total: $30.39
Retail estimate: $500+
This look was almost 95% off retail!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

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. Meet up with her at one of Goodwill’s shopping events! Check the event pages for details.

A few weeks ago I showed you a fall blush and burgundy outfit. The combo of the light and dark colors is still so popular that I brought it back, holiday style!

One of my BFFs, Vanessa, graciously offered to model this fun and festive look for me. The show-stopper of this outfit is obviously the faux fur blush coat. This jacket (when I wrote this blog) was still available on the H&M website. It originally sold for $60, but I picked it up at my local Goodwill Keystone Area store for just $9! While not an everyday winter coat, this is perfect for a party or a night on the town!

On the dark side, the burgundy sweater dress by Adrianna Papell contrasts nicely with the pale pink. This dress was bought “new with tags” and retailed for about $119. For $5.50, this was a great investment.

For the accessories, to contrast the blush and burgundy, I added pops of pewter and gunmetal. The bejeweled heels from Rampage were $9.97. The gems on the front add plenty of bling. Rampage Clothing Company, established in 1982, is one of the most recognizable and in-demand labels in the young contemporary/junior arena. These shoes would have cost about $49 when new.

The lux suede and smooth leather bag from Van Eli adds a modern touch to this feminine outfit. It’s valued at $90, but I grabbed it for $9.97. Lastly the gunmetal and silver pearl necklace adds a simple, final touch. This necklace from Chico’s (Chico’s makes great statement necklaces!) was only $1.97, but would have retailed for about $50.

Dressing up for the holidays can be fun! And if you read my last post, I am supporting the Dressember movement. Dresses can change the world and be festive. Pick up a few next time you are shopping at your local Goodwill Keystone Area! This gorgeous look saved me 90% off the retail value!

Dress: $5.50
Coat: $9.50
Clutch: $9.97
Shoes: $9.97
Necklace: $1.97
Total: $36.91
Retail estimate: $379+
This gorgeous look saved me 90% off the retail value!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

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. Meet up with her at one of Goodwill’s shopping events! Check the event pages for details.

Sometimes you want to stand out at a holiday party and not wear the typical black dress or festive sweater. Juxtaposing contrasting fabrics, textures and styles will set you apart at any event! And the best part of this look is that it is under $13!

Once in a while I hit up the Goodwill Keystone Area outlet in Reading just to see what I can find. This trip ended up providing me with the pieces to this modern holiday look that my friend Meredith is modeling for me!

The vintage beaded top was such a beautiful piece.
It was obviously from the 80s and to modernize it I cut out the shoulder pads, even though I have heard rumors that shoulder pads are coming back. I thought about finding jeans to pair with it, but when I found these American Eagle joggers, I knew this was the right combo.

Velvet is a huge trend this year and not just for the holidays. This Laura Ashley jacket was also from the 80s and I found it “new with tags”. It was marked $240! At the outlet, you pay per pound, so I’m estimating that these pieces cost me about $1.00 each. To find Goodwill Keystone Area Outlets in your area, use the store locator.

To add an edgy look, I added a studded faux leather clutch from Jessica Simpson. I love the chain strap and the metallic details on the bag. It ties the whole look together. (Meredith provided her own shoes).

The best part of this outfit is that each of the pieces are easy to mix and match into your existing wardrobe. Wear a casual t-shirt with the joggers; a pencil skirt with the beaded top or throw the velvet jacket on over jeans and a tank top!

Top: $1.00
Pants: $1.00
Jacket: $1.00
Clutch: $9.97

Total: $12.97

Retail estimate: $400+

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

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. Meet up with her at one of Goodwill’s shopping events! Check the event pages for details.

Can a dress change the world? The answer: Yes.

I’m challenging myself to wear dresses (when I can) in December and in the next few blog posts I’ll be featuring myself and my friends in some festive frocks for the holiday season. Dressember is a movement that uses fashion to advocate for women who’ve been exploited for their femininity.

“As women take on the creative challenge of wearing a dress for the 31 days of December, they are advocating for the inherent dignity of all women. Dressember exists to inspire and empower a global community of like-minded women who are locking arms to face one of the greatest injustices of our time. The heart of Dressember is dignity– that every woman has the right to live a vibrant and free life.”

My first look is a simple black and gold striped sweater dress from Ann Taylor Loft. I found this dress months ago at the Ephrata store and put it aside for the holiday season. It was new with tags for $79, but I picked it up for just $8. Depending on how I accessorize it, it can work for a night out or a day at the office.

I have paired it with a stunning gold and black beaded statement necklace from Chico’s. This multi-strand necklace is accented with teardrop shaped jewels for some extra sparkle and shine. When new, this beauty would have retailed for about $59.

Shiny Michael Kors black patent pumps are the perfect footwear for this special look. These classic heels will have a place in my closet forever. Black pumps, especially stunning ones like these, never go out of style. They would have cost about $130 at a mall store.

While wearing a dress seems like an obvious choice for this time of year, helping make a statement by donning a special frock is something simple you can do to be an advocate for women everywhere. And Goodwill makes it easy and affordable to look good while you make a difference.

Dress: $8.00
Necklace: $5.00
Clutch: $4.97
Shoes: $9.97
Total: $29.94
Retail estimate: $300+

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

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. Meet up with her at one of Goodwill’s shopping events! Check the event pages for details.

Holiday shopping for some people in your circle of friends or family may be challenging. Depending on who you have to buy a gift for, Goodwill Keystone Area stores might be the answer to finding a unique treasure for the hard-to-buy-for people on your list!

I wouldn’t say that everyone in your life would appreciate a thrifted present, but my friends and family know that I can stretch my dollar further at Goodwill AND find them amazing gifts.

My sister and I regularly exchange presents purchased at Goodwill Keystone Area stores. She has given me gorgeous gifts including the large silver acorn ornament (only $2.97) and the yellow Le Creuset grill pan (only $5.97!). Sometimes we leave the price stickers on to see who can spend the least on the best item.

Gifts I would give to my girlfriends include the red leather Sophia Caparelli bag (retail $200+) and jewelry including the green and gold tassel earrings, the silver metal mesh bracelet and the Monet chandelier earrings. A vintage silk and velvet burnout scarf would make a luxurious gift for a co-worker and the rose gold leather Fossil jewelry case would be perfect for a friend who loves to travel.

For someone who like antiques, I picked up the cobalt blue Fiesta pitcher for $2.97. And for someone who is a fan of the holidays, the Pottery Barn pillow cover was just $0.99!

Shopping at Goodwill Keystone Area stores is a great way to save money, find amazing items, including home goods and household items, and give back to your community. Purchasing an item at Goodwill, is helping to provide a future for someone in your community.

Happy Holidays and happy shopping!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

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. Meet up with her at one of Goodwill’s shopping events! Check the event pages for details.

Christmas is right around the corner and Thanksgiving is upon us. That means that shoppers are gearing up for Black Friday! I avoid the malls and big-box shopping centers and focus my efforts on finding the best treasures at my local Goodwill Keystone Area stores.

This year be sure and visit your local Goodwill Keystone Area store Friday, November 24 for the Black Friday Door Prize Giveaways!

Doors open at 8am on Friday, November 24, 2017. For complete details, visit yourgoodwill.org

I’m sporting a new holiday outfit with some sparkle, shine and a little velvet. Velvet is one of the hottest trends this fall. This cowl-neck sweatshirt style top from Staples is perfect for a holiday event. It has a casual cut, yet the velvet fabric gives it an upgrade.

The gold and brocade cigarette-cut pants from Ann Taylor Loft add the right amount of sparkle for a holiday dinner party or festive party. For a different look, a distressed velvet t-shirt and denim jacket would add a casual vibe for a more modern feel.

As for accessories, I added a gold chain link bracelet (Only $1.97!), suede heels from Ann Merino and for a final fun pop of color, an orange and gold studded clutch from Jessica Simpson.

Stock up now for all your holiday needs, from fashion and accessories, to decorations to gifts. And be sure and plan your visit to Goodwill Keystone Area stores for the Black Friday Giveaways! Happy shopping!

Blouse: $3.95
Pants: $5.50
Bracelet: $1.97
Bag: $6.97
Shoes: $6.97

Total: $25.36
Retail estimate: $250+

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

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. Meet up with her at one of Goodwill’s shopping events! Check the event pages for details.

Whenever I see a tweed blazer, I think of cool, crisp autumn days, bright autumn leaves and hot cups of coffee. It also reminds of a traditional collegiate style. And it can’t get more classic than this brand: Brooks Brothers.

Brooks Brothers is the oldest men’s clothier in the United States and is headquartered on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1818 as a family business, the privately owned company is owned by the Italian billionaire Claudio Del Vecchio and now also features clothing for women. Brooks Brothers is known for their custom, classic high-end shirts and suits. They have outfitted almost every American president as well as many popular movie stars including George Clooney and artists such as Andy Warhol.

They designed many popular trends that have been embraced by mainstream fashion: button-down collars, pink dress shirts, Harris Tweed, Shetland sweaters, Polo coats Madras plaid, Argyle socks, light-weight summer suits and wash-and-wear shirts.

This fabulous, traditional wool blazer was just $8.50 at the Robesonia store. Online, their wool blazers sell for up to $495. This jacket could remain in my closet for a lifetime and still retain its beautiful classic style. I paired it with a gold and white, layered sleeveless blouse from White House Black Market.

The rest of the outfit includes multiple shades of grey. Distressed grey jeans from Elle (a brand featured at Kohls) add a nice counterbalance to the structured blazer. The floral grey and gold statement necklace adds a modern touch. The gorgeous woven leather grey bag is another high-end piece found in Robesonia. I paid $24.97 for it, but I knew when I saw it and felt the supple leather that is was a designer piece. The brand is Francesco Biasia and similar bags retail for around $500!

This classic look would have cost over $1,100, but I paid less than 5% of the retail value at just $47.39. Keeping an eye out for high quality fabrics and finishes when shopping at Goodwill Keystone Area stores can help you discover pieces that can remain in your wardrobe forever.

Jacket: $8.50
Blouse: $3.95
Jeans: $5.50
Necklace: $9.97
Bag: $24.97

Total: $47.39
Retail estimate: $1,100+

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

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. Meet up with her at one of Goodwill’s shopping events! Check the event pages for details.

Wearing clothing with slogans or sayings on them is not really my style, but my teenagers love all kinds of graphic tees. They are easy to find at your local Goodwill Keystone Area store. My kids look for their favorite bands or cartoon characters as well as sayings.

With the popularity of kale, I thought this one was kind of tongue-in-cheek. This “Dressed to Kale” shirt is by Grayson/Threads, a Target brand. It sold for about $15 when new. The great thing about finding pre-loved t-shirts at Goodwill is that they have mostly like been washed and dried, giving them a soft, live-in look and they are already pre-shrunk!

My daughter paired it with J Brand dark skinny jeans with faux leather patches on the knees. Skinny jeans are still going strong and I see plenty of great ones on the racks at Goodwill. This pair of premium denim retailed for around $200, but I picked them up for just $5.50! I definitely don’t mind paying these prices for designer mall brands.

This sweater was one of my finds from the Goodwill Keystone Area Thrift Trip in September. It disappeared from my stash not long after I get home and both my girls take turns fighting over it. The olive and cream Banana Republic duster cardigan was found NWT (new with tags) for just $7.50. Retail was $148.

Finally, comfortable, combat-style boots completed this look. This pair of Guess “Larry” black boots is perfect for a day of walking the halls at school. These would have cost about $129 when new.

Wearing your heart on your sleeve or your feelings on a shirt is possible when you find fun, affordable graphic tees at Goodwill Keystone Area stores.

Jeans: $5.50
T-Shirt: $3.95
Sweater: $7.50
Shoes: $6.97

Total: $23.92

Retail estimate: $492

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

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. Meet up with her at one of Goodwill’s shopping events! Check the event pages for details.

It’s definitely jacket weather and I love having a variety to choose from to coordinate with my outfits. I’ve featured some black moto-style jackets before, but when I saw this cobalt blue one, I knew I had to add it to my closet. What I love about this style of jacket is that it has a timeless and classic appeal, which works in either a casual or business setting.

This bright blue vegan leather jacket is from Forever 21. It was priced at $12.00 and would have retailed for about $35. I layered it over an office appropriate blouse and trousers. The white, blue and burgundy blouse is from Talbots. Despite it’s silky feel, it is 100% machine washable. Easy care fabrics rate high in my book! I picked it up on the Goodwill Keystone Thrift Trip in September for just $3.95, but it would have cost about $80 when new.

The black jacquard trousers were new with tags from Dana Buchman (a brand at Kohls). I like the subtle pattern in the fabric. It adds a nice contrast without competing with the pattern in the blouse.

For accessories, I added a vintage gold and black patent frame bag. I love the enamel trim on the snap closure. It have a very 50s or 60s feel to it, yet the clean lines are very modern. The bejeweled burgundy flats from Life Stride add a little more color and coordinate with the blouse while also being comfortable.

Finally, the oversized burgundy chain link necklace certainly makes a statement! It was still new with tags from Target when I found it at a local Goodwill.

When you donate to Goodwill Keystone Area, I may be getting a new jacket, but your local community members are getting training and jobs through Goodwill’s programs and services. Learn more about Goodwill Keystone Area’s mission.

Jacket: $12.00
Blouse: $3.95
Pants: $9.00
Bag: $6.97
Necklace: $6.97
Flats: $6.97

Total: $45.86

Retail estimate: $275

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

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. Meet up with her at one of Goodwill’s shopping events! Check the event pages for details.

Despite researching trends and fashions, I sometimes choose not to embrace them if it is something that is hard to adapt for myself. Maxi dresses are one of those things since it can be difficult to find ones to work with my petite height and not need tailoring.

This maxi dress from Xhiliration (A Target brand) was one of those items I picked up expecting not to like (it happens, a lot!) after I got to the dressing room. But the cream, navy and salmon pink color really appealed to me, as did the ¾ sleeves and super soft fabric. The dress is a pleasing mix of patterns and very flattering with the horizontal bands at the waist and bust. And amazingly, it wasn’t an extra foot taller than I am!

This dress works for fall or spring with the long length and sleeves. I threw on a London Jean jacket. London Jeans were a brand from Victoria’s Secret. The line was discontinued several years ago, but still has a cult following on resale websites. This one is a dark color, which coordinates nicely with the navy in the dress. A blue and gunmetal necklace accents the scoop neckline of the dress without overpowering the rest of the look.

The bag and shoes are both suede, which always reminds me of fall. The bag is vintage (maybe 1970s) and has a brass clasp and chain strap. It doesn’t hold a lot, but I like how it adds to the boho style of the whole outfit. The booties from MIA have the pointy toe (which visually elongates the leg) and fringe detailing. Founded in Sweden in 1976 during the disco era of clogs and bell-bottoms, MIA is now based in Miami with a showroom in New York City. Their designers are inspired by the spirit of the Caribbean as well as by exotic destinations around the world and they now offer affordable fashion-forward-footwear to women of all ages.

I’d wear this look to brunch with girlfriends and have already worn it out to dinner with my husband. It can be dressed up or down depending on what jacket and accessories I would add. A cream scarf or cardigan would also be a nice extra layer for the winter months.

Shopping at Goodwill Keystone Area stores gives me the ability and the budget to try styles I may or may not fully embrace, at first. Happy shopping!

Jacket: $6.50
Dress: $5.50
Boots: $6.97
Bag: $3.97
Necklace: $3.97

Total: $26.91

Retail estimate: $150

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

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. Meet up with her at one of Goodwill’s shopping events! Check the event pages for details.