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 #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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Too Cheap Blondes Event - Family Thrift Center Outlet

I got an invitation from Jen and Pippa over at Too Cheap Blondes to a thrift blogger shopping meet up at one of the Family Thrift Center Outlets.

I obviously didn't hesitate to go since I got to do my shopping after hours and everything was $2. Yes, EVERYTHING! Also, everything is freshly stocked on Thursdays.

The event was held at the Ft. Worth location. There is another outlet in Plano.

I was bummed that I showed up late due to work scheduling and traffic, so I didn't get to mingle with everyone as much as I liked to have. That didn't stop me from finding some great pieces though.

They have a super large selection of dresses, tops, pants, skirts, shoes, handbags, kids clothing, and men's clothing. No home decor or books, just clothes!

I happened to find 10 pieces of clothing, but mostly for my mom. I haven't been in a shopping mode for myself. I've been mainly shopping for others these days.

Here are some of my favorite scores from the event!

1. Sundance Fortuna Dress

The lace on this dress is incredible! Not to mention the rich dark brown color.  I didn't hesitate taking this dress since I know Sundance is the pricer side. It's kinda like Anthropologie meets Free People. I knew my mom would love it and she did. This dress originally retailed for $128, so I saved $126. You can actually still buy the dress from Sundance for $99.

Photo Credit: Sundance

2. Ralph Lauren Black Label Blazer

Bummed that this jacket is at the cleaners and didn't get a photo of it. However, it's just a black blazer with a slight peplum on the back. It's a gorgeous piece and these blazers usually run around $870 - $1200.

3. Silk Pinstripe Dress

                                                

This dress isn't anything fancy, but it made me think of 3.1 Phillip Lim. He always does cool things with pinstripes.

4. Free People Blouse

                                         

I absolutely love Free People!! I only buy it when I find it on sale or at Marshalls/TJ Maxx. I just can't justify spending around $100 for a casual blouse when I know I can find it cheaper. 

Not only did I leave with these great pieces, but I also won this Tory Burch Mini Ella Tote! How awesome is that? These nylon totes retail around $200 - $250.

I will definitely be back and hope to find more!

-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.

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.

New Year's Goals

It's hard to believe that 2015 has left us so quick! It feels like it was only a few months ago! It was a bit of a difficult year for me and I hope 2016 is a lot better. I need to keep myself motivated; which is why I'm sharing my list of goals I'd like to complete before 2016 ends.

1. Travel

I did get to go to cool cities like Miami and New Orleans, but I didn't spend enough time there! I really want to go see new things and experience different cultures. I already have an Alaska trip in the works, but want to see if I can visit a few more places.

2. Read 13 books

I had told myself I would read 10 books before this year ended. However, I only got to finish 3! So I would really like to reach those 10 plus the 3 I did read. I even joined 2 bookclubs! I'm also kinda obsessed with Goodreads. I had no idea how resourceful it is! So please add me as a friend if you're a book lover as well!

3. Learn at least 2 Vietnamese phrases

I never knew how complicated the Vietnamese language was until I downloaded one of those language learning apps! It's you can learn a word, but depending on the pitch you use, you might end up saying a totally different word! It's definitely challenging and only know how to say "Hello" and "Thank you". It would be really cool if I knew how to say something helpful. I might even invest in Rosetta Stone soon since I can't find classes anywhere in Dallas.

4. Get back into sewing

After working for a prominent Dallas designer and taking a full semester of design school, you'd think this would be easy.  I extremely stressed when I walk in my studio, so I haven't even bothered. It makes me a little sad because sewing is one of the main reasons why I am at where I am at. I'd like to participate in a sewalong, but I'm not going to force myself if I still don't feel like it. Have any of you ever lost your sewing mojo?

5. Purge my vintage collection

I'm sure a lot of you have noticed that I don't dress full on vintage anymore.I'm not getting rid of everything, I just want to feel challenged when I dress myself. With vintage, I could walk in with my eyes closed and easily pull a look together. Within the next few weeks, most of my vintage clothing will be put on eBay. You can keep up by clicking the "Shop my Closet tab" I know this blog has focused a lot on vintage fashion and sewing! It's also how I've gotten to meet so many wonderful people and become friends with other cool vintage fiends! This was something extremely hard to admit to myself and to tell you. However, I just feel that this chapter of my life is finished and I'm ready to move on.

6. Blog more

I know I always say that! I feel that Through the Alley has focused so much on vintage and sewing the last 5 years; I want to expand that a bit more. I want to include my thoughts on products and anything that tickles my fancy. That way I won't feel as I've run out of things to type. This blog has literally opened the door for me in the Dallas fashion world and I'm thankful for all my readers. I'm amazed I've kept some of you entertained for this long. I promise a giveaway in the near future!

What are your New Year's goals or resolutions?

Happy New Year!

-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.