Posts Tagged ‘Goodwill’
Hello Friends and Happy Kwanzaa!
I trust you all had an enjoyable and peaceful Christmas and that you received everything you wanted.
Today is the first day of Kwanzaa and the first principle is Umoja or “Unity”. As you go about your day I ask that you spread a little kindness with a smile or a simple “how do you do”. This can make someone’s day brighter because we are all in this crazy mixed-up world together!
The last day of Kwanzaa is January 1st and if you have plans of going out for New Year’s Eve you’re probably in need of a new outfit.
As a stylist with the Goodwill 2014 Runway Show I’ve had the opportunity to pull together outfits for the various models. I’ve also pulled some dresses for the show that I think would be great for a New Year’s Eve event.
All of these dresses were under $20.00, most were only $5.00, so if you broke the bank at Christmas you can definitely save money for New Years.
Whether you’ll be dancing and prancing or just sitting and staring at others on the dance floor, you’ll look good doing it in a new dress or gown from Goodwill. Accessories such as new shoes, scarves, jewelry and handbags can also be found at your local Goodwill.
As you can see, several of these dresses and shoes are new with the tags still attached. There are definitely bargains to be found at Goodwill and you’ll be giving back and helping others in your community not only with your purchases but with your donations as well.
So what do you think, will it be a “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” or “Sex in the City” type of night?
Have a wonderful time and be safe!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
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Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday
Can you believe that there are only 8 days until Christmas? Considering I haven’t started decorating or even shopped it’s definitely going by way too fast for me, I really need to get on the ball.
How about you, have you finished shopping and decorating? Are you baking and cooking up a storm? Are your weekends filled with parties and festivities? If not, why not host a holiday party of your own, a Festive Holiday Sweater Party it’s fun and is also for a good cause.
We all have old holiday sweaters from previous years. What if you could give those sweaters a new life and help support community programs in the process?
Through the AdCouncil’s campaign with Goodwill®, they have developed a new holiday resource that helps you do just that! It’s called Snapguide and it shows you how to host a Festive Holiday Sweater Party using clothing you already have or new clothes purchased from your local Goodwill.
The Snapguide walks you through the steps of hosting a holiday sweater party – from finding the perfect sweater to fit your personality using Goodwill’s online quiz and then getting outfitted at your local Goodwill store. After the party is over all your guests donates the sweaters back to support Goodwill’s mission in providing job training and community services to people in need.
All donations to Goodwill are charitable tax-deductions, including the festive holiday sweaters you donate back. Use Goodwill’s locator tool to find the nearest Goodwill location and the Donation Impact Calculator, shows how every item you give supports people who are seeking to earn jobs and build careers.
On Sunday I headed to our local Goodwill store on Kirkwood Highway and found some really nice sweaters for both men and women – what do you think? They can be jazzed up with holiday decorations or worn just as is.
Your Festive Holiday Sweater Party can be as casual or as glam as you’d like but I guarantee you will find something to fit the bill.
Last year, Goodwill provided employment training, job placement, financial education, youth mentoring and more to 6.7 million people in the United States and Canada. To see how the process works, just watch this “How We Do It PSA” and I’ll get to decorating!
Have a blessed day and don’t forget to share it – Smooches!
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Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday!
Last week before this burst of Wintery weather I was wearing scarves and wraps because I don’t particularly like wearing coats, especially while driving.
Wrap – Burlington Coat Factory | Skirt and Polka Dot Top – thrifted from GW Boutique | Shoes – thrifted from The Salvation Army
Wraps and scarves are easy breezy to put on and take off and were perfect for the late Autumn weather.
But now that the snow has arrived with a vengence, I guess it’s time to break out the full winter gear…the hats, coats, scarves AND gloves…
but then again…maybe not!
Have you pulled out your winter gear?
Linking up today with my girl Whitney for Personal Style Wednesday – come on over and check out her “Thriftmas List”
Stay warm and have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
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Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday
I trust you all had a safe and enjoyable long Thanksgiving weekend with an opportunity to do something special. Everyday I am thankful for the little things that God blesses me with and even more so when I can share those blessings with others.
On Friday fellow thriftanista and BLMGirl, Whitney Nic James embarked on a Thrift with Nic Weekend Tour (#twntour) sponsored by Kia Motors and her first stop was in Delaware. I honestly had no plans of going out or even getting dressed but when she texted I knew I couldn’t let her visit my state without seeing her. It wasn’t just because we are fellow bloggers but because I’ve adopted her as my “lil sis”, and you know that I lost my real ‘lil sis in a car accident in 1992.
I quickly dressed and drove to meet her at the Goodwill Outlet in New Castle. The outlet wasn’t originally on her agenda but one of the consignment shops that she chose was closed and thankfully the outlet was closer to me.
I had never been to a Goodwill Outlet and from the looks of things it was obvious that it’s the “early birds that get all the worms”. Somewhat disappointed but not defeated, I suggested we head further south down to Smyrna, to one of my favorite Goodwill locations. Her husband, Darrius was the driver and also a native Delawarean, however, he had never been to the Smyrna store and was eager to go.
Whitney and her new hubby Darrius are a thrifting duo!
Can’t leave a Delaware Goodwill without buying a
“I Love Thrifting” t-shirt!
It was the day before Goodwill’s 50% off Saturday Sale but there were a few items that I just couldn’t pass up.
If you read my profile you know that I am a big supporter of Goodwill, not just because I love to thrift but because it was the last place my sister worked before her untimely death. She is the first thought that comes to mind when I enter a Goodwill but on this trip she was more than just a passing thought.
My sister had a best friend named Darlene, they were inseparable until she left to join the United States Air Force, and it was during that time they became separated forever. Darlene was in Boot Camp when Gloria was killed in a car accident and unfortunately wasn’t able to attend the funeral. Darlene and I spoke briefly afterwards but never saw each other again … not until Friday and at all places… Goodwill.
Between the hugs and tears, I discovered that she now lives in Smyrna and works in Middletown, and is also newly married. How amazing was it that thanks to my adopted ‘lil sis, I was reunited with my real ‘lil sis’ best friend at a Goodwill! #blessed
What started out as a Black Friday turned into a Blessed Friday!
I am linking up with Whitney’s Personal Style Wednesday so come on over and meet some other thrifting fashionistas.
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
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Hello Friends and Happy
This week I am Thankful For:
positive results from my last medical exam #blessed
finding some great thrifted items for the Goodwill 2014 Runway Show (check my Instagram pics) #winning
Thanksgiving is next week – 3 day work week #relaxing
meeting some fantastic people in town last Saturday #friendly
of course, family, friends and faith #love
Pants and Top – Boscov’s // Scarf – Burlington Coat Factory
Now it’s your turn, what are you thankful for this week?
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
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Hello Friends and Happy
This week I am thankful for:
being a Stylist for Goodwill’s 2014 Runway Fashion Show (click Here)
spending a couple of hours shopping with #2 son – without him complaining
seeing a “Welcome Home” sign for a returning VET in our neighborhood (click here)
taking a nap Sunday after Church – I really needed it
finding pants that fit – which is why I wear dresses and skirts
and of course, my family, friends and faith!
Trying to find pants that fit can be a pain in the you know what!
The leaves are falling as quickly as the temps. Do you think the snow flurries on Monday are an indication of a severe winter ahead?
Top – Walmart // Pants – Boscov’s
Infinity Scarf – Burlington Coat Factory
Shoes – Kmart // Ring (Aqua) – Beauty Supply Store // Ring (purple) – Avon
Okay, it’s your turn – What Are You Thankful For This Week?
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
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Hello Friends & Happy Hump Day Wednesday
If you read last week’s Thankful Thursday post, you’ll recall that I was asked to be a Stylist for Goodwill’s 2014 Runway Fashion Show. You all know how I feel about Goodwill Industries and how excited I get when presented with an opportunity to work with them.
Goodwill will always have a special place in my heart because of all that they do for people in the community and because they were there for my sister when she needed employment. I am so completely over the top with excitement to be helping out with this fantastic fundraising fashion event!
Thursday evening all of the Stylists were invited to the main Goodwill location on Lea Blvd for a meet and greet and to obtain our Stylist Shopper’s Pass and information packages. Last year I was invited to participate but wasn’t able to and was surprised to learn that Kim Krzanowski whom I had met at the Delaware Today Fashion Show, (Best Dressed Delaware Woman) was last year’s Head Stylist. This year (with a heavy heart) she will not be able to take on that role solo due to pending motherhood, but will hang in as long as she can before her due date.
Saturday morning we returned to Goodwill to meet our models and to talk about outfit selections as well as to make plans to shop with or for them in the coming weeks and months. This year the outfits will be selected based on these themes:
In addition to the Runway Show, there will be a Second-hand Chic Boutique. “Look fabulous for less when you shop for one of a kind, name brand items hand-picked by our stylists. Brands include Ann Taylor Loft, Coach, Marc Jacobs and more!”
The Goodwill Boutique will be open for shopping from 6 – 7 p.m. and at the conclusion of the show. If you want to to shop early you can upgrade to a VIP ticket and begin shopping 45 minutes before general admission begins.
If you would like to be a sponsor and/or purchase tickets, please go to
www.goodwillde.org/runway, proceeds to benefit a scholarship fund for Goodwill employees wishing to obtain their GED or an Associates Degree.
I’ll keep you posted once the shopping trips begin….this is going to be so much fun!
Have a fantablous day – Smooches!
Kim covering some information that was helpful from last year’s event
Stylist and Models
Models
Male and Mommy Models
My Models
Personalized Garment Bags that will be used for each model’s outfits
Working with 2 of my models – Kim & Erin
Erin and Kim are just as excited as I am
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Hello Friends and Happy Veteran’s Day
I trust you all had a wonderful weekend and if you are off today honoring a Vet I do hope that you are enjoying the day, unfortunately for me I have to work.
Happy Veteran’s Day in our neighborhood.
The month is already flying by, can you believe that we have less than 18 days until it’s Thanksgiving 2013?
This is what I wore on the first casual Friday of the month which was by far the best beginning to November that I can remember. After an early morning mini downpour, the temps rose to 78 degrees with bright sunshine, it was almost summer like.
Do you remember this pink suede jacket that I thrifted last year from GW Boutique? The sleeveless tank was thrifted earlier in the year also at Goodwill.
I found these “pink bottom” loafers at Rugged Wearhouse – aren’t they cute?
Have you started planning your Turkey Day meal or will you be eating at a relative’s home instead?
We haven’t made any plans and I am not looking forward to asking hubby because it will be the first one without his mother….maybe we’ll just stay home and have a quiet dinner.
Thank You Vets for all you have done for this country – Stay Blessed!
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Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday
Tonight I will be teaching the class, “Dressing for Success on a Budget’ sponsored by The Money School of Delaware. The premise being that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to look professional and how to have a “Champagne Closet with a Beer Budget”
As a self proclaimed frugal fashionista, I usually don’t pay full retail price for my clothing nor do I shop high end department stores or boutiques in a mall. Thrifting at Goodwill or The Salvation Army, hitting a local Consignment Shop, low end retail sales and clearance shopping is much more fun and is easier on my wallet.
Chain stores such as Ross, Marshall’s, TJMaxx, Burlington Coat Factory, Rugged Wearhouse, and Target understands the needs of women who want designer clothing but with lower prices.
I read fashion magazines and blogs and try to stay current with the latest trends but if I can recreate an outfit with thrifted items from Goodwill I most certainly will!
When my sons were younger, they only knew the “Mart Brothers” – Kmart and Walmart!
Shoes are definitely my weakness and I have too many pairs to count, but I never pay full price, not when there are ways to get Reward Points from stores such as DSW or coupons and AAA discounts at Payless and of course the clearance sales at Target!
Christian Sirano for Payless
Fioni for Payless Peep Toe Pumps and Celine Inspired Tote from Ross
JC Penney and Sears may not be top on your shopping list but they should be, especially for their end-of-season clearance sales, remember the Liz Claiborne jeans I found for a dollar? Kohl’s is also another great place to shop for clearance deals. Mixing thrifted items with new pieces can make a perfect outfit.
Dress – JC Penney // Shoes – Payless
Thrifted Top – Goodwill // Skirt – JCPenney // Purse – Ross // Shoes – Rugged Wearhouse
Top – Ross // Skirt – Goodwill // Sandals – The Salvation Army Family Store
Shoes – Rugged Wearhouse // Dress – Boscov’s // Tote -Ross
Also, don’t sleep on the cheapie cheap Dollar Stores either, places like Family Dollar, Dollar General and even Dollar Tree oftentimes have great accessories like leggings, tights, hats and scarves. Remember this Fedora that I bought last summer from Dollar Tree!
Dollar Tree Dome and Sundress from Rugged Wearhouse
There are also great deals and bargains to be found online and from catalogs like eShakti, Spiegel and Avon all of which are my favorites.
Dress – Avon // Shoes Goodwill
Dress – Avon // Pumps – Goodwill
Top – Rugged Wearhouse // Skirt – Old Navy
Totally Thrifted outfit from Goodwill
Walmart Sundress covered with thrifted blouse
Thrifted dress with scarf purchased at a “Purse Party”
Rocket Dog Peep Toe Pumps from The Shoe Dept
Studded Shoes from Rugged Wearhouse
If you are attending a fancy soiree, try a high end online site such as “Rent the Runway” or “Beg Borrow Steal” and in a pinch go to a Consignment Shop located in a high end neighborhood which is how I found a gown for a Ball that I attended last year.
Dressing for less doesn’t mean you can’t afford better, nor does it have be an embarrasing event, however, I must admit that it can be addictive, especially on $2 Tuesdays at Goodwill!
Where do you shop for your bargains?
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
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Hello friends, I hope you had a nice weekend and was able to do something special with the extra hour on Sunday.
As you know, I’ve been on a mini self-imposed shopping freeze so I didn’t need to…but I wanted to…therefore, I did! I thawed the freeze just a bit and this is the result of a mini thrifted haul from GW Boutique in Newark! It was my first time at this location on the campus of The University of Delaware, but it definitely will not be my last.
You can never have too many skirts!
I am a proud, card carrying Goodwill VIP
This thrifted haul cost less than $20 and it even included a Graduation Gown that my son wore to a Halloween party last weekend
(he better be wearing a real one in May!)
I love love love this Talbots Floral Skirt – $3.75
J Crew Grey Skirt Skirt – $3.75
JCPenney Worthington Suede Maxi Skirt – $3.75
You know I couldn’t pass on these polka dot capris – $3.75
What do you think?
Have you done any Fall thrifting?
Linking up today with Thrifters Anonymous so come on over and meet some other great thriftanistas.
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
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