Summer Series: Favorite Finds

August 21st, 2012 @ 9:02 am | Posted to | Written by
Dear readers,

We all have Goodwill and thrift store finds that made our day – a favorite sweater, the perfect set of curtains or the set of vintage dishes that completes a collection. Today in our summer series, Gail shares a favorite summer outfit she recently assembled at Goodwill. She put together the whole thing for under $22 – what summer finds have you made lately?

Summer Series: Favorite Finds

I love fashion and style and I adore all things girly. An item will get my attention if it is sparkly, frilly, fuzzy, ruffled or lacy. I believe my obsession began when I was a precocious 4 year old. Looking back, I see this little girl with golden ringlets in her hair, wearing the most precious little white organza dress flocked with tiny red velvet polka dots. The dress was finished with a wide red sash tied around her waist, with accessories of white lacy socks and the shiniest black Mary Jane shoes.

Unfortunately, I do not have the budget to afford the latest in fashion at many of the fine clothing stores. Even if I had the funds, I doubt I would purchase clothing that costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars – it just seems so wasteful.  I watch the styles and blend in my finds at Goodwill with seasonable trends. I am always told I have great fashion sense.

I love going to my local Goodwill and putting together a fashionable outfit. What I love most about Goodwill and thrift stores in genera,  is that I assemble an entire outfit (including accessories, shoes and a purse!) and not pay more than $25 for everything.

I have found some great outfits from casual jeans and a tee shirt with shoes to outfits fancy enough to wear to a wedding and even items for Halloween costumes.

This is an outfit I put together recently.  I first found this cute skirt – I love the adorable kick pleat at the bottom and the print is a pretty mix of coral, olive green, almond and light brown – a perfect spring/summer skirt.  It should be easy to find a top to go with the skirt as it could be coral, olive, almond or a light brown. I found an orange top but it was just not the look I was going for. I was thrilled when I came upon a great knit tank in olive.

My outfit was coming together, I was excited. I wanted a light weight button up sweater to go over it. After searching for a while I found an adorable almond colored cable sweater with ¾ sleeves.  I was ecstatic, as I had only been at Goodwill a couple of hours.

Next, I was on the hunt for accessories. I headed for the shoe section and found the perfect little pointed toe shoes in a light brownish and beige color, and they looked great with the outfit – score! Last but not least, I found the most adorable clutch size brown purse in a great retro style.  My outfit complete I headed for the closest checkout line. My total came to $21.75! It made me smile that I had put together such a sweet outfit at that price.

Here are a few tips to help you be a great Goodwill shopper:

  • Go to Goodwill often, as donations come in and leave very quickly
  • Allow yourself plenty of time to really look through the clothing racks; there are gems hiding in there and you need to be diligent when trying to find them.
  • Be sure to try on your purchases.
  • Purchase a Club Goodwill card. If you shop there often, you will make your money back very quickly.

Happy shopping!