Goodwill Archives - Whitney Nic James

Events | Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley’s 2nd Runway Fashion & Awards Show

April 12, 2018 by Whitney 4 Comments

I may not talk about it much anymore, but thrifting will always have a special place in my heart. Thanks to my late grandfather, I caught the thrifting bug when I was about 10 or 11. I still remember perusing the Goodwill aisles with Fafa (my grandfather) looking for ties and various vintage knick-knacks. As I grew older, I started shopping on my own at my local Goodwill and really fell in love with the art of thrifting. I actually parlayed my passion for thrifting into a successful vintage resale business, Nic’s Picks.

Although I no longer sell vintage items, nor do I thrift as much as I use to, I’m still and will always be HUGE Goodwill supporter. I’ve always admired how the company gives back so much to its community, and their runway shows are always enjoyable and of course, fashion-forward. So, imagine my excitement when the Goodwill of Monocacy Valley reached out to inquire if I’d be one of their stylists for their upcoming runway show! Uh, yes. Sign me up, please and thank you!

After agreeing to join the FABULOUS team of stylists, I met the Marketing Coordinator at the Goodwill store in Westminster to pull my looks. The store was massive, which was a bit intimidating at first, but once I got going I was on a roll! My rack is filled with lots of prints, unique pieces, and fun accessories. The looks flow very well, and I can’t wait to see them on the runway!

Come out and support the @GoodwillMV fashion show on May 10th, from 5-8 p.m., at @DrinkMcClintock!

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List of Stylists

Purchase Tickets HERE

So tell me, are you an avid thrift shopper? Have you ever been to a Goodwill Fashion Show? Let me know!

If you’re in the Maryland area, I’d love to see you there! You can purchase your tickets HERE, and if you want to volunteer at the event, feel free to contact me so I can put you in touch with the right person. Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting and until next time, be blessed and stay safe.

Love & light…xo!

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Personal Style | Denim and Leopard Print

February 22, 2016 by Whitney 37 Comments

Wearing denim and leopard print is probably one of my favorite combinations! This weekend I was able to style this combo for a day of errands, lunch and hanging out with hubs. I’ve been dying to wear this jacket, purchased from Macy’s a few seasons ago. Since the weather was just right, not too cold and not too warm, I figured it’d be the perfect jacket to wear.

Denim: JCP (Another Option) // Jacket: Calvin Klein (Another Option) // Flats: Tesori (Another Option)

I like to fill my wardrobe with clothes that can easily be mixed and matched. Of course I have some wardrobe items that are specifically for formal occasions, but the majority of my options can be worn any day. This outfit is the perfect example! Not only is this a great outfit for the weekend, but it can also work for a casual date night, a shopping trip or even a day of working from home.

Styling denim and leopard print is the perfect outfit combo! #wnjstyle

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Clutch: Thrifted, Goodiwll (Another Option) // Earrings: Thrifted, 2nd Avenue

So tell me, are you a fan of the denim and leopard print combo? Does your wardrobe consist of many mix and match options? Let me know!

Thanks for reading! Be sure to link your recent outfit to my Personal Style Linkup below. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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** Linkups: How I Fall, Throwback Thursday, Sophisticated Style**

Personal Style | 2015 Personal Style Recap

December 21, 2015 by Whitney 31 Comments

Happy Monday! I wasn’t going to post again until next year, however there are still a few posts I want to share; my 2015 Personal Style Recap is one of them. This year I’ve really come into my own in more ways than one, but especially style-wise. I have never been more comfortable in my own skin or with my personal style choices. I’ve searched, tried and experimented with several styles (stores, brands and designers) and I’ve finally figured out what works for me. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite outfits from 2015.

Cape & Leggings // 80’s Inspired // Thrifted Kimono

Thrifted Menswear // Crazy Pants // Wearable Art

On my 2015 vision board I pinned a few images that reminded me to explore and express my personal style. As a budding entrepreneur, blogger and new wife, defining my personal style has been very important to my personal development. I wanted to be sure I was purchasing clothing that fit my lifestyle, not a trend. I wanted to be happy with my outer appearance just as I was with my inner self. No matter how you try to spin it, your inner and outer go hand in hand. If you look good and dress for yourself, you feel great on the inside.

Figuring out your personal style makes you feel great on the outside AND on the inside! #wnjstyle

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Tunic Dress // Sheer Blouse // Black & White

Black Maxi // Jumpsuit // Lounge Wear

My 2015 personal style recap shows that I wasn’t afraid of embracing color, print and different styles. It also shows that I have somewhat of a cohesive style. Comfort, practicality, chic and stylish are the words that come to mind when look back at my 2015 style. I also realize that I’m a fan of casual wear, with a stylish twist. Comfy flats, beanies, hats, bold accessories, flowy clothing and neutral colors are definitely my thing!

Being confident with your outer appearance is just as important as what’s inside. #wnjstyle

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Sequin Hat // Thrifted Tunic // Tees & Vest

Leather Leggings // Blog Life // Chic in Black

So tell me, what do you think about my 2015 Personal Style Recap? How has your personal style changed this year? Let me know!

I always thank you for reading and linking up, so today is no different. THANK YOU for all your support this year. I truly appreciate you linking up every Monday and sharing my #OOTD posts. It means the world to me, really. Be sure to linkup to the last Personal Style Linkup of the year below and check back this week for my last few posts of the year. Until then, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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** Linkups: Sophisticated Style, How I Fall, Garay Treasures, Let it Shine **

Personal Style | Styling Oversized Sweaters for a Casual Holiday Season

November 23, 2015 by Whitney 18 Comments

This week hubs and I will be traveling to Delaware to spend Thanksgiving with his family. I’m excited to see my in-laws, nieces, nephew, Godson and everyone else, and of course, I can’t wait to eat some good food. I can taste the mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, greens, MMPH – I can’t wait! With all the eating I plan to do, I know for sure that I will be dressed as comfortable (and stylish) as possible. This means leggings or some kind of pants with an elastic waist, a tunic and an oversized sweater to complete the look. Here are two outfit ideas that show how easy it is to style oversized sweaters during the holiday season.

Oversized Sweater: Thrifted, 2nd Avenue // Tunic: Thrifted, 2nd Avenue // Flats: Aldo Brand, Nordstrom Rack (Similar) // Earrings: Target (Old)

Necklace: Thrifted, 2nd Avenue // Purse: Forever 21 (Another Option)

Our drive is about an hour and 45 minutes so dressing comfortably is a must. With plans to relax, watch TV, eat and chat, either one of these options is perfect. Whenever I visit the in-laws I’m always presentable, of course, but I also make sure I stay true to my personal style. That means animal print, leggings and prints in general are usually incorporated in the outfit. I like wearing at least one conversational piece whatever I get dressed – the black embellished tunic definitely fits that criteria

One conversational piece per outfit is a must! #wnjstyle

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Sweater: Thrifted, 2nd Avenue // Pants: American Rag, Macy’s // Blouse: Nordstrom Rack (Another Option)

Flats: Nordstrom Rack, Tesori (Cute ON SALE Option) // Purse: Thrifted, Goodwill

So tell me, what are your plans for Thanksgiving? What will you be wearing? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading and be sure to link your recent fall outfit to my Personal Style Link Up below; can’t wait to see what you’re wearing! I’ll be back to showcasing my favorite linkup in December. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | Dress with Pockets & a Matching Set

November 19, 2015 by Whitney 8 Comments

Wearing a dress with pockets is every girl’s dream. Well, it’s a dream for me. I absolutely adore dresses with pockets. Especially if the dress is already flowy and has a pretty print. So it’s safe to say today’s outfit is a dream, lol. Of course, there’s a story behind the outfit. Now that I think about it, pretty much all my outfits have a story behind them. Want to hear this one? OK, here goes…

Dress: Sejour, Nordstrom Rack // Cardigan: Sejour, Nordstrom (Another Option) // Heels: Kenneth Cole, DSW (Very Similar)

Remember when I purchased this kimono on a trip to Nordstrom this summer? It was back when I was searching for summer items that could easily transition into the fall. This one was perfect! I was so smitten with the print and fit I knew it would get a lot of wear. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, hubs and I ventured to Nordstrom Rack to return a few things. I was looking through the sale dresses and found an item that looked familiar. It was a dress with the exact print as the Sejour kimono! What are the odds? Without hesitation I found my size and threw it in the cart. Hubs chuckled when he saw it and asked, “don’t you already have that?” I explained everything to him and proceeded to purchase the dress.

Every girl loves to wear a dress with pockets! #wnjstyle

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I didn’t think to style the items together until one Sunday, I started looking for a dress to wear to church. Because it was a short sleeved dress I wondered what I could wear to make it appropriate for the season. Reluctantly I pulled out this kimono, tried it on, and the outfit was complete! I’m not oppose to wearing items that are “matchy matchy”, but I thought wearing them both together would be TOO MUCH. I was wrong – the prints blended perfectly. In the end I was able to wear a dress with pockets and my favorite kimono. Go, me!

Clutch: Thrifted, Goodwill // Bracelet: Monet, Macy’s (Affordable Option)

So tell me, are you a fan of the dress with pockets trend? What about styling and layering the same print with the same outfit? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and until next time, stay blessed and be safe…XO!

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National Thrift Store Day 2015 | 5 Must Shop Thrift Stores in Howard County, MD

August 17, 2015 by Whitney 2 Comments

In case you didn’t know, today is National Thrift Store Day 2015. Of course I had to share something thrift worthy, hence today’s (thrifted) outfit post. But I also wanted to share my favorite thrift stores here in Howard County, MD. I know many of you live in the DMV (DC/MD/VA) area so I hope this list is helpful. If you’re not from the area but find yourself here one day, be sure to check out the following thrift stores!

5 Must Shop Thrift Stores in @HowardCountyMD, according to @whitneynicjames!

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1. 2nd Avenue Village Thrift (Columbia, MD) This location is my go-to spot for just about any and everything! The staff is always friendly and familiar, the store is very well organized, no bad odor, and they have an amazing coat and purse section. I’ve been shopping here for years and they haven’t disappointed me yet! Location: 6515 Dobbin Road Columbia, MD 21045

2. 2nd Avenue Village Thrift (Laurel, MD) When I want some really unique jewelry pieces or hubby is looking for work shirts, we head here. It’s the same chain as the first, just a much larger selection and even more amazing finds. This location is great for housewares too! Location: 201 Fort Meade Rd. Laurel, MD 20707

3. Laurel Thrift (Laurel, MD) The store is a bit smaller than the first two locations, but their sections are plentiful. You have to really examine items very carefully while shopping here. Sometimes, like any thrift store, the items look to be in good condition but at a second glance there maybe a stain or missing button. If you’re up for the challenge, visit Laurel Thrift and I’m sure you will find something great (to keep or add to your vintage shop). My favorite thing about this location is the prices and sales. They have AMAZING price points and there’s a sale on a certain color every day of the week. Location: 9880 Washington Blvd N, Laurel, MD

4. Goodwill (Columbia, MD) I’m not really thrilled with the selection for plus size shoppers at this location, but when hubby or little sis wants to thrift this is where we go. The men’s section is decent; a lot of nice slacks and button ups. The regular size/junior sections are nice too. At any given day you can find GREAT deals from Mossimo, Style & Co. and Old Navy just to name a few. Location: 9097 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21046

5. Savers (Owings Mills) This location is not in Howard County BUT it’s close enough, and the store is AMAZING! I ventured here last month and I think this location has become one of my favorites for books, housewares, and plus size garments. The store is brand new so it’s organized, clean, and the staffers are all very pleasant. The prices are moderate, but I don’t mind spending a little more if need be because the quality of items here is exceptional. Check out my thrift haul video (above) and see what goodies I purchased from here last month! Location: 9800 Reisterstown Rd. Owings Mills, MD

So tell me, will you be thrift shopping anytime soon? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by and until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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The Fashion of Goodwill – Greater Washington Goodwill Fashion Show 2014

September 19, 2014 by Whitney 14 Comments

Whenever there’s an event involving thrifting, a good cause, and a breath taking venue, I’m there. Thursday nights Greater Washington Goodwill Gala & Fashion Show was exactly that! This is my 3rd year attending and I must say, this year was my favorite! The event took place at the new Marriott Marquis on Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, D.C. – this hotel is simply stunning.

Their theme this year, “Let’s Get to Work” focused on showcasing fashion in the workplace. This theme also celebrated Marriott Marquis Job Training Program. The Goodwill of Greater Washington partnered up with the Marriott Marquis to create this workplace development program which allowed native Washingtonians a chance to work at this brand new hotel. Some of the employees took a walk down the runway that night – they were filled with excitement and a lot of spunk. Of course, they were dressed in head to toe Goodwill. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a shot of them walking, but check out this site for a glimpse.

Photo Credit

BEFORE THE SHOW

I was thrilled to attend the event with my D.C. event partner in crime, Vivi of Heart, Print & Style. She and I have attended this event together for the last 3 years. Both avid thrifters, we marveled at the items available for sale Goodwill Popup Shop. I especially enjoyed the pretty jewelry and hats, but was most smitten with a particular vibrant and stylish lady. She was so cute and her vintage beaded jacket was divine! When asked to take a picture, she smiled and said, “I’m all thrifted up, dear!” How cute? 🙂

As far as my outfit for this occasion, I went for a chic yet thrifty look. I paired my Nordstrom jumpsuit with my thrifted jacket/blazer. I’ve been dying to wear it and I felt what better event than the Goodwill Fashion Show to showcase this thrifted beauty?! I wasn’t the only fashionable blogger there. Check out my fashionable blogging buddies in the pics below!

Goodwill Popup Shop

Jacket/Blazer: Goodwill, Annandale Locaton // Jumpsuit: Sejour, Nordstrom (Same) // Heels: DKNY, DSW (Similar) // Clutch: Fly By Night Boutique // Earrings & Watch: Thrifted, 2nd Avenue

BLOGGER LOVE: The Style Medic // Heart, Print & Style // What I Wore: Tip to Toe // Lapis of Luxury

THE FASHION OF GOODWILL

True to the with the “Let’s Get to Work” theme, the Goodwill models all dressed as if they were going to work! Some fashion choices were more conservative than others, but I liked the mixture. Some outfits were more casual workdays, while others were outfits you’d wear to a work related evening event. Stylist Tu-anh did a great job styling. Below are some of my favorites looks.

So tell me, have you ever been to a Goodwill fashion show? What do you think about the “Let’s Get to Work” fashion? Let me know!

It’s always a pleasure to attend the Greater Washington Goodwill Fashion show. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. Thanks to my hubby for these wonderful pictures! 🙂

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Linkups: Thursday Favorites, Tres-Chic Thursday, WIW, Thrifters Anynomous

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2014 Goodwill Runway Show – Delaware

March 6, 2014 by Whitney 13 Comments

Happy Thrifty Thursday! Today I want to share a visual recap of the 2014 Goodwill Runway Show, hosted by the Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County. Last Friday, they presented their 4th annual runway show at the Sheraton South in Wilmington, DE. Fellow blogger and friend, Antionette (DE Divah Deals) invited hubby and I to come so of course, we jumped at the opportunity! Anything involving thrifting giving back and the Goodwill, we’re there! Check out the visual recap of the event blow! 🙂

*Runway Show*

*Pop Up Shop Goodies*

*After the Show*

: GORGEOUS detailing on this thrifted gown!

: BLM Girls! (Antionette)

All in all, the show was a lot of fun. All the models had great energy, the styling was on point, and the items for sale were fantastic! I actually purchased quite a few things – I’ll be sharing those next week in a video. 🙂 Thanks again to Antionette for the invite. I can’t wait to attend next year!

So tell me, have you ever been to a Goodwill Runway Show? Were there any looks from the show that you liked? Let me know!

I hope you enjoy the post and the pics. Be sure to check out Antionette’s recap too! Until tomorrow, be blessed & stay safe…XO!

P.S. Don’t forget to grab your FREE ticket to my 1st in person thrifting event, HERE!

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*Linkups: Lovely Thursdays & Style Elixir*