It’s July and usually time for picnics, carnivals, and fireworks, but this year is looking a little different. Gatherings are smaller and more cautious, but that doesn’t mean we’re not connecting or finding new ways to stay social and support one another.

Speaking of support, an interview with the new CEO of Goodwill Keystone Area, Rick Hill, revealed how he was leading the organization through the pandemic. Find the interview here: https://theburgnews.com/in-the-burg/goodwill-to-all-new-ceo-rick-hill-leads-goodwill-keystone-area-through-pandemic-and-beyond

One quote that jumped out at me was that “92 cents of every dollar Goodwill Keystone Area generates goes right back into the mission of creating employment and sustainable job skills”. That means that out of the outfit I am featuring in this post, $24 of the $26 I spent is going directly back to the support their cause and that’s something to celebrate right now.

This look features a red, white, and blue patterned Ann Taylor blouse. The lightweight cotton swing top is open in the back, perfect for the hot, humid days of summer. The graphic print is an explosion of a floral/paisley mix = fashion fireworks. Ann Taylor tops like this retail for $39.50. Goodwill Keystone Area’s cost was $4.75.

An all-American summer staple – cutoff denim shorts – are a wardrobe necessity. This dark wash version from American Eagle is casual without looking sloppy. At the mall, I would have spent $44.95, but my local Goodwill had them priced at $4.50. A savings of 90%.

For pops of red, I added Banana Republic sandals (Retail $108; Goodwill $6.97) and a red leather bag from Sophia Caperelli (Retail $200; Goodwill $2.00 (Outlet price estimate).

I hope everyone is having a safe, and happy summer!

Don’t forget to shop for your summer necessities at Goodwill Keystone Area. All 43 stores are now open (check Goodwill’s website for hours) and the following procedures are being implemented:

• Masks will be required for all shoppers and employees (unless covered by a medical exemption)
• Social distancing of six feet will be encouraged throughout the stores
• A limited number of customers will be allowed in the store at one time
• Fitting rooms and restrooms will be closed to the public
• Enhanced cleaning measures will be implemented, especially for high traffic and high touch areas such as shopping carts
• Donation areas will remain “no contact,” self-service for drop off of clothing and housewares, no furniture
• No returns, all sales are final until further notice

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Shorts: $4.50
Top: $4.75
Sandals: $6.97
Bag: $4.97

Total: $26.21
Retail: $390+

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’s well after Memorial Day and almost 4th of July, and if you follow antiquated fashion rules, I’m more than able to wear white. I love white jeans and shorts as a neutral in the summer season despite worrying I will end up spilling something on them!

These jeans are from NYDJ. (Not Your Daughter’s Jeans) A little back story from their website: “NYDJ jeans are made by women, for women—all shapes, all sizes, all women. Back in 2003, comfortable and flattering jeans for every woman simply did not exist. Most jeans had low waists and fit uncomfortably, and if they did fit well, they were just not stylish. Originally founded as “Not Your Daughter’s Jeans,” we set out to design jeans that fit in all the right places and make every woman feel comfortable and confident—like her best self.”

I do find their jeans to be comfortable and flattering, however I prefer Goodwill Keystone Area’s price of $4.75 over $119 retail. Higher-end denim is one of my favorite thrift items to find at my local Goodwill. These will be a summer staple for work or for weekends. I am happy to report that this brand is crafted in the USA.

My plaid sleeveless blouse is from Universal Thread, a Target brand committed to using more sustainably sourced cotton and recycled polyester. This colorful top is a blend of cotton and linen. I love the look of linen, but when not blended with another fiber, it wrinkles easily and ends up looking frumpy. Their price point, even at full retail, is not bad if you are looking for a socially conscious brand. This top would have sold for $19.99, but it was $4.75 at Goodwill.

My clutch was a fun find. At $9.99, it was a bit pricey, but I researched the comps before I bought it and although Hype is not a well-known brand, the leather is high quality and soft and the color block style was playful and unique. The brand used to be able to be found at TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores for under $100.

I kept my shoes neutral in a classic 90s kind of way – square-toe slides from Liz Claiborne. They are comfortable and would go with almost any outfit this summer. Retail would have been around $60, but these were purchased at the outlet in Reading (before the closures) for $2.75. Finally, my necklace was an older Goodwill purchase but the colors matched so well I just had to add it in. It was $3.97 and purchased several years ago.

While my daughters probably wouldn’t enjoy this outfit, I think it’s perfect for another outing… in my back yard.

If you plan to visit a store, Goodwill Keystone Area has many safety precautions in place and here are a few things to take note:

• If you are ill, you will not be permitted to shop
• Masks will be required for all shoppers and employees (unless covered by a medical exemption)
• Dressing rooms are not open, so choose clothing items wisely
• All sales are final
• Bathrooms are also not accessible right now
• Reward Card sales are not currently being offered.
• Monday 10 am-11 am will be reserved for seniors and at-risk shoppers only.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Jeans: $4.75
Top: $4.75
Clutch: $9.99
Shoes: $2.75
Necklace: $3.97
Total: $26.21
Retail: $300+

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.

NOTE: See List of 37 Currently Open Goodwill Keystone Area Stores, Click Here.

Ironically this sundress was one of my first purchases at my visit to the York store a few weeks ago. I didn’t think much about the brand name “Sanctuary” at the time, but after doing some research, I discovered this brand had a mission, values, and purpose that made it much more than a fashion “label”.

Discovering new-to-me brands and their stories is one of the joys of thrifting. These are just a few of the highlights of the Sanctuary brand:

• Our Vision: To be a global lifestyle brand with a conscience.
• Our Mission: We are redefining modern timeless fashion with trusted quality and value.
• Our Values: Act with Integrity. Succeed Together. Inspire Innovation. You Matter.
• Our Inclusivity: We offer a full range of styles in extended sizes including XS-3X in tops and 24-24W in bottoms.
• Our Sustainability: We are taking the steps to bring Sanctuary to the forefront of the eco-movement and be a more socially and environmentally conscious lifestyle brand.
• Our Purpose: #SanctuaryGivesBack: We support non-profit organizations that empower and benefit women.

The dress retailed for around $129, but my price at Goodwill was $7.50. The Seychelles “Choice Wedge Pump” snake-print sandals were $7.47, but are still selling for over $100 online. The burgundy clutch is vintage and was just $3.99. The necklace is an old Goodwill find and was $2.99.

Sanctuary means something different to everyone, but right now sanctuary is home where many of us are riding out the quarantine and the gradual reopening of our local areas. Goodwill is also my sanctuary – a quiet place to search for treasures for my home and closet all the while my purchases help fund their mission of enriching the local community. Sanctuary can also mean the job opportunity that Goodwill Keystone Area provides to persons with disabilities and other barriers to independence.

If you plan to visit a store, Goodwill Keystone Area has many safety precautions in place and here are a few things to take note:

• If you are ill, you will not be permitted to shop
• Masks will be required for all shoppers and employees (unless covered by a medical exemption)
• Dressing rooms are not open, so choose clothing items wisely
• All sales are final, no returns at this time
• Bathrooms are also not accessible right now
• Reward Card sales are not currently being offered.
• Monday 10 am-11 am will be reserved for seniors and at-risk shoppers only.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Dress: $7.50
Clutch: $3.99
Necklace: $2.99
Sandals: $7.97
Total: $22.45
Retail: $280+

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.

Since we’ve all been spending more time at home, my wardrobe has gotten a lot more casual and comfortable. Staycation has become the new vacation destination and the patio has become the new hot al fresco dining spot. Either way, I’m spending a lot of time in my backyard.

Not having to dress up has it’s good and bad parts, but looking good is still important to me. I’m just doing so in a much more casual way these days. Goodwill Keystone Area stores have reopened, I have begun visiting a few nearby and it feels great to be thrifting again.

On a recent visit, I picked up a few pieces for a backyard dinner date. The C & E blouse was new-with-tags from Marshalls (their price $19.99; value $28.99). Goodwill’s price was $7.50. It was a white sleeveless style with a royal blue and emerald green floral print that will be good for warm days. The neckline was accented with decorative tassels and the fabric draped well. It could work well for work or play and can transition into fall with a cardigan or jacket.

If I pick up an item of clothing that has an unusual color (such as the blue or green in the blouse), I like to see if I can find something to coordinate with it at the same time. These royal blue cotton shorts from Apt 9 (a Kohls brand) were a great find. The smooth fabric and cuffed style elevated them to a bit of a “dressier short” status and the color was rich and bold. Kohls original retail price was $36, but I saved almost 90% and picked them up for $3.99.

Finally, a sparkly sandal from Keneth Cole in a dark navy color adds a bit of shine. Adding a comfortable yet stylish shoe to a simple outfit can sometimes be your best accessory when you don’t need a bag or jewelry. My cost was $7.47; retail was $89.

Goodwill Keystone Area outfits me for all kinds of situations – even if I’m just hanging out in my backyard.

If you plan to visit a store, Goodwill Keystone Area has many safety precautions in place and here are a few things to take note:

• If you are ill, you will not be permitted to shop
• Mask must be worn unless covered by a medical exemption
• Dressing rooms are not open, so choose clothing items wisely
• All sales are final, no returns at this time
• Bathrooms are also not accessible right now
• Reward Card sales are not currently being offered.
• Monday 10 am-11 am will be reserved for seniors and at-risk shoppers only.
• Donation centers are open for self-service donations of clothing and housewares (no furniture)

List of Goodwill Stores open as of June 18:

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.

NOTE: Click Here to See List of Goodwill Stores Currently Open

According to the authority on color in the world, PANTONE, the color of 2020 is PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue.

Their website states “Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era. A timeless and enduring blue hue, Classic Blue is elegant in its simplicity. Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era. Imprinted in our psyches as a restful color, Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge. Aiding concentration and bringing laser-like clarity, Classic Blue re-centers our thoughts. A reflective blue tone, Classic Blue fosters resilience.”

Calm, Reassuring, Tranquility, Reflective and Resilience are qualities we can all use at this uncertain time. Social distancing may keep us apart, but social media allows us to still interact with our friends, family, and colleagues. I read and reply to every comment my fans leave on Goodwill Keystone Area’s Facebook page. You are all a part of Goodwill’s family and we’re doing what we can to stay healthy, connected and moving forward. If you’re worried about going out and still want to thriftshop, check out Goodwill Keystone Area’s online auction site shopgoodwill.com. Plenty of treasures are right at your fingertips!

I’ll keep it short and condense my outfit to a simple description: My tulip-hemmed BCBG Generation dress with a ruffled neckline features various shades of Classic Blue with accents of lime. But, the best part is that it has pockets! It was $6.75 at my local Goodwill. (Retail $108). The lime green linen blazer from Herman Geist was $5.00 (Retail $89) I added a beaded collar blue necklace ($6.97), but I kept the shoes and bag in neutral tones. The nude heels from Nine West were $7.47 (Retail $89) and the metallic clutch is by Stella and Dot and was $4.97 (Retail $49).

Let Classic Blue and all the other colors brighten your world right now. Goodwill Keystone Area offers all the colors of the rainbow at great prices and while helping your local community. How can you go wrong?

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Dress: $6.50
Blazer: $5.00
Necklace: $6.97
Shoes: $7.47
Clutch: $4.97
Outfit: $30.91
Retail: $365+

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 saw that message on a sign this weekend and yellow is also the color of change. A new round of Goodwill Keystone Area stores opened up this weekend including my nearby store in Morgantown as well many other locations in Berks and nearby counties.

List of 35 Goodwill Keystone Area Stores Currently Open:

On Saturday afternoon I stopped by the Morgantown store. There was no line this time, but I was greeted by a Goodwill employee and offered a freshly sanitized cart. Masks are required and all employees and visitors were wearing them. As with the York store, arrows were marked on the floor to control the flow throughout the shelves and aisles. The store was not busy at all and I felt comfortable as I perused the racks of clothing.
There was plenty of merchandise including a variety of brand new items for summer fun, patriotic decor for the upcoming 4th of July holiday, beach bags and festive plates and cups for dinner al fresco on your patio. My thrifted haul included clothing (for me and my teenaged daughter), to a jigsaw puzzle, some gifts for family and a set of beautiful and colorful wine glasses. It felt great to search the aisles and find thrift treasures.
A few things to take note if you plan to visit:

• If you are ill, you will not be permitted to shop
• You must wear a mask unless you have a medical condition exemption
• Dressing rooms are not open, so choose clothing items wisely
• All sales are final
• Bathrooms are also not accessible right now
• Reward Card sales are not currently being offered.
• Monday 10am-11am will be reserved for seniors and at-risk shoppers only

By shopping at Goodwill, not only do I save money on items for my home and closet, but Goodwill employees are now back to work and the stores and business services fund programs and services that help people with disabilities learn job and life skills. 92 cents of every dollar that goes into the register helps fund programs for local community members seeking hope and independence.

While we were there, I also donated several boxes and bags again and appreciated the contact-less donation process. If you donate, please download a donation form here: yourgoodwill.org/receipt

Whether you are shopping or donating, Goodwill Keystone Area is making your experience with their organization safe, comfortable and enjoyable.

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.

This weekend I did something I haven’t done in almost 10 weeks: visit a Goodwill Keystone Area store! I was invited to come and see and experience the new safety precautions in one of the stores that are part of the phased reopening this past weekend. I visited the Goodwill Store & Donation Center at 981 Loucks Rd in York at about 10:15 on Saturday morning.

NOTE: this chart indicates Goodwill Store locations currently open as of Saturday, June 13, visit yourgoodwill.org for updates on additional store openings coming soon!

There was a small line as I walked up to the entrance. A masked Goodwill employee (pictured) was carefully counting and admitting shoppers. (Note: every employee I saw had a mask and gloves on) and I only had to wait a few moments until I was able to enter the store where I was offered a freshly sanitized cart.

The store was not crowded, due to the limiting of shoppers, which was nice. I had time to look at the racks of clothing (which were full – no lack of merchandise here!) Arrows were placed on the floor to direct the flow of traffic and I easily adhered to the program as I made my way through the store. Other shoppers were polite and we respectfully kept our distance. I think we were all glad to be back! From shoes to clothing to home goods, it seemed like a normal day at Goodwill.

A few things to take note if you plan to visit:

• If you are ill, you will not be permitted to shop.
• Dressing rooms are not open, so I was judicious in my shopping because I already knew that.
• All sales are final so be selective in your choices!
• Bathrooms are also not accessible right now.
• Reward Card sales are not currently being offered.

After about 45 minutes of checking the aisles and racks I had found a few pieces of clothing, some picture frames and a flowerpot (redecorating my home and gardening have become some of my new hobbies since I work at home and unless I’m on a Zoom meeting, I rarely dress up. I hope that changes soon! I miss my Goodwill fashions!

I waited in line and upon approaching the register I saw that Plexiglass panels had been placed strategically to protect not only me but the employees as well. I paid, got my bag of treasures, and triumphantly headed home after a great experience shopping.

Like many other people, I have been cleaning out while at home and I had a trunk full of donations to deliver to a Goodwill Keystone Area donation center. On Sunday afternoon, my husband and I loaded up and headed to the Morgantown Donation Center. All Donation Centers are currently open for self-service “no contact” donations of clothing and housewares Mon-Sat 10 am-6 pm and Sunday 12 pm-6 pm (Exception: East Earl & Newport which are closed on Sundays). One thing to note is Goodwill is not accepting furniture donations at this time and some donation centers close periodically when they reach capacity in their donation center so it is best to search your local Goodwill on Facebook to connect for the latest updates and check your local Goodwill page at yourgoodwill.org for updates.

We pulled up and were met with two clearly marked blue donation bins – one for home goods and one for clothing. Although no staff was visibly present, we read the signs, deposited our donations, and made a note of downloading a donation receipt, which you can find here: yourgoodwill.org/receipt No fuss, no muss and now I have more space in my garage again!

If you have items you’ve been waiting to donate, I recommend you box them up and visit your local Goodwill donation center. If you’re lucky enough to have one of the stores has reopened, you can also feel confident visiting

My weekend of Goodwill – shopping and donating – was a pleasant change of pace in this time that we are calling the “new normal”. Take precautions, but be confident that Goodwill Keystone Area is looking out for you and your safety as they welcome you back into the stores.

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.

You don’t need the luck of the Irish or a pot o’ gold to get the best treasures in fashion, accessories or home goods at your local Goodwill Keystone Area store.

Instead of a bright emerald or Kelly green, this year I chose more muted tones in sumptuous fabrics including silk and crushed velvet. The silk sleeveless blouse from Ann Taylor features a mossy, organic pattern in shades of green, bronze and charcoal. Lightweight blouses like this are great to layer under cardigans or blazers in the spring and fall months when outside temperatures and indoor air conditioning can vary. Retail on this blouse would have been about $60, but Goodwill’s cost was $4.95.

I added a simple, but luxurious mossy kimono from American Eagle Outfitters. This is an easy piece to throw on over a variety of tops and bottoms. Here I’m wearing it with denim, but put it over a crisp white blouse and black trousers and you have a very office-appropriate outfit. Crushed velvet makes this fun and festive piece perfect to wear out to your favorite Irish bar to celebrate the holiday. Goodwill’s price was also $4.95, while American Eagle’s retail cost was $39.

Since this was a more casual outfit, I chose cropped skinny “City Fit” jeans from J. Crew, which featured zipper detail on the ankles. Being petite, I love finding cropped and ankle-length pants and denim so I don’t have them hemmed or altered. J. Crew is always a classic find on the racks at Goodwill, especially when I can purchase $128 jeans for $6.50! Their styles are pretty much timeless and transition from one fashion season to the next with ease.

The suede, lace-up loafers from Tahari were a fun addition because of the green laces (I love subtle details like this!). The platform heels give you height without being uncomfortable. Tahari is a well-made brand and these would have retailed for about $129, but my cost at Goodwill was $7.47. The necklace was my own, but the vintage black frame bag was a Goodwill Outlet find for about $1.00.

Follow the rainbow and visit the racks and aisles of your local Goodwill Keystone Area location to pick up some green items to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without spending a pot o’ gold!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Blouse: $4.95
Kimono: $4.95
Jeans: $6.50
Shoes: $7.47
Necklace: $1.00
Outfit: $24.87
Retail: $375+

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 has been such a mild winter here in eastern Pennsylvania that I have barely had time to showcase any cozy sweaters or warm jackets on the blog. Everyone has been enjoying the warm temperatures and dreaming of spring with shorts and sundresses and I’m over here like “Look at these great winter finds from Goodwill”!

I’m glad at least half of this outfit will transition into spring and summer when the temperatures warm up. Long time readers will recognize my love of pattern and texture in this look. These beige and black geometric print trousers from White House Black Market caught my eye on the rack. I knew they would spice up my every day work outfits, especially for just $6.75. (Retail: $89)

For winter, I paired the eye-catching pants with a basket weave sweater featuring an over-sized cowl neck. I found it new-with-tags from New York & Company for $6.50 (Retail price: $59). Classic black pieces are always good to add to your wardrobe as a staple. For warmer days, a lightweight top in inky black or a crisp white blouse will be the perfect partner.

I recently picked up this fabulous puffer jacket by Laundry by Shelly Segal (a brand I recently featured on the blog) for $16.50. It’s down-filled with quilted detail and a faux-fur lined hood. When it ever is cold, it will be the perfect outerwear piece. Similar coats are available online for $245, so a great deal from my neighborhood Goodwill Keystone Area store.

Lastly, a few neutral accessories are timeless additions to my closet. The pumps from Tommy Hilfiger are some of the most comfortable heels I have ever owned! The black heel sets the simple beige pumps apart and adds a modernist feel. I paid $7.47, but they sold for over $100 when new.

The huge Steve Madden handbag was a steal at $6.99. It retailed for over $100 and I could practically use it as an overnight bag! The bag features a fabric lining with plenty of pockets and gold hardware with stud detail.

I enjoyed this outfit and am glad that most of it can transition through the next few seasons thanks to Goodwill Keystone Area.

You can save even more Friday, February 28 through Sunday, March 1 at Goodwill Keystone Area’s 99¢ Sale, see details click here!

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Pants: $6.75
Sweater: $6.50
Jacket: $16.50
Heels: $7.47
Bag: $6.99
Outfit: $44.14
Retail: $590+

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 recently took a little mid-winter break to Orlando, Florida to see my daughter’s cheer competition. While the weather wasn’t in the 80s, it was definitely much warmer than Pennsylvania!

My travel wardrobe is no different than the one I wear at home – it’s all probably at least 75% thrifted from Goodwill Keystone Area! I have been shopping at the Goodwill outlet lately (to challenge myself to be an even more frugal fashionista) and this outfit is another $5 find. I tried to pack light since it was just a weekend trip, but I did pack one dress for date night.

This colorful floral-patterned maxi dress from Maurices just begged me to take it on a tropical vacation. Maurices is a mid-priced clothier with stores throughout North America. According to their website “they inspire women of all ages to look and feel their best – just as they are and they’ve earned their reputation as a leader in hometown fashion. Their true secret to success is deeply rooted in their commitment to their values.” While I’ve never visited a Maurices store, a little investigation revealed that their dresses sell for up to $39.

The bins are not seasonal, so you can find a mix of summer to winter and everything in between. The gold and beige-toned strappy sandals from Nine West are a great neutral to mix and match with almost any summer outfit. While these could have sold for up to $89 when new, all shoes at the outlet are just $2.99.

The colors of the dress inspired me to look for summery accessories and I found just what I was looking for, including this purse and straw hat. The vintage aqua straw bag, accented with sequins, and the multi-colored straw hat provided a final touch of this mid-winter vacation look.

Spring and Summer may seem far off, but shopping at the outlets for Spring-Break style can be a bit of fresh air to your wallet and budget. Stock up on warm-weather essentials now at Goodwill Keystone Area outlet stores.

From my closet to yours,
Kirsten

Outfit: Less than $5
Retail: $150+

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.