Going Global

While reflecting on my New Year Resolution from 2010, I began brainstorming ideas for the year 2011. Something new – Something creative – Something GLOBAL…Periodically, I look over the blogger stats and have noticed that men and woman from around the world are clicking in and viewing Java Journal. In response, my goal this year is to represent the Global Audience of Java Journal. You are now my inspiration, and thrifting is my resource.

Over the course of the year, fashion and style [hair, clothing, make-up] from various diverse countries around the world will be the inspiration for new style represented at Java Journal. Shout out to countries currently following Java Journal – United States, Slovenia, Germany, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Australia, Netherlands, Canada, United Kingdom, Poland, France, China, and Norway!! Thank you for the support!!!  Enjoy Java Journal J

-photo from Google Images [world face]

Fashion Forward or a Blast from the Past?

       

     When designing these bracelets, my goal was to use a natural element. [Cedar to be exact] My dad graciously cut circles into a piece of cedar and  added a textured pattern to the edges. I then wrapped yarn around one of the bracelets - for comfort, and fashionable reasons. I'm currently playing with ideas of how to wrap the bracelets in different patterns and color, or to even wrap them at all. They look adorable when incorporated with scarves and knit belts. The next bracelet will be square! But there's nothing square about this new accessory haha Enjoy! [have an opinion? leave a comment!] 

Hand Crafted Ear Rings

   


      I am in a crafty mood this afternoon and decided to design a pair of ear rings. I love the hues of brown, gold, and rust. Enjoy :)

New Year Resolution 2010 - Conquered

          On January 10, 2010, my New Year Resolution was to wear an item from Goodwill every day for an entire year. I am only 8 days away from completing this bargain fashion quest! This journey has taught me how to channel my interests into a direction that can help others. By purchasing items from Goodwill, I am contributing to a foundation that prides themselves in helping others. Hey, the product of my shopping may have gone towards helping someone find a job. In addition, by informing others of my deals and steals I am setting an example of  how to be "smart spenders." Who doesn't love saving money and finding bargains? I hope you enjoy some of the highlights from 365 days of Goodwill. Thanks for your support :)

Cute & Cozy Headbands

Cute & Cozy
These knitted headbands are cozy for your ears and stylish! I designed the headbands with the goal of creating a knitting project that is both simple and efficient. The buttons are recycled from miscellaneous clothing and hand sewn on the headband. After making headbands for both myself and my friends, they quickly gained attention. I am now selling them for $6 a piece. Let me know if you are interested in purchasing your own knitted headband! :)

Pleasant Surprise for a Plaid Picnic

     This Christmas my best friend Cassie surprised me with an antique plaid picnic set! We had been antiquing together the previous month, and when I spotted this plaid set I instantly fell in love. What a wonderful surprise!! :) The set consists of a plaid canvas bag with leather handles, two traveling mugs with glass interior, and a red plastic storage box. Thanks Cassie! <3

Beauty, Naturally

From Trash to Treasure,
      An Old Necklace Takes on a New Style




      Today I was feeling a bit crafty and decided to sift through some of my beads in storage. I came across these matching beads I salvaged from an old necklace - and after some brainstorming - I made ear rings! These are the first pair of ear rings I have ever made, and they're not too shabby. :)  The pattern reminds me of sea shells or stripes from the Sahara. I paired the shell beads with a couple of complimentary beads and vuala!

Sunday Attire, In the Spirit of Christmas

In the spirit of the holidays, my Sunday morning attire reflected a few common Christmas colors.

-Steal-

Goodwill Top [light brown, the color of dirty snow]

- $3.38

Goodwill Skirt [pleated, browns, reds, and off whites] - $3.38

Scarf - FREE with purchase of a pair of shoes at Younkers

-Splurge-

Rhinestone Belt - $50

Brown Suede Boots - $110 [on sale, not pictured]

Church Attire !

Jacket - Goodwill - $4.38

Green Sweater - Goodwill - $4.38

Black Skirt - Goodwill - 25c

Looking cute while getting my praise on....you guessed it, Priceless ;)

Greek Formal Meeting

Green Jacket - Goodwill - $1.38 or $3.38 [I can't remember]

I absolutely love this funky green jacket. However, the picture does not do the color justice. The original color is comparable to a bright teal green shade.

Volunteering for Adoption Day

Black Top - Goodwill - $3.38

Skirt - Goodwill - 25c

[the pockets on this skirt are my favorite feature]

In celebration of Adoption Day, my greek sisters and I volunteered our time to assist with directing families, hosting the refreshment table, and of course, cleaning, after the program. It was a great experience. :)

Goodwill Get-Up

Bring sequence to the office or lecture hall by introducing down-town to button-down. :)

Striped Button Down - $3.38

Brown Sequence Tank - $1.38

Brown n' Bold necklace - FREE [gift]

Goodwill - College Business Forum

Nine West Heels - $4.38

Pink Sweater - $3.38

Gray Tank Top - 25c

matching lipstick...a definite must ;)

Goodwill: Sticking to my Resolution

Still going strong with my New Year's Resolution to wear something from Goodwill and/or Thrifty every.single.day.

Top by Old Navy

Goodwill: $1.38

Skirt by Unknown

Goodwill: $3.38

It's a bit difficult to tell, but the green skirt is embellished with silver stitching and small sequence flowers. :) A-dor-a-ble

A Tad of Goodwill

Intermixing Goodwill items will lower the expenses of an outfit without taking away your desired look.

Shop. Save. Goodwill.

Vest and Pearl Snap Button down by Goodwill

Cardigan and Halter [25c] Top by Goodwill

Cream Top by Goodwill

Photography by Belen Mata

Mix it, Match it, Goodwill

1st Outfit - Powerful Purple

White Tank and Knit Dress by Goodwill

Total Cost - $1.63

Adding black leggings, black knit leg warmers, and a black beaded chain, completley changes the tone of the dress.

2nd Outfit - Cutesy Color

Wrap-Around-Cropped Top, Tank, Skirt, and Shoes by Goodwill

Total Cost - $9.39

3rd Outfit - Funky Fringe

Top, Skirt, and Heels by Goodwill

Total Cost - $4.88

4th Outfit - Vintage Floral

Top and Skirt by Goodwill

Total Cost - $3.63

5th Outfit - [my favorite] Business Casual - I love the grey look...sunshine or on a rainy day.

Top, Skirt, Shoes, and Necklace by Goodwill

Total Cost - $6.76

Hope you enjoyed these versatile outfits. Happy Goodwill Hunting!

Goodwill Haul Snapshot

Here I have provided a quick overview of 9 items that I recently purchased at Goodwill on Quarter Day. Each item cost 25c

[pink, orange, yellow] Wrap around Top - Talbots

[white] Knit Top - Faded Glory

[jean] Halter Vest - Fresh Brewed

[purple] Knit Dress - Great American Sports Wear

[grey] Sweater Tank - Mossimo

[pink] Fringed Top - Ruby Cho

[black] High Waisted Skirt - Jones Sport

[floral] Vintage Patterned Skirt - Mixit

[grey] Pencil Skirt - Sag Harbor

The Edible Rarity

Yesterday afternoon I experienced a golden surprise while making lunch. There's something simple yet so exciting about cracking open an egg and finding a double-yoke inside!

Goodwill Guesstimate

Closet Project 101 – What % of my closet is from Goodwill? Find out!

[Total % does not include sweat shirts, sweat pants, athletic pants/capris/shorts/tops, scarves, horseback riding jeans, pajamas, or coats]

Sleeveless Tops – 56% Sweater Jackets – 59% Vests: 29% Shirts: 27% ¾ Shirts: 88%

Long-Sleeved Shirts: 72% Hoodies: 60% Capris: 38% Shorts: 50%

Dress Pants: 66% Skirts: 28% Dresses: 64% Button-Down Dress Shirt: 92% Dress Jackets: 92%

Shoes: 32% Purses: 55%

---Goodwill % of Closet: 59% [more than ½, not too shabby]

This was a fun little exercise that allowed the discovery of new outfits for school while cleaning my closet in the process. J

"I've got a dollar Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey!"

Dollar $tore Haul

My latest indulgence…the Dollar $tore. They have deals and steals without the splurge. Check it out!

1- 7 Folders for only $1 [great for school, work, and/or organizing]

2- Stylish Pen- $1[both practical and posh]

3- Pink Lip Gloss - $1 [honestly, who doesn’t love pink lip gloss? better yet, who doesn’t love pink lip gloss for only a $1?]

4- Groovy Glasses - $1 [feelin’ like a cougar in these specs. rawrrr]

5- Floral Notebook - $1 [when does a writer never need a notebook? and floral is always o-so-fun!]