BOUGIE WITH A SIDE OF BUDGET

The mall's packed, you're tired of shopping in the same stores and showing up to events, only to see another girl in the same outfit wearing that H&M/Forever21/ASOS dress you just bought, under the belief that you were the only one who would think it was cute. But how do you go unique without breaking your budget and shopping at high-end, top-dollar retailers?Ladies and gentlemen....meet bougie with a side of budget....THRIFTING. Most people, when they think of thrifting, imagine Goodwill or the Salvation Army, filled with dusty remnants of their grandmother's closet. Not so, my friends! Most of y'all are like "this is not a new concept...so what are you talking about...", but let me tell you...in the past week I have been asked on four occasions where I purchased a name brand item, only to divulge that it came from the nearest thrift store, much to the surprise of the individual.So if that individual is still you, then this post is for you!Thrifting is awesomeness. And with a little patience, research, and commitment you can get a lot of bargains for your buck. And just persuade you that there's no smoke in mirrors 😉, here's some fabulosity I picked up during my thrifting haul this week!1. This clutch is so cute, compact, and a great price! Originally from Forever 21, it was in great condition and an all-around steal.2. Things to know about me: I'm a retro feen! I loved the color and feel of this 1980's bomber jacket. And for four dollars? Please, and thank you!3. Handbags, handbags, handbags. As the designer of my own handbag line, ALANAYA, I love and appreciate all handbags! This item was no exception. Genuine leather with intricate nuances in all of the right places.4. Ladies!!! When I tell you this is an AMAZING price for any London Fog jacket...I mean it!! I was ecstatic! And it fits fantastically. 5. World Traveler Status. I have been searching for an upscale-type "I look nice but didn't break the bank" travel bag for a little while, and can safely say this satisfied all of the above. It still had the original tags on, and had basically never been used. SCORE!6. Last, but certainly not least, a little vintage spice for your life with this classy, give me Audrey Hepburn-type-feeling hat! Honestly, I bought it for a party, but feel like I'll find more than one place to wear it! And that, ladies and gentlemen, concludes this week's thrifting haul. Needless to say, I am VERY pleased with the results. Thrifting is the BUSINESS! Where do you thrift? Let me know about some of your favorite thrifting hauls. In the meantime, I'll be prancing around my apt in this London Fog trench and my hat! Happy Friday!-AB