Category: Goodwill fashion

Goodwill Style Ambush Makeover – Pam!

Posted on by

We are thrilled to introduce you to Pam!  She is our latest Style Ambush Makeover winner!

Pam’s wardrobe frustrations were varied. We helped her determine where the root of her angst with her closet and outfit options was. Find out how we walked through the process with her, and what the key to a great outfit is!

Like Pam learned from our time together, wearing the right colors really is key to choosing a great outfit; the right colors for your skin tone, the right color combinations, and the right kind of prints can transform what you currently see as your wardrobe options. To learn more about how to wear the right colors, check back on this blog soon for a FREE downloadable worksheet to determine what colors YOU should be wearing!

Find Your Style with FREE download!

Posted on by

Last week, you saw how Joni was able to figure out what her style was with her Ambush Style Makeover. We helped her think about what details in clothing and outfits she likes and matched that theme with her personality.

This is ‘THE’ thing that troubles so many women, and seems to be at the crux of the “I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear” syndrome. How do you match what you LIKE in outfits, with clothing that really shows who you are? So many times our closet is filled with pieces we really don’t like, or pieces that don’t reflect who we are.

Why does this happen?  Well, I believe it is because as life goes on and changes, our shopping habits don’t change…but our taste in things does (and dare I say our personality changes as we mature). If we always seem to buy black pants and white tops, it’s hard for us to see (let alone try-on) anything but black pants and white tops. Defining WHAT you like is a good step in the right direction in helping you to notice all of the other options when you shop.

Seems easy enough, doesn’t it?  Well to help make it even easier for you, I’m offering a FREE download quiz that will help you FIND YOUR STYLE! Just click HERE to download your printable Style Quiz.

Let us know what YOUR style is!

 
p.s. Remember to take those things out of your closet that aren’t your style and donate them to your local Goodwill Store!

Goodwill Ambush Makeover!

Posted on by
 Have you ever wanted to be on one of those Ambush Makeover shows?  

Well, we can’t promise that, but we CAN get you excited about something we are doing at local Goodwill stores!

Our fashion guru, Kathy Friend, will be randomly showing up at one of our stores and offering a quick Ambush Makevoer to one of our deserving guests.

Think you should be our next Ambush Makeover recipient? Comment below (or email [email protected]) why we should choose you, your contact info and what store you frequent.

YOU could be the next
Goodwill Ambush Makeover!

Watch the first Goodwill Ambush Makeover that took place in the Rochester, IN store. 

How To Build a Capsule Wardrobe – with free downloads!

Posted on by
 
In a perfect fashionable world, we would all have a minimalist mindset and function perfectly with very few clothes. The truth is, most of us fall into the category called “closet full of clothes and nothing to wear”. 
I believe the reason so many of us get stuck in this “bursting at the seams” place is because we haven’t been intentional about building our wardrobes. This is the premise behind Capsule Wardrobes.  Before I tell you HOW TO BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE, let’s define it:
…according to Wikipedia

Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called “Wardrobe” in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobeis a collection of a few essential items of clothing that will not go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces. This idea was popularized by American designer Donna Karan, who, in 1985, released an influential capsule collection of seven interchangeable work-wear pieces.

The term is widely used in the British and American fashion media, and has been the subject of several popular television series. The term has come to refer to a collection of clothing which is designed using only interchangeable items, in order to maximize the number of outfits which can be created. The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing. This is usually achieved by buying what are considered to be “key” or “staple” items in coordinating colors.
Building this elusive perfect wardrobe is simple.  The key to your stylish success is to plan and follow these steps.

Step 1 – Choose a color palate – up to 4 colors, 1 dark neutral, 1 light neutral, a pop color and your signature color.   Once you master how to create a Capsule Wardrobe, you can add in other colors that compliment your palate. The secret is all of these colors match one another, kind of like Granimals! So, everything will go together, GENIUS!
First, determine what dark neutral looks best on you.  For some, it may be black, however for most (yes, I am about to tell you that black might not be a good color for you) that dark neutral should be grey, brown or navy. Then choose a lighter neutral (white or cream).  Then add in some color; a pop (or wow color for the season), and your signature color (that one hue that you know looks great on you).
Here is an example of what your color palate might look like (this is mine):
 

For help matching your wardrobe, click here for a cheat sheet.

Step 2 – Figure out what cuts of clothing look great on you.  Knowing what your body shape is simply is knowing what your proportions are.  The cuts of clothing we choose can emphasize our silhouette, and camouflage  areas we hold a little extra fluff.  Some of us have broad shoulders, so need to wear pieces that minimize our shoulders.  
To start this step, choose your favorites: favorite pair of jeans, favorite skirt and so on.
For help choosing the right cuts of clothing, here is another cheat sheet.
Step 3  – List the pieces you are using in your capsule wardrobe. Typically, you will need about 30 items in your wardrobe, with 10 being your wardrobe backbone. I’ve seen a lot of numbers for a capsule wardrobe thrown around, but you should be able to build 30 outfits with 10 pieces of clothing.  You will want at least 5 shirts (some like enough for every day of the week).

Once you have completed your list, this will show you where you might need to add some things into your capsule wardrobe.  Try to get good quality pieces as the backbone of your wardrobe. Taking this list with you when you shop at Goodwill will help you to do a few things:

  1. Shop intentionally – only search for those things on your shopping list
  2. Choose pieces you can wear numerous times – as you will see by the chart, all of the pieces work together.  All of the tops match all of the bottoms, and all of the jackets can coordinate with any of the tops, bottoms and dresses.
  3. Add pieces you know will look good on you!  By the time you have made your list, you will have a good understanding of your color palate and what cuts of clothing look good on you. 

Here is a chart to help you get started. With this chart, you will have 20 pieces of clothing, giving you about 35-40 outfits.  If you want to get technical, I counted 64 different combinations using these 20 pieces!

The final step is to take some pictures of your outfit combinations.  This will make it much easier to choose what to wear in the morning. There are numerous apps for your smart phone that will help you store and organize these pictures. My favorite is called Stylebook. It allows you to mark an outfit so you remember that you wore it recently. If you are a fashionista at heart, you NEED an app like this!

Here are some screen shots from my capsule wardrobe (of course, all of the pieces you see here came from Goodwill!).

I hope this helps you and challenges you to be intentional when shopping at a Goodwill Industries of Michiana store.  Be sure to check this blog for the latest on 50% off sale days!
www.KathyFriend.com
#Capsulewardrobeonabudget #capsulewardrobe

Models Wanted for Holiday Fashion Show!

Posted on by
We are looking for models again!
On Saturday, December 13, we will be hosting a
HOLIDAY GLITZ Fashion Show
at the Warsaw Goodwill Store.
We are looking for ladies that are at least
18 years of age…
all sizes and shapes! 
Interested?
Please send your contact information along with a recent photo to [email protected] 

Style Tip – Shorts! Which are best for your body type?

Posted on by


Hot Trend Alert: Shorts! 
For years, we’ve been told by the fashion world wearing shorts isn’t trendy.  The tides have certainly changed, and shorts are all the rage!   Shorts are becoming more and more accepted in casual office environments and for ladies of every age.  But the question seems to be…what shorts look best on you?
In this month’s fashion post, I’m answering your short questions with some easy and practical tips to help you look your best this summer.
I DON’T LIKE MY LEGS

The most flattering cut for every body type is the walking short.  This is a mid-length short is  perfect to pair with a suit jacket and heels for the day, a silk blouse for evening or flip-flops and a tank top for the beach on the weekend.  The length of the short is about an 8” inseam, and should hit you right above your knee cap. 

BEWARE IF:  You are petite (under 5’4”) – be sure to balance your silhouette with a wedge sandal – the higher the better!
STYLE TIP:  Look for a walking short that has a slimmer fit.  This will be the most flattering, and not overwhelm your silhouette. 
I HAVE SHORT LEGS
 ** Shorts from Goodwill Industries


The best short for someone who is petite (under 5’4”) or who has an inseam under 31” is a mid-thigh short.  This would be one with an inseam of about 5”, that hits your leg right where your fingertips touch your thigh. 
BEWARE IF:  You have very long legs, or are tall.  The shorter length of this style can off-set the proportion of your silhouette.  If you choose to wear this shorter length, be sure to finish your look with a flat sandal.  
STYLE TIP:  Choose a short that does not have a cuff.  A cuffed hem is a design detail that brings attention to a part of the body (your hips) that you may be trying to camouflage.   

The best short for someone who is petite (under 5’4”) or who has an inseam under 31” is a mid-thigh short.  This would be one with an inseam of about 5”, that hits your leg right where your fingertips touch your thigh.

  
I DON’T LIKE MY THIGHS

 ** Shorts from Goodwill Industries

The best short for curvy gals, or ladies who have heavier thighs is a longer length.  A walking short (sometimes called a Bermuda short) is a good choice.
BEWARE IF:  If your body shape is “A” shaped, or pear (in other words, if you carry your weight on the bottom half), be sure to bring attention to the top of your silhouette with a brighter color of top or jewelry. Keep all the details on the top of your outfit, no stripes on your shorts, no fancy pockets, cuffs or contrast stitching.  The simpler the better.
STYLE TIP:  A heel over 2” will always elongate your leg, and make you look thinner. It has been said for every inch you wear on your feet, you will appear 5lbs thinner! 
I HAVE SKINNY LEGS

For ladies who have long thin legs, bring some oomph to your bottom half with either a rolled boyfriend short or a short with some swing or interesting detail like a skort.  This idea of additional fabric will balance your thinner bottom half with your shoulders.  Keep the top of your outfit simple, and focus all the attention on your bottom ½.  

BEWARE IF:  If you have wider hips check the length of your shorts.  You want to be sure they are longer than your fingertips.
STYLE TIP:  When wearing a floaty unstructured short pair it with something more form fitting on top.

Stop by Goodwill to find the perfect pair of shorts to flatter your shape and show off this hot trend. To find a store near you, click here!

I would love to hear what your favorite summer short looks are! 

Holiday Looks for Less

Posted on by

As I sit here in my office, looking at my event calendar for the month of December, I’m wondering how in the world I am going to be able to find amazing holiday outfits to fit all of these events.  Everything from an office cocktail party to a girls luncheon and a dinner dance. 
Rather than making the mistake most of us do this time of the year (run off and buy a few new outfits that we will wear one maybe two times), I decided to head to Goodwill and see what I could find.  First, I settled on a color: RED!  
Here is how I styled this amazing red dress, 3 ways to meet all of my holiday event needs.
THE RED DRESS – one holiday dress, 3ways
Holiday Gathering with friends-The first look I found a great vintage tapestry bag and made that the statement of this look.  With understated jewelery and boots the handbag pops! Since this event is a casual one, I grabbed a denim jacket to finish the look.

Dress:  Goodwill
Jacket: from my closet
Boots: won in a Facebook Contest
Handbag: Goodwill
Necklace: Stella and Dot
 

Office Party – Sophisticated and chic was what I was going for in this look.  I paired the red dress with a textured tight (these have a subtle stripe) and shoe-boot, a necklace with a lot of sparkle and finished the look with a scarf with some sequin detail on the ends.

Dress:  Goodwill
Scarf: Goodwill
Handbag: from my closet
Tights: from Target
Shoes: from my closet
Necklace: Stella and Dot
Bracelet: local boutique ($10)
 
Dinner Party with Dancing  – Finally, I needed something that I could wear to a dinner dance.  I changed the neutral in the outfit from black to gold.  My gold sparkly shoes are perfect for dancing.  When I added a gold statement necklace, layers of gold bangle bracelets and the vintage designer handbag…I was set!  I also threw on an amazing vintage fur jacket to finish the look.  Of course…from Goodwill!

Dress:  Goodwill
Handbag: Goodwill
Shoes: from my closet
Necklace and Bracelet: Stella and Dot

Of course to further change the look of this dress, change the belt!  In the first look try a thick black belt or a braided one.  For the second, try something with some shimmer.  And for the third try a gold chain belt.
 
STAY TUNED!
Stay tuned to this blog for some great ideas on how to add a little sparkle to your New Years outfit!