Posts Tagged ‘Milwaukee’

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 I became very frustrated because it was difficult to find my size in shirts or jeans, and the selection was so outdated that the offerings weren’t going to complement my existing wardrobe anyway.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!

Kate Bosworth in London

Spring layering is a great way to dress for those days that are not quite warm enough for tank tops. Around where I reside the air is still cool, hence the need to dress accordingly. I was inspired this week by the fabulous Kate Bosworth’s knack for piling on her stylish layers. I am impressed how she dressed her navy jacquard skirt down with a gray tee, a denim vest, a lovely pair of ankle boots. Her skirt is from Silence & Noise, which is available now at Urban Outfitters. The short skirt is versatile enough to be dressed up with a pretty blouse or sleeveless top on a warmer day. To brighten her look, the actress added a pop of color with a beautiful rose scarf, also from Urban Outfitters. If you are in the Milwaukee area, check out the Urban Outfitters store located on E. Kenilworth Ave. for her bohemian look, and for other ways to style yourself for the transitional season.

Thanks to PopSugar for providing the details of the fashionista’s casual cool outfit.

Gossip Girl feeds my passion for fashion, I’ll admit. Even though I love watching the ultra-expensive wardrobes of the characters, I find myself following the fashion ensembles the lovely Brooklynite Vanessa Abrams wears on the show. Actress Jessica Szohr, who portrays the artistic filmmaker, identifies with her character’s eclectic style. Her shopping habits may now include luxury shops in New York City, but she still loves thrift store shopping and finding gems in second-hand shops, said Szohr, who was also featured on the April cover of Lucky magazine.

A native of Wisconsin, the brunette beauty still gives her love to the local boutiques in Milwaukee, which is close to where she grew up. Like Vanessa, Szohr chooses looks that  are put together in an effortless way, such as piling chain necklaces and sweeping her hair into a messy twist. She likes to wear her outfits with funky accessories, such as star-shaped earrings and long strands of pearl necklaces. In her daily life, Szohr likes to dress for herself, which is something I admire about her. At a recent event for Target in Chicago, she wore a sleeveless black dress with a beautiful knotted necklace.

How refreshing it is to see a  woman whose career is in the spotlight, follow her own style and stay close to her roots!