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

Plaid Plaid Plaid

Each year I've written at least one post about wearing plaid and how much I love it. Last year, I recieved this plaid Luisa Brini poncho as a gift. I've worn it several times throughout the cold days, but this is the first time I actually incorporated it into an outfit.

I paired it with a vintage Express sweater tunic that I found at Family Thrift Center in Arlington and chelsea style booties.

Poncho: Luisa Brini - Gifted

Sweater: Vintage Express via thrifted - $5

Jeans: Cotton On - $25

Booties: Gap - $35

I think I'll incorporate this poncho with more outfits instead of just wearing it with whatever, like I have been. 

-A.

Missing Alaska

It's been a little over a month since I got back from my trip to Alaska and I've finally decided to share my favorite highlights. 

Everyone has asked me, "Why Alaska?" One of my best friends moved up there a couple of years ago and I finally got the chance to visit her. The other question has been, "Why visit in October?" I wanted a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights and I did see them, TWICE!

These are the places that I absolutely loved! (In chronological order)

1.  Gulliver's Books - Fairbanks, AK

As a book lover, of course I had to check out this quiet little bookstore. Downstairs has new books and novelty gifts. While upstairs has a coffeeshop and used book section. I left with a poetry book about Alaska for a gift and a sticker for my laptop.

2. Chena Hot Springs Resort

This was the main HIGHLIGHT of my trip! We drove out to the resort where there was no cell phone reception or wifi (I actually had no reception the whole trip). It was out into what seemed like the middle of no where. It was a quiet place with a restaurant, cafe, ice museum, and of course the hot springs. It was also the place where I experienced the Northern Lights for the first time. 

Getting into 106 degree water while it was 8 degrees outside was quite an experience. You'd think you'd be freezing, but the temperature of the water balances it out. It also keeps you warm enough for you to go inside the locker room without feeling too cold. 

3.  Santa Claus House - North Pole, AK

This was such a fun stop! The North Pole is a real city and Santa Claus House is a large Christmas store! Actually, I think they're known for sending out letters from Santa. I have a tradition where I buy an ornament from every place I travel to and this was the perfect spot to buy mine.

4.  Eagle Summit 

I'm not really an outdoorsy person, but after this trip, I'm willing to be more outdoorsy.   I think Eagle Summit was what really made me appreciate nature even more. 

Eagle Summit was one of the most breathtaking places I've ever seen. I found it more beautiful than the handful of major cities in the States and Europe that I've been to. There was something really special about how quiet and vast it is. The fact that you're seeing mountains on mountains is really beautiful. I don't think it would have been this special if there hadn't been snow on the ground. 

I definitely plan on going back, but maybe during a summer. If you haven't been up there, I HIGHLY recommend making the trip.

-A. 

Mid November

I know I've been slacking here! I've been working on condensing my thoughts/recommendations on Fairbanks, so I can share them with you.

I've also been patiently waiting for the weather to cool down. It seems like Dallas can't make up it's mind if wants to stay warm or cool.

I've been sticking to super light sweaters and long sleeve cotton blouses.

Blouse: Dillard's - $40

Jeans: Rag & Bone via Intermix - $98

Flats: Forever 21 - $15

Handbag: Ted Baker Maisie Bag - Gifted

I really love this top because of the layered look and mixed textures. I'll be sad when it gets too chilly for me to wear it.

-A.

Happy November!

October was a super busy month for me! Lots of work and travel; it'll be nice to get back into the swing of blogging. I have plenty of stories and outfits to share with you guys!

After being in Alaska for a week, it's safe to say that I really missed Dallas. I missed the warm weather and vibrant city life.

A typical weekend for me calls for an outing to lunch or out strolling in Deep Ellum/Bishop Arts; very different from the small poplulated Fairbanks.

Photo Credit: Jannet Medellin Photography 

Cameo Necklace: handme down

Blouse: Ro & De via thrifted $2

Leggings: Cotton On $10 (SAME)

Flats: Gap $35 (SAME)

Tote: Ted Baker via gifted (SIMILAR)

It's still pretty hot, so I'm making my outfits look a bit more fall by wearing darker colors. The Ro & De blouse is that perfect oxblood color and lightweight enough to wear until it gets cold.  It's definately a great color to make black pop. The blouse came from this thrift haul.

I'm hoping temperatrues will cool down (but not Alaska cool) enough for me to wear lightweight long sleeve pieces. 

Can't wait to share my Alaskan stories with you!

-A. 

Another Day in Stripes

Solids, neutrals, and stripes have become my main go to picks. I don't crave color and novelty prints like I used to; funny how one's preferences change. Stripes are what make up the most of my closet, I'm thinking it might be time for change, but in the meantime I'll stick to my stripes.

I finally wore this pinstripe dress that I thrifted at Family Thrift Center Outlet from this haul. 

and here's how I wore it out! I paired it with a black double breasted blazer vest to balance out the pinstripes and added strappy heels to dress it up. 

Dress: Liz Claiborne - Family Thrift Center Outlet $2

Vest: Banana Republic (Org. $120) $45 (Same!)

Purse: Chanel? - Thrifted $1

Heels: Charlotte Russe - $29 (Same!)

What's your favorite print/pattern to wear?

-A.

Sweater Weather?

I'm not sure if I've ever shown you guys this sweater that I've had for at least 5 years! I love that it can easily be spring or fall. I'm pretty excited to start layering, but it still hasn't cooled enough. Luckily, I'm off to Alaska in a couple of weeks and I'll be able to layer all I want! Hopefully, my outfits won't be too blegh!

Sweater - Paul & Joe - old!

Jeans - Rag & Bone - $98

Flats - Gap - $35 (Same!) 

Do you have a staple for both spring and fall?

-A. 

Last Days of Summer

Fall is approaching, but the days seem to only get hotter. By the recent OOTD's I've shared, you can tell I live in jeans. (Weird right?) 

I had completely forgotten about this blouse that I purchased during winter. It's super lightweight and has pretty, detailed embroidery in gold thread. I wish I would have worn it sooner! 

Blouse: Christophe Sauvat via Intermix - $50 (Org. $198)

Jeans: Rag & Bone - $98 ($210)

Sandals - Mercanti Fiorentini via DSW - $30

Do you have any favorite summer tops? 

-A.

Dressing Conservatively

Last week I had the opportunity to help with a St. John Knits runway show. I had to dress in all black (extremely common) and consevatevely. I'm not one to usually show a lot of skin, but it was still a challenge to look conservative yet youthful. 

I almost wore a dress, but if you've ever worked backstage at a runway show, you know it's not always the best idea. I decided to go with loose fitting slacks and a silk Escada blouse that I found brand new with tags at the thrift store!!!

On the tags it says Margaretha Ley and I'm not sure if it's something different from other Escada pieces. I have a few pieces without her name or at least I don't think so. I know that she has passed, but by from the Neiman Marcus tags and style of the blouse, I'm pretty sure it's not vintage. Let me know if you have any info! 

Blouse: Escada via Family Thrift Center (McCart Location) - $7

Slacks: Borrowed From my mom! :D

Purse: Faux Chanel via Random thrift store - $1

Shoes: Forever 21 - $15

I love that blouse is sleeveless and has a scoop neck, so I wasn't completely covered up. I would say the look was tasteful without aging myself. Funnily enough, later that day someone asked me if I was still in high school. I'll take that compliment! 

-A.

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Chicago '16 Pt.1

About 3 weeks ago, I super spontaneously took a two day trip to Chicago. I covered so much ground in 2 days! It took me quite a few days to recover from how tired I was. It was tricky getting a good OOTD and balancing being a tourist; thus the semi-cheesy pictures!

Before I continue on with my post, I'd love to thank one of my best friends for making this trip possible and extremely memorable! I'd also like to thank my aunt and cousin for hanging out with me on VERY short notice. Love you guys! 

Okay, moving on!

Day 1:

What I Did:

I flew in super early with my friend and started out excursion with brunch in The Loop (neighborhood). After lunch we crossed the street to Millennium Park. My family is from Chicago and I've posted other Chicago posts before; this is the first in depth one I've done. Anyways, I had never seen The Bean. It was a must do for me! I will say that it didn't disappoint. It was a lot trickier to take a selfie with the reflection than I thought it would. 

We wandered through to the BP Bridge, which photos do not give it justice! The skyline views you can see from there are amazing! We crossed over to Daley Park and wandered around there for a bit.

We then made the journey to the Sear's Tower! That felt like an eternity because we got lost, but it was great to see downtown. It wasn't my first time at the sky deck, but it was fun to get into the glass rooms again! Funny enough, I blogged about the first and last time I went in. Look how much my style has changed! It's seriously been like 6 years....Do I look older? Do I look the same? 

As for what I wore, I kept it simple with a creme once was a blouse, but now is a crop top designer blouse from the thrift store!(of course!) I paired it casually with leggings from Costco.

Crop Top: Emanuel Ungaro Crepe Silk  - $3 via thrifted

Pants: Calvin Klein  - $20 via Costco 

That basically summed up my day! We ate at some restaurant in Rosemont, where our hotel was. I think the drive to the city was like 45 minutes? All I know is that there was a lot of traffic!

Part 2 will come up eventually, I have a couple of other posts that need to be prioritized. 

-A.

Family Thrift Outlet Haul #3//Too Cheap Blondes Event

After the amazing past two hauls, of course I'm going to keep going back to the outlet in Fort Worth! It's totally worth the drive. All these great pieces for $2 a piece!? Umm, yes please!

I was also excited to be invited to another Too Cheap Blondes event and be able to shop after hours. Less stressful!

I feel like I had better luck finding clothes this time. I actually avoided purses as much as I could, but still found a few.

Handbags:

1. Vintage 1950's/1960's Beaded Purse - $2

I couldn't pass this one up. I mean, could you?

2. Vintage Judith Leiber Quilted Bucket Bag - $2

This is the second Judith Leiber that I find. I couldn't resist the super soft leather and the fact that it was made in Spain. I was super surprised that this vintage bag runs around $350ish! It just needs a bit of cleaning, but I can't wait to whip this bad boy out!

Outerwear:

1. Claybrooke Jacket -$2

I'm obsessed. I love olive tones! I want to wear them year round! I actually wish they made more summer clothes with olive tones. I'm planning wearing this jacket A LOT in the fall/winter. I'm pretty sure I'm going to take it to Alaska with me as a layering piece. I couldn't find much info on the brand, except for it seems to be more like a men's clothing brand. Now,  I'm questioning if it's a men's jacket. Ha! I can never remember which side the buttons are supposed to be. Oh well! It fits and looks good. I couldn't find a base price to compare against it to, but I mean where else can you find a $2 jacket?

2. Christopher & Banks Granny Square Sweater - $2

I almost didn't take this piece, but sometimes all you need is a little imagination. I think it'll look extra cool and boho if I attach fringe at the hem (DIY tutorial anyone?). It'll be fun to wear with a sheer blouse and jeans as the weather eventually starts to cool down. I found a similar sweater that sold on eBay for $20.

3. Lable-less kimono - $2

This kimono may not have a label, but I'm pretty sure it's a higher quality one. My reasoning is the amount of fabric used, the weight of the fabric, and the beautiful frog closure. This will definitely complete any outfit. I also love that you can easily transition it into Texas fall because of the colors. 

4. Embroidered Boho Vest - $2

Okay, I'm bad and didn't check the labels to everything. I also don't feel like digging in my closet to figure out what labels are on things. Just know that it's nothing exciting or memorable. This knit vest however, is pretty memorable. It has beautiful multi-colored embroidery, which makes it super easy to match with anything. I think it'll look best with a dress, but we shall see what I end up wearing it with. 

Dresses:

1. Lace w/ Embroidery Dress - $2

This dress looks so ugly on the hanger!! My mom picked it out and I thought she was crazy. Once I tried it on, I fell in love! It's actually super pretty and flattering. I'm hoping to wear it very soon!

2. Mandarin Dress - $2

My favorite movie is In the Mood for Love, it's what sparked my love for vintage and in a sense fashion. It has beautiful cinematography and storyline as well. I bought the dress because it really reminded me of the movie. I have no idea if I'll ever wear it, but I suppose an occasion might pop up!

Tops:

1. HM Blouse -$2

I'm sure I'm going to wear this top with that denim a-line skirt that I wear all the time!

2. Angie Blouse -$2

I was so sad that this top isn't fully off the shoulder; but it's still has that vibe. I love the embroidery and sheer inlays. Perfect for the rest of summer, which seems like it'll never end. 

3. Kaftan Style Blouse -$2

I feel like this is a love/hate blouse. It might have been the jeans I tried it on with. I do really love the lace inlay on the back of the blouse! I think it'll look good with black jeans and black gladiator sandals.

4. Off the Shoulder Mustard Top - $2

Okay, this is my absolute favorite! I already wore it! I wore it to a Blink-182 after party and got many compliments. If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen how I wore it. If you don't follow me on instagram, look on the side bar to see how I wore it. It's an outfit I will definitely be wearing into the fall. I'm obsessed with the color, the cut, and the bell sleeves. It's absolutely perfect!

What's your favorite piece that I bought? Which item would you like to see styled the most?

-A.

4th of July in Austin Pt. 2

On to the 2nd outfit of my long weekend in Austin! This is the last picture I took because I totally forgot to take pictures of my other "nice outfits". The rest were also super casual, like tees and shorts.

This day was spent at brunch and wandering around downtown with my friends.

We ate at this cute little place called Olivia.  I ate the Olivia Benedict, which was pretty amazing!! I highly recommend you checking it out if you're in Austin.

As for what I wore, I kept it casual. I still kept the boho vibe with the cold cut shoulder blouse and the vintage blouse. Both finds from Family Thrift Outlet.  How cool is this statue of Willie Nelson, by the way? 

Sunglasses: Ray Bans - $215

Purse: Vintage via Family Thrift Outlet - $2

Top: Xhileration via Family Thrift Outlet - $2

Jeans: Rag & Bone via Intermix - Originally $225 --> $62

Sandals: Topshop via Trunk Club - $45

If you can't tell I enjoy mixing high end pieces with low end pieces, I think it keeps things interesting. Because I thrift so much, I'm able to splurge on certain items. Don't get me wrong thought, I'm all about finding a great deal!

-A. 

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4th of July in Austin Pt. 1

Hi!! I'm so behind on all my OOTDs! Lots of lack of inspiration, work, thrifting, and travel for this girl.

As I sit here waiting to board my flight,  I felt the need/inspiration to get back to sharing my outfits with you. I also have a few fun ideas how to make random thrifted items look a bit more stylish.

For 4th of July weekend, I headed out to Austin to visit my best friends. On my journey there, I wanted to look decent, but still be comfortable.

I opted with this really random Japan souvenir tee that I found at the thrift store and wore it with that denim skirt that I've been wearing pretty often. I bought my tee in my recent trip to the Family Thrift Outlet.

How to make a basic tee look cool:

Roll up the sleeves for a more modern look. Add fun accessories. Try wearing it with a skirt or printed pants to keep the look more interesting.

It was a great outfit choice because I was stuck in traffic for what felt like forever and I didn't even have to change when we went out that evening.

Japan Tee - Family Thrift Outlet$2

Forever 21 skirt - $20 (similar)

Lace up gladiator sandals - Topshop via Trunk Club $45

Vintage purse - Family Thrift Outlet $2

I tried adding a bit of a boho vibe to this look, and I think it was successful! I also think that the tee doesn't look as plain as it did on the hanger at the thrift store.

What do you think?

-A.

Family Thrift Outlet Haul #1

Ever since I went to the Too Cheap Blondes event at the Family Thrift Outlet, it's all I've been thinking about. I wanted to go back and see what else I could find!

I went a couple weeks ago on a Thursday, when everything is $2! I have to say it is definitely the cheapest thrift store that I've been to. You do have to go pretty early because it gets crazy packed! It's totally worth it though. They have such a large selection! I tried looking through everything, but I got overwhelmed and left. I still found some pretty amazing deals though.

I'm not posting everything because I did buy some basic tanks and what not. These are most of the items and my total favorites!

Purses:

I went pretty crazy with the purses. If you have been reading this blog for awhile or know me in real life, you know I LOVE purses. I'll choose them over shoes and clothes any day!

1. Vintage late 60's/early 70's Tapestry Bag -$2

I know I really haven't been shopping for vintage; I've just accumulated so much! I want to get rid of it. However, I couldn't say no to this purse. I think it has to do with the fact that the 70's/Boho is so in. I hate admitting that I'm falling into the trend. What I love about this bag is that I can use it as a cross body or a handbag. It's also very roomy and has a cute little mirror.  It'll definitely be perfect for fall!

They don't run for much online, but I think the uniqueness is priceless.

3. Vintage Moroccan Leather Crosbody with Hand-sewn Coins - $2

                                                  

This is definitely the coolest bag I found. I've been using it since I bough it. I also had no idea that this style of purse existed. There are so many shapes and sizes. I think they still make them. I'm pretty sure mine is vintage because of the patina and wear. 

They typically run about $50 - $65, so I saved around $48 -$63!

3. Vintage Brahmin Hobo Purse -$2

                                              

These are on the pricey side if you go to a department store, so I was quick and snatched it! What I like about Brahmin is the high quality. I have a few vintage leather Coach bags that are scratched, but this is like new! It's in mint  condition!

 Brand new this style costs arounds $200 - $250? A vintage one is worth around $50 -$60! So it's still a score! I still saved $48-$58!

4. Vintage 80's Giano Weekend bag 

                        

I love the maps and the grey/blue color! For short, quick trips I usually pack everything in a Lululemon shopping bag. So this is a big upgrade! Ha! I'm even contemplating using it as carry on for a few trips I have coming up. We'll see though..my packing skills aren't that great.

I found a similar bag, but different color for $35. I saved, $33.

5. Vintage Dooney & Bourke Bag - $2

                                 

Oh! You have no idea how excited I was when I found this! For some reason, they one day got really popular and thrift stores marked them up really high. I've seen a few in glass cases for like $50, at thrift stores. So you can bet I was ecstatic when I grabbed this beautiful navy and perfectly tanned brown leather purse.

They're between $95-$150, I wonder why... Anyways, I saved $93-$148

6. Vintage Brahmin  Crossbody - $2

                               

Yes, another Brahmin! I got pretty lucky with the handbags. You guys really need to experience this for yourself. I kinda like this one better because the woven sides reminds me of Bottega Veneta.

                                 
7. Fake Gucci - $2

I bought this one on a whim. I don't know a whole lot about Gucci like I do about other designer purses. I really did feel like I would regret it if I left behind. I should have checked the inside, but like I said I was just grabbing things. On a bright note, I do like the style and it fits all my work things.
                                         
Tops/Dresses/Vests:

1. Johnny Was Blouse - $2

I had never heard of this label, but fell in love with the whimsical style and color. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that Neiman's and Nordstrom carry this line.

Their tops run between $210-$250! I saved $198-$248!

2. White House Black Market Blouse - $2

                   

I think this top will look cool with jeans and those lace up heels that I wear all the time. 

Their tops are like $60-$80, but don't they usually have sales? Either way I still saved $58-$78

3. Rebecca Minkoff Digital Floral Stanton Vest - $2

                      

I'm not too much of a vest person, but the colors were really appealing. I then saw it was Rebecca Minkoff, so of course I bought it! I have no idea what I'll wear it with though.

I could not find the original price for this! They're all sold out on Lyst and Shopbop. I'm going to say it was a little over $100 at one point. So, I at least saved $98. 

4. Charlotte Russe Dress or Shirt or Tunic -$2

I actually haven't tried this one, so I'm not sure how it fits. It does remind me of Free People, which is why I bought it.

5. No Label, Floral/Paisley Dress - $2

                          

This will be perfect for the fall! I can picture it with my knee high suede boots and a long vintage pendant necklace. 

6. Merona Cold Shoulder Top - $2

I love this top! It's perfect for really hot days (well everyday is super hot).  I already wore this one twice ha! I can tell I'm going to wear it a lot!

7. Fringe Tunic/Dress - $2

I tried wearing this with shorts, but it looked really weird. I don't know if it was the wash or the fact that they needed to be a tad bit longer. I tried wearing it with jeans, but it looked like I was wearing a potato sack. I think I'm going to end up hemming the top, so I can wear it with shorts like I had originally planned.

All in all, this was a super successful trip. If you're just getting into thrifting or want a great deal, I highly recommend visiting Family Thrift Outlet. You're bound to find something!

With everything being $2, I at least saved $619-$784. That's not including the other items that I didn't do the math for or didn't think was worth trying to figure out how much they originally were.

Can't wait to show you my outfits!

-A.

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