Frugal Fashion Friday - Fashion of Goodwill 2014

One of my favorite yearly fashion events is the Fashion of Goodwill Runway show and pop-up shop. It's a fun night of fashion, shopping, and socializing. The best part is that it all benefits the employment and training programs of Goodwill of Greater Washington. This year the theme was "Let's Get to Work" and highlighted some of the frugal and stylish work related fashion to be found at Goodwill stores. The event was held at the Marriott Marquis in DC. Many of the employees that work at the hotel were part of a cooperative job training initiative between Goodwill and Marriott!

 This was my outfit for the evening. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I wore these pink pants and the tank to work. I swapped my jacket, shoes and jewelry for some that were a little more evening wear inspired. I had a blast with friends and fellow bloggers, Brea of What I Wore Tip to Toe, Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen, Vivi of Heart, Print and Style, Alison of DC Celine, Whitney of Whitney Nic James and of course the DC Goodwill Fashionista!



Cocktails and Good Food

Great fashion coming down the runway.

The team that puts together the show, does a great job of styling Goodwill fashion for the runway. I loved many of the looks that they put together. If you'd like to own a piece of the runway, there are some fabulous items still available. Just click this link and bid. There is a men's Christian Dior trench coat just waiting for the right buyer.

One of my favorite parts of the evening is the pop-up shop. Goodwill pulls clothing, shoes and accessories from their stores all over the DC area. There were so many pieces I wanted to take home. I had to keep myself in check.

I scored a tweed jacket from Talbots for $6.98 and this t-shirt. It was shown during the runway show on a male model and I just had to have it. After the show they brought out some of the pieces from runway. My friend, the DC Goodwill Fashionista and I, stalked the racks and I grabbed it. I'm sure I will be wearing it this weekend.

I've been fortunate to find amazing items at Goodwill stores over the years. It's a great way to spend an afternoon. I have shopped Goodwill stores as far away as Florida. My favorite stores in the DC area are in Alexandria, Arlington, and Falls Church. You can search for Goodwill stores in the DC area here. If you don't live in the DC area, search here for a Goodwill store near you. The proceeds from Goodwill stores go to support the employment and training programs in your area.

They are in VOGUE

Hi, my name is Deb and I love Birkenstocks ("HI DEB!). Luckily now I don't need a support group to unburden myself. According to VOGUE DAILY (July 29), Birkenstock sandals are back in. For me, they were never out.  Many fashion girls will cringe at this admission because they lump Birkenstocks in with Crocs and Uggs. My two trusty pairs are styles that are no longer available made in silver and purple python. They are my go to weekend shoes. I've walked many miles in them. I've walked beaches, shopping malls, outdoor concerts, tourist sites, even the streets and bars of Key West. The arch support is great for my RA (rheumatoid arthritis). I can wear them all day long. Heidi Klum created a line for Birkenstock. It wasn't until Céline showed a fur lined versions in their Spring 2013 show that the fashion world embraced these sandals.

My favorite pair.

I also own these.

The silver pair above is my go to pair. They fit my feet perfectly and go with everything. I don't have a shot of the purple python pair but I will try to remember to post a shot of them on instagram. The crushed velvet clogs are the pair I wear least but I love the rhinestone buckle and velvet. Somehow , in my warped mind, that helps the horrible shape.

Fashion girls and celebrities are wearing Birkentstocks. Eva Chen, the new editor-in-chief of Lucky Magazine, loves Birks.

 

Celebs and fashion girls seem to favor black and in some cases silver or white. The styles they are wearing are Arizona, Gizeh, and Monterey.



Click above for buying information.

They aren't the suede hippie shoes that you remember. They come in fresh colors, metallics, and patent leather. For me they are comfortable flat shoe alternative. I always select pairs with something special. If you're looking for more than just basic black, QVC has some fun styles. If you're looking for bargains (prices range, $80 - $120), Birkenstock Express has the answer.



Click the photos above for buying information.

 

Birkenstocks, do you love them or hate them?

NOTE: This post is a nod to all of my Birkenstock loving friends. You know who you are, KP, SP, AL, LL, and many more. :)

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Navy Nails

Even though spring is trying to come around (not working so well in DC, it's 25 degrees tonight). I can't help but keep thinking about navy nail polish. I'm not sure why I'm stuck on it except that it's a prettier cousin to a standard black mani. Besides, navy goes with almost everything.  I stripped off my sad, chipping polish and my nails are bare right now.  Hopefully I'll have time for a manicure, in the next day or two. Navy is on the bill. I'm sure I won't be satisfied with just plain navy polish.



Click photos for sources.

Navy polish isn't very forgiving, so precision is key.  The blogger ladies and the photos on Pinterest make it look easy. There are tricks of the trade.  My all time favorite nail polish/manicure guru, Jennifer of Fab Fatale posted this great tutorial last year.  Be sure to check it out and while you're at it, check out her blog.





Check out my other "I'm Obsessed" posts here, including the very first post and the explanation of the title.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Living Your Dreams

Today's FFF post is fashion related but the full focus isn't fashion. Wow, the alliteration in the previous sentence is nuts. About six months ago I opened a fortune cookie to find the following fortune:

It really made me stop and think.  I have a great job, that is rewarding (most of the time), where I'm successful and it pays well. It however, is not and has never been my dream job. Sometimes, There are two things I'm very passionate about, politics and fashion. I've always wanted to work  in fashion in some capacity. I toyed with the idea of majoring in fashion in college. I've held dreams of opening my own boutique, and being a personal stylist. One of the things on my bucket list has always been to attend NYC Fashion Week. I started this blog a couple of years ago hoping that I might be able to go sometime using my blog as an avenue. Little did I know fashion blogging would blow up like it has in the past few years. Back then, I only posted occasionally and wasn't committed to it fully. I've avidly followed politics my whole life. Voting and making my voice heard is very important to me. During college I became more of an activist for causes that are important to me. In the last ten years, I began working with candidates to assist with their campaigns.

When I got that fortune, it made me stop and think about my dreams of youth.  I've always known that I had the power to live those dreams. I just had to make it happen. Silly me, a fortune cookie had to be my catalyst. First I made a committment to blog regularly.  I would attempt to post daily or at least four to five times a week at a minimum. Then I decided to work my blog. Look for ways to learn more and network. With politics, I took a more active roll in my local Democratic party, serving as the chair of some committees and volunteering additional time.

Me with former Governer of VA and DNC Chair Tim Kaine

Here's where the frugal part comes in.  I've spent a little (very little) money here and there on small donations and social events. I've never purchased clothes or products just for my blog that I wouldn't have bought normally. I have only donated to candidates and causes I fully believe in. It cost me nothing to start my blog. It was free (THANKS BLOGGER!). In fact, if choose to, I can run ads on my blog to make a little cash. I've been invited to events and gotten a few items gratis, in gift bags and through product reviews.  I've had the opportunity to meet some incredible activists and politicians, including Gloria Steinhem, Tim Kaine, Tyne Daily and many other Congressional leaders.  I attended rallys and heard (at the time) future President Barack Obama speak.  I was even invited to and attended the innauguration.  The only cost for these events was my time to volunteer, committment to the cause or small donation.

I know that all dreams aren't this inexpensive. However, there are always opportunities to make your dreams happen. I'm sure if you search a little you will be able to find less expensive options.

LIVE YOUR DREAMS!

Sharing in the DIY

Lots of thanks to fellow blogger, Jenni of I Spy DIY. Not only is she adorable, she has amazing style, and a great blog where she posted a link to my DIY chain detail jacket in her DIY Roundup! 

Check out Jenni's blog. She has fantastic ideas and also writes a monthly column for In Style.

photo credit: I Spy DIY