Just in time for those cold winter days when you want to stay inside, Goodwill is holding a storewide Book Lovers Sale. Your purchase of 5 or more earns you a 20% discount on books from Tuesday-Saturday, January 31-February 4.

Time to refresh that bookshelf, don’t you think? If you’re looking into fun ways your favorite titles can spruce up home decor, check out this fun little (exceptionally well-organized) video by YouTube filmmaker CrazeDadMan:

To find a Goodwill near you, visit our Store Locator link. Hope to see you soon, bookworms!

 

Call us romantics, but we’re already pysched for Valentine’s Day. At least we’re not the only ones decking our doorways in cupids – our correspondent Lauren Haslett has been flitting around her local Goodwills in search of the perfect date outfit. All that preparation has led to a very pretty pay-off, as you’ll see with this week’s Goodwill Gem: Sweet Valentine Anytime Heels.

This luxurious navy blue heel is just the thing you need to finish off an extra-special, dressed-up date night look.

Striking and graceful. They are things many of us for, especially when putting together a sophisticated look for a special occasion like a big date out. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many of us are trying to get our romantic plans (and our romantic looks) all sorted out.

Maria Sideris is the style siren behind the fantastic fashion blog Little Tree Vintage. A Garden State resident with an Empire State job, Maria’s all over the GoodwillNyNj empire – and after spending some time with her this past week, we can tell you, this woman is fashion thrift royalty. Know what else Maria is? Our newest GoodwillNyNj Style Icon!

Introducing our newest GoodwillNyNj Style Icon, Maria Sideris!

We hope you enjoy reading Maria’s musings on the NYNJ thrift scene, fashion blogging and style sighting as much as we had hearing them. Enjoy!

How did you first get interested in thrifting? Were you raised to reimagine fashion as a youngin’ or did this passion come later in life?

Growing up I was always surrounded by my Mother’s beautiful vintage pieces. For as long as I can remember I always loved items and clothing that was pre loved. I found a lot of things in my Grandma’s house that I would use to dress up in, and I would use different vintage pieces to make jewelry at a very young age. I started thrifting in college because I wanted to save money, and loved the unique style I got from it. I didn’t want to wear the things everyone else had, and I was always trying to follow trends, but in my own way.

How would you describe your own personal style?

I would say my style is very indie inspired. I love anything flowy, anything that looks bohemian or from the 70′s. I really adore looking comfortable, but putting a spin on it and making it chic. I would say that my style is inspired by everything that goes on around me, vintage included..I love vintage inspired items and vintage items alike…

What role does your budget play in shaping your own personal style?

I think having a budget is always important because you don’t want to overspend when you don’t have the means. I am lucky enough to run a shop & have a 9-5 that helps me keep up with my shopping habits. I think that my budget is definitely helped by shopping secondhand, and thrifting items that would normally be a lot more money somewhere else.

What does “style” mean to you?

Style means having the confidence to show yourself to the world. It means putting something on, and owning it, loving yourself and your body. I think having a sense of style is one of the most important things someone can have, it’s the first thing people see and it’s probably one of the main things they will remember after meeting you. My style means expressing what’s on the inside, on the outside.

Where do you find your fashion inspiration today?

My fashion inspiration comes from pretty much everywhere. I find a lot of inspiration through different stores such as Urban Outfitters, Free People, Anthropologie, and ModCloth. I read a lot of blogs so sometimes it comes from browsing around and seeing other fashion bloggers style items that I would wear too..I also get extremely inspired by reading fashion magazine like Nylon, or Vogue. I am also very inspired by the city of New York. I love seeing different people wearing different things every day, and making statements.

What do you think defines “New York” or  “New Jersey” style?

I think the beauty of New York City is that anything goes. There is so much style flowing all around that it’s impossible NOT to be inspired. I really love seeing all of the different styles come out, especially depending on where in the city you happen to be. I think there is no definitive style when it comes to this area, I think anything goes, and that’s what is so amazing about it!

Do you think a New York & Northern New Jersey Goodwill would be any different than another city or state’s Goodwill? If so, how? If not, why not?

I think that Goodwills around here and Goodwills in other part of the United States will definitely carry different items, and different styles.

When you go thrift shopping, what do you always try to keep in mind – and keep an eye out for?

I always keep an eye out for items that I know are well sought out. I have a love for old jewelry, so I usually go to the jewelry first, and then browse the store after that…I never want to miss out on anything, and that’s usually my favorite! I also love collecting vintage handbags so I always keep an eye out for Samsonite carry on bags & tooled handbags!

Do you have a favorite Goodwill? Have you found any Goodwills to be especially stocked with prime finds?

My favorite goodwill is on Route 18 in New Jersey [the East Brunswick Goodwill]. It’s always my go-to place when I want to thrift shop, definitely has great deals, and great items! I have definitely always shopped at Goodwills and I know that I can always find quality items, plus they always have a great selection, and the people that work there are very sweet.

Clearly this girl knows her Goodwill! Don’t forget to check in next week for Part Two of our interview with the thriftastic Ms. Sideris. In the meantime, let us know if you, too, shop at Goodwill. Come tell us on Twitter and Facebook – we love hearing from you!

Why hello almost-Friday – and hello Window Sale! Here’s tomorrow’s fantastic sale roster for your enjoyment:

Friday, January 20th:

• The Brooklyn Livingston Street Goodwill Store‘s Window Sale!: Doors open at 9 a.m. for the sale, which starts immediately. Purchases are limited to two items per person. Livingston Goodwill Store is located at 258 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (phone 718-923-9037).

• The 23rd Street Goodwill Store‘s Window Sale!: The sale starts at 9:30 a.m. and is first come, first serve. Each customer is given a ticket in the order they enter the store. They may pick one window item to buy. When the purchase is made, they may rejoin the line to make another selection. The 23rd Street Goodwill Store is located at 220 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010 (phone 212-447-7270).

Just in case you’re not in the know yet, a Goodwill Window Sale is when the best items in the store (which have been displayed in the window for days if not weeks) go on sale. There are often designer items and high-priced toys in the mix. We’ve seen everything from an XBox to a Prada suit to a gorgeous electric guitar. Crowds form early, so try to get to the store well before doors open.

Hope to see you there, Goodwill fans!

All that glitters = a golden opportunity for style. There’s no better time to shine than January, when grey skies and bare trees beg for pretty little things galore. This week, our correspondent Lauren sets her sights on the small scale wonders, pouring over her local Goodwill‘s trinkets til she finds this week’s glittering Goodwill Gem: the Golden Touch.

Sweet and sophisticated, these earrings are still big and bold enough to command attention and stand out against any ensemble.

Accessories are a girl’s best friend. Because whatever you’re wearing, even if it’s the simplest of outfits, you can instantly add a little personality to it by popping on one or two extra pieces, like these darling earrings I recently spotted at my local Goodwill. The intricate, slightly old-fashioned style of these ladylike gems makes them the perfect glitzy pieces to dress up almost any outfit.

The gold tone of these earrings will warm up any outfit, so they will look especially nice with cool, calming winter colors you’re gravitating toward right now, like grays, blacks and deep blues. The clear rhinestones that accentuate it add a bit of sparkle and bring attention to flowing lines of the pieces’ design. Earrings like these are impossible not to notice, particularly when used to top off a muted or monochromatic look with simple, graceful lines.

You can use these bright baubles to dress up a casual look or to add a shimmer to a fancier look. Here, I’ve decided to go with option 1, and I’ve paired them with a casual, everyday ensemble to give it a little extra dazzle:

The perfect jewels to top off a basic wear-anywhere look, these shimmering gold earrings add glitz and old-world glam to jeans, a well-loved tee and a cozy scarf.

A favorite pair of jeans, a simple, soft gray tee, and a scarf in a bold, feminine floral print makes a comfortable, easy, and yet put-together ensemble for a Friday at the office or a weekend of strolling around the city and taking in the sights. With the addition of my flirty new earrings, this effortless ensemble instantly becomes a more complete look – and easy way to infuse a bit of elegance into the everyday.

Do you go for the gold when you shop Goodwill? Come tell us! Write about your fashion fun in the comments here, post a photo of a fav look on our Facebook page or send @GoodwillNyNj a tweet. GoodwillNyNj & I love seeing your style, so keep us posted!

Happy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s emphasis on “doing for others” and the value of work, Goodwill invites you to a storewide sale on Monday, January 16. All merchandise is 30% off. Income from Goodwill stores goes to support Goodwill programs, which focus on helping people achieve employment.

It’s a long weekend of good savings, what with 3 weekend Window Sales* and an MLK Monday promotion. Take a look, then swing on by your local Goodwill for fantastic finds!

Friday, January 13th:

• The Bronx Goodwill Store‘s Window Sale!: Tickets are distributed to customers on line by 7:45 a.m., and the doors open at 8. The store admits two customers at a time. Purchases are limited to two window items per person. At 9, the store opens to everyone unless there are still ticket-holders on line. Once they’ve made their purchases, any remaining window merchandise is up for grabs. The Bronx Goodwill Store is located at 361 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY 10455; phone 718-292-1083.

• The Harlem Fifth Avenue Goodwill Store‘s Window Sale!: The sale starts at 9:30 a.m. and is first come, first serve. Each customer is given a number in the order they arrive. They may pick one window item to buy. When the purchase is made, they may rejoin the line to select and purchase another item. The Harlem Goodwill Store is located at 2196 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10037; phone 212-862-0020.

Saturday, January 14th:

• The Greenwich Village Goodwill Boutique Store‘s Window Sale!: The sale starts at 9 a.m. and is first come, first serve. Each customer is given a ticket in the order they arrive. Two customers come in at a time, and may choose two items each to purchase. If they want more, they must go to the back of the line and get another ticket. The Greenwich Village Goodwill Boutique Store is located at 44 West 8th Street, New York, NY 10011; phone 212-477-7024.

As if that weren’t enough Goodwill hunting fun, Goodwill celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and our customers with a 30%-off Storewide Sale onMonday, January 15th!

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s emphasis on “doing for others” and the value of work, we’re delighted to say that income from Goodwill stores goes to support Goodwill programs, which focus on helping people achieve employment – in effect, you’re helping your community when you shop and donate Goodwill. Thank you for your support and enjoy the sales!

 

*Just in case you’re not in the know yet, a Goodwill Window Sale is when the best items in the store (which have been displayed in the window for days if not weeks) go on sale. There are often designer items and high-priced toys in the mix. We’ve seen everything from an XBox to a Prada suit to a gorgeous electric guitar. Crowds form early, so try to get to the store well before doors open.

 

New year, new you – and new chance to streamline that wardrobe! Our correspondent Lauren has boxed and bagged the no-longer-neededs and now she’s on the Goodwill hunt for a few key pieces to revive those never-fail faves staying put in her closet. Sounds like it’s time for a Goodwill Gem right? Right! This week’s find: strong, stylish wedges.

These chic wedges are the perfect addition to any minimalist city girl’s newly pared down wardrobe.

Resolve to put your closet on a diet. Many of us make resolutions when January rolls around, and often those resolutions center around taking better care of ourselves, our bodies and our health, after weeks of parties, cocktails and all the delicious treats and nibbles that go with them. It’s always a good thing to take care of yourself, but after a holiday season glamour, sparkle and shine, it’s time to take care of your closet, too, and pare it down so that it’s filled with functional pieces for more everyday use.

Why hello winter! We’re heard rumors snow is on its way – what better excuse do you need to make your home as comfy and cozy as possible? Well, here’s one: the Winter Wonderland White Sale at Goodwill! Every Tuesday in January, take 40% off all linens.

Looking for a good read while you cuddle up in your newly perfected bed? We recommend this post by Thirfty Vintage Chic. We can’t help but love the Goodwill DMD Fashion Show shout-out:

"My model Blair walks the runway, as I, in the background, talk about the edgy business style I created for her as an actress going for auditions. It was all part of an extraordinary Goodwill event I had the honor of contributing to."

Enjoy – and stay warm, thrift fans!

“Could you go a full year buying everything (except food & medicine) at Goodwill?” We asked this question way back in January 2011 when one incredible woman, Beautiful Existence, launched her own Goodwill Challenge: buying everything (except food & medicine) at Goodwill for a full year – and, not only that, documenting every step of the journey (along with Total Savings tallies).

Did Beautiful Existence survive the Goodwill Challenge? You better believe it!

We have to admit: it sounded tough. Once we interviewed Beautiful Existence in June, though, we knew she was doing just fine. Still, we couldn’t help but wonder: just how much would you save if you only shopped at Goodwill for an entire year? Well, stay tuned, thrift fans, and keep checking Living the Goodwill Life. A tally’s on the way…