Photo by Flickr user thinkretail

I’ve long lamented the rise of fast fashion: giant stores where you can find all the clothes you just saw on the runway for a fraction of the price. You might be skeptical too, because you’ve watched that new cool dress fall apart in six months. Or you can’t believe that a pair of skinny jeans could cost only $10.80.

But is there a positive side to the world of fast fashion? Crain’s New York explains it this way: we’ve been previewing fashion seasons well in advance to account for the time it would take to refine, manufacture, and distribute the new styles. Fast fashion has led to a return to American manufacturing, in an effort to get new styles on the racks immediately. It’s simple: clothing can be put on the racks much more quickly if they don’t have to be shipped across an ocean or two.

Some of the garments sold in stores like Brooklyn Industries are now manufactured in New York, which results in a double dose of awesome: we have the chance to own clothing manufactured in our country for what might be the first time in our lives, and we can keep up with popular fads and trends. Win-win!

When I shop (which is often) I make an effort to buy locally-made clothing, and I shun brands who have faced allegations of unethical practices. (Remember when Nike took heat in the 1990s over sweatshop rumors? I refused to wear Nike sneakers for a long time.) But it’s hard to stick to your principles when fashionable clothing is available at rock-bottom prices. Buying secondhand certainly alleviates some of my fast-fashion guilt.

It’s definitely an issue that I think my dear readers will have a lot to say about. Are you loyal to certain brands because you admire their ethics? Do you research brands before you buy?

I’m still wary of fast fashion, but am excited by the thought of wearing more clothing that’s made right here at home.

Even when our hometown approaches the 100-degree mark (It’s coming, Washingtonians. Brace yourselves), it’s sometimes important to still feel covered and classy. I’d romp around in something strapless all day…until I needed to go back inside and attend a meeting like a grownup with a day job. Sigh!

Back to the point: To show off this lovely sleeveless (purchase here!) top by Simply Vera—the collaboration between Vera Wang and Kohl’s. This marigold-colored top features some neat pleating at the neck and a satin finish that makes this top perfect for your professional life. Pair the polyester top (it’s a size with a skirt and blazer and you’ll have an effortless ensemble! And when you leave the office to get some fresh air and check out the food trucks, you can leave the blazer inside. You can be comfortable and chic in the summer sun!

Simply Vera tops aren’t expensive, but you’ll definitely be getting a great Goodwill deal on this top that was perhaps only worn once or twice. Plus, this Fashionista can vouch for the quality of Simply Vera items—I’m a fan! If you’ve seen me at any events over the past year, you’ve probably seen me lugging around a navy patent handbag from the Kohl’s collaboration. It can take a beating as well as I can serve one as I lug entirely too much stuff around our fair city on a regular basis!

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on the DC Goodwill eBay Store funds Goodwill’s mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

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Ladies, I need to tell you something. You might want to sit down. I’m sure your feet are killing you, anyway.

When you wear lobster-claw, armadillo high heels, you probably look ridiculous. These shoes were meant for the runway. For editorial fashion shoots. They weren’t meant for the average, active woman.

(Also: I fear for your ankles, all of you.)

My tirade comes from a bit of research. A little bird named Vogue revealed in a recent issue that high heels may be lowering for the fall season. I checked back to New York Fashion Week, and the photos prove it: designer’s looks are settling down into heel heights that I can stomach. Balenciaga‘s shoes may not fit my style, but they’re certainly in the “sensible” category. Dolce & Gabbana had some eyebrow-raising styles in the mix, but also featured a good handful of mid-height Mary-Jane shoes. Chloe featured ankle straps and a thick heel—and ditched the clunky platform.

Yes, sky-high Louboutins are gorgeous. But you look silly trying to walk down the street in them. Or up a flight of stairs at a party. Or down a flight of stairs, any time.

I am also a woman against the “commuter shoe.” If you can’t walk from your house to the Metro (or the car) to your office in the same pair of shoes you want to wear all day, then they’re probably  not worth wearing at all. High-flying heels may look great, but they don’t travel well.

Luckily, there are sensible shoes that still look amazing (they do exist!). It may take a while for the designers’ new favorite low heels to catch on, but there are plenty of reasonable shoes that you can look fabulous in all spring and summer.

I’ve collected a few of my favorites for your perusal and approval. I actually own two of the pairs you see here! You’ll just have to guess which two.

Vyque of local style blog Fasshonaburu posted this Fashionista Friday-worthy look on our Facebook wall.

I rocked a seriously crazy, Goodwill based, look to NY Fashion Week this year! I bought a mint green blouse, cut the collar off and added studs all for less than $10! People thought it was an Eleven Objects collar which cost $150+ The tiger print sweater was also from Goodwill.

Vyque’s skill for mixing color and patterns is definitely good reason to feature this look. It’s another example that animal prints can be mixed with other patterns in the same outfit to create an overall aesthetic that’s not too distracting (always to my surprise).

I’m also loving this lady’s DIY collar. It’s almost too easy to cut off a collar and decorate it with more fabric, beads, buttons, or just about anything you can apply with thread or a hot-glue gun. Rookie has a few DIY collar ideas to inspire you!

Vyque, you’re definitely a Goodwill Fashionista. Keep rocking those savvy looks in the front row!

Want to be a Goodwill Fashionista? Send a photo of your latest Goodwill find to fashion@dcgoodwill.org. If we feature your look here, you’ll get a badge to share on your blog or site to show everyone that you’re a savvy Goodwill Fashionista!

Just in time for spring my local thrift shop has helped to start my closet on the right foot with some key essentials pieces.

This pass Friday I ventured into my local thrift shop in the hopes of finding some hidden gems and treasures. When thrifting it can be a 50/50 chance that you may luck up and find something phenomenal, but that’s what makes it so fun! I have spent about a year and a half looking for the perfect trench coat. One that’s the perfect length, perfect traditional color and has great detailing. I occasionally troll the coat ales in hopes of finding this perfect coat but always come up empty. Today after getting to the end of the ale I spotted a sleeve, just a sleeve not even the whole coat. Perfect color of taupe, great length , perfect sharp and great detailing the only thing to do was try it on. Taking a line from the movie Spanglish I found a mirror and tried it on.

I slipped on this beautiful Etienne Aigner trench coat with the chicest detailing ever in hope that it would fit! Perfection! I walked out of the store feeling like I had struck gold and was ready for the springtime.

I’ve learned if you set you sights on what you want and stay grounded you will luck up and find your dream pieces! Below are some of my key tips that I use when entering my local thrift shop.

Key Tips to Thrifting:

• Patience
• Knowledge of proper sizing
• Inspect and inspect items from top to bottom
• Knowledge of vintage designers

These 4 key tips to thrifting will make you an excellent thrifter and bargain hunter.

Nakia is a longtime lover of all things vintage. She has worked for design companies in New York shopping the highest to lowest price point vintage and thrift stores to score one of kind pieces to rework. She love’s the hunt and adventure of not knowing when venturing into Goodwill what you might find! She’s the creator and part-time blogger at Vogue & Vintage a blog about all things fashion from a vintage and industry perspective inspired by her love of thrifting and being a savvy shopper.

Did Mother’s Day slip your mind until, well, right about now? Don’t panic—there’s still time to get a great gift for your mom, grandma, aunt, or other special lady in your life. And you can do it on a budget at Goodwill!

Here are a few gift ideas that you can probably find at your local Goodwill store.

• Books: Mom’s probably a little behind on her reading list, so pick up a few titles you know she’s been itching to read. You can usually find a copy that looks like it’s never been read!
• Bags or luggage: Is mom always searching for the perfect clutch? Maybe her go-to carry-on bag is looking a little sad? Pick out a bag from Goodwill that you think she’ll like. Going with your gut will only cost a few dollars, and we bet she’ll use whatever you choose. Bonus if you find something vintage!
• Housewares and decor items: When the Goodwill Gal visited with us last month, she found a type of item she’s always searching for—milk glass (check out her giant steal above for just under $4!). She also found a set of four exquisite cocktail glasses that cost about $3 after the store’s housewares discount on that day! She found a set of just two identical glasses on eBay—with a $40 price tag! If your mom’s always searching for the next item to add to her collection, you can probably find something interesting at Goodwill.
• Replacement items: Your fashionista’s mother is especially frugal—especially when it comes to items like dishes that can last almost forever. Last fall, my mom admitted that she was trying to find a few replacement bowls to match her Pyrex set from the 1970s (remember those olive green bowls with the white flowers? Did anyone else have this set growing up?). The first place I looked was at Goodwill. Mom was surprised and pleased when I shipped two, perfect-condition, matching bowls to her! Replacement items can take some hunting, so you may not be able to find the perfect match in time for this Sunday. But—it’s always good to keep your current “needs” in the back of your head each time you shop at Goodwill!

Go ahead, shop for mom at Goodwill. She’ll be proud you’ve grown up to be so frugal. And so stylish!

When I think of long, romantic walks on the beach, I usually imagine long, romantic dresses. Am I wrong, fashionistas?

I think this dress by Jonathan Martin would be a perfect fit for a long walk on the beach or a party by the pool. The silk crepe dress is a size 14 and features and open back with a knot at the nape of the neck. I do love a dress that shows a little skin in interesting places, while still allowing you to feel covered up just enough!

The red sash sets this swirling black and white pattern apart from the crowd. I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I have a lot of neutrals in my wardrobe. Pops of bright red in belts, shoes, or bags is my favorite way to freshen up an outfit!

I’d wear this dress with red or black wedges, and I might throw a big scarf over my shoulders if I’m out on a breezy day. It would be hard to not feel beautiful in this fun, flowing dress!

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on the DC Goodwill eBay Store funds Goodwill’s mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

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A few of the shades found in this fashionista's medicine cabinet.

I’ve been chewing on a New York Times article for a while. In early April, it declared nail polish a new fashion accessory. Officially.

At first, I balked—wasn’t nail polish always popular? Haven’t women been visiting nail salons since the dawn of nail salons?

Nail polish has always been popular, but now it has cultural pull. Now I’m a believer.

One important aspect of the new nail color culture is the decline of acrylic nails. They still exist, but I’m hard-pressed to find more than a few style bloggers in the DC area that wear fake nails. Everyone I see is wearing natural nails, with colors that change as often as a few times a week. There’s no need to wait for your next trip to the salon to try something new.

When it comes to a style splurge, a new nail color is one of the least risky couple of bucks you can spend. Nail color bottles range from $2 to $12 and sometimes more, meaning both that there’s a color out there for every budget and also that there’s room for endless experimentation for minimal style investment.

And, as one Chanel creative told the New York Times, “Nail polish is just makeup. “If it doesn’t work out, you can wipe it off.”

There’s also a valid argument that nail polish is taking off because our work and social environments have changed. Many office dress codes of the past prohibited nail color all-together; some limited women to wearing only pink or red colors. Now, the rainbow of shades (including neon) is appropriate for today’s start-up, entrepreneurial, and telecommuting professions. As long as it’s neatly done, any color seems to be appropriate.

When it comes to cheap thrills in the fashion world, you’ll rarely see me picking up a new bangle or pair of earrings. But all it takes is a lap through the drug store to find me pondering a new nail color on a weekly basis. Nail color is easy to find, easy to experiment, and lasts longer than ever thanks to some fancy technology. Oh, and there are fewer harmful chemicals in the mix.

I have a million little reasons to love nail polish as my favorite accessory. Now if only I could stop biting my nails in between color changes!

Related: Racked National reveals why none of that neon nail polish you love is made in America. That’s right. It’s not exactly legal! A quick, worthy read for neon-lovers.

While we were roaming the racks with the Goodwill Gal a few weeks ago at our store located on South Dakota Ave. NE, we met Cookie and Jackie, two lovely ladies visiting from Mississippi!

Jackie’s scarf shown here is a fabulous find from her local Goodwill in Mississippi. The lightweight zebra-print scarf is great to throw over any outfit on a chilly day—although the pattern is busy, the neutral grays make this scarf a versatile one. She paired it with a small polka-dot print and bright pink pants. Dear readers, how is that you all are so much more daring than I am, with all your colors and prints? You all make it look too easy!

While she shopped with us, Jackie found brand-new, never-worn Sam Edelman boots for a serious bargain. She won’t be wearing the boots too much this summer—especially in Mississippi!—but they sure will come in handy in fall and winter.

We sneaked a peek at the price tag. Original Nordstrom price: $199. Goodwill price: $54.99!

Jackie, you’re definitely a Goodwill Fashionista. Come visit us any time!

Want to be a Goodwill Fashionista? Send a photo of your latest Goodwill find to fashion@dcgoodwill.org. If we feature your look here, you’ll get a badge to share on your blog or site to show everyone that you’re a savvy Goodwill Fashionista!

Hi! My name is Apollina from Apollinas.com and I am so excited to do a guest post for DC Goodwill! I am a long time Goodwill fan. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money, we lived off of food stamps hand-me-downs. Being someone who’s always valued personal style and a sense of fashion, I had to become creative and resourceful at a young age. I got my first job as a maid at 13 and was able to stretch my hard earned dollars while shopping at the neighborhood Goodwill. Although I went through some crazy style phases- pineapple print pants and lime green moo-moos with butterfly appliques for example – Goodwill was always ready to satisfy my every fashion whim, at a minimal expense. Now that I have a more refined eye and more demanding tastes, Goodwill is still a valuable resource for unique and treasured finds.

My two favorite things to hunt for at Goodwill stores are jewelry and glassware. One of my favorite necklaces which I wear almost every day is one I bought from Goodwill. Actually, all of my favorite necklaces are from Goodwill. It’s amazing to me how many things I’ve bought from department or jewelry stores that have come and gone and the necklaces I have from Goodwill from years ago are the ones I still wear, and probably always will. Here are some of my favorites:

I love this one. I’ve had it for at least 8 years now. It has this beautiful clasp that you can wear either in the front or the back.

This one I wear almost every day:

And these two are fun and unique; I wear them at random, usually as a last minute thought:

The gold leaf didn’t have a chain when I found it. It was just so beautiful and intricate I had to have it! You can just find the best jewelry! I can go crazy in Goodwill and not feel bad because I’m never going to spend a fortune but I always leave with one.

I also have many mismatched glasses in my cabinet and most all of them are from Goodwill. Whenever my boyfriend comes to my house he threatens to throw them all away and get me new matching sets! I would never let that happen because my piecemeal glassware collection is something I love and treasure! Like Goodwill itself, my cabinet may not be particularly organized or tidy but it is full of unique, special, once-loved items that are still relevant and useful.

Apollina is a DC attorney who moonlights as a blogger, design enthusiast and confection stylist. She is the woman behind Apollinas.com, a mixed content blog designed to reflect our mixed content lives. Apollina’s desire is to inspire those who believe in pleasing aesthetics and delicious food – mainly of the sweet variety. She loves to experiment with high fashion designs and high sugar content. The Stella Cake was the first of many couture confections to come. She also likes to articulate certain truths of which we are all aware but maybe haven’t yet reflected upon.