Stretch your college budget at Goodwill. 
For this blog we asked fashion major Rebecca to explore one of our 14 Goodwill locations. Rebecca chose our Commonwealth Avenue store, venturing in search of pieces to freshen up her college dorm room and build out her fall wardrobe picks.

Saving money and doing good.
Rebecca’s a lifelong bargain hunter. She’s hit the thrift circuit since high school, searching out inexpensive, yet well-made clothing and decor. Most students, she believes, avoid decorating their dorms because they don’t want to spend the money. But, truthfully, all it takes is a little Goodwill motivation.

At Goodwill, she finds smart, occasionally hand-stitched pieces that complement her style without adding to the real-world problem of sustainability. She saves money and minimizes her environmental impact by choosing gently used clothing over fast fashion.  

 

What does a bag for $40 buy at Goodwill?

  1. A Himalayan Handmades International 100% pure hemp day pack. $7.00 – This adorable teal, black and tan small backpack is in perfect condition. With bohemian striping and a Hamsa amulet emboldened with an All-Seeing Eye stamp, it turns into the perfect light class day toss-on or a great bring-along for a run into Boston.

2. Straight black stretchy skirt. $4.00 – Love the soft fabric and simple design. Easily a ’90s find.

3. Red cotton straight skirt. $5.00 – Detailed with white flowers and delicate tracing. (Both skirts were bought a size too large — better to tailor than fight a too-tight look.)  

4. Black floating glass picture frame with delicate rope chain. $2.00 & Simple “S”-shaped curved bronze stand. $1.00 – Perfect for hanging a favorite photo or necklace.

5. St. John’s Bay men’s black cable knit sweater. $6.50 – Sturdy, cotton, cuddly and oversized, this handsome crewneck is a seasonal staple and makes fall feel like a favorite.

6. Lands’ End sweater vest. $4.00 – A layering must – a vintage, spruce green cotton faded vest. Compare at retail for more than $55. 

7. Teal blue men’s button-down long-sleeve shirt. $4.50 – With extra buttons sewn into the lining, this double-pocket, cargo classic feels as soft as it looks. Great for those chilly New England mornings and charring afternoons! 

8. Men’s dark green dress pants. $6.50 – Deliberately bought just a little large. Feel the comfy roominess. 

Rebecca, what makes Goodwill a favorite for college students?

The stores’ vast selection of styles and sizes and, unlike specialty thrift stores, the fits are not outrageously curated, Rebecca explains. Search through racks organized by color, and zero in on a single shade of aqua. Find larger, roomier pieces ready for layering or taking in. Shake down the home goods rack for a plain frame waiting for a hot glue gun to reveal its inner goddess.

Rebecca’s passion is fashion, so we’re pretty sure she’s a creative. With a couple of hours on your hands, and just $40, you too can refresh and revise your fall wardrobe or college bedroom without pressuring the budget. Find your inspiration! Visit www.goodwillmass.org for store locations and hours. See you soon!