Dan DaranciangGoodwill
4140 Forest Park Blvd.
Mon.-Sat.: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun.: 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
By Amanda Ogus
Upon walking into the Goodwill thrift shop, shoppers will be struck by the plethora of clothing racks scattered throughout the large warehouse. Divided into sections of children’s clothes, sweaters, jeans and more, the store attempts to create one’s entire wardrobe for extremely low prices (think a few dollars for a shirt). When we sought to scour the store for inexpensive outfits fit for the college student, however, most of the clothing items we found were novelty items to supplement a flashy wardrobe rather than the calm, trendy look that most students wear. From a huge wedding dress, to a gaudy lime green sports jacket and classic early ’90s high top sneakers, we came up with many fun pieces of clothing for a new twist on a boring look. There were miscellaneous pieces of St. Louis apparel that differentiate this thrift store from chain stores, including an antique oversized St. Louis University sweater. For the shopper looking to inflate her wardrobe with inexpensive, slightly used pieces, or for the shopper needing cheaper pieces for theme days, Goodwill is the perfect place.
By Erin Fults
Customers walking down the entrance ramp and into the Goodwill thrift store are entering a valley of bargains and potential sartorial pleasures. While the fashions mined from the rows of relatively size- and style-organized racks may not be on the cutting edge of fashion, there is still a multitude of clothing options. From $3 shirts and garish sweaters to suit jackets and retro skirts, the Goodwill thrift store has something for anyone looking for a bargain, or anyone working on bringing back the old trends or their own trends. Even wedding dresses can be found at prices that might constitute the tax on a regular gown. There is a small section of shoes, but finding the right size might prove difficult. The store is moderately well organized with both men’s and women’s clothing and a small section of household items and collectibles in the back. There is a diverse stock but perhaps not the greatest variety and quantity I have seen in a thrift store. It is hard, though, to resist the often eclectic items. And at these cheap prices, when in doubt, hit the check-out.
By Kristin McGrath
It’s almost impossible to find a good set of shoulder pads these days. Fortunately, Goodwill offers racks of torso-enhancing tops to help the Murphy Brown in all of us achieve that elegant triangular shape.
Upon entering the store, shoppers can’t miss the radiation of Day-Glo that emanates from Goodwill’s business attire section. A vibrant spectrum of possibilities for the shoulder pad lover, this section contains shirts, suits and blazers in lime green, electric blue, fuchsia and even in patterns that incorporate all three of these colors.
For the more conservative dresser, a chic mustard-colored skirt and a matching blazer with shoulder pads that the cast of “Dynasty” would envy cost only $8 as a set. The right accessories for your outfit are only steps away, just past the wedding gowns (if you reach the garden gnomes and nativity sets, you’ve gone too far). Throw in a shiny white purse with a gold metal strap ($4) and a pair of white heels with gold buckles ($6) and your ensemble is complete.