GoodwillSA Finds, Project Runway, Upcycling, and Jackets

Pamela Lutrell wears a jacket from GoodwillSA

This is a fun post about many of my favorite things… my fashion finds from Goodwill San Antonio, Project Runway, Upcycling, and finding new shorter jackets for my 2020 style goals.  Hopefully soon, you will see how they all connect.  I represent our incredible local GoodwillSA organization and support all of the good work they do for our community.  In this world of sustainable fashion, Goodwill and organizations like them, have become even more important.  

Pamela Lutrell finds shorter jackets at Goodwill

I am in need of shorter jackets to wear and they are part of my style goals for 2020…also I am in need of blue!  So when I found this Coldwater Creek, wool jacket at Goodwill SA…all I could think was SCORE!  It was only $6 like new.  Of course the first thing I do is have it cleaned and then it is ready to wear. The bronze buttons were in perfect shape.  When you are ready to make a style change and the shopping budget is a little low, thrift is often one of the best ways to find quality, top notch brands.  Particularly in January after everyone has made their end of the year donations!

Over 50 Feeling 40 for GoodwillSA

This is typically how I shop GoodwillSA.  I am looking for the best garments that (after cleaning) I can wear right now.  I am not a seamtress or a fashion designer…only in my dreams.  So I partake in sustainablity.  However, there are true artists who partake in upcycling. “Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality and environmental value.”

Pamela Lutrell in thrift scarf

I also found this snake print scarf at GoodwillSA for $3.  A fashion designer could take this scarf and make a top out of it! Some of you are thinking, but she just said she wasn’t buying more scarves…it’s on trend and $3!! Give me a break!  It had to come home with me. If I was a designer, it could be so much more.

Tonight is another episode of Project Runway, the show where fashion designers compete against one another for fame and fortune.  I love this show because I love to see what they create each week.  Last week, they were sent to Goodwill in New York to use materials there to create a garment for one of the show’s hosts to wear at a fashion event in Paris.  One designer used 12 pair of jeans to make an entire denim outfit!  Also this year, they have a designer (Nancy Volpe-Beringer) who is 64! She made it into the top three of this challenge.  We need to watch and support her, ladies!  For those of you who included creativity/artistic in your style adjectives, you will love Nancy’s designs. You can watch the entire episode called THE ULTIMATE UPCYCLE here.  Just click on the title.  A new episode airs tonight.  Here is Nancy’s picture….

Project Runway Designer

The idea of reusing great pieces and creating new ones is a fun part of the fashion world that I really love.  If you are in or near San Antonio, make sure you check out our Goodwill SA locations…they are incredible.  

Since this post is brought to you by GoodwillSA, there is not slideshow today…but back tomorrow with another reader’s style adjectives!  Had you heard of upcycling?  

KEEP SMILING!

 

Disclaimer:  Goodwill SA provides income for me to shop at their stores, but the words are my own.

By Pamela Lutrell

24 Comments

  1. I’ve heard of upcycling, and I sew, but I’ve never made a new outfit from something iI’ve found. It’s an interesting concept and could be a good challenge to undertake. Your look today is flattering, and such a great find on that jacket! It’s a good feeling to find something new or nearly new in consignment or thrift shops! I found some great pants right after Christmas, a Macy’s brand, for $16, wonderful quality, and just needed a little taking in at the waist. They have been in the regular rotation since they came home with me! What you have on here is another great going-out-for-lunch idea. Or work…

  2. My mother wanted to teach me to sew and I resisted it. I wish many times that I had learned. So great that you know how!

  3. I shop thrift for most of my clothes now and will get creative if I really like the fabric. I change skirt styles and lengths and change the bottom of tops if they are not right and so on. I am drawn to the fabric and colour first then decide if it is for me. Some days have fantastic finds and others none, but that is the fun of the hunt. When the retail has nothing for me in style or colour, I know I can find something fun in thrift. Still love retail for great underwear etc.! I am looking forward to seeing you in shorter jackets, as I have gone in that direction myself . Makes a real difference.

  4. Loved that episode and Nancy is an inspiration! And Pam, whatever you’re doing keep it up. You’ve never looked better 🙂 Cheers!

  5. Hi Lynn, click on the link in the post. All of the info is there. It is on Bravo on Thursdays at 7 CST or you can watch on their website after the episode runs.

  6. Super scores Pamela as the jacket in particular looks amazing on you and both items certainly were priced right.

    Speaking namely for myself, I prefer the shorter length jackets as just feel: a) more youthful in them b) they work better with varying lengths in pants/skirts/dresses and c) are less bulk under outerwear. With respect to up-cycling clothing/fabric (as well as their closures like buttons/zippers) ; as a hobby sewer do it on occasion when in need using Thrift Store finds and sometimes even shopping my own closet. i.e.: Created trim and a belt from an old but real leather coat that I had, adding both to a recently purchased cloth one to step it up a notch. As for its left over fabric it will not go to waste that I guaranty. -Brenda-
    P.S.: Don’t watch Project Runway but shall tune in for sure.

  7. Just based on your comment here, I think you would like Project Runway. It’s always fun to see what they create!

  8. I never remember to look at thrift stores. Thank you for the reminder of what great pieces one can find. You really scored!

  9. I wasn’t familiar with the term “upcycling” until now, but several years ago I did make two jackets out of worn out blue jeans, one for myself and one for a friend. I’ve also done minor upcycling. For example, last summer I bought a pair of jeans that were too short for me at our local thrift store and shortened them further making them into capris.

  10. A great aspect of thrifting is the wide variety in one spot. You just go to your size on the rack and sort through. Some women find department stores and malls overwhelming. Where to start or what store was that pink jacket in again?

  11. Have to tell you that I just love your new hairstyle. You look amazing in that photo of you with the scarf. I think it is the smile — you do have the most beautiful smile.

  12. i love Goodwill. spent one or two years wearing nothing but clothes i bought there. sounds like yours has some better choices then ours does.

  13. I shopped at Goodwill and resale stores when I was losing weight several years ago. It made more sense to buy my transitional wardrobe at the lower prices.

  14. I’ve always been a fan of second hand stores. Great finds and fun shopping. Price is the icing on the cake!

  15. I also live in San Antonio and huge fan of Goodwill & garage sales. Usually I buy my purses new at Ross’s….but everything thing else second hand. Favorite show Project Runway. I’m 65. I use to sew in younger years. I designed both wedding dresses…prom dress…bikini’s…love design.

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