Oh my goodness!  This week’s eBay feature is a FANTASTIC find.  Someone has generously donated a brand new Roberto Cavalli evening dress (sold at Neiman Marcus).  It’s a European size 44, which is equivalent to a US size 14.  The retail value of this dress is $460.  The current bid on eBay?  $18!  There’s only four days left open in this auction, so make sure you get in on the bidding!

Check out this great video from Threadbanger, featuring stylist Barret Wertz.  He takes you through a Goodwill store in New York City and shares some great tips for back to school and fall shopping.  Enjoy!

Happy Thursday!  We are excited to have guest blogger, Cricket Batchelder from the Mama’s Workshop blog, write about accessorizing and spicing up your everyday outfits.  If you would like to be a guest blogger, please leave us a comment and let us know!

The Fine Art of Accessorizing

It’s a tough economy.  What’s a girl to do?  You could feel sorry for yourself and wear the same outfits again and again.  Why not?  You don’t have the money to go out and splurge on new spring outfits just like the talking dummies in the Old Navy commercials.

Pick yourself out of that sorry slump and get smart about accessorizing!  Take a look at your current wardrobe.  Chances are, you have a plain white shirt and a pair of khakis or jeans.

You may put them on day in and day out and never think much about it.  That needs to change.  I firmly believe that when you look good, you feel good.  Let’s take a look at some simple ways to update that plain outfit and make it fabulous.  All of these accessories can be purchased at Goodwill, yard sales,  thrift stores, or picked out of your own closet.  Better yet, have an accessory swap party with your friends; with the exception of shoes, size does not matter!

The majority of the accessories I’m going to show you are directly from Goodwill.  Each piece was purchased for under $5.00 and some (like brand new necklaces) were only $1.00!!

Scarves: I think these are the unsung heroes of the fashion world.  Wear them around your neck, wrist, and waist; tie one around your purse strap, or in your hair.  They’re versatile and can add instant pizzazz to a simple outfit.  I’m positive MacGyver has saved the world on more than one occasion with nothing more than a scarf and paperclip.  If they can save the world, they can easily rescue your wardrobe.

Belts:   Many people forget about belts and that is a downright shame because they can add polish and make any outfit look more sophisticated.  Plus-size women sometimes shy away from these and that’s not always necessary.  Experiment with a few different types—thin and stretchy, thin and simple, or low-slung styles that dip down in the front (these especially are helpful because they elongate the torso).

Purses and Shoes:  Many women have ongoing love affairs with these two.  I use them to add punches of color to my clothes; even with a boring outfit, you can get compliments if you throw on a pair of bright red shoes.  You can get gold or silver after Christmas for a major deal—I gravitate toward these because they’re unexpected and I’m a sucker for anything shiny—not everyone chooses to wear gold or silver on a trip to the grocery store.  To make a major impact, coordinate your purse, belt, and shoes in a dramatic color.

Earrings and necklaces: These seem like an obvious choice and yet people are afraid to layer you don’t have to wear just one necklace at a time.

The jewelry case at Goodwill is a treasure trove.  See pieces of necklaces you like?  Take them apart and give them a new life.  Jewelry supplies can be found at craft stores for under $5.00 and most stores have simple, easy to follow directions on how to create simple jewelry pieces.  Here’s a necklace that I created with two pieces I purchased at Goodwill and reconfigured into a necklace I love.

Pins:  If there is one thing in the accessory world that makes my heart go pitter-patter it’s a vintage pin.  And you thought I was passionate about scarves!!  I love to add a bunch of rhinestone pins to dress anything up.  You can pin them on your shirt or purse.  I like to group them in three’s.  For some reason, I usually find most of my pins at yard sales.

On a final note, if the thought of rocking out in all these accessories makes you break out in hives, build up your confidence little by little.  Start with the red shoes and belt.  Or put on two necklaces instead of one.  I hope these little hints give you a new outlook on your wardrobe and your life!<–>

With the winter wonderland upon northern New England, I thought it would be a good opportunity to discuss the #1 necessity for staying warm in the winter: layering. But does layering have to involve waffle-patterned thermals? Pilly old wool sweaters? 2-3 pairs of athletic socks? No, of course not! I spent some time tracking down a variety of approaches to the layering process–from the simple to the fashionable, I present to you: New England Layering 101:

First, some facts!

According to GORP, “the trick to layering is to combine the right clothing in the proper order, trapping the air warmed by your body heat while letting moisture vapor from your body’s perspiration be conducted away from your skin.” In other words, how can you stay warm AND dry in the winter?

1. Athletes

One of the appeals of the northern climate for many people is winter sports: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, ice-skating, you name it. It is important you choose layers that are comfortable and will adjust with your body temperature. GORP recommends three layers:

a. Wicking: Choose material that will keep you warm and dry for your first layer. You want to choose something comfortable, since it is next to your skin. Many people call this “wicking,” as the material “wicks” away wetness from you skin. They recommend synthetic fibers or silk, as cotton becomes damp and take awhile to dry and wool–well, we all know how scratchy that can be!

b. Insulation: The key here is controlling your warmth and, as GORP points out, “staying ahead of the cold.” Thus, put on as many layers as you think you will need–you can then strip them off as necessary.

c. The Shell: Thankfully we are no longer in the days where plastic, rubber, or cotton are our only choices. The invention of Gore-tex and other fabrics means we can be outside in almost any weather. Choose a jacket or shell that suits your needs and is comfortable. (Hint: Goodwill often has affordable layering options!)

2. Everyone Else (aka, Everyday Layering Tips)

The great thing about layering is you still have access to your spring, summer, and fall wardrobes. Think about it–your wardrobe in the winter is the most diverse if you think in terms of layering. For example, start with a long sleeve t-shirt, followed by a short-sleeve shirt, then a tank-top. Throw on a scarf and you are layered for warmth, but have the option to strip down if so needed. And, as Cosmo Girl points out (we all need a little Cosmo in our lives!) you will discover combinations of outfits you never knew you had!

What about dresses and skirts? Just because it’s cold outside does not mean we are destined to wear slacks all season. There is an infinite selection of stockings, tights, and legwarmers out there waiting to be tried on! Try wearing striped tights with a simple black or solid color dress. Throw on solid-color legwarmers if you are going out and you are layered and warm, but looking great! Cosmo also points out you can still keep those summer dresses in rotations–add a slip, cardigan, jacket, pair of tights and you are ready to go.

I found this great article that recommends investing in a few camisoles that are comfortable. Tuck these into your pants or skirt and you instantly add a sleek layer of warmth to your ensemble.

I also read this great post about practical tips for getting through the winter:

1. Wear sturdy, comfortable boots to work and leave a variety of shoes at your job–this way you do not have to lug 2 pairs of shoes back and forth every day. (And I just noticed that Maine Style posted the same idea!)

2. Scarves! Stock up on fashion and winter scarves to accesorize your winter wear.

3. Hats! Same as above!

Finally, I saved the best for last, because it is my favorite way to layer in the winter. The infamous, one and only sweater-vest. Dare I say it is one of the most versatile layers around? Solid colors, argyles, prints, vintage, contemporary. Wool, cotton, silk, poly-cotton blends. There are infinite possibilites! In my mind, sweater vests (and long sleeve shirts to accompany) are a must-have staple for winter layering for men AND women (and you know where you can find them!)

While many dread the winter season, I see it as a season of opportunity. The fashion possibilities are endless. Once you have a good base layer, anything goes from there.

Do you have any tips for layering? If so, let’s hear them! The winter is just beginning…

One more day until Halloween! I hope everyone has their costumes ready to go.

As we get ready for winter, it’s important not to leave accessories off the lists. This includes the winter handbag. Goodwill’s Special Events Coordinator and Antiques Appraiser, Bob Parker, gives us some tips on designer handbags to make sure you don’t pay out of pocket for increasingly convincing imitations.

Designer Handbags vs. Imitations

Everywhere I go I see someone carrying a “designer” handbag, suitcase, or other accessory. It always amazes me that so many average folks can afford to spend thousands of dollars for these items. I am also amazed that they travel to major cities and resorts to shop. I would like directions to the nearest Louis Vuitton, Prada, or Channel Store in Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont. I must have missed them because there certainly are a lot of those bags around. I suspect I have also missed the Fendi and Kate Spade stores. What do you think? Is every designer bag you see someone carrying at Shaw’s or Hannaford’s the real deal? Certainly they are not! The market is glutted with cheap copies that are sold on street corners, at home handbag parties, and online. Fake handbags are a $6 billion a year business. Here are some tips to help you identify the “real thing.”

1. Ask yourself: does it feel expensive?

2. Handles never come wrapped in plastic.

3. Genuine designer bags should not have loose or missing stitches.

4. Coach zippers have “YKK” embossed on the zipper pull.

5. A Coach bag never has the “CC” pattern on both the inside and outside.

6. Fendi bags are made from a fabric called “zuccajaquard,” which is a silk and canvas blend. The lining is always brown.

7. Imitation Gucci and Kate Spade bags never have sticker labels; the genuine bags are embroidered.

8. Louis Vuitton (LV) bags never have a hanging tag.

9. LV labels are never displayed on the outside of the bag.

10. The monogram on imitation LV bags is often frayed at the seam; this would not happen with an original.

11. Genuine LV and Prada bags never have the brand name engraved on the zipper.

12. Genuine Prada bags have the brand name woven into the lining.

13. All Prada hardware is antique brass.

Thanks for reading!