Post-Hiatus

Hi all,

After a serious hiatus due to lots of things happening in my life all at once, I've decided to explain as little as possible because:
1. I don't have the time to give a run down.
and 2. Because I think you simply don't need to hear all the boring-ish parts. (I'll do you that favor.)

So here is a nutshell of what's been going on, instagram status.

To elaborate ever so slightly, I have:

-Gotten a new tattoo. On my chest, and it says "The Lion's Roar" (for several reasons)

-Cuddled lots and lots with my Whiskey dog, and my mister

-Gotten an amazing new job as a graphic designer at Birchbox. (the most exciting event. obviously!)

-Gone to a few concerts, and many more to come this summer

-Enjoyed my neighborhood spots, especially the ones that are involved in the community and schools.

-Took out my dreads. I am sad to have done so, but there were good reasons. 

Hope you all have been amazingly well, and please stay tuned for lots more to come here on The Rose Alley!

<3 Aly

The Giffee Sandal

Everyone has been pretty on the fence about these guys. They either love them or hate them. I happen to  love them, and they fit me perfectly. They had to be mine.

Preen for Aldo Rise. The Giffee Sandal. What do you think? Would you wear it?

It's my go to summer shoe now if I'm feeling fashionably feisty.

Shoe Splicing

I don't know if you have seen the slightly heeled sneaker fad, if you haven't you've probably been in a cave for several months. I think I like them, though I have yet to try on a pair. I just don't know if I could pull them off. Generally I don't make a habit of wearing sneakers out other than taking Whiskey to the dog park or riding my bike. I don't really think I could pull them off. However...

I personally think these are kind of amazing. I'm in love with them (though not their $300+ price tag). I would wear these all over the place! It's like a boat shoe-moccasin-timberland boot! The shop refers to them as a high top boat shoe. They're amazing. And completely handmade on an individual basis. I've never spent over 300 dollars on a pair of shoes, but I come pretty close to justifying this purchase. I'm pro most items on Etsy, and this shop, Jules and Joshua is a definite thumbs up! Check them out.

Spring Cleaning: Part 1

Hello everyone,
Man, have I been busy lately! Between trying to clean out my apartment of as many worldly possessions as possible (it's so hard!), and finding out I've got an incredible new job that starts in less than two weeks (eek!), it's hard for me to find the time to do much else.
As mentioned, spring usually means a clean out for most people. That being said, I have never ever done any 'spring cleaning' before. Why? Because I like my stuff! That's why. Haha. Seriously though, it's so hard for me to let go of things.
I still have clothing and shoes from years ago that I only wore once. I still have makeup that has gone dry and turned to dust. I still have scarves that went out of style in the 90s. And don't even get me started on jewelry. The jewelry was the first thing I tried to tackle, and let me tell you, it's insanely difficult for a girl that collects jewelry as a hobby, to get rid of some... so naturally, I didn't. I just found a better way to store some of it.

I bought a deep glass dish from Daffys and tossed most of my bangles and bracelets in it.

I found a perfect acrylic storage case at The Container Store.

Also at The Container Store, I found this set of drawers. Which happens to be perfect for my odd earrings and 'too large' rings.

You can see my eagle ring, bone hoops, spear head double ring, and my awesome lego alien I won at Oscar bingo. Oh yes.

I also had enough space to stash my favorite perfumes together in a pretty, sunny spot.

Two stacked paper trays from the container store give me storage on top, and room for my newest magazines on bottom.
You can also see my bangle jar next to it.

<3

 So much jewelry! And I haven't even gotten to my necklaces, non-stud earrings, hair accessories,  makeup, or clothing organization. Though I did end up donating about a freezer bag full of jewelry that I do not need any more, which I am really proud of.
Be prepared, friends! I fully intend to see this through, and plan on documenting along the way just in case anyone else is having 'spring cleaning' cold feet like I am. Is it fun? No. Is it necessary? Yes, I think so. It really makes everything feel fresh and new. It's like beginning again, and getting to take an inventory and really look at yourself and what it is you want. Try it! ;)

The Holy Grail

I'm slightly obsessed with vintage and thrifting. It's all about the hunt for something that's amazing, and one of a kind. Granted, sure I get my basics at Zara, H&M, and Asos like most people, but I'm always in love with things that no one else has the exact version of. It's all about the unique. It's about making a statement. And if I can find it for a deal, ever better!
I wanted to share the most coveted pair of shoes I own. I found them on one particularly rainy and gross weekend in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. My boyfriend and I were trying to go to a gallery show but it was closed. So we wandered around because, well, because why not? We were already out in the rain. As we turned a corner, I saw this teeny tiny little hole of a 'vintage shop' that looked more like a shanty with lots of boots. Naturally, I had to check it out.
Let me tell you, this place was stocked with amazing leather goods and some great old T-shirts, as well as other items. I picked out a great leather briefcase (that sadly, I don't use nearly as much as I should), and these bad boys:

Low and behold! I was looking exactly for a great pair of broken in motorcycle boots and these fit the ticket more than I could ever imagine. I tried them on and they fit perfectly. Like I was meant to find them. And not only that, but they were marked for $80 and the guy gave me 40% off each item, because I was the first person to make a purchase that day!

These boots are perfect for everything. They're my rain boots, snow boots, and my 'I don't want to wear heels today' shoes. They are perfectly beat up and soft. I've had them for 2 years now, and I will wear them until they disintegrate off my feet.

-If I ever remember the name/ location of the shop, I will absolutely post it for all you curious kids!