News flash: trendy and affordable fall fashion is within your grasp, and your budget. When shopping for seasonal items to freshen up your wardrobe, don't overlook local consignment and secondhand stores to piece together a perfectly personalized look. From consignment to secondhand shops, we went door to door in Alaska's largest city searching for the most upscale styles and lowest price tags.
Disclaimer: If you're looking for a gently used Gucci clutch, it will still be priced as such. You get what you're willing to pay for.
Hip Huntress
Xtratufs are great, but they don't define Alaska fashion. Keep an eye out for flirty puddle jumpers this fall: Black mud boots with brown top cuffs and yellow bows: $72, Joules, Clothesline Consignment.
Essential Crossbody Bag
Every woman needs a little black dress and a little black leather purse, which luckily are easy to come by in Anchorage—if you're looking in the right stores. Medium crossbody bag: $82, Fossil, Clothesline Consignment.
Effortless Fall Look
Yellow and brown leaf print scarf: $14, Collection Eighteen, Clothesline Consignment; Graphic Tee: $18, All Saints, Second Run; Faded green shirt jacket: $36, Madewell, Second Run; Dark wash jeans, $56, Citizens of Humanity, Plain Jane; Red leather purse: $165, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Second Run; Cowboy style short boots: $85, FRYE, Second Run.
It has been said again and again: layer. This fall is no exception. It's easy to mix pieces from spring with items from winter if you stick to a toned-down color palate. Use vibrant patterns (conservatively) in purses, shoes and jacket liners for a touch of sass.
DRESSING THE LITTLES
There's no reason to break the bank when buying clothes for children. They will outgrow their (and your) favorite pieces in the blink of an eye and stains will only accumulate. Kid to Kid is a used children's clothing store where parents can sell, browse and buy the latest trends at reasonable rates. Here are three outfits we put together:
Girls Day Out
If you're five years old, you're adorable and can get away with a lot. This includes mixing and matching patterns and textures in a more liberal manner than adults. Army green cinched waist jacket: $11.24; Grey cardigan with vertical black lace trim: $5.99, JC Penney; Blue babydoll dress with polka dots: $7.50, Room Seven; Black leggings: $5.99, H&M; Black boots: $15, Timberland.
Girls Night Out
Every little girl wants to feel like a princess, even if just for a night. Don't be afraid to pair more mature dark colors with pales, they can work together! Pink wool coat with faux fur trim: $16.99, Rothschild; Party dress with sequin collar: $17.99, Isobella & Chloe; Pink flats with toe ruffle flower: $7.99, Gap.
Boys Day Out
From playing outside to shopping with mom, boys need an outfit that can not only withstand wear and tear but can look good dirty. Black and grey grandpa sweater: $9.99, Rag & Bone (Neiman Marcus for Target); Picnic patterned button up: $6.99, Land's End; Light wash blue jeans: $6.99, Cherokee; Corduroy jacket w/ elbow pads and flannel interior: $12.99, Gymboree; Sheepskin boots: $7.99, no label.
This article appeared in the Fall 2015 issue of 61°North. Contact 61° editor Jamie Gonzales at jgonzales@alaskadispatch.com.