Being near the ocean always inspires me to make style waves with a nautical feel. A weekend trip to the beach became the perfect backdrop for blog photo shoot in Lewes, DE.

I’ve said it before, but you can never go wrong with stripes. They are classic, timeless and can work for any body type. This crisp navy and ivory top from Ann Taylor Loft is a great wardrobe staple. It works here with Ann Taylor khaki shorts, but would also pair well with cropped khaki trousers and pumps for work or boyfriend jeans and sandals on the weekend.

Sight seeing around town is much more comfortable in these beige and gold leather sandals from Anne Klein. The neutral color will adapt well with many pieces in my wardrobe. And a nude-colored shoe elongates the legs and makes you appear taller.

To finish out the look and top off the nautical feel, I accessorized with red accents. The red and gold J Crew inspired “bubble” bib necklace and my favorite red envelope clutch were the perfect compliment to this sea-worthy outfit.

Let your location inspire you and sail away with style from Goodwill.
Kirsten

Goodwill in Shillington, PA:
Top – $2.37 (half off day)
Sandals – $3.49 (half off day)
Goodwill in Morgantown, PA:
Necklace – $0.98 (half off day)
Shorts – $5.50


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 not often that you get to experience a New York-style fashion show in your own backyard, but that is just what is happening on April 21st in Wyomissing, PA. Don’t miss the Goodwill Runway Show at Body Zone on Papermill Road in Wyomissing – the largest fashion show in the Reading-Berks area.

Grab your girlfriends and enjoy an evening of fashion, food and fun! To purchase tickets, click here.

This unique event starts at 4:30 with a silent auction of fabulous donated treasures along with a happy hour of tasty light fare and beverages provided by local restaurants. The show kicks off at 6:30 with a short presentation and the ReDesign contest finalists. See the before and after creations, click here (Side note: I am one of them!). After the winners are chosen, over 20 models featuring more than 100 outfits will strut their stuff on the runway.

This face-paced, New York-style event is like nothing you’ve seen in Berks County before. Styles featured will range from casual to formal and everything in between. All outfits were sourced from local Goodwill Stores. And after the show, you’ll have the chance to shop for exclusive styles at the Goodwill Boutique. Take home some of the looks from the runway!

While I’ve hung up my stilettos and retired from modeling, I now volunteer as a stylist and have enjoyed being a part of the Runway Show for many years. This event showcases the time and talents of many volunteers and Goodwill staff. I promise this show will be an event to remember!

See you at the show!
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.

…bring May flowers, or in this case, flowered pink clutches. Looking chic while dodging the raindrops is possible with a unique raincoat and accessories.

Recently, I ventured to Goodwill in Frazer, PA (the store along Route 30). It is a tiny little store tucked in a shopping plaza. It might be small, but it is packed with excellent finds. All the pieces feel like they have been curated for a cozy upscale boutique. It is definitely worth a visit!

The cotton and nylon, khaki trench coat from Ann Taylor Loft immediately caught my eye with its unique shaping and ruffles. It goes perfectly with jeans on the weekend or over a dress for work during the week. I could have chosen from so many wonderful bags, but the pink raffia envelope clutch with the lime green lining and striped ribbon accent needed to go home with me!

After a little research, I found that the brand “Miss Albright Specialty” is a capsule collection from Anthropologie. The original retail price was probably around $50, but I only paid $9.97! I will definitely be on the lookout for more of this brand at Goodwill!

TIP: When shopping, having a smartphone handy to do a little digging on brands you aren’t familiar with could help you uncover some stylish treasures.

Happy Hunting!
Kirsten

Goodwill in Frazer, PA:
Raincoat: $15.50
Clutch: $9.97
Total: $25.47


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.

All the rage this spring is a “Prom-Posal”: how someone asks a date to the prom. It can be big and over-the-top with an in-school musical performance or as straightforward as a poster or flowers and a simple question. But, the star of the prom will always be the dress.

No matter how you end up going to the prom, you’re going to need an outfit. Short, long, full or sleek – anything goes in the formal fashion world and sequins, beads, sparkle and shine will always be popular. Prices on formal dresses can go well into the hundreds of dollars, but you don’t need Cinderella’s fairy godmother for a ball gown. With Goodwill you can spend wisely and find the dress of your dreams.

Sarah and Anne Marie were happy to model a few of the formal gowns and clutches that I found on the racks at the Goodwill in Morgantown, PA. Be sure and check your local store to see what kind of dresses and accessories they have in stock. You may have to visit a few locations (find one near you, click here), so give yourself plenty of time before the big event.

At Goodwill what you see is one-of-a-kind and during prom and wedding season, so don’t wait if you find something you love! When searching, be sure and check out the condition of the dress. A few alterations and cleaning could add to your cost unless you have someone handy who can help you out. You’ll also want shoes, an elegant clutch and jewelry – all of which you can find at Goodwill!

You don’t have to break the bank to look fabulous at the prom. Goodwill can make your fairytale dreams of being a Prom Queen (or Princess) come true!

Goodwill in Morgantown, PA
Dresses: $7.50 – $49.99
Clutches: $2.97 – $4.97

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 last time I had a crush on designer denim was in the glorious 1980s and I was crushin’ on a pair of ankle-length acid-wash, Jordache jeans. They had zippers at the ankles and I wore them with my beloved bubble gum pink, Reebok high tops and an oversized off-the-shoulder sweatshirt.

Premium denim has come a long way since then. And so have the prices. With price tags well up to $200 for one pair of jeans, I have much better things to spend my money on. And I know I can find the exact same designer all brands at Goodwill.

If you are looking for skinny, bootcut, straight or flare jeans, I have easily found Paige, J-Brand, Seven, Hudson, Lucky and 7 for all Mankind at plenty of the local Goodwill stores. All of these brands range in price from $75 – $200 or more. To put it in perspective, the jeans pictured here could have cost me up to $1,000 (total), but I paid less than $40 for all of them by finding them at Goodwill! 

Two of my tricks for finding any type of higher-quality clothing are to actually touch the fabrics and quickly sort through the labels. Better quality fabric will be softer and feel more expensive. Quickly flipping through the racks and knowing what labels to look for will help you find the brands you want. Knowing your waist size will help as well. Many of these labels use waist sizes to size their jeans. For example, a 27 is typically a 4 and a 28 is a 6 and so on. But, try on anything you think might fit to account for shrinking and stretching. These jeans already have the benefit of being washed and broken in.

While Jordache isn’t in my closet anymore, premium denim is now an everyday staple of my wardrobe thanks to Goodwill!

Premium Denim Prices:
Various Goodwill Stores and Outlets
$0.60 – $10.00, but typically around $6.50 each

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 fancy parades, but celebrating the holiday in a bright new spring dress or outfit is a welcome change to winter’s heavy sweaters and jackets. Take inspiration from the colors of the season including jelly beans, Easter eggs and spring flowers.

This georgette, midi-length, sleeveless dress was found at Goodwill, new with the tags, from Talbots. It was originally $79.00, but I only paid $7.50! The soft, flowing pale pink fabric is perfect for Easter, a bridal or baby shower or even a spring wedding. You could add a cardigan or blazer for cooler weather, or even just a scarf to add warmth.

A roomy fabric and leather Tommy Hilfiger tote will hold all your necessities and the spring green shade compliments the dress. Add a classic silver and pearl necklace, simple pearl earrings, neutral pumps and you are ready for Easter dinner with the family!

You can outfit your whole family at Goodwill for the holiday for less than the cost of brunch at a restaurant. What are you waiting for? Hop to Goodwill!

Goodwill stores in Reading, PA :
Bag: $6.97
Necklace: $0.98
Dress: $7.50
Total: $15.45

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 the last few official days of winter waning, outfits that can be multi-purpose and take you into spring and summer are a smart investment.

Today’s main piece is a simple neutral floral fitted dress from Old Navy. Gray, brown, camel and cream make a nice backdrop for accessories that span the seasons. For cooler days I have paired the comfortable dress with a flowing shawl-collared cardigan from White House Black Market and tall suede boots. A cream and gold tassel necklace, bangle bracelets and simple gold hoops are the finishing touches. When the weather warms, I’ll leave the cardigan at home, keep the accessories and go with camel-colored mules from Target and a small cream leather handbag.

For a more professional look you could layer a fitted blazer over the dress and add tights for warmth. In the summer, make the look more casual with sandals, a gauzy cream- colored scarf and a cropped jean jacket.

Having pieces that can transition you through different seasons are a perfect addition to your closet. Not only do they save you money by making your wardrobe more versatile, you can challenge yourself to see how many different ways there are to style them!

Goodwill in Ephrata:
Bangles: $5.00

Goodwill in Morgantown:
Cardigan: $5.50
Dress: $5.50
Necklace: $2.97
Cream bag: $2.49 (Half off sale)
Shoes: $3.49 (Half off sale)

Total: $24.95

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’m not at all Irish, but who isn’t a little “Irish” on St. Patrick’s Day? Whether you are going out to your favorite Irish bar for a pint or cooking up your own corned beef and cabbage, select an outfit that is more timeless than kitschy (think shamrock headbands and “Kiss me I’m Irish” shirts). Choosing pieces that can be restyled throughout the season is thrifty and smart.

I headed to Goodwill in Exton one snowy day and found my pot of gold! The knit kelly green and navy Michael Kors blouse with cinched elastic waist was a great find at $6.50. A classic pair of navy Loft trousers was the perfect partner. Navy can be a tricky color to match, so instead of navy I opted for black heels. These chunky suede heels with bow detail from Seychelles were originally $130 when new. A colorful striped raffia clutch completed the outfit. This look will work on St. Patrick’s Day and beyond!

However you celebrate the day, here’s an old Irish blessing for you and your family:
May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!

Cheers,
Kirsten

Goodwill in Exton:
Trousers: $4.25
Blouse: $6.50
Heels: $9.97

Goodwill in Morgantown:
Clutch: $2.49 (Half off day)

Total: $23.21

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 may only be March, but we’ve had a few days of warm weather to tease us that spring is on its way. Who isn’t ready for shorts, sandals and a day in the sunshine? My friend MaryAnn and her daughter Adrianna are ready for a mother-daughter outing including lunch, shopping and mani-pedis.

The coordinating plum outfits are ready for a day on the town. Adrianna’s purple crepe top (new with tags!) has pale pink embroidery details and her faded-wash Justice jeans have sparkling silver rhinestone accents. Cuffing them is perfect for adjusting the length and staying in style.

MaryAnn’s dress (which still had the $69.50 price tag from Express on it!) is in complementary shades of pink, purple and plum. The neckline and hem feature hot pink sequins to add some shine. To finish her look we added floral print wedges and a vegan leather purple tote with snakeskin trim. She could also wear this dress with heels, a jean jacket and a clutch for a date night with her husband, Mike!

Warm weather is on the way! And MaryAnn and Adrianna are ready!

Goodwill in Morgantown:
MaryAnn:
Dress: $8.50
Bag: $4.97
Shoes: $6.97

Adrianna:
Top: $3.99
Jeans: $3.00

Total: $27.43

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 love Loft, Ann Taylor Loft, that is. But, I hate paying full price at the retail mall stores. Ann Taylor Loft features quality staples for your work or weekend outfits. They have projected a classic image since their founding in 1996 as an off-shoot of the Ann Taylor brand to attract a younger, more casual customer. Since their clothing is not super-trendy, it stands the test of time and pieces even a few years old can feel completely modern and make a nice addition to your work wardrobe.

(All of these finds are Loft!) This cream cable-knit dolman-sleeved sweater is perfect for this time “in-between weather” time of year. Brown cotton button-front trousers are a nice neutral tone and will integrate well into your closet. I found the beautiful silver and beaded multi-strand necklace and after closer inspection I discovered it was also from Ann Taylor Loft. Finally, the brown suede pointy-toed kitten-heeled booties are the finishing touch. All of these pieces on their own will mix and match effectively with your existing wardrobe, but together they are a classic Loft look!

If there are specific brands you like, chances are you can find them at your local Goodwill for deeply discounted prices. It’s definitely worth taking a look through the racks for your favorite labels!

Goodwill in Shillington:
Sweater: $3.25 (Half off day)
Trousers: $2.37 (Half off day)

Goodwill in Exton:
Necklace: $4.50

Goodwill in East Earl:
Shoes: $6.97

Total: $17.09

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.