Goodwill is one of my favorite places to find unique and fun pieces to add to my wardrobe. But when walking into a Goodwill, you are playing a game of hit and miss. Sometimes you will find the coolest item you have ever seen, and other times you feel like you walked straight into a garbage can. I have been on both ends of the spectrum, but the good finds definitely outweigh the days I have left empty-handed.
1980s Rose Sweater
Found: Goodwill in Winona, Minnesota
Why I Love It: I found this sweater right before Valentine’s Day and thought it would be the perfect thing to wear that day (and many days after). It is perfect paired with a black front button skirt and a big (preferably red or black) belt. I have yet to see anyone wearing anything quite like this and think it is one of the most unique pieces I have ever found.
High-Waisted Pink Shorts
Found: Goodwill in Winona, Minnesota
Why I Love It: I got these nice shorts during one of my first weeks in Winona. The last few weeks in August and through September were a lot warmer than I expected, and I was in desperate need of more shorts. I only brought two pairs to Winona so I hit up their Goodwill for the first time. I left with these adorable shorts (as well as a sweater).
White Turtleneck Sweater
Found: Goodwill in Winona, Minnesota
Why I Love It: This is the sweater I also got during one of my first weeks in Winona. It definitely seemed silly to be buying a sweater when it was hot outside, but it was too nice to pass by. I LOVE turtleneck sweaters for the cold Minnesota winters. This sweater is definitely something you could get at any old store, but I think it is one of my best Goodwill finds because I got it for very cheap and definitely got my money’s worth out of it.
1999 Athletic Windbreaker
Found: Goodwill in Chanhassen, Minnesota
Why I Love It: This is one of my most recent finds that I got while I was home on spring break. My brother and I were out windbreaker hunting and I stumbled across this one. I am not completely sure where or what Lee Tap’s Athletics is, but I had to buy it because the inside is SUPER soft and cozy and it is from the year 1999, which just so happens to be the year I was born in.
Red Umbrella Sweater
Found: Goodwill in Winona, Minnesota
Why I Love It: Yes, this sweater is itchy. Yes, it is a men’s sweater (or so I have been told). Yes, it did smell like old when I bought it. But I just love the little umbrellas on the buttons and it makes it worth the wooly itch.
Assorted Sweaters
Found: Goodwill in Chaska, Minnesota
Why I Love Them: I am grouping these together as assorted sweaters because I bought them all at the same time and there is not anything particularly unique about them. These are just some nice sweaters I found for a decent price. They all range from higher-end brands to your casual Target sweater. Still, I consider them a great find and they continue to be staples in my everyday fashion.
Red Corduroy Jacket
Found: Goodwill in Chaska, Minnesota
Why I Love It: Channel your inner Nancy Wheeler from this stranger things. This 80s-esque corduroy jacket looks great paired with a plain white top, some classic high waisted denim jeans, and the never out of style converse.
80s Floral Dress
Found: Goodwill in Winona, Minnesota
Why I Love It: I found this dress right after watching “The End of the F***ing World” on Netflix and it screamed Alyssa, the female lead character, to me. In the show she takes on a disguise with a dress similar to this and I loved it so much I just had to buy my own.
Harley Davidson Denim Jacket
Found: Ragstock in Ridgedale (so not technically Goodwill but it was pre-owned)
Why I Love It: POCKETS! This jacket has so many pockets and I love it. The amount of snacks that I can carry around in my pockets while wearing this jacket is more than ideal. It is also a very high-quality jacket that I do not think will be falling apart any time soon.
Goodwill is a great place to find new and unique pieces for your wardrobe. Here in Winona we have a few different secondhand shops including a Goodwill and Salvation Army! Remember one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Next time you do not have anything to do try checking out your nearest second hand shop.