Goodwill Fashion Dec 2012
Dear Reader:
So, I was sort of making fun on my mother a little while ago because back in the 1970’s she sewed a gown out of mint-green double-knit polyester. It was for a church choir concert.
“I thought that dress was pretty,” she said.
“I guess it was,” I said. “But double-knit polyester?”
If you were born after 1980, you probably have no idea what I’m talking about. Click HERE to see some examples.
As you, my dear readers know, I am trying to buy all my clothes locally this year. Since I am frugal (cheap), I don’t get to the specialty shops in downtown Portland or Falmouth too often, but I DO frequent the Biddeford and Gorham, Maine Goodwill stores. Amazing to me, I am finding a new willingness to go out on a limb, fashion-wise, since the clothes are so inexpensive, the stuff you find in there is eclectic to say the least, and I have fun shopping. I never used to have fun shopping. This is a revelation!
Today, for example, I bought vintage double-knit slacks. At least, I think they are vintage. They are constructed differently than today’s pants, the stitching seems different, too. They are stretchy, high-waisted, and comfortable with a “made in the USA” label on it. I’m guessing 70’s, but they are in good shape so who knows.
Not a bad fit, huh?
I think they make my butt look fabulous!
After deciding “yea” on the pants, I went over to the sweater rack and found the perfect Croft & Barrow sweater in burnt orange. If you are suspecting a mini-cable sweater trend here on Localista, you are correct. I seem drawn to these this year. I now have one in medium green, electric blue, and now the orange.
Burnt Orange Bonanza
I am envious of some fashion bloggers out there who have access to photographers with really great cameras. I make-do with the Teen’s bathroom mirror and my ten-year-old camera. But you get the idea how the outfit looks on me.
Knit Hat by Sandi
I think this handmade knit hat by my friend, Sandi, is perfect with the outfit. I also added the Vera Bradley bag purchased at a nearby consignment store. See blog post Wedding Card, Ralph Lauren, and a Little Black Dress.
Tommy Hilfiger Clogs
To bottom it all off, I pulled out the Tommy Hilfiger leather clogs I picked up at Goodwill a couple weeks ago. That makes this Burnt Orange Bonanza outfit 100% locally sourced. Except for the lingering scent of Goodwill on the clothes, I couldn’t be happier. Nothing a little wash in the machine and maybe a spray of Chanel No. 5 can’t remedy!
Off to write my newspaper column. Do you have some fab local shopping finds you’d like to share? Send me a link to your blog or a photo or simply write me a note. I’m especially interested to see if Dear Reader Mary Ann finds a dance bag! Happy shopping, everyone.
Localista 
Nice outfit! Here on Beaver Island, our re-sale shop does a grand business (all profits going to support our fire department) with lots of necessities and a few treasures. A friend scored a nice Coach bag there last week. I keep an eye out for suitable black slacks and white blouses for work, and have not had to buy new in ten years. Thanks, Shelley, for another inspiring post! (Oh, and yes, your butt looks great!)
Haha, Cindy. I love to hear about people shopping locally! Thanks for sharing your experience here…and one can only hope for that elusive Coach bag find at the resale shop!
OMG I totally love what you are doing! Cannot wait to go shopping with you in a few weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You were a big inspiration and have been doing this longer than I have by far! Yes, we will shop.
I am so happy to be home, this very snow day, reading your article. You make me laugh AND think Ms. Shelley Burbank!
Glad you enjoyed it! Double-knit rocks:)