It’s unabashedly evident today, as I snuggle up with my son at home on his very first school snow day, that winter isn’t over yet. I was also reminded of this a few weeks ago when my favorite winter coat ripped right down the side, exposing my sweater-clad self to a February chill. At this point in the season, I can’t bare the thought of shelling out $100 or more for a new wool or down coat as I’d rather save my money for cute rain boots or spring-like scarves. Who’s with me? What’s a coatless lady to do? Head to Goodwill®, of course!
Image via facebook.com/Goodwill-Industries-of-Central-Alabama-Inc-102009154715
Although this like-new Columbia jacket retails for more than $100, it was found at Goodwill Industries of Central Alabama (Montgomery) for just a fraction of that! It’s cute, it’s cozy, and it contributes to a better world. As the caption infers, by shopping at and donating to Goodwill, you help provide job training and placement opportunities for individuals in your community so this purchase really is a win-win-win for all involved: new jacket for me, job training funded for my neighbors, and the person who made the donation has a cleaner closet, too!
Image via instagram.com/goodwillboston
Investing in solid footwear is just as – maybe even more – important as an insulated coat when you live in a region that experiences winter. If you think about it, your feet come in contact with the elements to an even more chilling degree! Whether you need boots for shoveling snow or for snowboarding, if you’re on a budget you should definitely check thrift stores first. This pair was spotted by Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries (Boston) at one of their locations and, as you can tell from the comments, people were instantly frenzied. That’s incentive to be a regular shopper, I guess, since you never know when the really good stuff’s going to hit the shelves and things do get snatched up quickly!
Image via upyourfashiongame.wordpress.com
I really love that Zack from the blog Up Your Fashion Game found this warm and professional pea coat at Goodwill and took it home even though the fit was a little big. He braved a few quick stitches on his sewing machine to pull the coat in at the sides without having to pay for an expensive new one or for tailoring. It’s that kind of optimism and creativity that truly make thrift shopping even more worth it (if the economy, variety, and altruism weren’t already enough)! If you want, every piece you buy could become a DIY! Zack shares lots of tips on how to make the clothes you buy fit your body perfectly, which is great information for fancy ladies and stylish gents alike.
With season after season flying by, who has time to shop for new items all the time anyway? I’d rather make one trip to Goodwill and take care of everything on my list. If nothing else, at least I can cure my winter blues with a little retail therapy.
