Black and white snowflakes make for a soft sweater that is both chic and festive.

We love how awesome this cute sweater looks with badass metallic gold Balmain pants.

Purple and blue stripes prevent a snowman motif from looking too kitschy.

For the preppy party-goer, this Aspen-esque sweater should be paired with bling for maximum effectiveness.

This delightful snowman reminds us of childhood holiday dress... in a good way.

AGH! yells Frosty. Perhaps our favorite of the bunch, this icy man loves to scare the children away.

Moschino is at is again with another ridiculous holiday sweater we love, this time featuring cuddly penguins.

This dress was purchased at a Goodwill somewhere in Connecticut for $4. Don’t be too jealous of the tropical fish motif because you too can find something (almost) just as nice.

1. Shoes are key when dressing up a muumuu. Make sure you’re adding at least three inches to your height. Choose something colorful and statement-making like these Elie Tahari Nyla Sandals.

2. A very expensive bag is a must when rocking a shapeless frock. People may snicker at your frugal threads until they see this Miu Miu Top Handle Bag. Your savvy, impeccable taste will shut them up immediately.

3. There’s nothing like a red bandana for summer, especially to accentuate the breezy aura of your look. No one will dare ask questions about your thrifted outfit when wearing the Boss Lady Bandana around a regal hairstyle such as the beehive or high bun.

4. What’s a day without gold? Add a little bling bling to your vintage cotton threads with these Oscar de la Renta 24-karat Cabochon Earrings. The extra flash is necessary, especially for formal occasions.

5. Chunky bangles channel your bohemian vintage insides while staying on top of the fashion game. A mix of stones, metal and wood like these Aldo Galluzzi Bangles are interchangeable with tons of colors and patterns.

6. A killer pair of retro sunglasses like the Linda Farrow Luxe Retro Style Sunglasses are KEY to accomplishing an appropriate muumuu look. They say “I don’t give a f*ck” so you don’t have to.

Tell me, what is your favorite muumuu and how do you jazz it up? Let me know in the comments or @CrystlMeatballs.

From May 19-29, Gap stores in the United States and Canada will accept clothing donations in support of the Donate Movement, an effort powered by Goodwill to educate the public on the positive impacts donations can have on both people and the planet. When consumers donate clothing to Gap stores during this time, their donations will be given to Goodwill Industries® and sold in its stores. To thank customers for their generous contributions, donors will receive 30 percent off their entire Gap purchase.

Giving back to both people and the planet while getting a new spring wardrobe? Sign us up! To learn more about the Donate Movement and calculate the positive impact donations will have on people in the community, visit donate.goodwill.org.

Layer 5: The Throw. On top is a thin sarong aka giant scarf aka sheet. It should be about 5 feet in one direction, enough so you can wrap yourself in it. A soft traditional cotton feels great, but get experimental. A stretch jersey or linen or silk or wool (but not this time of year) each has its own benefits.

Layer 4: The Netted Sweater. Find a cropped sweater with a gaping crochet or knit. The holier the better for seeing through to the layers underneath. It will ad some insulation from the chill, but you won’t overheat. Cheap trick: find a sweater like this at Goodwill and crop it yourself.

Layer 3: The Thin Open Cardigan. An open layer that’s thin won’t weigh you down or heat you up. This one is by Rick Owens and sure to be luxuriously fabricated with the most breathable knit there is, but you can find a sweater akin to this anywhere.

Layer 2: The Sheer Button Up: This is the first line of defense on your arms. Barely there, it allows airflow and vision straight through to the dress beneath. Button to the top for an austere, yet surprisingly sexy effect.

Layer 1: The Maxi Dress. The smooth length of the floor length dress is an excellent canvas to paint layers upon. I like the stripes because it permits the eye to accept the choppy layers you’ll be applying atop it. This one is around $60 in the UK, but there are many great maxi dresses out in the American Market.

Now go forth and layer. Forgo the coat!

1. Spying on your man in church. You never know when pulling a Carrie Bradshaw and spying on your own Mister Big is going to take you into God’s house. Make sure you’re prepared with wrist gloves and a Sunday hat that will knock his mother off her pew. For a colorful, sophisticated look, try Linea Large Brim Spikey Feather Hat, Nordstrom ‘Drama’ Wide Brim Straw Hat and Kaliko Bright Pink Straw Bow Hat.

2. Cruising on a doomed ship. Vacationers on the Titanic didn’t know about their impending fate, so they were all riding the fabulous high horse. But you don’t need to choose a sinking ship to look as remarkable as they because these fine boating hats will do just fine. For a more traditional look, try the Linea Stripe Bow Tilted Hat or John Lewis Women Stripe Floppy Hat with Bow. If you want a modern take for your summer boating adventures, Vans I’m on a Boat Straw Boater and Eugenia Kim Honey Striped Toyo Sun Hat are great options.

3. Shopping. A lady would never have entered Tiffany & Co. without a hat in Audrey Hepburn’s day – how slovenly! Channel your inner socialite while perusing the Goodwill by covering that risque head of yours. Either the Louis Vuitton Mink Bell-Hat, Vintage 1960 Black & White Sparkle Bow Cloche Hat or Brenda Lynn Audrey Hat will do.

4. At the doctor’s office. If anyone knows how to seduce, it’s Sophia Loren, especially when she is after a man playing hard to get. You too can feel sexy and chic getting your yearly check-up by channeling her look ala The Millionairess. These will all look fabulous with your corset: MARKET Red Floppy Hat, Brenda Lynn Milan Boater Hat, French Connection Spice Blush Floppy Hat and Nordstrom Floppy Ribbon Sun Hat.

5. Boozing. Hats, headbands, it’s all the same in casinos and speakeasies. Breaking boundaries with nonpareil style, flappers knew how to look fantastic while drinking the Devil’s elixir. Though not quite hats, these hairpieces will get you the look and the swagger. Try Colette Malouf Mesh Puff Flower Crocodile Clip, Zara 1920s Style Headband, Dorothy Perkins Brown Feather With Bead Centre Stretch Headband or Mother Plucker Red and Purple Side Feather Headband and get your drank on.

6. Mourning the loss of ruined winter shoes. It happens to us every year in the land of snow, sleet and freezing rain. We sacrifice a pair of shoes to keep our feet dry and warm. Although tragic, you can mourn your favorite defunct footwear in style by channeling superstar mob wives like Carmela Soprano, Sandra Corleone and Rosalie Aprile. Black and dramatic is the way to go with styles like these: Misaharada Valeska Hat, Comme des Garçons Bow Detail Hat and Lanvin Swarovski Crystal Pin-Embellished Straw Hat.

7. Frolicking and/or walking on water. Wouldn’t we all love to live in Mary Poppins’ wonderful world of animated fantasy? The answer is obviously yes. And although this may not be possible in a city as grimy as New York, you can still frolic about, wherever you are, in a bonnet of fantastic allure. Kokin White Rose Feathered Silk Hat, Bonnets 1870′S Bandeau Hat and Vintage Vine and Big Blossom Straw Hat will have you flying high like the whimsical Poppins herself.

1. Loveday 31, Astoria
Owner and curator Ivona Bilicic knows her stuff – she used to be a buyer at famous rip-off Manhattan vintage store Screaming Mimi’s. But the merchandise at Loveday 31 is far from overpriced and much more carefully selected. Eccentric metallic shirts from the 80s share a rack with silk Givenchy shirts and Prada dresses. Uniquely shaped vintage bags are shown among locally designed jewelry and antique brooches. I recently bought a black, intricately knit shirt with metallic silver threads and 7-inch long fringe for $40.

Credit: Free Williamsburg

2. Beacon’s Closet, Williamsburg & Park Slope
Perhaps the most well-known local Brooklyn thrift store chain, Beacon’s Closet has something for everyone. Both locations have their fine points: the more-crowded Williamsburg store has about four times the merchandise ranging from beat-up tees to Pucci pumps while the slightly more refined selection at Park Slope requires less digging and waiting. Some of my best buys include an $18 Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater and $18 brand new Betseyville shoes.

3. Buffalo Exchange, Williamsburg
You won’t find a ton of vintage merchandise at Buffalo Exchange, but you might come across some cool new digs along the way. Designer denim for men and women usually costs less than $20 and a brand new chunky necklace will set you back about $8. There are great vintage finds too, like a pair of Marc Jacobs sandals I bought for $24 a couple years ago.

4. Housing Works, Upper East Side
Where do all of the wealthy UES women take their Ferragamos and Pradas when they don’t want them any more? Housing Works, of course. In my opinion, this location is the best of the 10 retail stores around the city. There aren’t a million downtown vintage hunters in your face, and the merchandise comes straight from Park and Madison Avenues. It also has the best vintage jewelry selection -  I have at least a dozen pieces from my summer living in the same neighborhood.

5. Monk Vintage, Williamsburg
Where can you buy a rainbow striped bow tie, cummerbund and pocket square matching set? Monk Vintage in Brooklyn has about 10 for you to choose from. From the tutus suspended from the ceiling to mounds of vintage jewelry, you will find super fun and unique vintage pieces here. Dresses run from around $25 – $40 while a full suit will cost you about $100. Everything is in pretty good condition and the store is small, so you won’t spend hours looking for an outfit. The peach Polo Ralph Lauren Western shirt I got for $35 is still one of my favorites.

6. Goodwill, Chelsea
Of all the Goodwills in the city, why this one? Are the workers nicer? Absolutely not, but the selection is all that. This fairly new outlet isn’t too crowded, but it is fairly organized. If you’re familiar with Goodwill, expect all of the same prices and merchandise categories. Last week, I found a leather Coach computer bag in good condition for $20.

7. Vintage Thrift, Gramercy
From Manolos to mink throw pillows, this store literally has everything. You can get a stack of records with your dining room table and Italian designer ties with a retro KitchenAid mixer. Not only has Vintage Thrift been named Zagat’s #1 NYC thrift store four years in a row, profits go to The United Jewish Council of the East Side.

8. Viceversa, Williamsburg
Maybe the most overlooked Williamsburg thrift store, Viceversa is definitely worth your time. Stocked with equal parts men’s and women’s apparel, you can find everything from red cowboy boots to sequined muumuus. Prices here are dynamite – you can snag a fur coat for as little as $40. I bought an 80s rainbow sequin dress for $20 last year; I recently saw the same exact dress on Nasty Gal retailing for more than $200.

9. The Antiques Garage, Chelsea
Lauren from Corvus Noir introduced me to The Antiques Garage last summer when I interviewed her for FashionIndie. This place is insane. From 9 am – 5 pm every Saturday and Sunday, you can walk through this concrete jungle of every antique imaginable. It can be a little overwhelming, so take it slow – one table at a time. I bought a gorgeous leather, color-block bag with a chain strap for $10 the last time I was there.

10. No Relation Vintage, East Village
Nestled among the dozens of nail salons and pizzerias on First Avenue, No Relation Vintage is a rare gem. Little nooks throughout the store hold specifics like shoes or sundresses while scarves sit in a basket by the register, waiting to be impulsed purchased. In true East Village fashion, you won’t find a shortage of leather jackets or distressed band tees. Many a silk scarf from this old school thrift store hangs in my apartment.

Did I miss anything? What is your favorite NYC thrift store?

A variety of clothes for sale

Credit: Free Williamsburg

Dior Homme

Junya Watanabe

Rick Owens

The second my pants become too short on my legs, they wind up on the racks of a Salvation Army or Goodwill. But if the Fall 2010 menswear collections in Paris and Milan taught me anything, it’s that flood water pants are going to be huge this fall. Designers and labels like Dior Homme, Junya Watanabe and Rick Owens showed a variety of short, flood-water pants and slacks in their Fall 2010 collections.

But you’ve got to be careful with this one otherwise you’ll end up looking like you’re too poor for new pants! Rock the floody pants with a pair of nice patterned or solid socks and oxfords or boots. Lots of layers and accessories will make the floody pants look trendy and intentional instead of dorky and accidental.

Images Via: GQ

Thanks to the brilliant website, Thread Up, you can exchange clothes you don’t wear for something “new to you” through peer-to-peer, online trading. Without the hassle of bartering or auctioning, you can exchange a large sweater for a small dress-shirt and know you’re getting good condition items that aren’t out of style. It’s as easy as signing up, purchasing Thread Up packaging, sending items and receiving them in return! Talk about closet cleaning and shopping, all without leaving your computer! 

Thread Up doesn’t launch until August 1st, so start excavating your closets and get ready for some fashion trades! 

Steven Meisel’s editorial for Vogue Italia April 2009 is basically the greatest game of dress-up you could ever imagine. Poking fun at our current economic crisis, “Fashion Bailout” portrays some intense mixing, matching and accessorizing at what appears to be a second hand store. While the clothes on Darya, Portia & Eliza are a mish-mosh of Moschino, Maison Martin Margiela, Roberto Cavalli and others, this spread suggests that you can look just as couture wearing Goodwill finds. But to be honest, I would have pegged this spread the brainchild of Carine Roitfeld over Franca Sozzani.

GALLERY: SPREAD UM: “Fashion Bailout” Vogue Italia April 2009

Thanks Fashion Copious! 

GALLERY: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Cynthia Rowley Fall 2009

LINKAGE: Style 

Nike has asked Nancy Wu to design a remix project for the brand. I have to say, the results disappoint me. Her illustrations and such are so adorable, but I can’t figure out how she came up with these. Gladiator sneakers… really? I don’t see how these serve a purpose, whether fashion or function wise. It looks like the pair of Goodwill sneakers I tried to make cutouts in a few years ago. FAIL.

Thanks Highsnobette!

Last Thursday Goodwill of Greater Washington hosted the Fashion of Goodwill runway show and silent auction at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C.  

Drawing on the influences of Parisian and modern styles, Alexandria-based designer Tu-Anh Nguyen styled the models with 70 outfits of clothing from Goodwill.  Some vintage designer pieces even popped up in the mix of used clothing.

The third annual event, “Under Paris Skies,” not only showed the area’s women how to get a good deal, but also encouraged supporting Goodwill’s mission of educating and employing the disabled.  

A nice gallery of the runway show is available at The Washington Post.

An ebay store for the DC Goodwill clothing is also up.