In this day and age, what can $5 get you? A fancy cup of coffee? A sub sandwich? What if I told you that you could get a designer outfit for less than five dollars? Well, it’s true as long as you are up for a treasure hunt at one of Goodwill’s Outlet Centers.

My sister and I ventured into the Goodwill Outlet Center in Reading and my goal was to get a complete outfit for $5 or less. Little did I know that I would hit the jackpot! Shopping at the outlet centers takes patience. The clothing, shoes, purses, miscellaneous accessories and home goods are sorted in large bins. Everything is sold differently than a typical Goodwill store – clothing is sold by the pound.

My first find was a J. Crew striped, wool sweater. I love the colors, and the stripes were right on trend. Next, I found an Espirit coat: classic, black and with fun zipper accents. I also scored an Ann Taylor Loft burgundy tank top. In the accessories bin, I found a vintage, black leather, Etienne Aigner purse with brass detailing and the Dani Black, olive green boots. A little leather polish and both will shine like new!

Finally I searched for pants or jeans. I had a few contenders in my cart when I spied the dark wash jeans hidden in the bin. As soon as I touched them I knew they were a high-quality fabric. As I pulled them out, I saw the tag. They were Paige Denim and my size! These jeans retail for $200 and I got them for 60 cents! I’m ecstatic!

My mission was complete. I got an outfit for under $5! So on the way home, I treated myself to a fancy latte. And, it cost more than my outfit.

Happy Hunting!

Kirsten

Goodwill Outlet Center on St. Lawrence Avenue, Reading
(Prices are approximate due to being sold by the pound)

Sweater: 60 cents
Jeans: 60 cents
Purse: 60 cents
Tank top: 60 cents
Shoes: $2.25

Total: $4.65

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.

Pantone, the authority on color, has chosen two colors for the year 2016.

Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of Pantone Color Institute, said, “Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.”

How do you integrate these colors into your wardrobe? Try a soft rose sweater with classic charcoal trousers that you might already own. Or maybe a serenity blue scarf with a classic black dress. Wearing one of these shades will easily update your wardrobe and put you right on trend.

If you are feeling bold, try both colors together like in this combo modeled by Catina. The ribbed chenille, pink sweater, originally from J.Jill, is slightly cropped so you can see the detailing on the waist of the pale blue, corduroy, boot cut pants by Louie.

And the gold hoops and pale gold, metallic leather cross body bag from Tignanello complete the outfit. These soft colors blend easily to create a fresh and modern look for 2016.

Chase away those winter blues by adding a dash of rose quartz or serenity.

Stay warm,
Kirsten

Outfit from Goodwill in Bethlehem, PA:
Sweater – $4.75
Pants – $4.25
Purse – $9.97
Total: $18.97

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.

Sometimes when you find one fantastic piece it can inspire a whole outfit. That was the case with these mahogany brown, vintage leather riding boots. The boot’s leather was incredibly soft, perfectly distressed and they featured unique buckles and a slim fit. I knew I had to purchase them and create a complete look around them.
The outdoorsy style of Ralph Lauren helped inspire this outfit. Ralph Lauren’s clothing sells a certain kind of active lifestyle which can be easily replicated with inexpensive pieces from Goodwill. A warm chunky, wool-patterned sweater from Susquehanna Trail Outfitters and a complimentary red plaid flannel shirt from Mossimo (from Target) top off my favorite dark blue skinny jeans. And with that, I am ready to ride!

For a different look, in cooler weather pair the boots with tights and a sweater dress; for the summer try, a crisp white sleeveless top and skinny khaki pants for another riding-inspired look.

Finding a designer or style you love and then recreating the look through pieces from Goodwill is fun and exciting. Be it Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors or a modern, edgier designer, Goodwill is your go-to place to stay in style yet on budget.

Kirsten

Goodwill – Bethlehem, PA:
Boots: $12.97

Goodwill Outlet on St. Lawrence Avenue, Reading, PA:
Sweater: 60 cents
Shirt: 60 cents

Total: $14.17

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.

Navigating the dress code of everyday life can be a challenge. Make it easier to get dressed every morning by having a few “go-to” uniforms in your closet. One of my favorites is a simple shirtdress and boots.

This version in an unusual dark olive green is from the Mossimo brand (from Target). It has a drawstring waist and a button up, collared top. The shirttail hem adds to the casual feel, but is easy to dress up or down depending on your accessories.

The chunky, stacked heeled boots in soft brown suede are from American Eagle and feature a sturdy sole in case of slippery weather. If we would be having a colder winter in Pennsylvania, I would add cozy brown tights.

The textured brown, copper and gray faux leather purse from Relic is big enough to carry all your necessities and the large silver buckles and tassel add interesting details. A few silver chains added on pick up the silver on the handbag and complete the look. Add a jacket and grab your keys and you are ready to stylishly face the day!

Kirsten

Outfit from Goodwill in Morgantown, PA:
Dress: $5.50
Boots $4.97
Purse: $4.97
Total: $15.44

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.

I’m happy that my children have grown up “thrifting” with me and enjoy searching for their favorite fashion brands at Goodwill. It’s not hard to find the labels you or your family love. These dresses from Forever 21 are great looks for tweens, teens or anyone wanting a youthful vibe.
Chloe’s black sleeveless dress, which was found new with the tags, has just the right amount of feminine touch with the delicate sheer fabric. The silver studded collar adds edginess, as do the black patent Mossimo (from Target) combat boots also from Goodwill.

Maddie goes with a bright pop of color with the teal short-sleeved dress with a smocked waist. The laser-cut detail on the shoulders, neckline and hem add a fun, modern touch. She finished her outfit with a rhinestone headband (also from Goodwill) and bright white Converse sneakers. Both girls are comfortable for an afternoon of shopping or dressy enough for attending a middle school dance.

Teaching your kids that they can get a whole outfit at Goodwill for the price of just one piece from their favorite mall store is rewarding. And knowing that by shopping at Goodwill you are helping to fund life and job training for those with challenges is rewarding!

Kirsten

Outfits are from Goodwill in Royersford, PA
Black dress: $8.50
Teal dress: $5.50
Boots: $9.97
Rhinestone headband: $1.97
Total: $25.94

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.

While you may think of Goodwill for clothing or housewares, many stores have a great selection of earrings, bracelets and necklaces to accent your existing wardrobe.

Jewelry can change the feel of a simple outfit such as jeans and a t-shirt and give it date-night worthy status. Or it can take last year’s style and elevate it to this year’s trend.

This colorful, Egyptian-inspired, bib necklace (all jewelry is new from Target, but found at Goodwill prices) is the perfect compliment for Vanessa’s simple red, silk blouse. We paired it with black pants, but try it with jeans and a jacket for a casual brunch with friends.

The glittering gold and rhinestone bracelets will sparkle and attract attention to your hands.
While hoops may be a classic choice, these textured, gold earrings are big enough to be noticed, but simple enough to be worn every day.

Besides new jewelry, Goodwill has vintage and costume pieces that will set you apart and make your style unique. Load up several pins on a blazer label; layer a few delicate necklaces together; pile on some bangles or try mismatched earrings. Have fun with your accessories, but remember that jewelry is meant to compliment, not overpower your look. Be sure and take advice from fashion designer Coco Chanel about accessories: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”

Ciao, Kirsten

From Goodwill in East Earl, PA:
Necklace – $9.99
Bracelets: $5.99
Earrings: $3.99
Total: $19.97

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.

Being a bit edgy can be a fashion risk, but with pieces from Goodwill you can try out any style you want without a major cash commitment. Today’s outfit is perfect for anyone wanting to try out an urban chic look.
Step out of your comfort zone with some easy modern pieces. A vegan-friendly faux leather jacket with brown stitching accents is great for dressing up or down. Skinny jeans are now a wardrobe staple. With low, heeled black boots, they take on a rocker vibe. A pop of color with the chartreuse t-shirt brightens the whole look and makes the darker pieces stand out. Finally, layer on some necklaces and bracelets to finish the look.
This outfit can take you from a concert to dinner with friends to just hitting the town. Today’s model Lexi, a 20-something student, appreciates finding her favorite brands such as American Eagle, Aeropostale and Express at Goodwill.

Don’t be afraid to try a new look. New clothes can give you the confidence to try something else new in your life. Step out of your comfort zone and live on the edge in 2016!

Outfit from Goodwill Store in Shillington, PA:

Faux leather jacket: $10.00
T-shirt: $3.97
Skinny jeans: $6.50
Boots: $6.97
Total: $27.44

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.

There’s still one more holiday to go in 2015! Ring in the New Year with friends or family and an outfit as sparkling as a glass of bubbly.

We’re headed to a friend’s party and I want to stand out, yet still be comfortable. The Forever 21 loose-fitting gold sequined top needs no necklace to accent it. The bootcut black velvet pants from Ann Taylor have enough stretch to let me indulge in a few tasty treats one last time this year! Metallic red pumps from Nine West add a festive touch and are a low enough heel to be comfortable to socialize with our friends until the ball drops. This entire outfit cost me just $21.92 at Goodwill.

Depending on your event, other options could include a simple black dress with gold chandelier earrings for a formal dinner; skinny jeans, knee-high boots and a festive sweater for a girls night out; or, if you are planning on staying in, how about a pair of comfy pajamas and some bling to toast in the new year? Whatever you end up doing, New Year’s Eve is one of the best excuses to dress up, so make the most of it. And, with pieces from Goodwill you can afford to go all out, even if you are staying in!

Happy New Year!
Kirsten

New Year’s Eve Outfit purchased at Goodwill in East Earl (Lancaster County, PA)

Top: $3.95
Pants: $5.00
Pumps: $12.97
Total: $ 21.92

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.

Even though we have been enjoying record warmth in Pennsylvania, we know it won’t last and before you know it, we will be trudging through a cold, wintery January.

But, Goodwill is a great place to find outerwear to keep you toasty warm. From down parkas to leather jackets to wool coats, you can get an assortment of toppers. The great prices mean you can invest in some trendy pieces in a bright color or animal print and match your coat to your outfit or mood.

I found a Marmot coat, which is a well-known outdoor brand, at Goodwill. It was only $10. Retail cost for this coat is about $225. It is light-weight, down-filled and kept me warm on a blustery day in Philadelphia. I added a pop of color with a graphic red and black knit scarf, which was only $4 at Goodwill.

Adding accessories such as scarves and gloves can easily help update your look. Be sure to check the jewelry cases when shopping at Goodwill. Adding a few classic rhinestone pins will add sparkle and shine to a classic wool coat that you might already have in your closet!


“Get a really good coat that will last a couple of years and that you can’t wait to put on when the weather starts to turn.”
– Amber Le Bon, British fashion model

When the weather eventually does turn cold, you’ll be prepared with your new coat and accessories!

Stay Warm,
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.