We Have Moved!

This little blog has done a lot of growing and has grown up. It has moved to:

throughthealleyblog.com

Thank you for keeping up with me all these years and I hope to see you there!

-A.

throughthealleyblog.com

Everyday Look

Life has been busy with work and reading books. I feel like I haven't had the opportunity to wear something cute or stylish. I think it's good to be honest here; I thought I'd give you a look into a typical daily outfit.

I love wearing jeans and basic tees! Grey has slowly become my go to color. Forget wearing black! To be a bit more dressy, I like to add some casual heels.

Tee: Forever 21 -$6

Jeans: Rag & Bone - $52 (Orignially $198)

Heels: Charlotte Russe - $36

What's your go to look?

-A.

Black and White

Remember when I was obsessed with novelty prints and color?

I don't know what happened to that! I find myself being drawn to solid colors; mainly shades of black, grey, and white. I'm also learning that I love clean, straight lines. Don't get me wrong, I still love a touch of femininity thrown in the mix.

 Saturday, I spent the day exploring and eating with my boyfriend. I kept my outfit super simple. Black high waisted skinny jeans with a loose vertical striped blouse.

Blouse: Forever 21 - $25

Jeans: Cotton On - $25

Shoes: Charlotte Russe - $36

Purse: Ted Baker Maisie Tote - Gifted

One of the things I love about this blouse, is the ruffle on the second layer. It definitely keeps my outfit a bit more feminine.

Btw, how cool is the building I chose to use as my backdrop?

I couldn't find that much info, but the company still exists. From my understanding, they sell machinery for construction. I did find this neat article that talks about how there's a tunnel underneath the building connected to the Ambassador Hotel. It used to be a speakeasy during prohibition. I love finding buildings with a bit of history to them!

Here's what it looked like between between 1930 & 1945! 

Photo cred

-A.

Thrift Trips: Theory, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Chanel, Ferragamo

Hi! Just wanted to combine my past 3 thrift trips and show you what I found! Lately, I've been trying to stay away from clothes. I've been obsessively looking through purses with the hopes of finding something exciting. Here's what I've found:

Thrift Trip - March 4

1. Theory Blazer $10

I had been looking for a classic black blazer for the longest time! I wasn't looking for anything fancy, just something I could through over my shoulders to tie a look together. Everything I'd seen seen at the thrift store was way too baggy and dated. You can imagine how over the moon I was when I spotted this blazer.

Retails: $395- $425

2. Tory Burch Michelle Tote $15

I'm not too crazy about Tory Burch. It's just kinda everywhere and I personally would prefer another brand or something cool looking.  However, when I spotted this tote, I couldn't pass it up for $15. Not to mention the leather is in mint condition. My mom was really excited about this find, so she's keeping it. 

Retails: $345

3. Vintage 80's Lion Purse $6

Now this is my kind of purse! It's funky and a lot more unique looking. I tried finding something similar online, but wasn't too successful. I did find something similar, but still pretty far away from my purse. I'm obsessed with the deep hunter green!!! I added a fur pom to make it look a bit more luxe. I also love that it's a cross body! I use this purse just about everyday, I'll probably keep using it until I find something cool again.

Retails - $35?

Thrift Trip - April 7th

1. Kate Spade Saturday Top $2

This top is seersucker, polka dot, and Kate Spade; just a few of my favorite things.  It'll be a great summer top to try and beat the Texas heat. I can picture it with shorts and espadrilles!

Retails: $60?

2. Fredericks of Hollywood Top $2

Something about this top just made me really like it. I don't know if it's the vertical stripes or that it reminds me of this 10 Crosby dress. I'm not sure if I'll wear this, but I could use a styling challenge. I think it would look really good with flares. (Too bad they look awful on me!)

Retails: ?

Thrift Trip - April 10th

1. Vintage 80's Chanel Scarf $4

The only vintage things I shop for these days are handbags, home decor, and silk scarves. There is something sophisticated about a silk scarf. It's almost like an art piece to me; especially designer ones. I always wear one when it rains or in the winter or on a purse. I think it's the old lady in me that always looks through bins of scarves. I was super ecstatic when I saw the Chanel logo on this navy scarf. To further inspection, I quickly validated it's authenticity. I was also excited about the classic navy and gold color scheme. I know that this was a popular print in the 80's. My co-worker even has the same one! I kinda want to show it off, but haven't figured out the right outfit. 

Retails: $150 - $350

2. Vintage Ferragamo Purse $3

It's no secret that Ferragamo is easily one of my favorite brands. I wish I could afford buying it at retail price! However, it's one of the easier designer brands to find at the thrift store. I've only been able to find shoes (I'm not complaining). When I spotted the purse I thought that the patina on the leather was quite pretty. On closer inspection, I was delighted that it's an authentic Ferragamo and made in Italy. Italian leather is probably as good as it gets. This will probably become my summer purse once the days get hot. I couldn't find the exact purse anywhere, but even vintage Ferragamo purses are expensive. I know a brand new one about this size runs around $1400 -$2500.

Retails: $130 - $250

3. Where'd You Go Bernadette $3

It's never occurred to me to look at the book section. I've been following more reader/book IG accounts and got inspired.  There wasn't a large selection and thought some of the books were overpriced for a thrift store. This is a book that's been on my to read list for a couple years now, so I'm glad I found it at an okay price. 

Retails: $9

That's it for my past 3 thrift trips! I roughly saved roughly, $1,079 - $1,429!! I only spent $45 on 8 items.

I'm extremely pleased with my savings. I'm hoping to go something before the weekend. Fingers crossed I find good things again! 

-A.

Bullet Journaling - March Favorites

As promised, I'm sharing my favorite layouts for March.

I decided to participate in the "Rock Your Handwriting" challenge and "PTL Doodle" challenge. It was great to help me get back into the flow of creativity. I stopped participating in the challenges towards the end of the month because I really wanted to doodle/write what came to mind. I think I will only participate in the challenges if I'm having a creative block.

These are my favorites:

You can follow my bullet journalling adventure on Instagram: @anotherplannerjunkie

Hope you had a great month!

-A.

Hello Kitty Cafe

Something that I've always been obsessed with is Hello Kitty.  Ever since I was little, I remember my mom taking me to the Sanrio store and buying me bobbles and bits.  I'm so happy that my mom never got rid of any of that stuff, so I have a pretty large collection of Sanrio products.  I'm not sure what it is, but Hello Kitty brings me lots of happiness.  I think it may be because I have happy memories with my mom and I taking trips to Sanrio.

I was super ecstatic to find out that the Hello Kitty Cafe Food Truck was making a stop in Dallas. I went as far to make myself a Hello Kitty skirt and take off from work! 

I wanted to have a "lolita" inspired outfit for the occasion.  Luckily, I had several yards of Hello Kitty printed fabric. I drafted a basic drindle skirt and attached lace at the hem. I paired the skirt with a thrifted long sleeve white blouse. What made it more "lolita" was the peter pan collar.

The skirt is similar to the one I made for my Poptart Princess cosplay.

Here are details to the fabric, lace, and what I looked like!

Blouse - Pendelton via Thrifted - $6

Skirt - Selfmade - $50 (material & supplies)

The food truck was opening at 10am, but I got there at 8am.  I'm glad I did because we had a good 50 people in front of us! When we left, there must have been a little over 500 people in line. I'm really happy I got to experience this! I hope to visit the real Hello Kitty Cafe one day! It's definitely in my bucket list!

I may have gone a little overboard buying just about everything. I figured it was a rare occasion and treated myself!

Here are all the goodies I bought!

Mug, water bottle, headband, cookies, petite fours, macarons, plus free bag, and pins. I definitely don't regret it! 

Everything was so beautifully packaged, that I kept the boxes.  The macarons were my favorite! They were extremely flavorful! It was Hello Kitty heaven!

Did anyone go the event? Even in an any of the different cities?

-A.

Spring Spring Spring

I was right! The weather has gotten warmer and there is no more need for winter clothes.  It makes me a bit sad since I didn't get to wear most of it. Here's to next fall/winter!

Remember how last summer I pretty much lived in that military style vest? Well it's back and I have a feeling it's going to be worn a whole lot again! Amazingly enough, you can still buy the vest at Francesca's! The only thing I dislike about it, is that the lining is super thin! My pockets already have giant holes > o <

This past Sunday I paired my green vest with a silk chiffon, halter neckline blouse that I bought for quite a deal at work. I also wore those Seven jeans that I'm obsessed with! So much softer than Levi's or my Frame's.

Anorak Vest - $48

Intermix Ines Top - (Org. $235) $48

7 for all Mankind Skinny Jeans - ($198) Handme down/gifted

Booties - Soda via Lulu's - $35

The photos were taken post brunch in Deep Ellum. It's changed so much in the last past few months! I hope the change is for the better!

What are your current go to garments?

-A.

Last Winter Days

This has been the mildest winter ever! I think I've only worn a coat twice at most. I was pretty happy with the cool weather the rain brought yesterday. I figured that this could be my last chance to wear a wintery outfit, so I took advantage. I also really hate dressing when the seasons are shifting. It's either to hot/cold or seasonally inappropriate to wear. 

I wore one of my favorite turtle neck sweaters that I found at the thrift store on National Thrift Store Day. You can see that post here! I threw it on with my current favorite jeans and a messy bun.

Sweater - Thrifted $3

Jeans - 7 for all Mankind  ($198) via handme down/gifted 

Booties - Soda via Lulu's $ 35

Total Outfit Cost - $38

Meh! What do you think about winter to spring transitional outfits?

-A.

Intro: Bullet Journaling

I have a new obsession; bullet journaling.

Bullet journaling is basically a to do list that combines sketches, writing, motivation, or basically anything you! It differs from a planner because you create the layout however you want and start with a blank page. Everyday can be different or the same, depending on your mood.

I already have 2 other planners. One I use for financial purposes and the other I write my homework/plans/appointments/work schedule etc. I've been using the bullet journal more as a daily to do list. 

I've found it to be really effective in helping me from procreating and helping me keep in touch with my creative side.  I've noticed since I started using the bullet journaling method, I've been able to accomplish much more in a day than before.

I've been doing it for a little over a week and this is what it looks like! I even made a separate Instagram account so I can post what my lists look like everyday! (@anotherplannerjunkie)

Sorry that they're bit out of order! Also, can you spot the mistakes lol

Would you be interested if I keep posing what my bullet journal looks like? I'll be sure to write a post on how to get started!

What's your favorite way of staying organized?

-A. 

Review: Beauty Box 5 - Mystery Box

Last month, I ordered another Beauty Box 5. It was a mystery box and it was on sale. I'm going to say that I loved this mystery box more than what I received in January's box.

1. Bellapierre's Cheek and Lip Stain in Pink - $20

What it does/is? A creamy blush and lip stain.

My thoughts: I do like 2 in 1 products! This stain is definitely long lasting and easily blendable. The color is a little too bright for my taste, so a little goes a long way.  I think I'll wear this more as a lip stain than a blush. 

2. Extend Your Beauty Tool - $4.99

What it does/is? A spatula like tool to get the last of your make up products out of hard to reach spots.

My thoughts: My mom kept this because she's always throws out makeup that she can't reach or is in awkward creases. She likes the tool because it's reusable and gets the job done. I will probably end up investing in one of these tools as well.

3. Revlon Colorstay in French Roast? - $3.99

What it does/is? An extra long lasting nail polish. 

My thoughts: I couldn't find this nail polish anywhere.  This isn't the gel envy, so I'm wondering if this is a discontinued product.  I haven't worn this polish yet, but will update this as soon as I try it out.  As I've mentioned before, I really love deep burgundy colored polish.

4.  Style Essential's Twin Gloss 

What it does/is? A shimmery lipgloss with 2 colors.

My thoughts: This was another product that I couldn't find anywhere.  I'm usually not a lip gloss person, but I still gave it a try.  It's a really sheer shimmery light pink gloss.  It doesn't really do much if you wear it by itself, so I've opted by wearing it on top of lipsticks.

5. Elite Therapeutics' Rosemary Eucalyptus Body Creme - $19

What it does/is? An organic lotion that is high in almond oil and vitamin E. 

My thoughts: Another product my mom kept.  I did try a little on and it smells really good!  I'm not sure it she's been using it or not.  Another product that will be updated as it's used!

In the picture below, I'm wearing the blush and I layered the lip gloss on a lipstick.

-A.

Feeling Zen

I've strayed so far away from dressing vintage, but I still love finding deals at the thrift store! I've become obsessed with denim and finding different ways to wear them. I think it's a bit more complex than just wearing vintage dresses.  I've sold quite the majority of my vintage clothing so I can have more closet space for "new" thrifted clothes.  I'm not quite sure where my style is going, but I'm having fun trying to figure it out.

I wore this outfit the other day for dinner and thrifting.  I had stumbled across this cool Buddha piece a few weeks ago.  I requested to document my outfit with it.  I love finding hidden art in my city; especially when you aren't looking.

            

Outfit Details:

White Button up Blouse - Forever 21 ($13)

Black Vest - Banana Republic ($32)

Jeans - 7 For All Mankind ($0; Hand-me down from co-worker)

Suede Boots - Dolce Vita via Marshall's ($70)

I hadn't been thrifting in months, so I was super excited to see what I could find. I spent awhile looking, but didn't find anything.  I was ready to walk out the door when I spotted a sweater I liked. It turns out it was Madewell and only $4.99!!  If you go to the Madewell store, they usually run about $80.  Finding that sweater made me want to look through the other sweaters. To my surprise, I found a Northface zip up Polartec sweater for $3.99!! It looks just like new! They usually run around $160 I believe. Talk about a steal! The sweaters are perfect for my upcoming Alaska trip.  I'm ready to go back to a thrift store and see what else I can find before all the winter clothes disappears. 

-A.

Review: Beauty Box 5 - January 2016

Beauty Box 5 is the other subscription box that I have also been receiving monthly. I honestly didn't have any sort of exception from BB5 because you never hear anyone talk about it and because it's pretty affordable.

BB5 sends you 5 premium sized samples and/or full sized products. I really like that they send you a good mix of obscure and known brands.  I believe that you also take a beauty quiz so the company can have an idea of what to send you...but I don't remember for sure.

BB5 comes in a small teal box. The packaging isn't the best, but it's still quite cheerful.

Here's what was included in the regular "January 2016" box!

1. Not your Mother's Hair - Plump for Joy ($5.99)

What it does/is? A thickening hair spray/cream.

My thoughts: This smells too good! Like peaches! The product is a medium weight and you run it through you hair. This product is amazing!! It gives an illusion that you have lots of hair and also gives you tons of volume. My co-workers even complimented my hair after one use. It's an inexpensive product that I will keep using in the future. I highly recommend it! Especially to those that have fine or little hair. 

2. Nails Inc. Nail Polish in Sloane Mews ($14)

What it does/is? Nail polish in a dark plum color.

My thoughts: Woahh! This color is so pretty! I've always been a big fan of plum colored nails.  It's what I'm currently wearing and has lasted pretty well for 2 weeks. Yes, there are some chips, but it's not bad like other polishes.

3. Scratch Custom Nail Wraps ($6)

What it does/is? Nail decor

My thoughts: The designs they sent were really pretty. Although, I didn't use them because the designs seemed to be meant for long nails. I never have long nails, so it just seemed like a waste to me. Maybe next time!

4. Bodipure Keratin Gloves 

What it does/is? Deep moisturizing and great for growing stronger nails.

My thoughts: My mom kept this product. Her hands did become softer after using. It's definitely a product worth using if you have really dry hands. It's a nice way to relax after a long day!

5. Novex Bamboo Sprout Hair Care Treatment Cream

What it does/is? A deep conditioning cream for damaged/brittle hair.

My thoughts: This is another product that my mom used. Her hair was really shiny and soft after she used it. It was enough to apply in her hair once.

6. Salon Grafix Hair Spray

What it does/is? A lightweight hairspray that is long lasting.

My thoughts: This is the only product that my mom and I did not use. Neither of us use hairspray, but I guess it's good to have some now. Are there any other things to use hair spray for?

I still prefer Glossy Box, but this is a great alternative if you want to save some money. This month's products weren't amazing, but they weren't horrible either. I will keep subscribing and maybe it will get better!

Which is your current favorite beauty subscription box?
-A.

Stars from yester-year we’re STILL obsessed with

Hollywood’s Golden Age, running roughly from the 1920s to the 1970s, is a time we all look back on with varying degrees of nostalgia. It was a time of body-conscious silhouettes, bouffant hair styles, smouldering stares and impeccable styling. Of course, this great style wasn’t just restricted to the studio film stars, who fronted some of the most exciting and memorable films of the age, but to the singers and dancers who also performed and wowed the world. In a world of fast-fashion, trends that change with every season and ‘newness’ practically on-tap, this period of signature looks and perfectly pieced together ensembles should be revered for its classicism, for the effort that went into looking so polished and perfect. We’ve selected some of our favourite vintage looks from some of the world’s vintage stars whose looks we’d still like to replicate ourselves today.

Eartha Kitt

Once described by Orson Welles as ‘the most exciting woman in the world’, Eartha Kitt was a fiery woman whose talent seemed to know no bounds. Throughout the fifties and sixties, Kitt worked as an actress of Broadway theatre and film, and a commercial singer (her song is the classic Christmas hit ‘Santa Baby’). A creative and versatile artiste, her achievements in performance cannot be overlooked; but she was also famous for her staunch anti-war stance on Vietnam and was an advocate for LGBT rights. A woman with conscience and creativity, her style saw her adopt svelte bodycon dresses and two pieces, whilst her hair was always coiffed to curly perfection. Recreate her style by opting for sweetheart necklines, chandelier earrings and statement jewellery; for off-duty occasions, turtleneck sweaters and chic tapered trousers.

Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth’s star rose to huge heights during the 1940s, starring in popular and critically acclaimed films like Gilda and Cover Girl. She was one of the most recognisable actressesin the world, famous for her effortless charm, her singular good looks and even served as inspiration for Stephen King’s book Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. One of her most famous looks was in the aforementioned film Gilda: to perform the iconic song and dance number ‘Put the Blame on Mame’ she wore a strapless, all-black dress with a split up the leg and a pair of matching gloves. The block-colour scheme conveyed her femme-fatale status in the film; it is a colour that is powerful, sexual and entirely self-possessed. Consequently, many have found the look to be alluring and sensual, brought to life by her winning smile and her tumbling curly hair.

Betty Grable

A contemporary of Rita Hayworth, Betty Grable was another of the 1940s and 1950s’ biggest stars, only contracted to a rival film company. Alongside her string of Technicolor musicals and her starring turn in How To Marry a Millionaire alongside Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall, she was most famous for her pin-up style. In particular, a photograph of Betty wearing in a bathing suit, her curly hair piled right on top of her head and glancing cheekily over her shoulder has become one of the most iconic film photographs of the twentieth century. Unafraid to play with high hemlines, recreateBetty’s style with high waisted shorts or jeans to accentuate your waist and finish with a silken floral shirt or blouse on top.

Shop similar styles at Mary Jane Fashion.

I hope you guys enjoyed this fun article contributed by Mary Jane Fashion! Be sure to check them out!

-A.