What happens when you want to shop at Goodwill, but it’s late in the evening or you just don’t feel like leaving your house? You shopgoodwill.com of course!

According to their website, “shopgoodwill.com is the first Internet auction site created, owned and operated by a nonprofit organization. It was created and is operated by Goodwill of Orange County (Santa Ana, CA). Participating Goodwills (including Goodwill Keystone Area) from across the country offer for auction on the site a wide array of art, antiques and collectibles as well as new and nearly new items pulled from their vast inventories of donated goods. From unique one-of-a-kind items to estate pieces, the depth of resources is enormous. Revenues from these auction sales fund Goodwill’s education, training and job placement programs for people with disabilities and other barriers.”

Just like eBay or other online bidding sites, shopgoodwill.com offers search features where you can find categories such as fashion, jewelry, collectibles and home goods.
While clothing and jewelry comprise the majority of the items listed, they have specialty categories such as Star Wars, Antiques and Musical Instruments.

My quick search turned up a fabulous variety of high-end designer pieces (think Prada, Gucci and Versace) and plenty of genuine sterling silver and gold jewelry. There’s also almost 1,000 pieces of Michael Kors items ranging from $4.99 for a pair of shorts to $99.99 for a brand new watch, still in the box. You can also bid on “lots” (A package deal) of various items. The lots include piles of costume jewelry to designer sunglasses and even men’s accessories (both pictured)!

Shopping the site also opens up an entire country’s worth of thrifty treasures for you. Pieces from California, Florida and New England are now at your fingertips, at 3am if you so desire! Please read all the fine print before bidding on items. Different Goodwills accept credit cards and/or PayPal and shipping fees can vary.

Being a Thrifty Fashionista is now as close as your computer and available to you 24/7! What can you find today?

Happy bidding!
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.

 

Give me a bouclé jacket and I feel like I am channeling the iconic Coco Chanel! She first designed this menswear-inspired piece in 1954 and it has been popular with all types of women ever since. But, this is a very modern look with all the color, texture and pattern I’ve combined in this expensive looking, yet thrifty outfit.

The gold, beige and ivory boucle fabric gives this cropped jacket by Cabi (Original retail $188), a very classic feel. I’ve combined it with a vibrant sleeveless ruffled neck blouse from Ann Taylor Loft. On it’s own, each piece has a lot going for it, but together they create a dynamic duo of pattern and texture! To add to the “Ladies who lunch” feel, I’ve added a multi-strand pearl and gold necklace. Pearls always add a timeless touch to an outfit.

To compliment the fringed detail of the jacket and the ruffled neckline, I purposely cut and roughed up the hems of the ivory jeans by GRG DNM (A Canadian company). Being vertically challenged and short of hemming most of my pants, I am really enjoying the recent trend of cutting jeans at the hem to create a modern, cropped silhouette.

Lastly, I finished the look with delicate gold pumps with bow details by Franco Sarto (which were found still with the original $79.00 price tags attached) and a roomy navy snakeskin, tasseled bag by DGH.

This outfit easily would have retailed for over $400, but I only less than $30! I have plenty of cash left over for a fun brunch with my girlfriends or a mani/pedi. I’m sure Coco Chanel would approve.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Jacket: $4.75
Blouse: $3.95
Denim: $3.95
Necklace: $6.00
Bag: $6.97
Shoes: $3.48 (Purchased on 50% off day)
Total: $29.10

 

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.

 

Spring is finally here and the weather can be cool one minute and warm the next, so having a coat on hand is always a great plan. And an easy-chic way to dress for the weather is by adding a trench coat. Trench coats can come in a variety of colors, lengths and styles, so it is easy to find one to suit your lifestyle.

The first look I am featuring includes a classic khaki trench from Kenneth Cole New York. It is rain and wind proof and effortlessly stylish. The metal and tortoise shell detailing on the buttons and belt add a modern flair. Coats like this retail for approximately $200, so at $9.50, I got a real bargain! I paired it with classic Levi’s jeans, but this would look equally as good with a dress or business attire. The colorful patterned blouse is one of my favorite new pieces for 2017. It’s gauzy and light and will add some punch to my closet. The coral satin and wood wedges from Nina add some height and weight to this spring look. I added a mint bag (featured previously on the blog) and a mint and gold necklace which was new with tags from Target and originally priced at $16.99.

My second look features a coral (I have purchased lots of coral items this season!) double-breasted trench from Ann Taylor Loft. The bright color is a change of pace from a typical trench style. It is also water and wind proof. For a professional look, I wore it over a cream, bow-tied sleeveless cotton sweater (also by Loft). And to pick up on the color of the jacket I included this watercolor-floral print linen skirt from Loft, and comfy leather flats with silver buckle accents by Franco Sarto. A cute zippered clutch from Express rounds out the outfit.

Trench coats are perfect for dressing up or down and either of these coats could be more professional or casual. They are also a perennial classic choice which will stand the test of time in your closet. Pick up one or two today at your local Goodwill Keystone Area store!

Look 1:
Trench: $9.50
Blouse: $3.95
Jeans: $6.50
Shoes: $6.97
Necklace: $3.99
Total: $30.91

Look 2:
Trench: $6.50
Blouse: $3.95
Skirt: $6.00
Shoes: $6.97
Clutch: $4.97
Total: $28.39

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.

 

Gone are the days of Easter bonnets and matching dresses, but spring season and the Easter holiday still call out for bright colors and sunny prints. And who better to model that style than a 4 year old?

My niece Mac has begun to develop her own fashion sense and enjoys picking out fun colors and playful prints for her pre-school style. And having fabrics that are washable and pieces that are easy to put on and take off are a must for any parent.

This bright, bejeweled turquoise blouse by Little Lass would catch any toddler’s eye.
The colorful, floral leggings, by the popular children’s brand Gymboree, pick up the turquoise hue and would also coordinate with many other colors as well.

Toddlers also love to wear whatever strikes their fancy and my niece happens to love boots! (I can’t blame her! I do too!) These tall black boots by Revel will let her splash in April showers as well as play in winter’s snow. But for right now, this outfit will be perfect for chasing bunnies and collecting eggs at an egg hunt.

Kids can be so hard on clothing, so Goodwill was always my go-to store for my own children’s wardrobe. Having fun, bright pieces and getting a great deal on clothing that little ones will only wear for a short time is a win-win in my book. Hop to your local Goodwill and find some Easter brights of your own!

Top: $4.95
Pants: $2.95
Boots: $12.99
Total: $20.89

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.

 

Now when you think of tie-dye, I’m sure something different comes to mind. But, tie-dyed Easter eggs are pretty fashionable, fabulous and thrifty! I found this craft on Pinterest and had to give it a try!

First you will need 100% silk ties or scarves. I picked up three ties at the Robesonia store a few weeks ago. You will be cutting the ties into pieces, so don’t use any ones that are precious or special. Cut open the backs and separate the inside felt from the silk fabric. You’ll need both parts.

Cut the tie into 5-inch squares and tightly wrap it around uncooked eggs (or previously hollowed out eggs) with rubber bands. Take the felt from the interior of the ties, cut it into strips and bind it around the eggs, again with rubber bands.

Put the eggs into a cooking pot, cover with water and about a quarter cup of vinegar.Boil for approximately 10 minutes, remove from pot and let cool. Once cool enough to handle, remove the wrappings and see your fabulous eggs! You will be able to reuse the silk fabric several times, but most of the tutorials I read on these recommend you don’t eat the eggs due to the dye.

For a few dollars you’ll have the best-dressed eggs on the block! Experiment with tie and scarf patterns and either brown or white eggs. The results will be different and fun and definitely unique!

For the full tutorial, go to: http://relish.com/articles/how-to-dye-eggs-with-silk-ties-video/

Ties: $1.00 each

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.

 

The Scrap Jean Digest – Project #1 – Jean Leg Purse, to Sew or Not to Sew


Sue MacCombie 
https://www.facebook.com/sewingbirdfancies 

Those old jeans and what to do with them? Just never throw them out!
 I am starting a digest of redesign ideas that will be periodically posted. I won’t put a total number on them since the ideas are basically endless. Let’s get started

Project #1 – Jean Leg Purse, to Sew or Not to Sew


Materials and tools needed:

• Pair of unwanted Jeans – any shape
• Sewing kit or Staple gun if you don’t want to sew
• Sharp scissors
• Ruler
• Pins

Take your jeans and lay them flat. Try to line up the side seams on the bottom of the pant leg. You will notice that the back of the jean leg is slightly bigger than the front so the seams are just inside the edges
Get out your ruler and decide how big of a bag you want. I used 10” up from the bottom. Mark off a straight line across the pant leg. I placed marks all up both sides of the seams too.

Start cutting on the dotted lines. You will have to cut a slit in the front to get the scissors in. Do not cut the back of the pant leg yet. We need to leave material for a flap. Cut out both seams on both sides all the way up as far as you can. Then snip the seams off. These will be your bag straps. 






























Measure for Purse flap

Measure up how much you want your bag flap to be and cut. It pretty much looks like a bag now except that the bag is open at the bottom. Here is where the sew or no sew comes in. You can sew up it with your machine or hand stitch with a back stitch. Try to use some heavy button or denim thread if you can. Sew up the bottom and either tie or sew the straps together. All done! Your bag is ready to be used
.

If you want to get a little more involved you can add a pocket to the back. From the same pair of jeans cut out the back pocket leaving about an 1” around the whole pocket. Then place it on the back of the bag and pin, lots of pins. You will have to hand sew this one. Since most sewing machines can’t reach inside. No worries, just to use a strong button thread.

But don’t stop there! You can add buttons, embroidery, flowers, and appliqués. 
Here is a picture of some cloth flowers I added to the front. I cut them out from an old curtain and hot glued them on. You can also sew them on. I also attached a snap on the flap to keep it closed. You can also use a button or Velcro. Such a fun little purse from practically nothing.

The No-Sew Method

You can use a regular desk stapler if you are just going through two layers of denim but to staple the seams you need a heavy stapler with ¼” staples.

I got a little bit fancy and decided to spray paint my staples orange so they would stand out a little better. I think they look cute too. Wait till the paint is really dry or you will gum up your stapler, learned that from experience, not good.
I stapled the very bottom seam edge of the bag. If you are using a desk stapler go just above the seams where the jean fabric is thinner.I wanted a lot of staples for strength so I made a little decorative design with them.


You can either tie the straps together or staple them a few times.











 Only one last detail before your bag is set to go. I took a hammer and tapped all the staples down so the ends would close tight and lay flat. This way they won’t snag your clothes too. There shouldn’t be but just make sure there are no staple ends exposed inside the bag. If you like you can hot glue on some lacey trim over the staples to hide them but I like the hardware look of them. 
This no sew bag is set to go!

Remember be brave with your designs and fearless with your scissors.

Sue MacCombie

 

About the Author: Sue MacCombie, Goodwill Keystone Area ReDesign Contest Winner –  www.facebook.com/sewingbirdfancies 
I look for elements in a piece that are attractive or that catch my eye. I then look for pieces that will blend with it. Sometimes I go with an idea in mind, sometimes I just get inspiration from the pieces I come across. Be fearless with your scissors! Sew outside the lines and combine the unlikely. Trust what you like.

 

Times have changed. Check out the Prom Pop-Up Boutique.

Prom time is just around the corner! Don’t spend a fortune on a dress that might only get worn for one night! Save some cash to spend on a beautiful hairstyle, a mani/pedi or maybe a limo ride to the event. Or for college. Visit your local Goodwill Keystone Area Goodwill to find a one-of-a-kind dress!

Dresses have evolved so much from when I went to proms in the 1980s. Styles now can be long or short, and very chic and stylish. But, I’m sure we thought that about our selections too, in the 80s. There shouldn’t be any metallic green lamé dresses in our boutique, but maybe you like a vintage look. And we can help you with that too.

Or if you don’t have any teenagers, but you might need a formal or semi-formal gown for a spring or summer wedding (think bride (we do have wedding dresses!), guest or mother-of-the-bride or groom), please stop by and see the special collection of gowns that we have acquired from several local Goodwill stores.

Join us Thursday, March 23 at the Goodwill in Morgantown from 4 to 7pm. We’ll have a wide selection of formal dresses, prom gowns and accessories. And I will be on hand to help you shop for just the right outfit and offer tips on styling trends. We’ll even have a make-up artist on hand Stop by and enter to win a Goodwill gift card! Hope to see you there!

EXCLUSIVE OFFER

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.

 

As I mentioned previously, “rock & roll” is another trend for Spring 2017. But, seriously when ISN’T rock & roll a trend? I think it started in the 1950s and has been popular ever since. Because it has been around for such a long time, you really can’t go wrong and probably already have some pieces in your closet to make this look work.

To off set the edgy vibe of the outfit, I chose the gorgeous Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA to be my backdrop. If you haven’t ever visited the immense gardens and conservatory, it is well worth the time to explore the grounds, in any season.

My look started with this quilted, faux leather burgundy jacket by Who What Wear from Target. It is a light-weight and perfect for cool spring days. Layering it makes it appropriate for many seasons. Adding a scarf or a sweater underneath would make it work for fall or winter or throw it on over a tank top for summer nights.

I wanted the details in the look to stand out. The long, multi-strand silver chain necklace was layered several times. Chokers are also back in style, but I didn’t want to specifically go for that look. Long chains are so versatile because you could wrap them several times for a variety of necklace looks or wrap them around your wrist for a bracelet.

A sheer dark leopard-print blouse from Loft is one of my new go-to pieces. I’ve worn it to work with black trousers, but it looks equally as well with jeans and even shorts later in the season. A suede clutch, also from Loft, was the perfect bag for the day. The chain strap mirrored the detail of the necklace.

Lastly, skinny light wash jeans from Rag & Bone and moto-style boots from Bandolino (both my favorites and featured previously on the blog) rounded out my rock & roll style.

Recycling articles you already have in your closet and adding just a few edgy, detailed pieces can get you Spring 2017 ready. And you can find those items at Goodwill Keystone Area stores.

Blouse: $3.95
Jeans: $6.50
Bag: $4.97
Jacket: $7.99
Shoes: $6.97
Necklace: $1.97
Total: $32.35

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.

 

Sometimes you find the “Pot of Gold” at the end of the rainbow when you least expect it. On a whim, I stopped at the Robesonia Goodwill store on my way home from work one day. I had been considering crafting a St. Patrick’s Day blog post, but hadn’t come across anything green worth blogging about. I had seen lots of green t-shirt and tank tops. Stores are now stocking summer wear, which is exciting since we are getting hit with snow again this week and many of us are dreaming of warmer weather.

On my last pass through the store, I came across this gorgeous silk ruffled tunic. It was bright green and crafted of soft lightweight fabric, which makes it work for many different seasons. “Please let it be my size!” I thought. To my surprise when I looked at the tag, I noticed the original tags were still attached and its original price had been $238. The brand is Britt Ryan, which is new to me, but the details and fabric earmarked it as a higher end piece. I found my pot of gold!

According to her website, “Britt Ryan creates an overall look that is fresh, feminine and luxurious. Offering styles in one of a kind signature prints and lavish European fabrics, all manufactured in NYC.” They have signature stores in Boston’s Back Bay and Georgetown’s Book Hill as well as 300 other stores across the United States. I would have never heard of this designer if I hadn’t found her blouse at my local Goodwill! It’s great to find these small, exclusive designers, especially when I only paid $3.95 for this beauty!

I paired it with slim cropped dark jeans from Loft for $4.25. As I have said before, denim (in all its forms) is “in” for Spring 2017. The accessories included this sleek wristlet from Juicy Couture. The soft leather and golden details add to the lux feel of the whole outfit. I paid $6.00, but the retail on this piece was $128. For footwear, I added these laser-cut, lace-up shoes from DijiGirls. The lace-up trend has been popular on and off for years and I have seen lots of flats now featuring this detail lately.

For fun, I stopped by my favorite local watering hole (appropriately called “Shades of Green”) for an on-location shoot. If you happen to stop by, tell the owners that, “Kirsten sent you” and have a pint of beer for me! Slàinte!

Blouse: $3.95
Jeans: $4.25
Wristlet: $6.00
Shoes: $6.97
Total: $21.17

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, fashion expert Ashley Bellman visited the NBC Today show to share her picks for the hottest spring trends. Adding a few of these pieces will spruce up your wardrobe for the new season. Her picks included bell sleeves, statement earrings, rock & roll style and wide leg jeans. Today I’m featuring the bell sleeve trend.

My friends often pass along items to me that they purchased at Goodwill and either didn’t want or didn’t fit. I guess I’m known as the “Goodwill Girl”. This cute floral sleeveless cotton sweater from Ann Taylor was one of those things. The pink and black pattern is perfect for spring. Later in the season I could wear it without a jacket.

As for the spring trends, this bell-sleeved wool jacket from Central Park West is fabulous statement piece. It has the perfect fitted shape on the shoulders and the sleeves are dramatic, but not costume-y. It will span the seasons and I can see myself keeping this one in my wardrobe for quite some time. It looks great with these cuffed, skinny jeans by Seven, but would work equally as well with a dress, skirt or trousers.

For accessories, I added a silver and black tassel necklace (previously featured on the blog). Tassels are also a huge trend for spring – on earrings, necklaces and bags. The blush pink leather bag by Elliott Lucca is another perfect spring piece. I paid just $4.97, but it would have retailed for about $200. Finally, suede pumps from Ann Marino feature delicate stitching detail for added interest.

Look for the bell-sleeve trend on jackets, dresses and blouses and stay tuned as I feature more spring trends and colors that are easy to find at Goodwill Keystone Area stores to get your closet “Spring 2017” ready!

Sweater: $3.95
Jacket: $6.50
Necklace: $3.97
Jeans: $6.50
Bag: $4.97
Shoes: $6.97
Total: $32.86

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.