top of page
  • aliciaunderleenels

Stripes and Suede


I went thrifting the other day and scored the most amazing suede skirt — for $4!

When buying suede secondhand, it’s always wise to get it cleaned first, because the person who owned it before you probably didn’t. (It’s kind of gross, but true. Have you ever cleaned your leather jackets? Probably not.)

I go to Ivory Leathers in West Fargo, but any leather shop can help. If in doubt, ask a biker for their recommendation. (Seriously.) Even if the biker look isn’t your style, a skilled leather worker knows the material better than anyone and can help with repairs like zipper replacements and extra grommets — even on boots or accessories — that your regular tailor or cobbler won’t touch.


To keep this suede mini from looking too ’80’s, I paired it with a classic striped top and my favorite vintage necklace.

I’m in love with this articulated owl necklace. For some reason, I have a thing for owls. Maybe it’s genetic. My Grandma Johnson has a very similar piece from the ’70’s, but her owl has little white enamel paillettes for feathers. Jealous.

Because the necklace is big and has a thick gold chain, it can read gangster pretty easily. So I avoid solid colored shirts and pair it with strong patterns or ethereal, ’70’s style silhouettes.

Get The Look: Shirt: Thrifted Skirt: Vintage. Tights: Topshop Booties: Steve Madden Bag: Morgan de Toi Necklace: Vintage

You won’t miss a single post when you subscribe to Prairie Style File. Just look for the “Follow Prairie Style File” sign-up on the right side of the page. Or follow my adventures across the Midwest, the prairie provinces of Canada and around the world on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Tag your pics and travel tips #PrairiePeople and #PrairiePlaces on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. You could inspire an upcoming post on Prairie Style File. Prairie Style File is curated by Alicia Underlee Nelson. All rights reserved.

1 view0 comments
bottom of page