On July 27, I was invited to be part of a fun thrifting night out with two other Goodwill Akron bloggers at blue – A Goodwill Boutique. I have attended similar events in the past at blue, but this was my first time helping out. It was such a fun night shopping after hours with friends, trying on clothes, helping people pick out outfits, taking pictures, and sharing in our love of thrifting.
A few days before the event, I went to blue and picked out a curated rack of thrifted clothing that was my style and that people could shop from. As I thought about my style, I asked some friends what they thought my style consisted of. The resounding word that came back was; Chic. When I examined my closet and what makes me feel comfortable and confident, I landed on a collection that consisted of Effortlessly Chic clothing items.
If you have never been to blue, it is a smaller, curated, and well organized thrift boutique. They have name brands, classic pieces as well as trendy pieces and a lot of items are new with tags. As I searched the racks for items for my collection, it was easy to find specific colors, styles, and items.
For my collection, I leaned heavily into pieces that are classic and neutral with a small mix of trendy items and pops of color and patterns to mix and match. I am naturally drawn to neutral pieces in my wardrobe and then sprinkle in some pops of color, texture, and layering pieces gives more versatility. I incorporated some athleisure pieces like leggings, sweatshirts, pullovers, and sneakers which are a big part of my wardrobe as I work from home and like to be comfortable but stylish. I pulled some faux leather joggers and a faux leather moto jacket that could be layered over other items for the fall. I chose a few of my favorite cuts of jeans in different washes; flares, straight leg, and skinny jeans. I added classic pieces like a good jean jacket and a structured, plain-colored blazer. Patterns I am drawn to like; stripes, polka dots, florals, and some subtle animal print. I found a few rompers and jumpers which are a favorite and easy wardrobe item to have for a quick and easy effortless outfit to wear alone or layer with a cardigan or jacket for cooler months. I pulled out some flowy dresses, skirts, beautiful heels, and booties. I finished my curated rack with a faux leather fanny pack, a quilted purse, and some simple gold and silver necklaces.
When I arrived at the event, it was so great to see that several items from my rack had been purchased already and others found them easy, stylish, and comfortable pieces to incorporate into their wardrobes and styles. It was truly a special night meeting the other two bloggers and seeing their curated racks and what their style is, helping people choose items to try on, and seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter, and seeing the joy each person had.
So many people do not know what their style is or what they like when they are shopping. I hear from friends all the time who tell me they have “no style” and my response is always, “Your style is what YOU like and what you feel yourself in.” If you have never thought of what your style is, or if you are struggling to find your style, I highly recommend asking friends what they think and seeing what you reach for the most in your closet when you want to feel good, confident, comfortable, and yourself. You do not have to jump on board with every fashion trend, wear clothes that make you feel uncomfortable or feel bad. If you like to wear neutrals and classic pieces, bold colors and patterns, skinny jeans or wide leg jeans, athleisure clothing or dressy clothing; find what you love and that is your style.
Invest in clothing that you love, and when you are shopping for new items to add to your closet, it will be so much easier to weed out what you do not like and ensure that anything you add to your wardrobe makes you feel good!
I hope to be able to be a part of this event again. It is such a joy to help women find clothing that makes them feel beautiful and confident.
Happy Thrifting!
Erin