My relationship with Goodwill began back in college. Most of the extra furniture in my dorm rooms was handpicked from the Goodwill store by my roommate and me.
       I never just bought a couch or a table, I would buy the couch and then recover it. I would buy the table and paint it with my favorite quotes. It made the perfect room.
      My greatest times spent at Goodwill were picking out clothing for a sorority or fraternity function. I always loved to get dressed up for a good party, especially with a theme. That way I could get creative with the clothing. Whenever the theme for the party was announced, I was on my way to Goodwill. I always saw the store as a treasure trove of outfits for any look I was going for, my favorite being 80s themed functions. I was so into dressing up for any and every function, I even went to my senior formal with my date in a 70s look, even though there was no theme. We had a great time!
      While it wasn't foremost in my mind at the time, it did dawn on me that my purchases at Goodwill were benefitting the community. It made me feel good to spend the little money I had at a place that could use it most.
      A few years later in graduate school, I ventured back into Goodwill and looked around. I wasn't there to find an 80s dress for a party, but as I looked through the racks, I found a beautiful kelly green skirt. The skirt was a-line, lined, and silk, not to mention my favorite color. I could not believe my luck. I looked at the tag and could not recognize the brand. It had to have been 20 years old. This beautiful skirt belonged hanging in an exclusive vintage clothing store, but luckily it ended up in   Goodwill. Lucky me, it was only $5 and was now mine.
      You see, Goodwill stores are so much fun if you just go in, look around, and get creative. That is why Moments Magazine is joining forces with Goodwill of the Coastal Empire to bring you the "Goodwill Fashionista Contest."
      We are looking for the most creative Goodwill outfit around. The contest kicks off Monday. You have until Sept. 11 to submit a photo of you looking fabulous in your outfit. The first place winner will receive a Merle Norman makeover, $100 gift certificate to Goodwill, and be featured on the cover of the October issue of Moments Magazine. The second place winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Goodwill. Go to statesboromoments.com and click on the contest link at the top of the page for more info and to upload your photos.
       Have fun with this! Get as creative as you can. You can shop at any Goodwill store around. You will look good and feel even better helping our community.
      As you know, styles and trends cycle around. Lucky for me, the 80s have come back.