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.

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.

Dallas Vintage Weekend

A couple of weekends ago, I had the opportunity of participating in the Dallas Vintage Weekend. The event was hosted by Tikisha Johnson of Vin-tij by V. The weekend consisted of a cocktail party, brunch, and fashion show. I was asked to be one of the guest speakers along with celebrity stylist, J.Bolin. I spoke about how I entered the vintage world and tips on how to find vintage.

 Left right: Toni Estes, J.Bolin, (Me), & Tikisha

The weekend ended with a fashion show featuring Vin-tij by V. All repurposed vintage clothing. What I really loved about the clothes shown was that it was on trend. It wasn't your typical restored clothing (i.e. pin up style). There was lots of wide leg trousers, capes, fringe, & plaid. It was pretty amazing! I've picked out some of my favorite looks from the show. All the pieces are one of a kind & you can purchase them on Vin-tij by V's website.

-A.

A Love Letter to Plaid: School Girl Plaid

The weather seems to finally be cooling down here. If you've been a long time follower of this blog you should know what this means for me! It's time to whip out the plaid! I still have a deep love for plaid and over the spring and summer, I added even more to my collection. 

How I wish I would wear traditional plaids during summer. Don't get me wrong I still love gingham, madras, and all other check patterned light weight fabrics we see. There's just something about the fall color schemes and the touch of flannel and wool on a cool day that makes it way more enjoyable. 

Do you feel the same way? What print or fabric do you absolutely love?

Yesterday was date day and I chose to wear plaid (of course!). 

The weather was cool but it was far from cold. I paired a short sleeve knit blouse that is one of my all time favorite and was given to me by my mom. It's an Anne Klein from Dillard's and I've had it for years! I absolutely love the fit and it has such a versatile silhouette. The skirt happens to be an early 90's (cringe!) school uniform skirt that I picked up from one of my local thrifts for $1!! I absolutely love the length and the fact that the pleats don't start until after the hips. No alterations were needed at all! It is a teensy weensy bit big, but not noticeable. You can find the exact same t-strap flats here. They okay for every day wear, but I prefer something of higher quality. I'm still on the lookout for something under $40, but these will do for now. To finish the outfit, I of course put on a vintage brooch. 

Please excuse my dandruff -__- This cat or fox? brooch is from the 60's and I found him at an antique mall in Irving. He makes me think of cat in the hat and was only $1.50 so I had to take hime home with me. 

Date day included lunch at Eno's Pizza in the Bishop Arts district. I'm not too crazy about that place, but we were starving and had no clue where else to go. We ended the date with a slice of pie a la mode from Pie Emporium. 

I can't wait to share my next plaid outfit with you! Oh and keep an eye out for my $2 Burberry merino wool sweater blouse.

-A.