guest blogger: korie's vintage finds for a good cause

introducing paid up top's first guest blogger, korie! i met korie while on my girls' trip to mexico and i loved getting to know her. korie is a native austinite turned minnesotan and a true fashionista who puts me to shame when it comes to looking super stylish without spending tons of loot. please welcome korie to paid up top and help her choose a mask for her masquerade ball! - annie

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If some of you know me, you know that I moved up to Minnesota to work for my aunt who started a nonprofit organization called the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer (www.hopechest.us). The organization has 2 stores here in the Twin Cities that sell very upscale designer clothing, accessories and home goods that are donated new by retail stores or gently used by individuals. The money made from the stores and other fundraising efforts supports different breast cancer causes.

I don’t work there anymore, but I do still love to support this cause near and dear to my heart. So, when I heard that they had been collecting designer vintage stuff for over the past year to sell at this one day only event, I marked it on my calendar! I took my daughter, Ryan, and we made the 40 minute drive out to the Hope Chest store in Wayzata, MN. We were told by the store manager to get there early because they had received lots of press about the event and the place was sure to be packed. And it was! We were among about 10 others waiting in line to get in right at 10 a.m! And boy was it worth it!

Here are some of my finds from that morning. I wish I had taken pics while I was there so yall could get a glimpse of how awesome this store is…and well…how cute my daughter was dressed up in vintage gold beads and greeting shoppers at the door.

Below: Yellow Mohair Jacket. I wore this to church last weekend and got a ton of compliments on the color.

Below: Long Garden Party Dress (this one looks Lily Pulitzer-esque to me). Thinking I’ll wear this to Easter brunch since it will still be cold here (ugggh!) and this dress has long sleeves. Maybe a gold statement necklace or earrings to bring it a little more modern.

Lace Cocktail Dress. This was done by a custom designer from Vancouver. Not sure when. But its totally on trend with the lace and the jewel tone deep blue. I plan on wearing this one to the Friends of St. Judes Masquerade Ball in May. I purchased 2 different masks from www.partyoasis.com to match! Which one do yall think I should wear?

Below: Turquoise/Black Cocktail Dress. Probably wear this to a rehearsal dinner I have in late April in Buffalo, NY. But it’s so classy and simple that I think I will wear it to a lot of places. I love the black on the back of the sash and the cap sleeves. And the bright blue is on trend for spring. I am thinking black pumps with this one.

Below: Navy Cotton Dress w/Gold Collar. Loving the pockets. So comfy, simple and something I could wear to a lot of different types of things.

All of these were at a fraction of what they would cost normally and all for a good cause….basically GUILT FREE! Plus I decided to give up shopping for myself and my children for lent. Only necessities….so this was a good place for one “last hurrah”.

Please remember that anyone can donate things to the Hope Chest…from anywhere. You’ll get an itemized receipt in January for your taxes and the shipping of the goods to Minnesota is also tax deductible!

Great finds - Great Prices - Great Cause