Cool Weather Essentials

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When the temps are cool and I need those cool-weather essentials like warm sweaters, cozy scarves and a great pair of jeans, I always shop Goodwill first! Goodwill is my go-to place for all those things that just scream, “winter!”

Recently, I had the chance to go shopping at Goodwill with a few of my favorite people. We had hopes of finding some great cool-weather gear and scoring some bargains. Let me just say, Goodwill did not disappoint! We found some wardrobe staples that also work as transition pieces. I love it when I find those items because they really make your dollar go even further. We put together a few looks that are perfect for cooler fall and winter days. Some of these finds were even brand new with tags.

Check out what we found. I hope you’ll get out and discover that amazing find waiting for you at Goodwill! Happy winter and Happy Holidays!

I always get excited when I find a great suit jacket because we all know they can cost a pretty penny. Mark’s suit jacket is one of those finds. We paired a $3.99 Mexx suit jacket with a great pair of Express jeans, also $3.99. Layered with a shirt from H&M and an amazing pair of Italian leather ankle boots by Solo, his look is complete. Total cost of Mark’s outfit? Under $22.00.

Mark’s second look is classic, but comfortable. These are the kind of pieces he will reach for over and over again. We started with Abercrombie jeans, added a Banana Republic button-up, an American Eagle leather belt (only .99!) and a great pair of gray Perry Ellis suede shoes. A classic look for right around $17.00.

JR is proving that you can look sharp on a budget! This suit was an amazing steal at just $8.99 for both pieces. Paired with a David Taylor button-up for just $3.99, he’s office ready for right around $13.00!

His second look was casual enough for day, but dressy enough for date night. He started with an Express navy blazer and added a plaid Express button-up. Those two pieces alone have a retail value of over $100, but we paid just $8.00 for both! His jeans are by Old Navy and were $3.99. Total cost? Under $12.00! That’s less than the cost of dinner for date night!

Robin and I had a blast shopping together, and she found some pieces she can transition into her existing wardrobe. Her first look is one of my favorite finds. We paired a navy, floral Exhilaration dress with a great pair of (like new!) Chaps leather boots. Robin’s boots retail for over $150, but we found them at Goodwill for just $14.99. And because we shopped on a Wednesday and used our Preferred Customer Card, we received an additional 20% off our total. All for right around $23!

Robin’s second look started with this great black and white cardi by Meraki. We paired it with an emerald green blouse by 41 Hawthorne and distressed jeans. A black pair of booties by Nickels and some fun jewelry complete her casual look.  We were able to spend right at $18 for her entire outfit. That’s two different, complete outfits for right around $40!

Junior clothing can be expensive, but we found trendy, in-style pieces for a fraction of the mall’s prices. Ellie’s first look started with a great pair of jeggings. She will reach for these all winter long! And for $3.99, that makes them even an even better deal! We layered her up with an Express white tee, Abercrombie plaid button-up and a lightweight tan sweater by Forever 21. Her accessories were the biggest bargain, though! Sperry wedge booties for $19.99 (you can find these right now for over $100 new!) and a brown leather purse for only $1.99! That’s before our 10% Preferred Customer Card discount was applied! Her jewelry was a great bargain as well…$1.99 a piece. Her necklace is by Brighton!

For Ellie’s second look, we decided to find something that she could easily wear to a school dance or another function that calls for a slightly dressy look. We found her dress new with the original tags attached for only $5.99. Her suede flats from Old Navy still had the tags as well and were only $5.99. A vintage gold clutch ($1.99) wrapped up her look. Ellie’s entire look costs right around $14.00.

For me, one of the most amazing bargains at Goodwill happens in the children’s section. Did you know that children’s clothing starts at only $1.49 a piece? I love a great bargain like that, especially when I can find jeans! For Chloe, Arizona jeans, a black tunic and an olive green sweater jacket make this cute, but comfy look. Her outfit came in right at $6!

A great denim dress is a classic closet staple, even for the little ones! This one is no exception. We paired it with a fun pair of Toms boots that we scored for $8.99. Total outfit cost? Under $11!

Clair likes to be comfortable so we searched for pieces that delivered just that….with a little style thrown in! Her Old Navy jeans paired with a plaid button-up and navy sweater from Justice gives her layered-up winter look. For fun, we threw on a polka dot H&M coat (I want one in MY size!) that we found for half price. That’s just 75 cents for that adorable jacket! That’s why I always look for those extra bargains at Goodwill!

Clair was excited about her second outfit because she enjoys wearing pretty dresses. Her dress is from boutique brand Blush and was only $1.49! We dressed it down by pairing it with a classic denim jacket, also just $1.49. The black sequin flats are so much fun! Outfit total, right at $7.00!

by Cristy Harder

Cristy Harder is a Goodwill Fashion Consultant. Check out her “Fashion Friday” post every Friday on Instagram. Cristy lives in Newton with her husband and six daughters and loves to write, decorate and workout in her free time.