My Feet are Happy

While I was in New York last week, I had the chance to go to Beacon's Closet!  In Nashville, our collection of thrift and resale shops is pretty slim (but what is here is great!).  I was scouring each rack looking for shoes in my size when I came across the most amazing pair of brown leather wooden platforms from Michael Kors!!! 


Part of my year without shopping is that I get to wear and explore my closet.  These shorts are no stranger to my wardrobe, as I have been wearing them every spring and summer for the past six years. 

Unfortunately my personal little photo shoot was cut short this morning when my neighbor was watching me as he was spreading compost in his garden.

White tank with bow applique: Buffalo Exchange, Denver, CO
Light Blue Shorts: Old Navy
Brown leather wooden platforms: Michael by Michael Kors, Beacon's Closet
Red and white Cameo: Pangea

Blackberry Blossoms

Feeling other-worldly,
A little bit Laura Ingalls.

On a trip to find a friend of mine a birthday gift, I found this hat instead.  I hadn't purchased anything on a whim in a while, and it felt good to see how something worked and to just go for it (and for $9 it was easy).  The dress was a gift from Sam.  It was a congratulations on making it six months without buying clothing.  I wanted to make sure that whatever it was, that it was something way different than anything I owned.  I felt this dress fit the bill.  I feel like I am channeling Sally Jane Vintage in this outfit.

I am looking forward to wearing this hat all summer long.  And I look forward to hot summer days, ice cold beers, and picnics in this dress.  Although, I did feel as though I was dressed up in a costume... it felt really great.  I was no longer Alyson who sits at a desk... I was, Alyson... walking down a dirt road with a basket full of fresh vegetables and fruit, sweat gleaming on my brow and back...  Going back to the farm to make some iced tea and lemonade.

Straw Hat: Clothing XChange
Floral dress: Buffalo Exchange (Chicago)
Cameo pendant necklace: family heirloom
Woven leather oxfords: Naturalizer, ebay

Stripes and Strokes

Between the Preds game I went to on Monday and the Julian Casablancas show I went to last night, I think my hearing is a little bit shot.  I still have a dull whurring in my ears from last night.  Sam and I mutually decided to be those people, who wear ear plugs next show we go to.  Anyways, enough of the small talk because besides complaining about my Tetanus Booster I got on Monday (because even at 25 you have to get booster shots)... I don't have nothin else to say!

Black sweater coat: Delias from high school
Striped shirt: courtesy of Tori
Boyfriend style jeans: J.Crew (they are actually boot cut jeans)
Necklace: Modcloth mobile contest
Oxfords: Naturalizer, Ebay

Also, thank you all for your sweet comments.  Just wanted to make sure you all knew I'm not un-human.  I still want new clothes :).

Remember that time...

Hi.  Remember when I had a blog, and I updated it frequently and I was not in Dallas at a conference?  Those were good times, and no need to worry because I am BACK!  I had a great, restful, although unproductive weekend (unless you call catching up on the previous two episodes of Lost productive).  Anyways, before I left, I took some pictures of myself by a tree and tried to place my body so you would not see the neighbors trash bins.

Oh what is that you see?  Something you have never seen before?  Something VERY pretty?

A few weeks ago I got some wonderful news.  I had won the Jess LC jewelery give away from Selective Potential!  I could not be more stoked about this.  This necklace has been in HEAVY rotation.  It is incredibly simple and elegant!  I really love it!  Thank you to Tieka for hosting this give away and thank you so much to Jess LC for creating such beautiful pieces of art! 


(PS- with this much of a close up on my chest... haha, I wanted to address one small thing.  I have a big pink scar on my chest, yes I do.  I have had it since high school, and its annoying and not very pretty but its there regardless.  I'm going to be undergoing some treatment (AGAIN) to reduce the size and color of it, which should be interesting.  Basically, I have to get shots of cortisone into the scar... oh and yes its painful... REALLY painful). 

Forest green silk blouse: Trulli, Buffalo Exchange Denver, CO
Skinny jeans: Forever 21
Division Chevron Rectangle Necklace: Jess LC, giveaway from Selective Potential
Black Strappy Wedges: Target

Repeat Offender

One of my favorite movies of all times is the movie Raising Arizona.  There is this line in the beginning of the movie where a state (or county judge?) refers to Nicholas Cage (H.I. McDunough) as a "ree-peat OH-fen-der".  This is how I feel about this outfit... definitely repeatable.

The sun was going down and I had the hardest time getting shots that were not blurry.  This is the only shot that worked!  But I can't wait to wear this outfit again. 

Vintage, spring plaid button up: Thrifted (I honestly cannot REMEMBER where I got this shirt!)
Blue high waist skirt with pockets: courtesy of Leproust Vintage
Gold elephant necklace: Shop Idee's Closet
Gray Mary Jane flats: off the street in Chicago

Isn't that random?  Now looking back on this outfit, it is very random.  All of these items came from people or places, and are one of a kind type items. 

By the way, something very important occurred yesterday.  It's gentle passing went unnoticed until this morning when I updated my day count.

150 days without shopping

yes!

Killer Coral & DIY Necklace

Yes, this post is very picture heavy.  Sam was taking shots of me in this outfit, and they just kept turning out better and better. 

Can I just get something off my chest?  I had the oddest morning.  I decided to forego washing my hair this morning so I could sleep in a little bit, and I was going to use the new dry shampoo that I got.  BIG MISTAKE.  I understand that dry shampoo gives a certain amount of texture and "dirty" volume to the hair...  giving a little fun bedhead-ish style.  However, this stuff made my hair look so dirty, the last time it was that dirty looking, I was in Mexico on a mission trip and couldn't wash my hair for a week.  DISGUSTING!  So, I had to emergency shampoo my hair and spray on some leave in conditioner and get my bangs dry before running out the door.  If anyone has any dry shampoo tips, let me know, I'd love to hear them.

Okay, I feel better.  Onto the outfit!!!  I was so excited at how GREAT this outfit turned out.  Last Monday night I decided to work on a little DIY necklace project while I was watching Gossip Girl.  There really was nothing to this... I just took a black t-shirt, cut it into strips and started playing around with knots and shapes.  I wish I had some better shots of the blazer.  It is a khaki and white striped blazer with 3/4 sleeves and lots of cute pockets.  I was a youth leader for my church back in my hometown for an event one weekend 5 or 6 years ago, and I had completely forgot to bring something to wear to church that Sunday.  I maniacally ran into Old Navy during an hour of free time we had, and pulled together this outfit of light blue chinos and this jacket.  The chinos are long gone, but this little jacket has stayed with me.  I just loved the shape and the stripes are adorable.  Moving on, the skirt was a fabulous thrift store find at a hidden gem here in Nashville.  I think I paid $4 for it.  Its most likely vintage, and 100% silk with pockets and its in AMAZING condition. 

Khaki and White striped jacket: Old Navy
White V-Neck T-shirt: Urban Outfitters
Dark Coral Silk Skirt: Vintage, My Sister's Closet (Consignment Store)
Black Pumps: Vintage, Clothing XChange
Black Jersey Necklace: DIY, made by me!

Do you believe in lucky clothes?

Can you guess what inspired this outfit?  Oh its this:

I love Kirsten Dunst.  I love her style and the characters she plays.  She is quirky and pretty.  This red hat made a huge statement in the film and since then I have wanted one.  Well, my senior year of college I asked my roommate at the time Rachel to knit me a red hat.  On Tuesday, I got the hat in the mail (and I don't even mind that it was 3 years late haha).  And it is beautiful!  I couldn't wait to wear it.

The reason I bring up the quote about lucky clothes is because, I think this might be a lucky outfit.  Sam and I went bowling with some friends last night and I, for the first time in my life, got a turkey.  What is a turkey?  It is when you bowl three strikes in a row.  I did that... I DID IT! 

Back to the outfit.  I am a huge fan of it.  I felt comfortable, casual, and incredibly chic for being in jeans and a t-shirt.  I think that has something to do with the pumps I was wearing.

Red knit slouchy hat: Knitted by a friend!
Black Beatles Abbey Road T-shirt: Forever21
Creased skinny jeans: Forever 21
Gold pendant necklace: courtesy of Modcloth Mobile Contest
Red leather cuff: ModCloth
Black and brown pumps: Flieschman's Vintage, Clothing XChange

I do not like this dress...

... so why did I buy it?  Because I had a gift certificate and it was cheap and I knew I could make myself like it.

The dress:  Its honestly got a great print and details, but the shape of it couldn't be more wrong for my body.  I have a slightly more athletic figure (athletic = little to no curves) and I like to show off the curves that I have.  This dress is shaped like a sack, and so I don't really like looking like I put my curves in a sack.  (And yes no make up, no shoes, hair not fixed...)  This dress is also a tad on the short side when it comes to wearing it to work.  Let's take a look at how I styled it.

First off, I belted it.  This gives the dress some shape which in turn gives me some shape.  Second, tights.  I went with blue to keep a monochromatic look to make me look a little taller.  Third, pop of color with the yellow cardigan.  I still have trouble wearing blue and gold together because it was my high school colors.  Finally, check out that pattern mixing.  One of the keys to mixing patterns is keeping it in the same color family.  Patterned navy floral dress and plaid navy flats.  Win!

I also took the close up to show off a little bit of the button detail on the dress.  I love it and I think its my favorite part of the dress.  For the record, I usually keep my make up pretty simple.  Foundation, bronzer, eye liner, mascara, and lip gloss.  If I get a request, I'll do a tutorial but I make some pretty awful faces while putting on make up...

Navy floral sun dress: Nolita from Clothing Xchange
Goldenrod Cardigan: Target
Blue tights: Target
Brown wrap around belt: Abercrombie & Fitch ($0.99 by the way, not kidding)
Navy plaid flats: Rocketdog, DSW

Final word:  Thank you to Kristin of Leproust Vintage for mentioning me on her blog yesterday!  We went and had brunch this weekend and she is amazing.  I got in my car and squealed because it was so great to talk with someone face to face that understands blogging, fashion, and well life.

Lizzy Brookes Free Shipping for March

 

A few weeks ago I got a sweet care package from Lisa of Lizzy Brookes.  I have literally been on the edge of my seat waiting for the weather to get warm so that I could pair this outfit together.  It was almost completely ruined as well because I had a really bad day.

*small rabbit trail* I was having trouble this morning getting pictures because my usual spot was too bright (the sun was really bright this morning) so I decided to just wait until I got to work.  As I round the corner of the house, I see to my astonishment that my front driver's side tire is completely flat.  Now, my Dad taught me to change a flat tire and put on a spare, however, I had not changed it on my SUV that I drive now (I drive an X-Terra).  This was a problem because I had no idea how to get the spare off the bottom of my car.  After many expletives, tears, and road dust all over my jeans...  I gave up and called Sam.  I had managed to at least get the tire lowered to the ground, but just couldn't figure out how to remove it from the car.  Plus, I had really wanted a McDonald's biscuit with jelly and I missed it by 8 lowsy minutes.  

So, I changed into a different pair of skinnies (the one in the picture), wiped the mascara off my chin (yep, I cried), and impulsively purchased some french fries and some Orla Kiely stationary that is being sold on Gilt Fuse.  I felt better.  It was really difficult to get a good shot of this cardigan, but its beautiful.  It is a soft kimono-like sleeve cardigan with vintage black lace ribbon delicately stitched.  It is beautiful, and soft.  I actually cannot wait for late spring early summer to pair this with a black dress for a date or something.  My pictures simply do not catch the beauty of this piece, so I'm sending you to the Lizzy Brookes etsy shop to see this cardigan.

As a gift to her customers and supporters, Lizzy Brookes is offering free shipping for the entire month of March as she starts selling her spring collection.  I love the quality and the individuality of each piece, and I am sure you guys will too.  Normally, you know I wouldn't say go buy clothes, but these are totally worth it.  They are absolutely stunning!

The outfit:

Waves of White cream cardigan: Lizzy Brookes

Navy tank: J. Crew

Skinny Jeans: Express

Necklace: Art Bow Necklace, ModCloth

Gray pointed-toe loafers: Urban Outfitters

Fashion Tip Friday - How to find a good vintage store

One of my favorite things to do when I go vacation or out of town is to check out vintage and thrift stores.  It is difficult to find the good ones though, especially when you do not have a native around.  So, how do you find some of the best thrift and vintage stores without really knowing the town?  I wanted to share a few useful tips on hunting out the best thrift stores in a new town.

Know the names
You really cannot fail with Buffalo Exchange.  They always have a great selection, are always on trend, and I personally have a hard time walking out of the store without grabbing something.  Other great names to recognize are Plato's Closet (especially if you like more juniors type apparel), Goodwill (duh), Saver's (select locations), and Salvation Army.  Usually when I end up going out of town, I always hit up a Buffalo Exchange.  Hopefully, you can also find some great stores in the same area.

Vintage or Thrift Organizations
In a few cities, the local vintage and thrift stores will form some sort of loose organization so that you can find more of the same type of stores.  For example, in Austin, Texas, if you walk into a vintage store you will most likely find a little green brochure featuring several vintage and antique stores throughout the city.  Look out for these throughout your journey's as well as fashion related literature that may be in locally owned periodicals or fliers.

Scour the internet
The biggest one is searching the internet.  I could write an entire how-to on how to search for thrift stores on the internet however, I am going to try and sum up as much as I can so I don't bore you to death.

Go into Google maps and bring up the city you will be visiting.  For example, let's use Chicago, IL.

Once you have searched for the city, you will be taken to a page that looks similar to this.  Click on Search nearby and a drop down menu will appear.  Type in thrift stores and hit search.  Not only will this help you find places close to where you are staying but also help you have a plan of attack.

Here is your list of vintage stores.  One of the great things that google maps offers is a reviewing function.  I really cannot tell you how important these are and just want to say if you end up going to one of these places, please use some of the following sites that I am about to mention to review them.  You will not only be helping out the company but also help out fashionistas like you who are searching for good thrift and vintage.

Once you have a list, you will want to cross reference some of these places using sites like Yelp, City Search, and Fashion Dig.  All of these sites allow anyone to post information about the places on them.  They will include reviews, websites for these places, locations, phone numbers, and even hours of operations.  You may also be able to find a few gems that may not have shown up on the google maps search. 

Another great resource was started by Jessica (of What I Wore) and her fiancee Adam .  This site is called Vintage Where?

Vintage Where is mostly user operated with the opportunity for you to update your favorite vintage stores as well as browse for stores in other cities.  The site is a breath of fresh air when you may be heading to a city and you have no idea where to start.

Ask people.
Find fashion bloggers or just locals to that area and ask them their favorite places as well as any gems that may be hidden and off the beaten path.  You never know what you will find.

How do you find vintage and thrift stores in your own towns?  I am pretty familiar with the areas of Nashville that have great vintage, and will frequent these places (not as much since I'm not shopping).  I do have my favorite stores and my favorite areas of town that usually have a lot of really great finds but I am also always on the lookout for some hidden gems.

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement.  I am so thankful for the comments and the love.  Hope everyone has a great weekend!