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.” They provide employment services that will support you in finding and keeping a job and they involve you and your support network in the employment process.

Goodwill gives you the tools, but to take the next step, you need to dress the part for your interview. Whether you are applying for a job in retail, food service, administrative or industrial fields, dressing neatly, cleanly and professionally is a must. Personally I have seen job applicants in sweat pants and flip flops and the excuse is that they can’t afford to dress better. But that is where Goodwill can help you, yet again.

As I was shopping one day at the Shillington location, I came upon a girl and her mother shopping for three pairs of black pants and three white shirts. She had just gotten her first job as a server at a restaurant and she wanted to dress nicely for her new position. For about $30, she left there with three outfits to start her career.

In this four part series I will show you different looks, all in the category of “office professional” which would be perfect for a job or collegiate interview. My friend, Meredith, works for a law office so I gave her a stylish, yet conservative outfit. Her crisp navy and white striped wrap dress from Ann Taylor is a perennial classic. She could throw a blazer or cardigan on top of this in cooler weather or if the air conditioning is cranked up in the summer. And as you will see in another post, by adding a jean jacket, she could make this into an after work, date night look.

Pearls are timeless and we modernized this choice by using a longer, chunky strand of chain and pearls. She wore her own simple pearl earrings and neutral beige pumps. To add color, I added a red leather bag. This one is from Bloomingdales and provides a nautical (or patriotic) feel with the navy and white dress.

For under $15, Meredith has a professional and affordable look. Shopping at half off days at Goodwill Keystone Area stores (NOTE: next 50% off sale is Tuesday, July 11) help you maximize your wardrobe budget and if you purchase quality, classic pieces, you’ll be able to wear these throughout your career.

Put your best foot forward when it comes to interviewing for a job. Goodwill helps you look your best and when you look good, your confidence will shine through!

Dress: $2.75 (Half off day)
Purse: $3.48 (Half off day)
Necklace: $6.00
Total: $12.23

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.

Summer is the perfect season to spend some time watching “America’s Pastime”, eat some cracker jack and hot dogs and cheer for your favorite home team at the ballpark.

One of the best parts of attending a game is being able to show your enthusiasm for your team by dressing the part. Sportswear can be quite pricey, but Goodwill Keystone Area stores offer options for team logo wear, especially if your favorite teams are from Philadelphia, Baltimore or Pittsburgh. You can also find plenty of local college attire, especially Penn State.

This vintage-style bedazzled Phillies t-shirt is perfect for those hot summer nights at Citizens Bank Park. A new t-shirt like this from Genuine Merchandise by Campus Lifestyle would have retailed for $40, but I picked it up for just $3.95. Way cheaper than a ticket to the game!

White jeans are a classic summer choice. These crisp white skinny jeans by Mossimo from Target are the perfect partner to the red, white and blue shirt.

Keeping the footwear casual are these limited edition Beatles “Yellow Submarine – All You Need Is Love” sneakers by Vans. I found these at the outlet in Reading for only $2.25. They retailed for $64.99. I can see these being a popular choice for footwear this summer. The colors are bright and cheerful and they are comfortable!

While visiting colleges in New York with my daughter, I stopped at a neighborhood Goodwill and picked up a college sweatshirt at a fraction of the price of new. Looking for logo wear, be it a professional sports team or a local college, is a great reason to visit a local Goodwill.

Shirt: $3.95
Jeans: $6.50
Sneakers: $2.25
Total: $12.70

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 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.

It’s almost time for vacations, BBQs, pool parties and days at the beach (or the “shore” as we call it in northeastern PA) and that means you need to look calm, cool and stylish even on the hottest of days.

I will be hosting two upcoming Goodwill Keystone Area events to share my thrifting tips and tricks. Both are free! Join me and find some fashionable additions to your summer wardrobe!

Secrets of a Thrifty Fashionista

On Monday, June 19th I make a return visit to the Exeter Community Library in Reading, PA. I will be sharing my “Secrets of a Thrifty Fashionista” and holding a small summer fashion show modeled by the ladies of the Exeter Library. There will also be door prizes. Bring your best Goodwill finds to share with the group. To register, please call the Exeter Library at 610.406.943. Click here for more info.

Meet Up & Shop

Then, on Thursday, June 22nd, put those tips to work as I host a shopping Meetup at the Goodwill store in East Earl, PA. I will shop the aisles with you at one of my favorite locations. It is a hidden gem of a store and located only about 20 minutes from Reading. Bring your girlfriends and shop from 6 until 8pm! We’ll be offering a special coupon just for that night! What treasures can you find? Click here for more info. No registration required.

My first look for summer includes this flirty little Milly Collection dress from Banana Republic. I picked it up for just $5.50, but this navy and pink medallion dress originally released in the summer of 2013 sold for $120. I always feel pretty in pink, and these strappy Seychelles wedge sandals are no exception! My price: $6.97; but they retailed for approximately $120. My $6.50 dark wash denim jacket is from London Jean, a brand by Victoria’s Secret. New, it would have cost $75. As for accessories, my necklace was purchased new-with-tags from Target and originally cost $16.99, but I got it for 50% off at $8.50. The navy suede and chain bag is vintage and a nice find at $3.97. This outfit would have cost over $350, but I paid just 10% of the retail.

These events are a great way to find the best deals, but also meet some new thrifting friends. I’ve gotten to know a lot of women (and a few men) through my love of Goodwill. Come join us and get to know Goodwill Keystone Area better and find some great summer looks like mine!

Dress: $5.50
Jacket: $6.50
Shoes: $6.97
Purse: $3.97
Necklace: $8.50
Total: $31.44

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 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.

Blogging has become such a part of my life that I now plan photo shoots around my adventures, so I can have a new backdrop (and a new outfit!). On a recent visit to the Keswick Theater in Glenside to hear Midnight Oil (a 80s Australian band), I planned a casual concert look of a t-shirt and jeans. But, these were no ordinary pieces.

The t-shirt’s pattern caught my eye at Goodwill in Robesonia, PA. It was inky black color in a soft jersey fabric with a smattering of silver foil dots. It was sparkly without being over the top. I checked the tag and it was Juicy Couture! T-shirts on their website range up to $118, so my $3.95 was a solid investment.

The jeans were also a hidden gem. I pulled the non-descript distressed dark wash jeans from a rack at Goodwill in Exton, PA. I wasn’t familiar with the brand “Pilcro and the Letterpress”, but a quick internet search revealed that they are an Anthropologie brand and would have retailed for $138! I plunked down my $6.50 and walked out with the newest addition to my premium denim collection.

For accessories I added a Jessica Simpson studded black clutch. This would have cost $57 had I bought it new. The multi-strand rhinestone necklace from Chico’s played up the silver in the shirt and the studs on the clutch. Lastly, I needed footwear that I could dance in. These strappy low heeled, zippered sandals from MRKT fit the bill.
This outfit would have retailed for about $400, but my total was just $25.89, so I can keep affording those concert tickets!

Shirt: $3.95
Jeans: $6.50
Clutch: $4.97
Necklace: $3.50
Shoes: $6.97
Total: $25.89

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 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.

Memorial Day is right around the corner and that means vacations, day trips to the beach, picnics, hanging out by the pool and fun clothing! For women, sundresses, sandals and straw hats are an essential summer look.

For men? Well, my fellow Goodwill fan and thrifter, Rich, scored a great summer look featuring one of the best warm-weather brands – Tommy Bahama – for under $10! Rich also received a military discount from Goodwill. If you serve or served in the military, be sure to get a Rewards Card.

Military members and veterans (ID required at sign-up) receive 10% off all merchandise every day!

“Tommy Bahama” was a brand dreamed up by two men and their wives in 1992. It promoted a lifestyle of never leaving the beach. Currently it is based in Seattle and offers men’s and women’s clothing, home accessories and furnishings and even restaurants. It’s know for it’s upscale resort-wear style and is a favorite in the summer and warm climates year round.

Their colorful and casual print woven shirts range from $98 – $250 currently on their website. Rich found this subtle printed beauty for only $3.95! What a steal! The soft cotton fabric features a soft blue and white multi-floral print with patch pockets.

The jeans are from Indigo Palms which is a brand name created by Tommy Bahama. It includes casual jeans, jackets and shirts for men and women. The company claims the jeans were inspired by Indigo Palms Ranch, a Jamaican cattle facility founded in the late 17th century. They retailed for $158 if new, but Rich picked up these classic faded jeans for just $6.50.

Rich is as much of a Goodwill fanatic as I am. He is always sharing his finds from Goodwill Keystone Area stores with me. His fun, summer look would have retailed for about $275, and he would have paid $10.45, but in the end he received a military discount and only paid $7.96. That’s a savings of over 97% off retail!

Shirt: $3.95
Jeans: $6.50
Subtotal: $10.45
Military discount: $2.79
Total: $7.96

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 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.

This past weekend I had the privilege of styling two wonderful ladies for the Third Annual Pink Passion for Fashion, a fundraising fashion show and brunch for the Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County. Besides an engaging speaker, a tasty brunch and lots of silent auction items, there was a fashion show, which showcased the beauty and strength of local cancer survivors.

I met with these two ladies at the Robesonia location several weeks ago and we quickly zeroed in on finding them fun, casual looks that would be comfortable and easy to wear on the runway and in real life.

Sally’s outfit began with the colorful ¾-sleeved floral spring jacket from Christopher Banks. Underneath we added a fuchsia ruched sleeveless blouse by Susie Rose to add a pop of vibrant color. Her pinstriped beige slacks from NY&Co are a slimming straight cut. I mixed subtle patterns and prints to give her a polished look. Her gold metallic heels and Stone Mountain beige leather bag are the perfect neutral accessories and we topped her look off with a silver and gold Breast Cancer awareness pin.

An on-trend sheer black kimono by Live 4 Truth with pink roses was the foundation for Dottie’s outfit. A kimono is an easy way to dress up any outfit. We added a pale pink cotton t-shirt from Atomosphere and sleek black trousers. Her burgundy Anne Klein patent wedges were comfortable and stylish and the black leather bag by Etienne Aigner will hold all her necessities. For a final touch we added a black statement necklace to give her outfit a modern punch.

Both ladies rocked the runway and the crowd was impressed that each outfit was less than 30! I hope I converted Sally and Dottie and maybe a few of the attendees to giving shopping at their neighborhood Goodwill Keystone Area store a try!

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 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.

Recently I talked about the treasures you can find on shopgoodwill.com and this week we are featuring some of the wedding dresses available on this site from Goodwill Keystone Area. If you have ever watched the show “Say Yes to The Dress”, then you know that wedding dresses can range from a couple hundred up to thousands of dollars. For a dress that you might only wear once, why not give a thrifted dress a try? Save your money and have a fantastic honeymoon!

Goodwill Keystone Area has several designer brands on shopgoodwill.com right now, which include Mon Cheri, David’s Bridal and Oleg Cassini. Styles include white and ivory silky and satin gowns with halter straps and sweetheart strapless necklines. Details include delicate beading, jeweled accents, lace and intricate embroidery.

Be sure to read the sizing information and shipping details. Dresses might need a light cleaning and some alterations, but some are brand new!

Most prices right now are around $10-$20. The auction ends this Friday, so if you are shopping for a wedding dress, be sure and check out their selection and check back often to see their changing inventory.

Click here to start shopping!

Say “Yes!” to a dress from Goodwill Keystone Area!

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 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.

With summer coming, people are lining up to buy tickets for music and arts festivals around the country such as Coachella (which was in April), Firefly and Lollapalooza. Festivals are not always about the music. They are also about the celebrity sightings and the fashion scene!

Festival fashion should be fun, carefree and especially easy to dance in, so I went for a slightly bohemian vibe. The studded navy linen tank top by J. Crew was comfortable and draped well. The vibrant pink, navy and white print maxi skirt from French Laundry was the perfect compliment to the simple top. The print has an Ikat design which I loved. The ruffled high/low hem added unique detail to the skirt and it will look great as I twirl and spin to the music.

Fringe has been a staple on clothing and accessories for the past few seasons and this navy suede bag from Mossimo (purchased new-with-tags) is the perfect accompaniment for holding my necessities. The fringe will swing and move as I walk. Lastly, I was excited to find this brand new pair of Havianas flip-flops for only $3.97. They are my favorite brand of flip-flops and typically run about $30.

I added an armful of my own silver jingling bracelets and a pair of oversized silver earrings. A nice pink lip-gloss and simple hair round out my festival look. I’m ready to head out and dance the night away knowing my complete outfit is way less than one ticket to a concert.

Top: $3.95
Skirt: $6.50
Shoes: $3.97
Bag: $6.99
Total: $21.41

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 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.

My friend Melanie is a force of nature! She is an on-trend hairstylist, a wife, a mother and an adopter of shelter pets, a fellow Goodwill fashionista and a body-positive role model. She self-proclaims herself a “Retro Curvy Gal” and embraces her shape and encourages others (including me) to do the same.

Melanie first modeled for me last winter and we had so much fun, we decided to make her a regular visitor on the blog. We also bought this dress last winter, which is a great suggestion for shopping at Goodwill: Shop off-season. Check the racks in winter for spring or summer items and vice versa. You never know what you’ll find because it is out-of-season.

This cute navy Merona dress (originally from Target) was sprinkled with little orange seahorses. It instantly made us long for summer and the beach! And the best part of the dress – it has pockets! Pockets are popping up all over and we love this trend. I’ve seen it in wedding and prom dresses as well. The mix of utilitarian and formal is such an interesting mix!

Melanie’s black wedge Candie’s sandals are great because they give her more height while still being comfortable and stable without a skinny heel. And they are completely fabulous right now because all things 90s are coming back in fashion – chunky wedges included!

While her sunglasses (which are retro and awesome) are her own, the bag (Originally $60 from DSW) was only about a dollar from the Goodwill Outlet on St. Lawrence Avenue. It holds her everyday necessities as well as being a great tote for the beach! And lastly, her colorful beaded necklace with faux-leather tassel was purchased new with tags (originally from Target and marked $16.99) for only $6.97.

This sassy outfit adds up to one hot look for one cool mama! Embrace the now and dress for the body you have, not the body you want. Goodwill Keystone Area stores offers clothes in all sizes and styles and the money you save will make you happy while you are looking good and feeling confident.

And Happy Mother’s Day to all the other “Hot Mamas” out there!

Dress: $5.50
Shoes: $2.25
Bag: $1.00 (estimate)
Necklace: $6.97
Total: $15.72

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 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.

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At a recent speaking engagement, I was happy to share my passion for thrift shopping and Goodwill Keystone Area with local fans of my blog. While they loved hearing my tips and seeing my designer items, most of them just wanted me to be able to shop with them!

While I’m not a professional shopper, I do enjoy combing the racks, shelves and aisles of local Goodwill stores for my next designer treasure. I also enjoy helping my friends shop, and some of them are lucky enough to be the recipient of pieces featured on the blog when my closet is starting to become a little too full. And now I can share my love of thrift shopping with you – in person!

Join me, your Goodwill Keystone Area Thrifty Fashionista, for a morning of shopping at our Reading store (Muhlenberg), located at 3413 North 5th Street Highway, Reading, PA. We’ll be there on Saturday, May 6th, looking for spring trends and summer styles, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

There’s no one secret to finding the best items at Goodwill; you just have to be dedicated to the effort and committed to looking through the racks, reading labels and trying items on. Be sure to print the coupon at the bottom and bring it along.

To stay in-the-know on where we might be planning our next shopping trip, join us on MeetUp here: https://www.meetup.com/Shop-with-our-Fashion-Blogger/ . You can see our events and maybe find some new thrift-loving friends! And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kirstenkeimshendge and Goodwill Keystone Area here: https://www.instagram.com/goodwillkeystonearea. We share photos and content not always featured on the blog.

I can’t wait to help you shop for spring trends and designer steals and deals! No RSVP necessary and there’s no charge to join me. Just show up and shop! And to make room in your closet for new items, why not bring along a bag of clothing or home goods to donate? Your unwanted clothes are the pathway someone’s future.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

About The Blogger

Kirsten is a 40-something mom, wife and marketing professional. She is also a thrifty fashionista and advocate for Goodwill Keystone Area. She enjoys hunting for treasures for her closet and sharing her secrets for successful thrift shopping at Goodwill.