thrifty threads 365 challenge, shopping challengeAnother month down, so it's time to recap my Thrifty Threads 365 challenge {a full year where I only thrift shop for clothes and accessories, no new items}. For May I completely went over my budget because I was thrift shopping in San Francisco. So I was determined to keep my $50 limit in check for the month of June...and I did.

I almost made it through the entire month without buying anything but I did a brief interview and photo shoot for USA Today at the Salvation Army and I couldn't leave without buying something.

Recession has many looking thrift store chic

target and neiman marcus holiday collection

Versace for H&M. Missoni for Target. Alberta Ferretti for Macy's. Christian Siriano for Payless. These are just a few of the collaborations between affordable retailers and top name designers. And it's a trend that's not ending anytime soon.It was just announced that Target is teaming up with Neiman Marcus and 24 designers {including Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta and Diane von Furstenberg} for a holiday collection.I'm all for the designer collabos, they can be a great way to get a taste of your favorite designer without seriously going over budget. But...

Thrifty Threads 365 challenge
The New York heat wave continues and there's nothing better than throwing on a flowy garment. Oh, and it was also my birthday this weekend, so I wanted an outfit that was cute but not too fussy. I knew exactly what I'd wear that would fulfill those requirements.
While thrifting at Buffalo Exchange in San Francisco, I "splurged" on a color block, hi-low top. 20 bucks is a little much for a secondhand item, but I knew I had to have it. I paired it with my vintage Wrangler cut offs that I bought at Clothes Contact, where vintage goods are $10 per pound.

thrift store prices, how to thrift shop
Two weeks ago I posted what may have just been my most commented on {via the blog and Facebook}, shared, liked and tweeted post. When I posed the question, "Are Thrift Store Prices Becoming Too Expensive?," you guys chimed in and the overwhelming answer was yes, the prices have increased.
Some people blamed the lagging economy {more people need to thrift so the prices are reflecting that}, others feel since some re-sell thrifted finds, the stores are upping the prices and a few people even believe bloggers like myself are responsible, since we're putting a spotlight on thrift shopping and making it "chic." 
Hmm, whatever the cause, us frugal folks aren't too happy with it. 
And Goodwill was the one thrift store in particular that everyone kept singling out. 
I've been a long time Goodwill supporter {shopping, donating and I even styled a Goodwill fashion show for disabled workers}, so I wanted to hear their side. I reached out to the New York and New Jersey branch of Goodwill to see how they determine prices and what percentage of sales are dedicated towards providing services to those in need.
Here's what they had to say....

Looking fly on a Dime, H&M chiffon dress

Late last week we experienced a heat wave in NYC and besides being uncomfortable, it made getting dressed a bit tricky. Though the heat had me ready to walk around the city in the buff {it's totally legal for women in NYC to be  topless in public. Who knew?!}, obviously that wasn't going to happen. And I had to head outdoors to film my Savvy Shopper segment for WPIX. So that meant keeping cool while looking cute.Clingy material is a no-no when temps start to soar, so I grabbed my H&M  frock from Salvation Army. It's breezy, bright and the rosette details at the waist add a nice touch.