In a typical year, I would head out to get our Christmas tree and a few poinsettias in a functional outfit that was worthy of roaming around a hill in chilly weather. Maybe a down jacket or a fleece coat. But nothing about this year is typical. If I can make something as simple as getting a tree a fun fashion moment, then why not?

Like many other families, we are decorating earlier than normal to bring some traditional festivity to an abnormal year. Decking the halls inside and lighting the lights outside has become something we can do to make our home a little more cheerful. If you need any décor, be sure and stop by your local Goodwill Keystone Area store for a variety of holiday decorations from wreaths, to ornaments to Christmas stockings!

We headed out recently to get our tree and a few potted poinsettias to bring some nature into our home. The local greenhouse we go to was filled with a variety of colorful plants. It was the perfect place to showcase yet another festive sweater that featured a Christmas tree complete with embroidered and beaded ornaments and shoulder pads (which I left in!). The shoulder pads give it away as 80s or early 90s, but the label was cut out, so I don’t know who designed this beauty.

I did wear it with jeans from Loft (Goodwill: $6.50; Retail $79) and “Wilma” duck-toe boots from Esprit (Goodwill: $7.47; Retail $60). These were completely appropriate for possibly spending an afternoon in the great outdoors.

After selecting a few flowers we spent a few hours of family togetherness in the car stopping at a few local tree farms to find the perfect tree. We eventually found one right around the corner from our house from a nice family-owned business. I couldn’t resist a few photos in the pines as we hiked around the hill. Make the world your runway!

Don’t save those “good clothes” for “special occasions”. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we have to embrace what we have and who we spend our time with. Use the good china and crystal, wear the sequins, and celebrate everyday traditions, especially around the holidays. And don’t forget to shop at Goodwill Keystone Area stores for the perfect items for everyday use or special occasions. Every day is what you make of it!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
Kirsten

Sweater: $5.75
Jeans: $7.25
Boots: $7.47
Total: $20.47
Retail: $200+

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.

I’m an 80s girl through and through. Give me all the popped collars, pegged jeans, and preppy fashions. I grew up with pop art, Duran Duran music, and Esprit and Benneton clothing. There was no lack of color in my wardrobe when I was in high school. But, everything that is old is new – again and again. So finding older items has become harder as more people are searching for them at Goodwill Keystone Area stores – either for their wardrobe or to resell.

Still, I’m amazed that I can find fabulous vintage 80s Christmas sweaters at my local Goodwill Keystone Area stores. Maybe this year it is from all the cleaning out that everyone did while they were quarantining at home. If so, then I thank you for this gorgeous find, whoever you are! This sweater is from Chicago designer Lisa Nichols and originally sold (in the 80s!) for $225 – $250. According to her bio, her sweaters appeal to women who really want to be noticed and who want something fun in their wardrobes. You can read more about her here.

Each year I make it a goal to uncover at least one or two “ugly” or “festive” Christmas sweaters. And for these, beauty is in the eye of the beholder because I think this one emblazed with Christmas balls, gold trim, plaid detail, and even actual ornaments, sewn to the hem and collar, is a stunner! The chunky knit and cropped length also gives it away as a true vintage find.

The black suede heels are also from the 70s or 80s. The elastic loop, button close with the platform soles give their vintage away, and they are the type of details I love to find in a shoe. They make them unique and the perfect complement to the sweater. They are also comfortable enough to wear for work as the heel is not too high. These would look great with tights and a dress this winter.

The jeans from Vigoss are a new-to-me brand. Their website states that “Since 2002, Vigoss USA has highlighted the inherent beauty of denim, by creating washes and treatments that bring out its unique characteristics. From washes to hardware, Vigoss USA pays the utmost attention to each pair of jeans. Today, Vigoss USA continues to push the boundaries of quality, design, and fit through the integration of new materials and construction, making for great collections that transcend seasons, lifestyles, and trends.” They are a mid-price denim brand with prices ranging from $74 – $89 online. My Goodwill price was $7.25.

The purse, from Guess, makes the yellow in the sweater pop. GUESS is a brand that has been around since the early 80s. According to their website, “GUESS was established in 1981 by the Marciano brothers, who left the south of France in pursuit of the American dream.” Growing up, a pair of GUESS jeans with the upside triangle logo was one of my most prized articles of clothing, that and a pair of bubble gum pink Reebok hightops. This clutch is new but still fun.

Goodwill Keystone Area is an amazing resource for those of us looking for fun in their wardrobe. I’m glad that I can find beautiful, unique, and affordable pieces to make my holiday outfits standout and get noticed! Next time you’re shopping at Goodwill, have a little fun and add some vintage to your closet.
From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Sweater: $7.50
Shoes: $7.47
Jeans: $7.25
Clutch: $6.97
Total: $29.19
Retail: $425

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.

Black Friday is the Super Bowl for thrifty shoppers and being the quarterback of my home team, my kids and I had to make an appearance at our local Goodwill Keystone Area store. We didn’t bother to visit any other stores because I enjoy supporting a store that supports my local community.

I arrived at the Shillington store well past opening – closer to lunchtime – but it wasn’t crowded and people kept their respectful distance perusing the racks of holiday attire and shelves of Christmas home goods and décor. There was still plenty of stock and helpful employees were refilling the supply of ornaments, wreaths, dishes, and stockings as quickly as customers were picking them up.

The rack of Christmas clothing was delightfully full and I found some amazing sweaters, which will be showcased in later blogs this month. There were all sizes, colors, and styles. If you wanted modern, vintage, or ones with witty sayings, there was definitely something for you! There was also a complete rack of cozy flannel pajama pants and festive tights.

My favorite part though was the shelves of décor. Not only was I looking for items to finish up my home decorating, but I was also on the hunt for one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends. Goodwill Keystone Area offers a great alternative to big box or mall stores when shopping for presents. A few of the items I picked up included a Martha Stewart wreath, which was new in the box; a box of blown-glass macaron ornaments (my kids are big fans of those treats); a stem-less wine glass for a friend who moved to a new state (hope she’s not reading this!); a metal garden ornament (maybe for a gift – maybe for my garden); and a star for my tree at work.

I saw two friends dressed up as elves shopping together. They looked like this was an annual tradition, and it was fun to watch them go through the store filling their carts and enjoying the day and the mood. Goodwill Keystone Area is a treasure hunt, even more so closer to December. They save up the holiday-themed donations, and you never know what treasures you might find! Did you get out shopping on Black Friday? If so, I hope you found some great items to get your Thriftmas started!

From my home 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.

It may seem hard to find much to give thanks for this year at Thanksgiving, but there were a few things that I was thankful for this year. It may be hard to see the good during the pandemic, but it’s there if we look for it.

Right before quarantine happened, I was fortunate to spend some time with Goodwill Keystone Area Project SEARCH graduates. We shopped for interview outfits at the Lemoyne Goodwill store. Finding clothing that will give them confidence and start them on their way to a new career was very rewarding. I have assisted several classes and always love to see the follow-up posts when the graduates get positions in our community. Seeing Goodwill Keystone Area’s mission up close and personal is truly inspirational! See more about Project SEARCH here.

In 2020 we all realized how thankful we are for our home, family, friends, and even the internet! We found new ways to connect online (who never Zoomed before this year???), our children studied virtually and we spent a lot of time working from home, making sourdough bread, binge-watching TV, and getting outside and socially distant. It was a difficult year for many, and shopping and eating local (when safe and possible) was and still is important. Say thanks to those who supported you during this time and be glad if you were able to help others in your community.

Goodwill Keystone Area stores reconfigured their stores and procedures and made it safe for us thrifters to get back in the stores in late spring. Getting back among the racks and aisles gave us a little taste of normalcy and hope. As we head into the holiday season, Goodwill can offer inexpensive gifts, holiday clothing, and décor, even if money is tighter than normal this year. Shopping second hand is good for the environment, your wallet, and your heart. Your purchases support so much in your community, many things you may have never known. Read more about their mission here. Watch Goodwill Keystone Area’s Year in Review Video to learn how your support has helped local community members seeking hope and independence:

Lastly, I’m thankful to my loyal readers! Goodwill Keystone Area has provided me an outlet to showcase my favorite finds. I appreciate the #thriftlove I get in return! Enjoy your time with your loved ones this week, no matter what your Thanksgiving celebration looks like in 2020. Don’t forget to be kind, be safe, and wear your mask!

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours,
Kirsten

Coldwater Creek cape: $6.50 (Retail $79)
Loft tank top: $3.99 (Retail $29)
Van Heusen pants: $4.75 (Retail $35)
Scarf: $1.97
Nine West Bag: $3.99 (Retail $34.99 (New-with-tags)
Shoes (my own)
Total: $21.20
Retail: $198

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.

With the stress of the pandemic, the holidays can’t come soon enough. While whatever holiday you celebrate might look entirely different, why not enjoy the spirit of the season a little early this year? Goodwill Keystone Area is a great place to start shopping for festive clothing, décor, and accessories. Their aisles and shelves have been filled with holiday items for several weeks now and they are just gearing up for more merchandise as we get closer to December.

Radio stations have been serenading you with Christmas music, stores have been filled with seasonal merchandise, and the weather is finally turning colder. Coffee shops have released their winter flavors and Black Friday deals are being promoted online and on TV. So, I’m not waiting to wear the velvets, brocades, and sparkly fabrics I might have saved for closer to Christmas.

The rich velvet of this vintage tapestry jacket from ManyUs is perfect for our small Thanksgiving get together, but will also look good with a few shiny accessories closer to Christmas. The pieced detailing and the subtle pops of burgundy and floral fabric give it a polished, but bohemian vibe. (Goodwill: $6.50; Retail $225.00) It would also look great thrown on over a little black dress. I’ll be giving thanks for my family and friends this year, even if I can’t be with all of them.

Today I styled the jacket with a simple black Target tank top (Goodwill: $4.25; Retail $12.00) and Loft skinny jeans (Goodwill: $4.75; Retail: $79.00). These pieces are great under almost anything – a blazer, a cardigan, or an oversized button-down flannel shirt.

For accessories, I added a chenille burgundy scary ($1.97), Sam Edelman lace-up boots (Goodwill: $10.00; Retail $119), and a large beige bag from Steve Madden (Goodwill: 6.99; Retail: $100).

Twinkling lights, bright colors, and ugly Christmas sweaters are just what the world needs right now. With the stress of the pandemic, it’s not too early to put up those decorations and get in the spirit – even if it’s just a festive outfit. Head to your closest Goodwill Keystone Area store and pick up something that brightens your day and know that your purchases help fund programs and services to help people with disabilities learn job and life skills. If that isn’t a reason to smile at the holidays, I don’t know what it.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Blazer: $6.50
Tank top: $4.25
Jeans: $4.75
Scarf: $1.97
Shoes: $10.00
Bag: $6.99
Total: $34.46
Retail: $555.00+

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.

The single easiest way to update an outfit during the cooler months is to add one accessory: a scarf.

According to herstylecode.com article 7 Ways to Wear a Scarf with Everything “Scarves are one of the most versatile, practical, and fashionable cold-weather accessories. They’re very inexpensive and their low price allows you to fill your wardrobe with a wide collection of scarves with varying styles, patterns, and materials for any occasion. You can completely transform the look of almost any outfit just by adding a scarf, which makes these accessories a life-saver for chronic outfit repeaters. When the bulky, dark pieces in your fall or winter wardrobe start looking a little dull or depressing throughout the season, throwing on a bright patterned or textured scarf adds instant interest and balance to your look.

The best part about scarves is their extreme versatility. Scarves are readily available in an incredible variety; these accessories come in countless different styles, colors, patterns, and materials that make it almost impossible to find an outfit that can’t be spruced up by a scarf of some kind. If you want to incorporate scarves into your wardrobe in as many ways as possible, keep reading to learn how to wear a scarf with everything to create a fashionable finish for any look.”

I really could not have said it any better myself. I whole-heartedly agree with everything the article said. Scarves are season-less accessories but are a fabulous option for fall and winter month to add not just style, but warmth and protection from the south-eastern Pennsylvania winds.

This beautiful camo-patterned J. Crew scarf was found NWT (new with tags) at the Shillington store on a recent outing. I was drawn to the color and pattern, and when I noticed the J. Crew price tag, I was elated. The retail price was $55. Goodwill Keystone Area’s price: $1.97. The pink, olive, and slate blue colors are surprisingly versatile.

I paired it with a green lace sweatshirt from Loft (Goodwill’s price: $4.75; Retail: $59). The DKNY jeans (Goodwill’s price: $6.50; Retail $69.50) and Sam Edelman “Kemper” fringed booties (Goodwill’s price: $12.97; Retail: $150) were also both NWT items, which can be the holy grail of thrifters everywhere! I am an equally-opportunity thrifter, so finding used items and gently washing my finds or taking them to a dry cleaner if needed is never a problem for me. I enjoy a good NWT find, but some of my best finds have been pre-loved!

Lastly, I added a faux-fur bag from Carlos by Carlos Santana. I liked mixing the animal print with the camo for a fun fall look. My cost at Goodwill was $6.97, but this would have sold for around $100.

Hopefully, you’ll give scarves a try, not just as accessories for on top of your coats this fall. Pick up some fun colors and patterns next time that you are shopping at your local Goodwill Keystone Area. You can’t beat the style scarves will add to your fall fashions for just a few dollars!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Scarf: $1.97
Sweatshirt: $4.75
Jeans: $6.50
Shoes: $12.97
Bag: $6.97
Total: $33.16
Retail: $433.50
Savings: 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 Keystone Area stores to decorate her home and wardrobe.

The most popular fashion question I receive is about the acceptability of wearing white after Labor Day. I thought in this day and age people would not even care what color was worn when, but apparently, it is still an unofficial fashion rule. One that I break. All. The. Time. White is a timeless, elegant, and very easy to wear color, so why not incorporate it into your year-round wardrobe? Especially when you can easily stock up on white pieces from Goodwill Keystone Area at great prices!

White jeans, white shoes, white coats. You name it – I will wear it whatever the season is! Recently I scored this crisp white Michael Kors coat for $6.50. (Retail: $160) You might be wondering if white is a good choice for fall, but it is a great alternative to black, gray, or camel coats that seem to be autumnal staples for outerwear. White is neutral and looks great with almost any outfit.

The fit is a bit over-sized, which is perfect for layering over chunky fall sweaters. For this look, I paired it with a burgundy Hawthorne blouse accented with brass embellishments and a pair of printed trousers from Ann Taylor. Hawthorn is a Stitch Fix brand, and this blouse probably retailed for about $50. My Goodwill Keystone Area cost was $4.75.

You all know I love a great printed pant, and these navy, burgundy, and white trousers from Ann Taylor are a perfect dark floral for fall. Goodwill’s price was a cost-effective $4.75, whereas at the mall they would have sold for $98. I could pair them with a white wool sweater this winter or a lightweight blouse next spring. To give them a more casual feel, I’d add a chambray or denim shirt, knotted in the front.

I kept my shoes and bag neutral with a warm brown hue. The classic Michael Kors flats were just $4.99. They are great for my busy day job at school or still look polished with jeans while running errands on the weekend. This exact style is still available online for $99. The Banana Republic purse was used all summer as my go-to bag. I love all the pockets and the price – $6.97. (Retail estimate: $150).

Goodwill Keystone Area lets me break fashion rules (real or publicly assumed!) by offering all colors, styles, and trends at prices that mall stores can’t touch while helping my local community. That’s a win-win in my fashion rulebook!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Coat: $6.50
Blouse: $4.75
Pants: $4.75
Shoes: $4.99
Bag: $6.97
Total: $27.96
Retail: $557+

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.

Halloween is going to be different this year, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have a little everyday fun without wearing a costume. I work for a school and Halloween is usually a very festive holiday with costume, face painting, classroom parties, and of course, lots of treats. This year with social distancing and safety protocols in place, we are not able to dress up in a costume or a mask (well, we’re already wearing those!), however, we are permitted to wear Halloween-themed clothing or a decorative headband.

When I found out what I could wear, my first stop was the closest Goodwill Keystone Area store! There are still plenty of costumes on the racks and décor on the shelves. If you haven’t gotten a costume or decorated your home, there’s still time!

A visit to the Halloween section quickly turned up two great options. First was an embellished ¾ sleeve knit blouse featuring a haunted house, graveyard, spooky tree, and a sparkly spider. It was only $3.99! Next was a bright orange t-shirt with an embroidered decoration for $4.75. This is a bit more casual and perfect for my dress down day on Thursday at school.

In the Halloween décor section, I snagged this adorable classic pumpkin basket for just 99 cents!

Each top looked equally as good with a pair of gray cargo skinny jeans from Loft . These are a great wardrobe staple for only $4.75 (Retail: $79) and the cool gray is different than the typical black or khaki color I typically wear if I’m not wearing colorful printed pants, that is. The black suede Steve Madden “Gretell” combat boots were priced at $4.99 (Retail: $89). They will be another great addition to my closet for fall and winter.

Obviously, I had to check out the whole store while I was there and found a great outfit to be showcased later on the blog. Tune in later to see what might turn up. But for now, run out and grab some Halloween items at your neighborhood Goodwill Keystone Area store! It’s not too late!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Blouse: $3.99
T-shirt: $4.75
Boots: $4.99
Pants: $4.75
Pumpkin: $0.99
Total: $19.47
Retail: $225+

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.

Just like everything else in 2020, Halloween looks a little different this year… But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with the holiday and dress up in something festive. Goodwill Keystone Area stores allow you to be creative and thrifty.

I won’t be trick or treating (I’m a little too old for that, however, I am known to raid my kid’s stash and steal all the Heath bars and Skittles) but I would like to enjoy the day and have a little hocus pocus with my outfit at work.

This Who What Wear (a Target brand) dress was found in the Halloween section for $4.75. It was new-without-tags and I was attracted to the beautiful floral pattern and ruffle detail. The ruffles along the sleeve and back added a feminine feel and lots of movement. Retail on this dress was $39.99. At first, I first did not imagine it as the start of a costume, but after a little thought, I knew I’d be celebrating Halloween as the Thrifty Witch.

The lilac bag from J. Lo (Jennifer Lopez’s former brand from Kohl’s) added a punch of color. Retail was probably around $60; Goodwill’s price was $7.47. Fall pastels always are a nice contrast to the darker and heavier colors usually seen at this time of year. And it will be a great piece for spring.

Black boots are a must for a Thrifty Witch. This pebbled leather pair of boots from Franco Sarto are extremely comfortable and a real bargain as $12.99 (Retail: $149) These are a great wardrobe staple and will be on repeat this fall and winter with dresses, jeans, and leggings.

Lastly, I added my own tights, necklace, and hat to finish up my look. I love the fact that without the hat, this piece will easily integrate into my closet and can transition from “costume” to everyday workwear. Goodwill Keystone Area stores still have plenty of costume ideas and fall and Halloween décor. Stop by and see what bewitches you!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Dress: $4.75
Bag: $7.47
Boots: $12.99
Total: $25.21
Retail: $250+

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.

Social distancing has caused many of us to get outside and explore nature to find some peace. While I don’t consider myself an excessively “outdoorsy” type of person, I enjoy the patterns of nature, specifically through fashion with florals – either realistic or abstract.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I have a love for pattern, texture, and color, but specifically patterned pants or shorts. It’s a way to express my creativity through my clothing.

While shopping at Goodwill Keystone Area stores, I am drawn to the racks of pants. Because Goodwill organizes the clothing by colors and patterns, I can quickly spot a floral, striped, or otherwise-patterned trouser or pair of jeans in my size. It is one of the first places I start when I visit my local Goodwill store. If I am lucky enough to find something with potential, my next top is to the shirts, blouses, or jackets to top off the look before I hit the fitting rooms. When I find a match that looks great, my last stop would be the shoes and bags (if there is a unique color I am looking to complete the outfit).

These black, cream, and brown Loft skinny jeans made me giddy. They ticked off everything I was looking for and since they had black as a primary color, I knew I had something in my stash at home to coordinate with them. They retail for $79, but my cost was $6.50. Not bad! And they work for all seasons – a cream tank top and sandals in the summer with a jean jacket thrown over it or a chunky black sweater and tall boots for winter.

For fall, I paired it with a sheer Swiss dot blouse from LC by Lauren Conrad, a Kohl’s brand. I added a new-with-tags Loft tank top underneath. (Retail: $26.99; Goodwill: $6.50). There is a slight pattern-mixing going on here since the pattern of the Swiss dot is noticeable. Pattern mixing is something I’m also a big fan of in fashion.

The pebbled leather satchel from Bric’s was a splurge at $14.97. I usually don’t pay that much for a bag, but since the brand was new-to-me, I investigated it online before checking out and discovered that Bric’s typically produces high-end luggage and travel bags. The bag would have sold for about $300 when new! Shoes and necklace were my own.

I considered patterns a signature style. They bring me joy when I select a creative outfit from my closet. And I love that I can quickly and easily find patterns pants, shirts, and jackets when shopping at Goodwill Keystone Area stores. I know my selections will be unique (and maybe a touch eclectic) but always affordable. Best of all, my pattern obsession helps my local community through my purchases at Goodwill.
From my closet to yours,

Kirsten

Jeans: $7.50
Blouse: $4.75
Tank Top: $6.50 (new with tags)
Bag: $14.97
Total: $34
Retail: $430+

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.