Goodwill Gem: A Little Something Pretty

Fall Flirt is going strong – and, this week, it’s going girly. Our thrift-loving Lauren dropped into Goodwill and walked out with a charm sure to charm her way into Autumn’s cold, cold heart. Take a look at the newest Goodwill Gems, thrift fashion fans: a little something pretty.

Old-fashioned charm is revamped for a new age and becomes the perfect accessory for a modern-day lady.

I wanted something pretty. But since I’m a girl on a tight budget, I try to be practical, too, and I knew there was only one place to go to get something I didn’t really need, but would love to own, and that was also affordable. Where is this wonderful place? My local Goodwill store, of course!

After a long and thorough search, during which I made a very patient male employee remove nearly every item in the store’s accessory display for my viewing and a prolonged decision-making process, I finally settled on this week’s gem – a very pretty black-and-white necklace with feminine flair and an old-world feel to it.

This cameo-style necklace features a floral motif instead of a bust, but the idea is the same as those necklaces once so popular about a hundred or so years ago. The white design stands out sharply against the black oval it’s placed on, and a simple silver chain is delicate and doesn’t distract from the cameo itself. And though eye-catching, the black-and-white color combo manes it will pair beautifully with any number of other items already in your closet.

So, how will I wear my latest Goodwill Gem? A pendant necklace like this one is best shown off with a top with a low-cut or dramatic neckline, to frame it and allow it pop out instantly at any passersby admiring your ensemble. A rich color on top is also a great idea, as a vivid hue will better contrast the blank-and-white scheme of the necklace than another neutral would.

A blouse in a rich shade of pink, with flirty lace detail and a deep v-neck cut, is just the thing to set off my fabulous new find for this week.

Here, I’ve chosen to pair this lovely gem with a basic black pencil skirt and lacy black tights on the bottom, and I’ve topped off the look with ladylike (yet still slightly sexy) blouse in a deep pink. The v-neck cut of the top and the lace at the neckline will both help to frame my pretty new piece of jewelry and make it, and this entire outfit, stand out from the crowd.

Do you have a little something pretty you’ll be wearing this fall? Tell me in the comments here, on our Facebook page or through a @GoodwillNyNj tweet. I love seeing your style, so keep us posted! Stay classy, New York & New Jersey!