Welcome to Goodwill Mondays!

In partnership with Goodwill Industries of New Jersey and Philadelphia I will be visiting (and of course shopping!) at many different Goodwill stores, putting together outfits, and posting them on this blog. You may also go to http://goodwillnj.org/blog/ to keep in touch with Goodwill happenings in the area and beyond. 

 

The style for today is casual hip.  Everything I am wearing (except the jewelry) was purchased at the Goodwill store in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, 6701 Black Horse Pike.

I like to wear a variety of styles.  It's more creative and definitely more fun.  I don't like being limited to one look.  I try to dress for the occasion and how I am feeling - what personality suits me today?

I never thought that I would go for the commercially distressed blue jean style, but here I am.  I just couldn't resist these pants and they fit me perfectly!

Then I found these navy blue corduroy sneakers which are just right with the rolled up cuffs.  They are higher than high tops and the fabric feels like crushed velvet.

But its definitely the red belt that makes the outfit, don't you think? I topped it off with this necklace that I made out of children's plastic charms several years ago. I used to wear it when I was a teacher and of course the kids loved it. (Yes, the lunchbox does open and it has a thermos and an apple inside!)

As I was shopping my look, I met this stylish woman, Diane Wenzel, who happened to be sporting the same casual hip style in shades of red and navy blue. We had a lovely conversation about style and thrift store shopping.  I love the way her red shoes and vest pop when juxtaposed against her plaid flannel shirt and maroon top. And by the way, red and navy blue is a very hot color combination in current fashion trends this season and you don't have to buy it off the runway.  Shop at your local Goodwill store instead, its good for everyone!

Vintage Snowsuit

Having been a dancer for most of my life I was never too keen on skiing.  Injuries were all too common among people that I knew and it could have ended my career.  But that doesn't mean that I can't wear the outfit!  I found this fantastic ski suit at The Arc Thrift Store in Rio Grand, NJ and paid a whopping $8 for it.

We had this beautiful snowfall last night.  Its the kind of snow that might taste good with maple syrup on it and it's obviously the perfect day to wear this!

Contemplating the snow and what to do next...

 

Just like a kid again!

Outfit For a 50th Wedding Anniversary Party

I made this necklace for my 50th birthday party.  I never thought that I would have another relevant occasion to wear it, but my brother and sister-in-law celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this weekend and luckily I remembered that I had it.  The year that I turned 50, the Humane Society did too, and they sent me many tokens with the number 50 on them in appreciation for my support.  Also included on the necklace is a Kennedy half dollar and  several other international coins.

I bought these shoes recently on sale at a Housing Works Thrift Store in NYC for $5.  Hurray for small feet!

The skirt is a vintage black crinoline worn underneath another skirt with black ruffles.  I came up with the idea of wearing a longer skirt under another shorter one a few years ago and have put together some great outfits using that technique since then, but this is definitely my favorite.

Here is the complete outfit.  The vintage halter and shrug are black velvet.

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary, Don and Irene!

Inspired by Advanced Style

Ari Seth Cohen, advancedstyle.blogspot.com, is the indisputable champion of older women everywhere - their beauty, style, individuality, and creativity.  They (we) are not invisible anymore and deserve to be noticed and acknowledged.  Following his lead, I photographed a woman in my local post office who had on a beautiful white fur hat and black fur coat (both faux), accented by a bright purple scarf.  When I told her that I liked her style and thought she looked beautiful, she was thrilled and said, "You made my day!"  So here she is - Catherine Hartman of North Cape May, NJ.  She made my day too! 

Happy National Hat Day!

There used to be a woman in my old neighborhood in NYC who wore one of these faux coon skin caps everyday.  I thought she was so cool and I was fascinated by the idea of choosing one piece of clothing to identify yourself.  So when I found this hat at the general store in Historic Cold Spring Village I snatched it up.  I thought I would try wearing it for a week or two but I only lasted one day.  I realized that my identity is about wearing something different all the time.  But when I do wear this hat people get a big kick out of it.  I feel like a kid on my way to a treehouse party or to a campfire for delicious hot s'mores!

Of course I have this vintage sweater jacket (with a zipper!) to go with it.

So Happy Trails everyone

and

don't forget to wear your favorite hat today!

I didn't throw it away.

This post is part of a blog train hosted by Agatha from Green Issues by Agy.

I NEVER THROW AWAY BUTTONS! 

I don't know any woman who doesn't save at least a few buttons, do you? 

  Of course I have been saving them ever since I was a little girl, straight out of my grandmother's button jar and into my own, where many of them still are!  But often I do use them.  They make such wonderful embellishments.

Here is a photo of me in my full button regalia. 

 

I sewed them onto the lapels of this vintage jacket, made earrings, crocheted a belt with buttons to hang across the front of my skirt (that also has buttons sewed onto it), and glued them to a pair of my shoes.

 

You can attach them to almost anything.

I even sewed them onto some collars for my dog.

There are many reasons why I don't throw buttons away.  But the most important and compelling reason is that there might be something that I want to CREATE with them.  That is why I don't throw away a lot of things - they not only have sentimental value, but can also inspire me to create so many wonderful things.  And buttons are always perfect for adding a little fashion flair!

Tomorrow Maya from http://thelittletreasures.blogspot.sg/
will add to this bog train.  Enjoy the ride!