Working 4 a Living

So far this month I have given 30 presentations at Orientations for fall freshmen and transfer students attending the University where I work.  Tuesday I will give 4 more presentations to round out this month.  This is where I have basically lived the entire month of June.

The building on campus where all of our Orientations are held.  

After standing 4 hours giving 4 perky presentations in a row; this gal ain't stopping to snap photos in the evening.  I strip off dress heels and outfits for comfy shorts and t's.  The best I can show you is a few bathroom snap shots of a couple of awesome thrifty finds.
One of my recent and favorite finds is this Evan Picone dress.

My daughter spotted this beautiful blue while Goodwill shopping with me.  I love it.  Even though the tag says 'dry clean only' ...it's been washed in my regular ole washing machine and line dried with no issues.  Bonus!
Cost less than $6 too.  Can't beat that.  Plus I always get compliments on it.
The other wonderful thrift find was the Elle top.  Ruffles are in style, great color and very comfortable fabric.  Not to mention cool for our hot summer Georgia days.

The skirt is several years old, but has the perfect colors to match this top!  I don't even remember where I picked up the skirt.  May have been a gift from my mom.   Yes, I am wearing a strap tank under it for modesty at work.  The tank was also a thrift purchase.

Have any of you been layering your bracelets?  I've noticed the style over on InstaGram (which seems to be all I have time for lately - quick looksies).  Here was a recent attempt of mine at layering.  It's FUN!

On another little fashion note:  I usually wear a burgundy wine color toenail polish.  My 20 year old daughter was shocked to see I decided to go all out and DARING this summer by painting my toes a pretty PINK that I found while picking up groceries in Walmart.

Now if I just had a little more time to spend by the pool showing them off!  Hope you are enjoying your summer.  My thrift shopping has been sorely lacking lately.  The LAST of the June Orientations are this week, so hopefully I will have a quieter July; along with some much needed time off.
Have you found any great thrift buys lately?  Share please!  Cause I'm going through withdrawals.  

Thrifty Fashion Finds 3.17.12

Hello, my name is Sherri and I am a thrift-aholic shopper.  Now you know.  Or maybe you have figured that out before my confession.  There is more...are you sitting down?  I haven't been to a retail mall in almost 2 years!  My last purchase in a mall was Victoria's Secret.  Because I do have certain standards.  Which means ladies, that my under garments must be new.

I thought I would start sharing my thrift finds each week.   This will allow me to keep up with my addiction and hopefully will hold me accountable to donate other items from my closet.   Here is this week's thrift haul:

Black Land's End short sleeve top, Goodwill - $0.99 (color of the week, half off)

Fuschia short sleeve blouse, Goodwill - $1.99 (another color of the week)

Striped sleeveless top by Nine and Company, Goodwill - $3.99

Light blue Banana Republic blouse, consignment boutique - $5.59

Navy pleated skirt, Salvation Army - $0.99 (color of the week)

Beaded choker, Salvation Army - $0.99

Earrings, consignment boutique - $2.79

Lee Jeans for Bear, Salvation Army - $1.99

My total, minus Bear's jeans - $17.33

To give you insight into my addiction:  I made two lunch hour runs, one day to Goodwill and the other to Salvation Army.  Today, Bear and I visited with his Granny (my Mom) a her Beauty Shop, afterwards we dropped in two consignment shops.  Then on our way home stopped in our local Goodwill and Salvation Army.  This week is probably a record number of visits even for me!  For the record, I did not find anything in one of the consignment stores, nor in my local Goodwill today.  The first 3 tops were purchased earlier in the week at a lunchtime Goodwill drop in.  The pleated skirt from the Salvation Army lunch visit.  I did find the Banana Republic blouse and earrings today in the 2nd consignment boutique.  Cutest secondhand store ever!  The owner once worked for Abercrombie.  It shows in her store and displays, hence the 'boutique' status.  Today's Salvation Army find's were jeans for Bear and the adorable beaded choker for me.  To see my find's in action, check out my new thrifty fashion post! 

What are your recent thrift store scores?

Goodwill Glamorous Fashions (WIWW)

Welcome to another addition of Goodwill Glamorous Fashions!  

About 2 years ago, I discovered that I could purchase name brand work clothes for mere pennies (compared to the big stores) at my local Goodwill and Salvation Army.  Since I've always had to be mindful of my budget, buying clothes at Goodwill stores allows me to add more to my wardrobe for a lot less money.  I post my outfits to prove you can look 'glamorous' (decent, professional) in cheap thrifted clothes.  I also join in some blog linky fun with What I Wore Wednesday at the Pleated Poppy, along with hundreds of other 'just like me' ladies sharing their weekly fashions.

Friday - Work, presentation to a crowd of 700 students and parents at Spring Semester Orientation

At the end of a very long day in bad lighting. (This outfit was inspired by Pinterest).  

Long sleeve striped top - Express Tricot, via Goodwill

Print scarf - Goodwill

Red skirt - Hasper & Company via Goodwill

Red slim belt - Salvation Army 99 cents
Wool Liz Claiborne black jacket (not shown due to either old lady hot flashes or just the fact it is unseasonably warm in Georgia right now!) - Goodwill

Black Boots - gifted from Belk's Christmas 2010

On stage in front of a huge crowd. 

Saturday - Errands all over town and an evening with friends

Gray striped top - Target

Infinity scarf - Rue 21, recently $7.99

Lime green puffy vest - SJB Active via Goodwill

Jeans by a.n.a. via Goodwill

Gray flower pin - I made it! Thanks to Creative Cain Cabin's tutorial.
You can't see my tennis shoes.  Yep, I wore 'em!  My feet were tired.

Sunday - t-shirt and lounging pants (Be glad I spared you!)
Monday - 1st day of classes at the U (work)

So I was informed last week by a co-worker that it's not purple, the proper color term is 'Eggplant'.
So here's my new to me, oh so comfy Eggplant skirt - Coldwater Creek via Goodwill
Funky shirt - Apt 9 via Goodwill
Black Boots - gifted
While I may be styling the correct color; I'm not really thrilled with the way this looks on me.  Maybe it was just a bad choice of walls to stand in front of for a photo op.  I'm not THAT washed out (please see above photo...Ack!)  However, the skirt is soft and was a great choice of comfort for a busy Monday!
Tuesday - work

Rainy day in Georgia Glam.  My favorite outfit from the work photos.
New Direction slinky feeling top - Goodwill
Black dress pants - Goodwill
Black boots again (my winter go to shoes, can ya tell?)
Necklace - gifted from my daughter
Black drop earrings - Cato's

That's it for this week folks!  3 work outfits and one weekend wear compliments of my local thrift stores. 

Did you know that January is one of the BEST month's for thrifting?

My thoughts on Thrift Clothes (WIWW)

I could probably wager a bet to myself that I would wear at least one thrifted item each day for a solid year.  Seriously, about 90% of my wardrobe is a find from either Goodwill or Salvation Army.  Some people can't fathom wearing 'used' clothing. What's the difference if my sister passes along clothing she can't wear or doesn't like anymore?  Nadda. Speaking of my sister. You may remember the Liz Claiborne dress she is styling in the below photo.

She wore it to her daughter's High School Graduation last summer.

Do you just have a deep desire to spend more money?  Not me!  It's the thrill of the hunt to find name brands and designer fashions in a thrift store.

LL Bean vest - $2.49  (weekend wear)

Equally as thrilling is mimicking an outfit I see on a fashion blog, in a magazine or pinterest. Here is what I wore to work on Monday -

The left is from a blog that links up with What I Wore Wednesday and is in my Pinterest Closet Clothes file.

My outfit:

Long sleeve green T (Target clearance, last year)

Light weight tan sweater vest (Christmas gift from my Mom from Belk's clearance)

Scarf via Target (Christmas gift)

Brown slacks, New York and Company - Goodwill $2.50

What I wore to work on Tuesday - 

Sorry I'm a bit wrinkled, I'd been working! ;-)

Blouse, New York and Company via Goodwill

Black v-neck sweater, Old Navy via Goodwill

Thin Belt - Salvation Army, 99 cents

Gray slacks - Briggs New York via Goodwill

Infinity Scarf, Rue 21 - recent, $7.99

It was SO cold here in Georgia, I'm also wearing a v-neck black T that you can't see, American Eagle from Goodwill also

Yeah I know iPhone photos aren't the best (I will try to do better next week, but no promises!). And let's get this outta the way up front ladies; I'm NO fashion model.  I know it's a shock.  But it's true.  Just an average country gal that enjoys clothes, but can't afford to spend a gold mint on them.  About two years ago I fell in LOVE with thrifting.  It's my guilty pleasure.

I hope that my guilty please of clothes and thrifting will continue to bring you Goodwill Glamorous Fashions as inspiration how you can also dress for less.

What about you?  Thrifty clothes?  Yes or no 

Want to see more of what the average blogger is wearing these days?  Check out What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy for tons of fashionable moms.

Working Girl's Goodwill style

Another week of sharing my 'Goodwill Glamorous' clothes.  I link up to a few blog parties of everyday ladies and mom's wearing every day clothes.  It's fun and I'm gaining new ideas on ways to make these 'cheap' clothes into glamorous outfits, mostly for work.  Plus a few 'new to me' outfits is about all I've been thrifting lately as I am purging, merging 2 homes and we are just starting on makeover projects down on the Farm.  (We have been remodeling the office and I am decorating a little boy's room on a budget.  Hopefully I will be posting photos of that soon!).

We've enjoyed really warm temps, so I'm wearing more skirts! Here's what I wore this past week ~

Wednesday - Work (featuring my 'new' Italian leather shoes!)

Me and the barn kitty.

Ruffled blouse, The Limited via Goodwill - $1.99

Animal print skirt, Briggs NY; Goodwill - $1.99

Mudd cloth belt, Goodwill - $2

Pratesi Italian leather shoes I found last week at Goodwill - $4

Necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

I think this is my new Favorite outfit!

Thursday - Work

I love this skirt!  You can't see the beaded detail in it, but it rocks.

Turquoise blouse, NY&Co, Goodwill - $3.99

Peach cami tank, Old Navy via Goodwill - 99 cents

Maxi multi skirt, Soft Surroundings; Goodwill - $3.99

My standby black leather belt, Goodwill - $2.00

Kim Rogers, Black sandals, Goodwill (brand new) - $4.00

Multi bead necklace & bracelet, Kohls

No Friday photo - Worked a bit, then off early.  Did find a couple of adorable wood decor items for Booger Bear's room at a huge church yard sale.  It's a work in progress, coming up soon.

Monday - back to work

Sag Harbor dress, Goodwill - $5.49

Taupe T (under dress), Target - old

Tan NY&Co blouse, Goodwill - $2.19

Tan/leather belt, Salvation Army - $1.00

Comfy Italian leather shoes again, Goodwill - $4.00

Same necklace as last Wednesday, Goodwill

Tuesday - Work

My outfit to 'feature' a bracelet I WON from an AWESOME fashion gal, Dawn over at Creative Cain Cabin.  Excuse the wrinkles and tired looking me.  My office help is off enjoying a conference this week and this photo was made after work, after dinner, almost dark-thirty tonight.

GAP blue blouse, Goodwill - $2.20

Tan Slacks, George brand, Goodwill - $4.59

Jazzed up with a silk scarf, worn as a 'belt', Salvation Army - $1.00

Deep purple loafers, Salvation Army - $2.99

A closer look at my new bracelet, which I love.

Bracelet - WON from  Creative Cain Cabin

Necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

Need a giggle?

I have to share this little 'out take' photo of the week from tonight. 

Yep, that is Booger Bear in a t, undies and monkey water boots after dinner, cause that's how we roll down on the farm!  He was bringing me a leaf (aka 'flower') from the tree.  No worries, it was 86 degrees this evening!

I'm linking in to these FUN fashion parties: 

Color Brigade, Real Momma Real Style, What I Wore Wednesday and Making Us Cuter Fashion

Check them all out for some great ideas on styling what you have in your closet or just drop in your local Goodwill or Salvation Army for mine.  ;-)

Warm Spring Fashions

Gawga (that's Southern for Georgia), has had beautiful warm days.

We've taken advantage of getting out to play (read: burn off some 3 year old energy) in the evenings.

Which has seriously cut into my blogging and photography time.

So this week there are 3 outfits and a couple of cool thrifty finds to share with you.

Friday - Casual day at work

I love this outfit! and had to hunt a thrifty red belt to put it all together.

GAP shirt via Salvation Army - $2.49

Gray skirt, Bugle Boy - purchased at least 10 years ago!

Red belt, Goodwill - $2.00

Laura Ashley red purse, Goodwill - $2.99

American Eagle red slippers, brand new from Goodwill - $4.00 still had the $19.99 sticker on them!

Clear beaded necklace, Cato's clearance - $3.99

And my brand new SHINE necklace!  I purchased from Ashley at The Shine Project. - $11

Ashley is really making the world SHINE, through this project and others. Be sure to stop by her blog.

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Is it odd that my jewelry cost more than my clothes?  ;-)

Saturday - Wore mostly grubbies, as we were cleaning out the office and putting in a new floor!

I hope to be sharing that project soon.

Sunday - Work (Preview Day at the University)

Bright and Sassy.  It was 86 degrees today!

Mustard blouse, NY & Company via Ross - $6.99

Stripe skirt, David Warren NY, Salvation Army - $2.49

Mustard Wet Seal flats, Salvation Army - $2.99

Monday - Black to work

So I tried the stripes and dot mix it up thing.  Maybe I shoulda wore a belt? and painted my toe nails.

Not thrilled with it, but I stepped out of my comfort zone and mixed patterns!  LOL

Jones NY Signature top, Goodwill - $1.99

Black poka dot skirt by Sangria, Goodwill - $1.99

Kim Rogers, Black sandals, Goodwill (brand new) - $4.00

Black beaded necklace - gifted from my daughter

Guess it's not too horrible for an $8 outfit.  Still think it needs a belt or shorter top, something?

Just not feeling it, nor think it is too flattering on me. :/ or it could be my snow white legs. Glare!

I picked these shoes up at Goodwill.  SUPER comfy!

The name in them is Pratesi.  The only thing I can find on that name is Italian leather.

Looks expensive, feels amazing!  Paid $4.00  Whatcha think, good deal?

The other item in the photo is a Mudd belt.  Picked it up at Goodwill for $2.00.  It is so unique.  Can't wait to style it with something.  It is part belt, part scarf, with gypsy jewels on the edges.

Want to see more fashions that YOU can put together outta your closet?

Check out these fashion link parties:

Color Brigrade, Real Momma Real Style, What I Wore Wednesday & Making Us Cuter Fashion

Ok, what did YOU wear this week?  I wanna know!  Leave me a comment with a link to photos or just give me the 411.

Marvelous Darlin, for less

I am so not a 'fashion' expert or even what most would describe as 'fashionable'.  By far, I am NOT a model either.  Just a country gal that loves a deal and thrifting a decent work wardrobe; while adding in some fun weekend wear along the way.

I hope that by sharing what I am wearing each week, it will inspire someone that can't afford the ritzy department store prices to put together a Goodwill Glamorous outfit allowing  their inner light to SHINE!  Cause I believe you can look Marvelous Darlin, for less. It's all in attitude and how you 'work it'!

Thursday - Work and a Retirement reception

Talbots blouse, Goodwill - $3.99

Sag Harbor, floral skirt, Goodwill - $1.99 (half off, color of the week!)

Belt, Ross - last year

Necklace and earrings, Kohl's - last year

Slide in shoes, Aerosoles - couple of years old

Missed getting Friday's photo (but all Goodwill and another 'new' skirt!) & a haircut

Saturday - Family Reunion and a Co-workers Wedding

Not sure if this was a hit or miss.  The dress would probably look better with my fancy black heels and  hose.  However, my feet wouldn't have been happy chasing a 3 year old all day in heels!

Being practical won today.

Sag Harbor dress, Salvation Army - $2.99

Tights, Target - $3.00

Boots, Belk's - gifted

Necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

Earrings, Goodwill - $3.53

Bracelet - gifted 

Monday - Work

Hey, it was either me and the mirror or a 3 year old photographer today.

The mirror won.

Plain v-neck t, Target - years ago (I love 'dressing' these up!)

Animal print cardi, Goodwill - $2.24

Black slacks, Goodwill - $4.59

Necklace, Kohl's (last year on clearance)

Bracelet - Mudd @ Kohl's, brown, black version

Black leather belt (same one I always wear!), Goodwill - $2

Tuesday - Work day, after a restless horrible storm night

No power last night to pre-plan my outfit.  Here's what was quickly tossed together this morning.

Striped Merona blouse (isn't that a Target brand?), Goodwill - $1.99

Coldwater Creek lightweight sweater vest, Goodwill - $1.99

Madison slacks, Goodwill - $2.30

Belt - can you guess? Same fav Goodwill leather

Necklace, bracelet - Kohls

The blouse has a pale green stripe in it, that doesn't show up well in the photos.

Booger Bear walked a bride down the isle Saturday!  He's a bit young for marrying yet.

He would be the handsome boy on the left.

While getting my Saturday shot, he wanted to be a 'model' too.

Wearing an Old Navy button up shirt with navy OshKosh pants - Goodwill.
Linking my Booger Bear into Small Style (check out these stylish little ones!).

For Real women, wearing everyday fashions - check out the following inspiring link ups:

What I Wore Wednesday, Real Momma Real Style, Making the World Cuter and the Color Brigade.

Are you a frugal fashionista?

Goodwill Glamorous - Be Bold Color Edition

I decided I really needed some color in my wardrobe!

Not that I don't buy colors, guess I was a scaredy cat about mixing them.

My 'go to' outfits for work are my black and gray; easy, classic.

So this week is a bit different with styles that are stepping out of my comfort zone.

Since stalking, What I Wore Wednesday and the Color Brigade; I'm styling color!

As always, most of my outfits are thrifted from Goodwill.

Thursday - Work day

Yep, dirty mirror and all.  Hey, I'm chasing a 3 year old now.

Greenish Blouse (not blue), Ann Taylor LOFT, Goodwill - $2.19

Pale yellow lace trim tank, AT LOFT, Goodwill - 99 cents

Kasper Khaki slacks, Goodwill - $4.59

100% Silk scarf (used as belt), Salvation Army - $1.00

Multi color bead necklace, Kohls (on sale) - $5.99

Earrings - ??? Old

I didn't like this blouse when I wore it several months ago, but LOVED it with the scarf as a belt.

I also tossed on a Purple cardi with this because I was cool at the office.  See Sunday's outfit for cardi.

Friday - Casual day at work

My most daring color outfit yet!

Since Friday's are jeans day for most of the office, I figured my boss might not pass out when the always Miss Professional 'Proper' donned a wild array of colors.  I felt SASSY in this outfit and it received several compliments.  On my lunch hour, I was in Target picking up a birthday present and was stopped by a total stranger about this get'up.

Shirt from Ross, several years ago - $ ???

Orange Skirt, Aventura (neat company, had to look it up! original price $49), Goodwill, - $1.99

Blue tights, Target clearance - $3.00

Boots, Belks - gifted

Navy Belt, Goodwill - $1.01

Necklace, Goodwill - $3.73 (so are the earrings)

Bracelet - gift from Mom

Casual Corner pale green Cardigan, Goodwill - $2.24

Scarf - no idea, old

Saturday - errands, then Family Birthday Cookout for my niece

One of Brandy's(niece) friend's blue Bug.

Blue button up blouse, GAP from Goodwill - $2.20

White J Crew top, Goodwill - $3.99

Love the details on this top!  Flowers

Ann Taylor LOFT jeans, Goodwill - $5.49

Same Navy belt from Friday

Necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

Earrings, Goodwill - $3.53

Sunday - Grocery shopping, visit from family, chasing Booger Bear
This casual weekend outfit came together because I wanted to wear the necklace.

GAP gray stripe T, Salvation Army - $2.49

Worthington Purple Cardi, Goodwill - $2.24

Lee bootcut jeans - at least 5 years old

Bracelet, seen Thurs, Sat and today, by Mudd @ Kohls on Sale - $7.99

Neat purple necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

Earrings, Belks - gifted

Monday - Rainy Back to Work day

Lands End blue blouse, Goodwill - $4.39

Gray slacks, Ross (recently) - $12.99 (I think!)

Requirements blazer - gifted a few years ago

Black leather, Tony Lama belt, Goodwill - $2.00

Necklace, Kohl's - $8.70

Backslid with my gray slacks into the familiar, but I kept a pop of color with the blazer. ;-)

Tuesday - A chilly misty Work day

The weatherman said 65 for the high today; no where near it!  But I burst of Spring color.

Or maybe just resemble a Gypsy.

Turquoise blouse, Apostrophe via Goodwill - $1.99

Red Liz Clairborne cardi, Goodwill - $2.24

Bila floral skirt, Goodwill - $3.99

Lime scarf, Ross - $5

Black boots, Belks - gifted

Because he is just too adorable!  Here is one of Booger Bear's outfits of the week.

Carter's T, Salvation Army - 99 cents

Wrangler jeans (all the farm boys wear them right?), Goodwill - $1.99

Want ideas on how to style the clothes you already have in your closet?

Check out What I Wore Wednesday, where over 100 women link up weekly to inspire! and if you are feeling BOLD, then hop over to the Color Brigade and put some color in your wardrobe.  And for some Real Momma styles visit a new link up for me:

I was invited over to Making the World Cuter for a link up.  Not only is this an adorable 'crafty' blog, she also does a link up for Making US cuter - just us regular gals style.  Great ideas for a bit of everything going on with Tiffany!