Category: Retail

By Felicia Czochanski

It’s finally turning into that season where you leave work most days and the sun is still out. Where you can walk around outside in the middle of the day and find yourself squinting at the sun shining down on you. Now that the snowstorms have finally come to an end and flowers are starting to bloom, love is certainly back in the warm springtime air!

According to The Knot’s 2018 Real Wedding study, approximately 78% of all weddings take place between the months of May and October. The warm, sunny weather makes this time ideal for outdoor weddings and the blossoming of plants and flowers makes for some beautiful wedding photos. If you’re finding your refrigerator getting full with cute “save the date” cards and invitations – and if fate has it that the weddings you’re invited to all fall within a span of a few weeks like mine do – you’re going to want to save some money where you can.

When it comes to weddings, there are few things you can skimp on – and weddings are expensive and you want your friend’s special day to be perfect! You’ll have to budget for transportation and accommodations, a wedding gift and your outfit. This can add up pretty quickly and thanks to social media and overlapping friend groups, you won’t want to wear the same dress twice!

The perfect solve is to start scouring the racks of your local Goodwill® stores for brand new (with tags still attached!) and like new dresses to wear to weddings and events this spring. You’ll be sure to find dresses that are up to 90% off retail price – believe me, I’m talking from experience here! – and are in perfect condition. Plus, while you’re helping your wallet and adding to your wardrobe during wedding season, you’re also helping out members of your community find employment and access to classes they need, which is funded completely by Goodwill. Truly a win-win!

Now for the Spring/Summer wedding trend edit, keep reading below!

1. Beach Wedding

Photo: @maryorton

Weddings on the beach are both special and beautiful. You can combine some of the best nature the world has to offer while professing your love in front of friends and family. When attending a beach wedding, there’s one main thing to keep in mind – the wind. You’re going to want to avoid dresses with slits or the tendency to flip up and show everyone things they shouldn’t see. For this type of wedding, it’s important to stick with either a classy bodycon dress or a form-fitting maxi dress. While you’re at it – don’t even think about wearing heels on the sand! A chic metallic sandal will do the trick instead.

2. Black Tie Formal Wedding

Photo: @bycaitlinanne

Formal weddings are beautiful in their own way. Just imagine walking into an elegantly decorated ballroom where all the guests are dressed to the nines. For this dress code, you’ll want to pick out a floor length gown and a stunning pair of heels. If you’re indecisive about which gown to choose – light pastel blue is trending this season, which pairs perfectly with a silver heel.

3. Semi-Casual Wedding

Photo: hellofashionblog.com

When it comes to a semi-casual event, you’re going to want to take a hint from the friend or relative who’s getting married. What’s their style? If you showed up in a sundress would that suffice? If you came glammed out in a jumpsuit would they still be excited to see you? You can also gather clues from the wedding venue to see what type of attire would be most appropriate. For instance, if the wedding is being held at someone’s home, you can predict that both of those options would be appropriate. Key rule for this type of event? Wear something you’re comfortable in but still look put together and ready to celebrate!

4. Cocktail, Semi-Formal Wedding

Photo: @racheloveee

One of the most common dress codes for a wedding is cocktail attire. These are the types of weddings that leave room for the guests to have fun with their outfit choice, as long as it’s appropriate and still within the semi-formal guidelines. You can wear a dress decked out in sequins or show off your style with fun shapes and ruffles, like the mermaid gown with layered, slightly scalloped ruffles on the dress above.

What do ties, golf clubs, and a six-pack all have in common? While they’re each nice (and surely appreciated) Father’s Day gifts, they’re also the type of present that you can really only give once. Giving the same type of gift every year will seem uninspired and won’t accurately reflect the way you feel about dear ol’ Dad. So, if you’re feeling stuck in a run-of-the-mill Father’s Day gift rut and are ready for some fresh ideas, we’ve got a whole slew of possibilities for you in this blog post—and at your closest Goodwill store! Goodwill understands that self-sufficiency is best achieved through family financial stability practices that allow households to better manage their money and save for the future. And when you shop for Father’s Day gifts at Goodwill stores then you’re saving money and supporting that mission, too. Without further ado, let’s jump into it!

One thing that I know every dad would appreciate is the gift of time. And while we can’t tell you how to add extra hours to the day, Goodwill Industries – Knoxville, Inc. does have some incredible ideas for making the most of those afternoon hours with a budget-friendly backyard BBQ
https://www.gwiktn.org/blog/2017/backyard-bbq-bash-on-a-budget. Since many dads pride themselves on their grilling skills, this would be the perfect excuse to spend some time doing what he wants next weekend. With tips on how to save money while you shop for meal ingredients and a recipe for easy homemade barbeque sauce, this list is a must read. My favorite part, though, are these DIY solar mason jar lights which would extend the amount of time your family can stay outside after grilling. Hey, maybe we can add hours to the day after all!

It’s true that when I throw out the word “sachet” you probably won’t immediately think of your dad. But why should the fellas miss out on all the fun of these (literally) pocket-sized potpourri pouches https://www.sadieseasongoods.com/shirt-pocket-sachets/. Blogger Sadie Seasongoods noticed that flannel shirts at Goodwill are always plentiful and low-priced especially in the warm-weather months. With Father’s Day right around the corner she decided now was the time to turn a few of them into simple scented sachets! They’re cute while they play peek-a-boo in a drawer, but could also make a pretty nifty car or office air freshener. And since the scent of cedar wards off moths, these would be a safer and more pleasant smelling alternative to moth balls in the closet. I think the part Dad would appreciate the most, though, is that you spent your time and energy on a thoughtful handmade gift for him. You must be his favorite, huh?

If those ideas still don’t seem right for the Dad(s) you’re celebrating this year, take a peek at this video shared by Goodwill Industries of Central Arizona, Inc. for a fantastic list of the dos and don’ts of Father’s Day gift buying https://www.goodwillaz.org/fathers-day-ideas/ Number one in their survey results of the worst Father’s Day gifts was novelty clothing. Those are the things that Dad might wear once for a laugh then never touch again. They also mention certain tech gadgets that become obsolete almost as soon as they’re brought home. Unless he’s a techie who likes to collect, you could steer clear of those pieces, too. Check out the video above for the other items you’ll want to avoid while you shop and some fantastic suggestions that are sure to please.

To all the fathers and father figures out there who might be reading this, you are awesome. Your hard work and reliable presence is helping to (or has helped) form a new generation and that is really something special. Happy Father’s Day!

By Jenna Pfueller

It’s patio season, thrifty friends! I get excited about it every year and go all out. The mind movies I have about patio season are one of the few ways I’m able to make it through the hard New England winters.

But apparently each year I get a bit of amnesia about the my level of attractiveness to the local mosquito populace. To them, I’m merely creating a convenient outdoor smorgasbord for them to devour me under strings of trendy Edison garden lights.

Nonetheless, I prepare our back patio space with love, paying attention to light, seating, flowers, and doing my best to create the setting for a perfect summer gathering. Arguably it would be much more enjoyable should the entire mosquito population mysteriously collapse, but I digress.

It all started with some freshly birch logs I saw sitting along the side of the road by the power company clearing debris away from power lines. They were the perfect height to set into concrete and make some porch pillars. Lucky for me, my partner was on board with my DIY idea, and quickly got the car keys to rescue them on my behalf.

Credit: Jenna Pfueller

I pulled out some big planters I had in the shed, and got a few bags of Quick-crete from the hardware store. Once the logs were set in place, I topped them off with some dirt and planted  geraniums around them in a lame attempt to keep the mosquitos at bay. I pulled the picnic table over and ran a few strings of patio lights and boom-boom-boom– new favorite backyard hangout!

Thrift stores are the perfect place to make your backyard mecca totally cozy for totally cheap. I like to look for trays to carry drinks out on, like these vintage ones I found recently at my local Goodwill®. Not only do they make it easier to carry ALL THE THINGS in and out of the kitchen for prep and clean-up, but they also make a great conversation piece for your guests!

Credit: Jenna Pfueller

I also look for pillows to make seating more inviting, breezy curtains that can be easily strung up to mute the late day sun, linens that would make fun tablecloths, extra chairs to set out, and used rugs that would be totally fine as a seasonal outdoor landing pad.

Don’t forget about decor, too! Clocks, mirrors, planters– all great ways to add some extra wow.

Credit: @crazywonderfulblog

A few tips?

• Use a fitted twin sheet as a tablecloth on picnic tables so they don’t blow away.
• Find a set of used plates and cups you don’t mind getting chipped to create a more stylized look. It also keeps you from using plastic plates and styrofoam and creating more waste.
• Keep citronella candles inside mason jars. So much cuter on your table, and you can put the lids on them when you’re done so they won’t get waterlogged between parties.

Need more inspiration? Check out this porch $5 challenge from Lauren, who found some great patio accents at her local Goodwill store.

You can sit back, relax, and rest easy knowing your inviting little piece of porch heaven helped people in your community find stability through work, and saved you a little extra money to buy citronella candles. Trust me here. You’re going to need them!

By Felicia Czochanski

Some days it can seem like saving enough money to travel is impossible. In New York City, if you forget to bring lunch to work or don’t have time to make it, you’ll find yourself running up a $15 bill just for a salad that has the toppings you want. This doesn’t even take into consideration the student loans and debt many people are facing as well.

Yet when it comes to travel – you don’t need to jet off to some exotic place to reap the benefits of much needed rest and relaxation. Even just going away for a long weekend  to a nearby city you’ve never been to can do the trick. If you’re worried about hotel prices, look into Airbnbs and hostels. If you’re nervous about food prices for eating out it’s worth it to stock up on breakfast and snacks before the trip, and even better if you’re able to find a place to stay that has a kitchenette. Saving in these small ways can really add up to help you pay for the absolutely necessary expenses of the trip.

So does saving on a vacation wardrobe, by shopping at your local Goodwilll. By shopping the well-loved treasures at your local Goodwill store you’re not only able to pay around 90% less than retail prices – sometimes for awesome designer clothing with the tags still attached – but you’re also able to help out others in your community. Shopping at Goodwill is both a win for you and a win for others who receive financial assistance and professional training from the organization, fully funded by donations and purchases at Goodwill.

As summer swiftly approaches, there are a few items to scour the racks of your favorite Goodwill store for.

1.Stock up on accessories to help shade the sun

Photo: ColumbiaSC.CityMomsBlog.com

You’ll be able to find some amazing sunglasses steals and beautiful handcrafted hats at your local Goodwill. Take advantage of these deals to shield yourself from the sun this season.

2. Check out flowy dresses and skirts to keep you cool during warmer weather

Photo: GoodwillKS.org

From walking to the office to the park you’re going to need some options that can be    dressed up or down, while still helping you stay cool. When looking for some of these options, focus on the material. You’ll want to stick with lighter, more breathable fabrics, such as cotton, linen, rayon and fabric blends.

3. Invest in a pair of comfy, neutral sneakers

Photo: DaintyJewellsBlog.com

One of the best things you can do for your feet this summer is to help them avoid getting blisters. Whether or not you’re able to travel, a pair of neutral sneaker is the perfect way to get a few extra steps in every day, because it matches your outfit and provides the ultimate comfort. A pair of white, cream or black sneakers could really help you go a long way!

By Patrice J. Williams

Thrift shopping is one of my favorite past times. Besides the affordable gems, I like the treasure hunt aspect. It’s just the thrill of the hunt that I love so much. While I tend to prefer thrifting alone so I can go at my own pace, sometimes it can be a little lonely. I have quite a few friends and family who thrift, but for the people who don’t, how do you get your loved ones to enjoy thrift shopping as well? Actually, it’s not that hard.

Sometimes new thrift shoppers just feel overwhelmed by the volume of items in the store. And maybe there are other times they may not know how many fashionable items they can find at Goodwill®.

Here are three ways to get your close friends or family to go thrift shopping with you.

“Remember that dress you love? I got it at the thrift store”

Credit: @PatriceJWill

Sometimes you need to refresh the memory of your friends or family and be a visual reminder of why thrifting can be so great. If you love thrift shopping, there’s probably a dress, pair of shoes, pants, whatever it may be, that everyone just seems to love. This is your time to remind your loved ones that that stand out piece was found in the aisles of the thrift store. And it really helps if you can share a story or details about it. I have a gorgeous emerald green dress that many people compliment me on when I wear it. So I always share the story about how I found it for less than $20 at a shop in Brooklyn. This helps some of my friends think, “hmm, maybe I can find something that stellar?” That makes it all the more enticing for them to want to join the next time I tell them I’m hitting up the thrift.

Promise of a Meal

Credit: Thrillist

It’s hard for anyone to turn down a good meal. Well, maybe that’s just me! But I’ve always found that throwing in an offer of brunch, lunch or dinner makes any thrift shopping trip all the more enticing. It usually goes something like this, “Hey, wanna grab some brunch at XYZ place? They have a good eggs benedict and bloody mary. And we can do some thrift shopping beforehand!” There’s a Goodwill in Brooklyn that’s near a few of my fave brunch spots so it’s a no brainer for me to tell friends to meet me at the Goodwill, we’ll thrift for at least an hour and then enjoy a yummy brunch. So even if your friend strikes out at the thrift shop, the day will be capped off with a nice meal.

“Can you help me find….?”

Credit: Looking Fly on a Dime

Finally, sometimes it’s just too intimidating for newbie thrifters to feel comfortable scouring the racks of a thrift shop. But one tactic I like to use is to invite someone to thrift shop, but instead of shopping for themselves, I tell them they’re helping me shop. I’ll ask a friend to meet me at a convenient Goodwill location and say, “hey, let’s just check it out for a few minutes. Can you help me find a black dress?” Instead of my friend feeling pressure to find something for their closet, this helps them feel like they’re my thrift helper. And while they’re casually helping me find something, they tend to find something they love as well. It’s a simple, easy tactic that takes the pressure off. Before you know it, your friend found something they love and now they may be more open to shop with you next time.