Goodwill Boutique

Not that long ago, I visited a Goodwill store in my neighborhood. As I browsed through long racks of disorganized castoffs, I hoped to find something to fit my style. I became very frustrated because it was difficult to find my size in shirts or jeans, and the selection was so outdated that the offerings weren’t going to complement my existing wardrobe anyway.

But all that has changed. Recently, Goodwill boutiques have been working hard to change their image with shoppers and target more middle-class consumers. Milwaukee is one of several major cities to join the campaign with the recent opening of their new concept, Retique. Goodwill also opened a similar boutique store in Carol Stream, Ill.

If you are looking for ways to save money and still look fab, you will appreciate the wonderful selection of fashion apparel from labels such as Gap, Banana Republic, Talbots and Anne Taylor, at the new and improved store. One of the best features of  the boutique is that nothing looks like picked-over product. Everything is of great quality, and arranged neatly by department and by size for ladies, juniors and petites, and men. There are beautiful blouses from Banana Repubic, shoes from Kenneth Cole Reaction, and other well-known brands. Fashionistas will want to grab the Nine West and Liz Claiborne handbags, and pieces from the lovely jewelry selection, including Fossil and Anne Klein NY.

For the guys, there is also a great selection of shirts, jackets, polos and pants. In addition to clothing and accessories, the new boutique offers housewares, including dinnerware and candle holders to update your home or apartment.

The new budget boutique is another example of the growing trend of shoppers looking to save money while they are looking for fashion trends.  Check out your local Goodwill for amazing deals today!

Kevin Christiana

It should come to no surprise to anyone in the fashion industry that Kevin Christiana has realized his dreams as a fashion designer. The Project Runway: Season Four contestant has been sewing and designing clothing since he was very young. His creative talent derives from his Sicilian family, many of whom are tailors and seamstresses. Before he earned the attention of Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn as an aspiring member in the fashion design competition, Christiana’s first label had been sold to approximately 200 boutiques nationwide. His latest collection, MYNT 1792, a denim line for men and women, will soon launch and be available in retailers everywhere for Fall. For the “girlfriend” look, the New Jersey native designed menswear pieces, such as jackets made of Italian fine wool, and great-fitting jeans with rocker chic details, and for the guys, he chose super soft fabrics for vintage T-shirts and comfortable jeans.

Recently, I had the pleasure to chat with the very busy designer about his inspirations and how he harmonizes his artistic talents with the habits of consumers today. Read on for our interview:

Q: Who or what inspired you to become a fashion designer? 
A: Susana Monaco, who is a fellow designer and cousin, my Uncle Mario, who owns a large manufacturing facility and my Aunt Ida Lasusa who taught me how to sew, also known as the family’s master seamstress.  I guess you could say It’s in the jeans!

Q: How did being on the show Project Runway change your life? Professionally and personally. Are you recognized more as an accomplished designer? 
A: Project Runway enhanced my life in so many ways.  The press and attention I receive is amazing!  To be recognized after 12 years of hard work, is beyond rewarding.  As a designer, there is an evolution that happens with every designer, will one survive and can it be repeated?  For me?  Project Runway guided me into a survival designer.

Q: How has the state of the economy affected your choices and decisions as a designer? And, how have you adapted to the changes in consumers’ spending?
A: As a company, MYNT 1792, we created a high-end product at an affordable price-point.  We do intense research when picking fabrics, materials and manufacturing costs; always thinking about the consumer.

Q: Who is your idol?
My idol is, really, my environment.  I am so inspired by architecture, people, places, food…basically anything that brings out my creativity.

Q: How do you overcome creativity blocks? And, how do you reward yourself for your accomplishments?
A: Sometimes, I just have to step out of the everyday and go someplace that is inspiring.  This allows me to recharge and keep designing.

Q: I am really looking forward to seeing your denim line in the Fall. What was your inspiration board like for the MYNT 1792 collection?
My partners and I wanted to create an American lifestyle brand.  MYNT 1792, a men’s and women’s line, is based on the U.S. Money Mint that was established in Philadelphia in 1792.  We wanted to make it about the American people.  The inspiration came from a combination of what we all like; a little bit of rock-n-roll, sports and creating comfort while looking stylish.  MYNT 1792′s tag line is: “E PLURIBUS UNUM”  which means “out of many, one” and that’s our goal for each client; make everyone feel like an individual.

Q: What advice do you have to aspiring fashion designers today? 
Always be prepared!  Be ready for failure, success, opinions and road blocks.  No matter what the neigh sayers say, stay connected and true to every vision and learn patience!  Hard work and persistence make a great designer.

Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte

CFDA Award-winning fashion label Rodarte will be designing a limited-edition collection for Target’s GO International series. Sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte  are known for their ethereal looks, which have created a buzz in the fashion industry. The capsule collection per Target’s press room, will be “very feminine and combine a rich mix of patterns with fabrics, such as sequins and faux fur.” According to WWD, prices for the Rodarte for Target GO International collection will range from $9.99 to $79.99. Not only does this sound very affordable, but Target claims that they have remained close to Rodarte’s quality designs and that the consumer will notice “amazing details” in the selection.

The line is expected to debut at Target stores and Target.com on December 20. How excited are you about this latest collaboration? I know that I am going to mark my calendar!

Finally, I want to thank the creative vision of Lori and her team at Keystone Click for the beautiful new custom-designed header, which they developed for my site. The new look embodies my personal flair and my belief that it is possible to enjoy shopping for fashionable looks without breaking the bank!

·         Union Square – New York
·         Union Square – San Francisco
·         Easton, OH
·         Oakbrook (Chicago), IL
·         Bethesda, MD
·         Carle Place (Long Island), NY
·         Dallas (Prestonwood), TX
·         Dallas (North Park), TX
·         Houston (Galleria), TX
·         San Diego, CA
·         Costa Mesa (Southcoast), CA
·         Buckhead (Atlanta), GA
·         Aventura, FL
·        Miami, FL

Target’s next limited jewelry collection, Anna Sheffield for Target, won’t be available until August 30, but here are some images from her collection for you to add to your wish list. The designer has collaborated with other retailers, such as Urban Outfitters, to bring her unique designs to the masses at affordable price points. Pieces from her exclusive line with Target will range from $20 to $80.  I can’t wait to see that charm necklace!