Occupy The Dream #MLK

‎"Someone told a lie one day. They couched it in language. They made everything black ugly and evil. Look in the dictionary and look at the synonyms for the word black. Its always something degrading, low, and sinister. Look at the word white. It's always something pure, high, clean. Well I want to get the language right tonight." -MLK 

~ HAPPY DR. KING DAY !!! ~

#occupythedream

Ensemble #1

Hey people I'm back !! I know It's been a while, but I'm here with just a quick little post of an ensemble I put together for myself .

Last weekend I went out for my good friend Shannon's birthday to Ibiza nightclub in Northeast, Washington, DC . 

The crappy picture of Ibiza I took on my cell phone ...

I The clearer picture of Ibiza I found on Google Images :)

So most females, when they go clubbing, like to rock it short and raunchy (even though on most of them it just looks ratched) . In their attempts to be what they think is cute, they end up being uncomfortable in a dress that is threatening to expose what is not often seen by the sun, and their feet are screaming for mercy because they hurt so bad . 

When you go to the club you want to party right ? You can't dance and have fun when you're uncomfortable . I am here today to show how you can be cute and comfortable when you go clubbing ...

This is what I wore:

Despite the bad bathroom lighting, I look cute, right ? Right . And I was comfortable ALL NIGHT LONG .

I was comfortable because I was dressed so could dance all night . Here is a list of what made this stylish club outfit:

• A loose blouse; comfortable and easy to move around in . A good option for girls who are self conscious about a little gut showing through their clothes . (You may recognize my blouse as well as the hat from my previous post "The First Thrift Run") 
• My grey leggings; they're affordable, easy to find, and come in so many colors and patterns the options are endless !! However, being that few have the body type appropriate for leggings, I would recommend a looser pant or jeans for those who have a dimple here or there they would rather not show off . 
• My beloved Jeffrey Campbells <-- now you're probably thinking, "Hey those are some tall shoes !! Where's the comfort in this footwear ??" Believe it or not, these shoes are VERY comfortable . It's all in the PLATFORM . This is just a guess-stimate, but JC shoes have a 5 inch heel with a 3 inch platform ... that means you're only walking on a 2 inch heel !! ...What can I say ?? The platform is where it's at .
• And lastly, I accessorized accordingly . Because what is an outfit without the right accessories ?? Exactly . Nothing .

So there you have it . Whoever said you can't be fashionable and comfortable LIED . At the end of the day, it's all about finding what works for you . As is life .

STAY THRIFTY !!

♥Ally

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The First Thrift Run

So this past Friday I trekked all the way out to Columbia, MD and visited 2nd Avenue Value Store . This one was a recommendation from a friend of mine, she said it was one of the best thrift stores she's ever been to . And I must say, she wasn't lying !! It was big and spacious, very clean, and tons of things to choose from . I could have spent hours in there !! 

I had my basket filled with so many amazing things !! I almost had too much, had to put some things back (heart breaking :'[ lol) . But int he end I settled on sum amazing finds, and spent a total of $63.71

Now if you think that's too much for a thrift store, that's why I've done my research on the new retail . I went online and looked up clothes from one of my favorite stores Urban Outfitters . UO clothes does have a thrifty style, but it is WAY EXPENSIVE . That's why I can't shop there often . I Just window shop mostly ... 

But anyways I want to show you how you can have a stylish and expensive look without spending barely any money at all:

First I found these to amazing cute and retro pleated skirts . They're long enough to go just past the knee, but I like to wear them a bit high-waisted so they r just above the knee . They're very 1990's-Cher-from-Clueless-esque...just not as short :)

Stacey Dash (Dionne) and Alicia Silverstone (Cher) in Clueless

Urban Outfitters --> $49.00

2nd Ave --> $11.80 ($5.90 each)

Amazing right ?? But the list keeps going ... I found 2 totally adorable mini felt hats . The dark green one I think is my favorite because it reminds me of Denise Huxtable from the Cosby Show . She was the "weirdo" of the family, but honestly I loved her style ... Does that makes me a weirdo too ? Moving on:

Lisa Bonet as Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show

Urban Outfitters --> $38.00

2nd Ave --> $6.90

And the second hat, the teal one:

Urban Outfitters --> $34.00

2nd Ave --> $5.90

Next in line is a sheer white blouse that instantly fell in love with . Once again very retro, very comfortable, and very cute .

Urban Outfitters --> $54.00

2nd Ave --> $5.90

I also bought a very feminine dress that I thought was beautiful when I first saw it . Can't wear it until the spring/summer but I'm willing to wait ... Anyways, its a strapless black-and-white polka dot dress, and it's very Minnie-Mouse-esque . I was so happy when I tried it on because it fit PERFECTLY . Like it was tailored for me . So in love with this:

Urban Outfitters --> $439.00

2nd Ave --> $7.90

I was really in need of a messenger bag that I could fit my Macbook in, and I found what I was looking for . And it is a GENUINE RALPH LAUREN PRODUCT . Nothing like finding real designers in a thrift store . And it was the cheapest thing I bought that day !! So much swag:

Urban Outfitters --> $135.00

2nd Ave --> $3.90

I'm feeling like Elvis all of a sudden ... 'cause I got some blue suede shoes !! Not even kidding . I bought a cute pair of royal blue suede booties . They were a size 11, but they ran small so my size 10 foot was nice and comfortable in them:

Urban Outfitters --> $69.00

2nd Ave --> $6.90

Now not only am I fashionista, but I am also a student athlete . I'll be playing softball this semester, but my cleats from high school are a bit on the...um...dusty side . I needed new ones . Well the Lord blessed me with finding cleats right at the thrift store !! They don't even look like they were worn more than once or twice . Thrift store sporting equipment, it's where it's at:

Sports Authority --> $50.00

2nd Ave --> $10.90

Well that's all for today, and I hoped you enjoyed my thrift store experience . There is much affordable style out there, you just have to go find it .

STAY THRIFTY !!

♥Ally

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The Beginning

WELCOME TO MY VERY FIRST BLOG !! ...I'm new to this so bear with me :)

I'm 19 years old and my I am interested in becoming a Victoria's Secret Model, and my ultimate career choice is becoming a fashion stylist .

In many ways, I already see myself as an awesome stylist . I am good at creating new looks with just a few items of clothing . I also love thrift stores because, not only is it extremely affordable (I am a college student after all), but there is so much possibility for creativity and one of a kind looks . 

Don't you hate when you buy something incredible from H&M or Urban Outfitters, and then see three other girls on campus with that very same outfit on ? And you just shelled out a bunch of money, for what ? To look just like everyone else . I like when people ask me, "Where did you get that from ?" ...and I get to say, "From a thrift store. And It was only $3 !!"

Hey it may not be a big deal, but it kinda is to me :)

On another note, I CAN'T STAND when people are so obsessed with labels and designers all of the time . Especially those who can't afford it in the first place . You are not Oprah . So don't go buying $300 Jordans or a $500 Gucci bag when you can't even pay your phone bill of buy books for class . Like SERIOUSLY ??!! 

Stunting like you have money when you're really broke is NOT CUTE . In the end you need to know who you are and manage your money accordingly . You're 19, 20, 21 years old . If you focus on school now, you will be making the money to buy a $500 Gucci bag later . Hey I'm just saying ...

Now of course there's nothing wrong with splurging every once and a while . Personally I am in love with Jeffrey Campbell shoes . These shoes are expensive . But I will save p for them when I can . As of right now I own just one pair, the Americana Lita Boot . And I got it ON SALE !! 

What can I say ? I live for a sale ...

Now my best advice for those who want a fabulous designer look, but don't have designer money, brings me right back to the awesomeness of what is the thrift store . Look through magazines and websites and find that look that inspires you . Then head to your favorite thrift store and create that red carpet look . If you don't think it's possible, then you must not be looking hard enough . 

I do admit thrifting takes a little more effort than any other shopping experience, but in the end it is well worth it . So stay tuned, 'cause I'll be posting some of my looks from my closet and all of my thrifting experiences .

STAY THRIFTY !!

♥Ally

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