Author: yourg724

With smartphones being in the news lately, for either blowing up or missing a phone jack, I thought I’d do a post about accessories you can find for them at your local Goodwill.

I’m a little old school when in comes to technology and just recently upgraded to an iPhone SE. Luckily, it is the same size as an iPhone 5 so I could easily find several new cases to protect that expensive little piece of technology.

Just like with my clothing and fashion accessories, I like to change up my phone cases. Within about a week or so I was able to locate a sizeable “wardrobe” for my new phone.

First I found the Izak fashion case for only $4.00 at the Goodwill store in Muhlenberg, PA. It was new in the box and originally sold for $30.00. Izak’s self-proclaimed “flirty, charming and delightful illustrations have taken fashion to new places!”

At Goodwill in Phoenixville, PA, I had at least 5-7 different cases to choose from. I picked the graphic floral snap on case by Tommy Bahama that was also new in the box. It originally sold for $30.00. I also purchased a previously enjoyed black rubberized “Hello” case from Fossil for just $1.97. This retailed new for about $25.00.

Finally, at Goodwill in Morgantown, PA, I discovered a new in the box Disney case featuring Minnie Mouse’s iconic bow. It was from the Disney Parks stores and sold for $29.95.

For around $18.00, I purchased $115 worth of authentic designer cases to dress up my new phone. I also saw plenty of Samsung and iPhone 6 accessories including protective Otterbox and Speck cases as well as screen protectors and phone wallets. Many of these items are found in the glass cases at the register, so be sure and look next time you are shopping. You’ll never know what you find at Goodwill!

– Kirsten

Goodwill in Muhlenberg, PA:
Izak: $4.00

Goodwill in Phoenixville, PA:
Tommy Bahama case: $6.97
Fossil case: $1.97

Goodwill in Morgantown, PA:
Disney case: $4.97

Total: $17.91

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.

As luck would have it, my friend Kim scored Adele tickets for a group of us last December and the concert was held recently in Philly. “Rolling in the Deep” with Adele called for an original outfit and blog shoot. This year, Mother Nature is giving us an endless summer well into September, so temps were still in the 90s. While we aren’t “Setting Fire to the Rain”, it has been pretty darn humid!

To keep cool, I opted for trendy, scalloped black shorts from Loft. They were new with the tags! Wearing something so short needed to be balanced by coverage on top. This black and white striped long sleeved blouse by T. Los Angeles had a very French vibe. I loved the large bow detail. It was feminine without being too cutesy. It also draped well and was very comfortable. “Rumor Has It” that later in the season this top will work well with skinny jeans and tall black boots.

Animal prints are now considered a neutral, so this little leopard bring bag by J. Crew was an easy addition. The chunky black leather peep-toe heels from Ann Taylor were stylish, but comfortable enough for “Chasing Pavements” in South Philly to our Italian restaurant destination before the show. I added in a few gold beaded bracelets and my own earrings and necklace.

When shopping for a special event, “All I Ask” is that you give Goodwill a chance. My outfit came in way under the price of dinner and the concert ticket, but the fun of finding “One and Only” unique pieces is well worth the hunt!

Goodwill Store Shillington:
Shorts: $5.50

Goodwill Outlet Center, St Lawrence:
Top: $0.86

Goodwill Store Exton:
Shoes: $9.97

Goodwill Fashion Show:
Purse: $6.50

Goodwill Store Morgantown:
Bracelets: $0.99 (half off day)
Total: $23.82

“Sending My Love”,
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 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.

The beauty of Goodwill is that you can afford to have options. In the first part of this Homecoming series, I detailed how Emily and I were shopping at Goodwill for dresses. We found plenty of outfits that we liked, but two of them were our favorites. And since each outfit was $20 or less, we splurged on both!

This look is entirely different that her first dress. The black and white strapless B. Smart dress in the firstpost was much more classic and elegant.This high-low hemmed colorful dress by Charlotte Russe is much more fun and playful. The criss-crossing straps on the simple black top add interest and the colors and patterns in the gauzy printed skirt are bright and echo an animal print design.

According to Wikipedia: “Charlotte Russe is a clothing retail chain store in the United States, headquartered in San Diego, California. Fashions in the stores are targeted at women in their teens and twenties. The company owns and operates stores in 45 states.” You can often find their trendy, stylish pieces at Goodwill. My own teens often look for their labels when we are shopping.

To play off those colors, we found these bubble gum pink suede platform heels by Steve Madden. A simple black satin clutch by MM will hold her necessities for the dance. These accessories can transition easily into other outfits for her later on. The detailed neckline did not need a necklace,but she added her own colorful bracelet.

This outfit was only around $18 and now she has two choices for her high school’s Homecoming dance later on in September. Start shopping now to find your perfect look! Goodwill makes it easy and affordable!

Kirsten

Goodwill in Shillington, PA:
Dress: $5.50
Shoes: $6.97
Clutch: $4.97
Total: $17.44

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.

Back to school has passed, but now schools are planning for Homecoming games, events and dances. According to Wikipedia: “Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back students of a school. It is a tradition in many universities and high schools in the United States and Canada. It usually includes activities for students, such as sports, cultural events, and a parade through the streets of the city or town.”

No matter what events your school partakes in, if a dance is part of the festivities, you need a great outfit and with Goodwill you can look fantastic on a budget.

My volunteer model, Emily, attends a local high school and we met up for a few hours of shopping at Goodwill in Shillington, PA followed by a photo shoot at her nearby high school.

The racks were full of appropriate dresses. There were plenty of choices in classic black, but we wanted something a little different. We headed to the dressing room with an armload of dresses and this little satin black and white number by B. Smart was a standout choice. It probably retailed for around $60-$70, but we paid just $5.50! The strapless look was classic and the beaded details really made it shine. Emily and I both agreed our favorite part was the pockets! Pockets are still showing up in formal dresses from proms to weddings.

We chose a simple silver clutch to hold her lip gloss, keys and phone. And we walked the aisles looking for shoes. There were lots of pumps and heels, but these sequined, zippered booties from Charlotte Russe were our favorite. Emily could also wear these with jeans and a top for a night out with her friends.

Emily added her own classic pearl jewelry to finish off the outfit. With Goodwill you can get a great Homecoming look for around $20. Stay tuned for one more look for Homecoming from Emily to give you some ideas for your own event, be it a Homecoming dance, a fall wedding or holiday party.

Goodwill in Shillington, PA:
Dress: $5.50
Shoes: $9.97
Clutch: $4.97
Total: $20.44

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 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.

Labor Day may have come and gone, but we’re still enjoying the warm weather here in Pennsylvania. I’m ready for sweaters and boots, but with the weather forecast calling for the 90s again this week, I’ll still be wearing shorts and flip-flops.

Finding some middle ground with style is possible though. Dressy Bermuda-length shorts are one way to transition into fall. These are a trouser-cut denim pair from Loft.If your work dress code permits them, with heels and a blouse they are a perfect alternative to a skirt. They’d also work with sandals and a t-shirt for a weekend look. I topped them with a silk ivory and navy print ruffled camisole with a gathered waist from Ann Taylor. It’s lightweight enough to wear under a cardigan or blazer.My choice of blazer was a crisp navy and white striped version from the Gap. This would look great over a dress or even with jeans. Stripes are so versatile and one of my favorite patterns!

Vintage inspired accessories finish off the outfit. A gold leaf pin harbors the changing of the seasons; a bamboo-handled bag from Loft hints at summer with the raffia fabric and stylish chunky lace-up heels scream fall with the plush suede and navy color. This version from Libby Edelman was a prize find!

While I enjoyed summer I am ready to welcome fall, it looks like we have a few more days of hot weather ahead, so my cold-weather outfits will have to wait!

Goodwill in Frazer, PA:
Shorts: $4.25

Goodwill in Morgantown, PA:
Camisole: $3.95
Pin: $1.97

Goodwill in Harrisburg, PA:
Jacket: $6.00

Goodwill in Shillington, PA:
Bag: $4.97
Shoes: $6.97

Total: $28.11

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 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.

When I first heard that the Goodwill store in Royersford, PA was closing, I must admit that I was a little disappointed. But after discovering that they moved to a brand new, spacious location in Trappe, I was more than excited for it to open.

On Monday, August 29th at 9am, the new store opened for business. I was there by 9:30am. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were not too busy yet, but that didn’t last too last. My mom, sister and toddler niece all came along on my excursion. We headed straight to the back to housewares and my sister hit the mother lode on Fiestaware. She collects all colors and eventually walked out with a large box and bag full of colorful pieces. I also found the wooden kayak for my mom to give my husband for Christmas (shhhhh – don’t tell him!).

I, of course, hit the clothing and accessories aisles and I was not disappointed. The store is brightly lit and had rows upon rows of clothing for men, women and children. There were plenty of large, well-lit fitting rooms as well. The front of the store was filled was Halloween costumes and miscellaneous Halloween décor was sprinkled through the store on end caps. I’ll be searching for costumes soon, but not today. I did pass on a beautiful ivory leather Michael Kors bag marked at $24.97 (pictured) only because I have a similar Calvin Klein bag at home (purchased at the Goodwill store in East Earl).

I’m going to save the pictures of what I found for future blog posts, but these are the items that I picked up today: a dark green leather Cole Haan bag, turquoise Converse sneakers (which my youngest daughter already loves), a green hooded NorthFace jacket, RBX running shorts, a black Madison Marcus dress (retails for up to $200!) and 2 necklaces. All for under $50! It was a very good haul!

The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating and really took pride in their opening. By the time we left the store, it was filled with shoppers. I will definitely be back to this location. Look for me next time you are there!

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 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.

Now that the kids are back to school, I’m taking an evening to try a new restaurants with friends. I was recently invited to a new 1920s inspired restaurant in Pottstown. Once again, another reason to search the racks at Goodwill for a fitting and appropriate ensemble.

While I obviously did not want to go in costume, I needed some befitting of the Gatsby-themed venue. I know many of my posts contain clothing from Loft, but they consistently offer timeless, quality items that stand up well. This layered ivory, pink and gray confection of a dress from Ann Taylor Loft was light and gauzy for the hot weather we have been having in Pennsylvania this summer.

Keeping the accessories simple was a must with all the detail in the dress. I picked up a simple chain and pearl necklace for only $1.50 from Goodwill store in Ephrata, PA. The gray leather purse from Via Spiga has been featured in a previous blog, but it coordinated with the dress so well that I decided not to shop for anything new. Finally, the nude strappy leather sandals from J Crew were the perfect neutral footwear. These sandals would go with anything from shorts to jeans to dresses because the color is so versatile.

Having fun with a theme party or event is easy and affordable with Goodwill. From Hawaiian shirts for a luau to a country-themed picnic, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for at your neighborhood Goodwill!

Kirsten

Goodwill – Morgantown, PA:
Dress: $5.50

Goodwill, Ephrata, PA:
Necklace: $1.50
Clutch: $4.97

Goodwill, Shillington, PA
Shoes: 6.97
Total: $ 18.94

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.

Summer is almost officially over for my kids. They’ve received their class schedule and are relishing the last few days of vacation. August is ending hot and humid here in the Northeast so being cool and comfortable the first day is a must.

My high schooler found the Vans for less than $10 at the Goodwill store in Morgantown, PA. Sneakers like this are retailing for approximately $50 brand new, so I was happy to pick these up for her. She completed her look with a black Vans t-shirt (picked up at the Goodwill Outlet in Reading for under $1.00) and black shorts by Tyte American Standard were purchased for around $2.00 on half off day at the store in Ephrata, PA.

Be sure and sign up for a Goodwill Rewards Card to enjoy even more savings! You’ll start to receive emails alerting you to half off days and other discounts. AND I just got an email from Goodwill notifying me that they are having a 50% off everything sale on Wednesday, September 7. I plan to pick up more back to school items for my kids and of course, look for somethings and other things for myself!

My middle school student likes a little more pattern, so she is styling a short, flippy black and white floral skirt by Bethany Mota. Bethany Mota has become popular as a YouTube star and Aeropostale recently released a line of clothing designed by her. We also purchased this on the trip to the Ephrata Store on half off day. More patterns were found on the vintage, tooled leather bag and the black and leopard print “creeper” style shoes. She kept her top uncomplicated and chose this black sheer and lace sleeveless blouse.

Sometimes simple is best and being comfortable when sitting in class all day dreaming about next year’s summer vacation is a must. These easy and affordable pairings will get you through the day and on to your next class!

Kirsten

P.S. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Goodwill 50% off sale on September 7! You’ll definitely see me at a Goodwill!

High Schooler:
Goodwill Outlet, (Mt. Penn) Reading, PA:
Shirt: $0.75 (approximate)

Goodwill Store, Morgantown, PA:
Shoes: $9.97

Goodwill Store, Ephrata, PA:
Shorts: $2.13
Total: $12.85

Middle Schooler:
Goodwill Store, Ephrata, PA:
Skirt: $2.00

Goodwill Store, (Shillington) Reading, PA:
Shirt: $3.95

Goodwill Outlet, (Mt. Penn) Reading, PA:
Bag: $2.00

Goodwill Store, East Earl, PA:
Shoes: $6.97

Total: $14.92

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.

High school students have a look all their own and being a 40-something mom, I try not to get in my daughter’s way when it comes to style. When she finds pieces she loves at Goodwill I’m happy to buy them for her.

She’s a fan of comic books and Doctor Who and looks for these designs at Goodwill. This back to school look started with the black and gold Batman DC Comic t-shirt. She paired it up with skinny burgundy jeggings from Gap, which would have been about $70 when new. The color is a nice change of pace from blue or black jeans.

But, her amazing find is theVolcom “Go Figure” print boots. These had never even been worn. After some research we found out that “Volcom is a lifestyle brand that designs, markets, and distributes boardsports-oriented products. The company primarily produces clothing, footwear, accessories, and related products for young men and women.” She was thrilled with these unique boots and new they would have retailed for about $160! She will be on the lookout for more pieces from this company.

Her small leather backpack was discovered at the Goodwill Outlet and while she’ll need something bigger for her books, she uses this for her necessities.

As a mom on a budget, I appreciate that affordable clothing and accessories from Goodwill lets my kids’ style shine through while I’m getting a good deal on their back to school needs and am supporting my community.

Kirsten

Goodwill Outlet in Reading, PA:
Bag: $2.25

Goodwill store in East Earl, PA:
Shirt: $3.95

Goodwill store in Morgantown, PA:
Jeans: $4.25
Boots: $9.97

Total: $20.42

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.

I’ve been seeing soft, swingy vintage-inspired dresses in many mall stores lately. The loose, comfortable silhouette is perfect for college students who are either running across campus or sitting in class.

This navy floral-patterned dress by L’idiote was sheer and needed a slip, but it could also be worn as a tunic over jeans or leggings. On Melanie we paired it up with rugged brown and tan wedge leather boots by Naturalizer. I only paid $6.97, but they were new with the tags and priced at $149! I love finding high quality items at Goodwill. These boots are also waterproof and will take Melanie all the way through to spring. She could pair them with skinny jeans and a sweater for a more casual look.

While the navy, cross body bag is perfect for her phone and ID, she will need to get a back pack for her books and supplies.

Wearing a dress every day to school is probably not practical for most students, but this look is easy to pull off. It’s just as simple as throwing on jeans and a t-shirt. Up your fashion game on campus – Goodwill is here to make it affordable, even on a student’s budget!

Kirsten

Goodwill Outlet, Reading, PA:
Dress: $0.86 (approximate)

Goodwill store, Muhlenberg, PA:
Boots: $6.97

Goodwill store, Morgantown, PA:
Bag: $4.97

Total: $12.80

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.