Category: Kathy Friend

summer trends, stripes

Posted on by

Have you notices in Michiana Goodwill stores trend boards that look something like this? We are Goodwill are dedicated to make sure you are shopping for on-trend clothing for you and your family.

Our fashion guru Kathy Friend has provided these trend boards for us each season to help you know exactly what is trendy! In the upcoming days / weeks, we will be sharing the 4 big trends of the season with you…here and of course in all of our Goodwill stores!

 Kathy’s Summer Trend Tip:

The stripe trend will continue through Fall – which makes this fashionista very happy!  I love stripes, and continually am searching for different ways to wear them.

Try something a little daring and pair your stripes with another print.

The key to wearing strips is fairly simple…keep the weight of the stripe in line with your stature.  In other words, if you are a petite little thing make sure the stripes you wear are thinner.  Also keep in mind wherever you wear stripes you are going to gain attention.  If you don’t want attention around your hips, make sure you don’t don a stripe there!

Summer Fashion Trends – black and white

Posted on by

Have you notices in Michiana Goodwill stores trend boards that look something like this?  We are Goodwill are dedicated to make sure you are shopping for on-trend clothing for you and your family.

Our fashion guru Kathy Friend has provided these trend boards for us each season to help you know exactly what is trendy!  In the upcoming days / weeks, we will be sharing the 4 big trends of the season with you…here and of course in all of our Goodwill stores!

Kathy’s Summer Trend Tip:

Here we see the summer trend – black and white.

Black and White is always in-fashion, and this summer is no exception!  To make this look fresh, add a touch of camel (tan) to an all white outfit!  And be sure to mix trends with this black and white feel: stripes and baroque are 2 big print and pattern trends.

Adding interest with color is a great way to mask figure flaws when wearing our favorite black and white looks.  Trying to hide mid-section issues?  Then add a pop of color at your feet, or with your jewelry (or maybe bright red lips!).  

Summer fashion trends – the maxi!

Posted on by

Have you notices in Michiana Goodwill stores trend boards that look something like this?  We are Goodwill are dedicated to make sure you are shopping for on-trend clothing for you and your family.


Our fashion guru Kathy Friend has provided these trend boards for us each season to help you know exactly what is trendy!  In the upcoming days / weeks, we will be sharing the 4 big trends of the season with you…here and of course in all of our Goodwill stores!

Kathy’s Summer Trend Tip:

 The maxi is all the rage this season.  Maxi simply means long.  LONG AND LEAN!

This can be a tricky look to pull off if you are petite.  Simple fabrics in a monochromatic hue will be best and easiest to wear.

Summer Fashion Trends – baroque

Posted on by

Have you notices in Michiana Goodwill stores trend boards that look something like this?  We are Goodwill are dedicated to make sure you are shopping for on-trend clothing for you and your family.


Our fashion guru Kathy Friend has provided these trend boards for us each season to help you know exactly what is trendy!  In the upcoming days / weeks, we will be sharing the 4 big trends of the season with you…here and of course in all of our Goodwill stores!

Kathy’s Summer Trend Tip: 

 One of the print trends this season is baroque. Baroque is hard to explain, but easy to see!  It is almost a damask, paisley, curley-q print.  

We are seeing this print in EVERYTHING from the smallest of details (like the sunglasses) to a very bold statement (like on the dress).  

The key to wearing this print in an outfit is to be mindful of where that print is.  Make sure that the bold contrast in color brings attention to an appropriate place on your silhouette.  Also, make sure that the weight of the print is in line with your stature.  In other words, if you are a petite lady, be sure the print you wear doesn’t overwhelm your look.

Summer fashion mistakes and solutions – part 3

Posted on by

Keeping on with some of the  biggest fashion mistakes…here is part 3 of this series.

Socks with sandals.  Although a few years ago, the kids were wearing socks with their Doc Martin’s, this didn’t give you permission to jump on this fashion bandwagon.  If you have to wear socks…wear a closed toe shoe.

Photo Credit:  http://socksaddicts.wordpress.com

 
 

Bathing suits are not clothing. Your really cute bikini top shouldn’t we worn as a layering piece with your favorite jacket. There is a distinct difference between ‘bathing suits’ and ‘clothing’.  Please invest in a great cover up.  There are a lot of options, and I am sure Goodwill has a ton of things to spark some cover-up ideas for you!

I love this take on the cover up (pic to right).  It’s long enough that it is appropriate for any errand you might have going to or from the beach.   


Photo Credit: http://fashion.allwomenstalk.com 

 

Summer Fashion Miskakes – and solutions part 2

Posted on by

Keeping on with some of the  biggest fashion mistakes…here is part 2 of this series.

  • Patterned panties under white pants. Overly obvious panty lines are bad enough, you certainly don’t want to the world to see the color or the pattern of your skivvies!  Try Spanx, Assets or other compression / smoothing type garments. 

    Photo Credit: http://files.mun2.tv

 

 

 

  • Uncared for feet in pretty sandals. If your heels are white from calluses, and your toenails are yellow – DO NOT wear open toed sandals.  Before you slip on your favorite flip-flops, splurge on a professional manicure.  If you get this done at the beginning of the season, you can easily keep-it up through the end of the summer.

 Photo Credit: http://polishmehappy.blogspot.com

 

 

  • Sandals that have seen better days.  You might be able to get away with the good ‘ol standby boots with jeans in the winter, but in the summer with Capri pants and shorts – everyone will see your shoes.  Make sure they are presentable.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hakejam/28884726/lightbox/

·    

Summer Fashion Mistakes and Solutions – part 1

Posted on by
With summer officially here, and since the 4th of July being THE ‘celebrate summer’ event of the season, we need to talk.  For me, and I am sure many of you, the holiday week will be a time to go to parties, do a little cleaning and of course some shopping!

 I love to dress in a theme, use these fashion tips when pulling together your ALL AMERICAN looks this holiday week. 


When cleaning out your closets consider these summer fashion no-no’s…it will make it easier to donate some of those goodies to Goodwill!.

 

And shopping? Well of course you will be heading to a local Goodwill store!  Keep these things in mind when adding to your closet.

  • Belly just a little too noticeable.Avoid belly shirts if this is a problem area for you, or if you are mature.  Even if you have a rockin’ bod, once you hit 40 there are certain looks that might not be age-appropriate. 
SOLUTION!
Longer tanks and tops are more fashion forward this season.  Look for something in a great color (maybe tangerine or aqua).  Wearing the right size, silhouette and color will always make you look thinner, more youthful and completely on trend!  Check out this one that was re-purposed from items found at Goodwill!
Photo Credit: http://littleredroost.blogspot.com

 
  • Too much cleavage…Even if you are young and sassy – modesty is the most attractive feature you can have
SOLUTION!
Layering!  When shopping at Goodwill, look for summer weight sweaters and tank (cami) tops to layer under those skin bearing pieces.  Check out this look as seen on ABC news.

Photo Credit: http://a.abcnews.com

 
  • Self tanner applied incorrectly. If you find yourself with a smear of color that you hadn’t intended on, a wedge of lemon will dissolve the mistake in seconds. Be sure to look in places you might not notice like your feet (between toes, ankles), neck, elbows.  Tip – mix your self tanner with regular body lotion.  This helps it go on more evenly.
    Photo Credit: http://houston.culturemap.com
    STAY TUNED for more Summer Fashion tips!
     

The 10 Days of Goodwill Challenge

Posted on by

I can’t tell you how many times I am asked if I REALLY shop at Goodwill.  The answer is always “Of Course I do!”.  I love when I am at a meeting and someone compliments me on something I am wearing, and I get to boast that I found it at Goodwill.

To prove my point…that I do shop and wear things from Goodwill…every year I institute a ’10 Days of Goodwill Challenge”.  So…are you ready?  Here we go!

 This is a cute little number I wore to the Fashion Days event at the Goodwill in Goshen.  I paired it with a nude colored crazy sassy stiletto.

Love this dress.  Banana Republic. Perfect for summer.  I put some of my style on the look by adding a brown leather braided belt and turquoise beads. I am LOVING this bright pink color with Turq accessories this season. Then I finished the look with a leather Kate Spade shoulder bag.

 Tunics, leggings and boots…all are a few of my favorite things.  I love this tunic. I think it could also be worn as a dress with flip flops in the summer. I had the boots, leggings and sweater…but those pieces would be DULLSVILLE without this great tunic!

 Wore this to speak at a ladies group at a country club.  I wanted to ‘dress the part’ for the country club (and I resisted wearing plaid golf shorts). Banana Republic white trousers and that beautiful 3/4 sleeve bright blue jacket. I played up the gold buttons on the jacket with gold accessories. 

 And what is Goodwill good for if not to pick up some great handbags?  This LV Inspired cutie I used for a night out on the town.  It is the perfect size to hold my money, ID, cell and of course…a few lipsticks!

Then I decided I needed a new wallet. Ideally I wanted something that was water proof for the lake and the beach this summer.  Well, whadda know!  Found it at Goodwill!

 Skirt and tank from Goodwill!  Love these pieces, I wear this Gap pull-on skirt a TON.  As a matter of fact, I’m wearing it now!

If you went to the Little Black Dress luncheon, then you saw me in this…and yes, it’s my new fav color combo (turquoise and bright pink).  


 This was for a working day at Goodwill.  Cute Ann Taylor flippy skirt and a black tee.  What could be better?

So I am in this “work out” phase.  Well, not as much work out as I need to get off my lazy butt and move around a little.  I don’t want to spend a lot of money on workout wear, but of course I am convinced that if I look the part, I will be in top physical shape. Basic black tank and Nike cropped workout (yoga) pants.

And for the Go Red luncheon for the American Heart Association, I had to wear red.  I emceed the Fashion Show for the event – so dressing the part was critical.  Finding a good red dress is hard!  And…guess where I found this one?  Yep – GOODWILL!

SO YOUR DAUGHTER IS GOING TO PROM

Posted on by

Prom night might possibly be the most horrifying night a parent can experience. Everything from the right-of-passage that prom night represents, to what our kids are wearing to prom is horrifying.

I remember shopping for my first prom dress. I knew what I wanted; but my Mom had a different idea what she was going to allow me to wear. Let’s just say that what our high school girls are wearing to prom “ain’t your mama’s prom dress”!

What happened to the demure dresses with lace up to your chin, 3 or 4 layers of tulle on top of a hoop skirt? Ah yes, the good ‘ol days!

According to a leading family psychologist, the best tactic with the prom dress debate is compromise. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when you hit Goodwill searching for the perfect prom dress and accessories:

  • If your daughter is busty, don’t allow her to wear something that is strapless. Compromise by allowing a side slit in the skirt.
  • If your daughter wants something that is low cut…in the front and the back – compromise with a higher cut front (maybe a nice drape) and the lower cut style in the back. 
  • Hollywood Fashion Tape (Google it). This is amazing stuff that will affix itself to skin and fabric. If you are worried about something falling off – tape it down!
  • If your daughter’s dream dress is something that is on the short side, compromise in looking for something that is at least knee length, but form fitting, or a shorter bubble-skirt style. 
  • Is your daughter self conscious about her arms? Look for a wrap, pashmina, or scarf to put over her shoulders.
  • Is your daughter’s belly what she doesn’t like? Find a dress with a definite separation between the top ½ and the bottom ½. Better yet, look for a dress with interesting rouching through the bodice. 
  • Make sure your daughter wears the right undergarments; it will make her look like a svelte super model in her prom gown! 
  • Shoes…if your daughter isn’t used to walking in 3” stilettos, leave them at the store. She will look (and feel) much more graceful in a lower heeled shoe. 
  • Your daughter’s dress is going to need to be altered (99.9% of all formal wear will need some alterations). A perfect fit is always the most flattering look!
  • Perfume. Make sure your daughter sprays her body, not her dress. The alcohol in some fragrances will stain delicate fabrics – and ruin her prom dress. 

Make sure your daughter knows that the secret to looking great on prom night is more about how she feels, than the actual dress. If something doesn’t feel right, it isn’t right. Beauty starts on the inside; the most beautiful women in the world are self confident, self assured intelligent women…who probably had a great prom dress!

PHOTO CREDITS:

http://www.tonganoxiemirror.com