A Full Day Shopping at Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall

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Alaska fashion might not make it to the front cover of Vogue magazine or any major publications for that matter. But the fact that Alaska, the isolated state of the great Northern Lights, has some amazing stylish shopping options is great news. Join Louisa, one of Alaska’s top fashion and beauty blogger, as she explores the unique retail stores at Anchorage 5th Avenue mall! #winterfashion #alaskaFirst thing first, Happy December! Today I’m taking you behind the scenes on a day out with me in Anchorage, Alaska. A couple weeks ago I spent a full day at Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall. I shared live updates on Instagram Stories including how I almost missed my flight because there were two moose on my street!

It was a short one hour flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage. On arrival, I picked up my rental and made my way to the gorgeous Sheraton Hotel on 6th Avenue. It felt good escaping the Fairbanks -20ΒΊF for the 15ΒΊF in Anchorage.

The next morning, I made the quick drive to Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall for some shopping. Ashlee, the Marketing Director, gave me a tour of the mall. If you’re from out of state, you’d be impressed to find such a gem in Alaska. This huge mall hosts over 85 retail partners and even has an upscale restaurant with live performance (Sullivan’s Steakhouse).

The 5 retailers/partners I spent most of my day (10 am – 7 pm) at were:

  • Starbucks
  • Sephora
  • Banana Republic
  • Aerie
  • Apricot Lane
  • Sullivan’s Steakhouse

 

STARBUCKS

I started off my day with a cup of coffee at Starbucks. I was at Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall on Saturday, the day after Black Friday. The vibe at the mall was refreshing. There were people shopping but the crowd was not overwhelming. Starbucks was, as you would expect, busy. A treat to a Starbucks pumpkin latter was just the kick I needed to start off my day shopping and exploring (thanks, Ashlee!).

SEPHORA

My first stop was at Sephora. Like a ritual, I took a quick scoop of the store. I needed to refresh my beauty routine and stock up on some products that I was running low on. Since we don’t have a local Sephora in Fairbanks, I took advantage of the opportunity to get a one-on-one makeup transformation. Chelsea totally upgraded my look with a flawless makeup.

I ended up with a basket full of products I wanted to take home with me! Take a look:

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Feeling like royalty, I was ready to refresh my wardrobe.


BANANA REPUBLIC

After a quick detour to Victoria’s Secret, I made my way to Banana Republic. I talking with staff to get some recommendations. They have firsthand knowledge of their bestselling products and suggestions on pieces that might work for me. Something often lacking in online shopping experience!

Alaska fashion might not make it to the front cover of Vogue magazine or any major publications for that matter. But the fact that Alaska, the isolated state of the great Northern Lights, has some amazing stylish shopping options is great news. Join Louisa, one of Alaska’s top fashion and beauty blogger, as she explores the unique retail stores at Anchorage 5th Avenue mall! #winterfashion #alaskaJohn gave me the lowdown on the hottest Banana Republic styles this season. From dramatic ruffles and scallop hems to cocktail dresses and workwear. Mary-Lo was really kind and she gave me great feedback on pieces I tried on.

I spent so much time at Banana Republic that my phone battery died. Here’s an Insta Story wearing some of the items I took home with me. Watch me break into my happy dance! πŸ™‚


Ruffles, off-the-shoulder, scallop and asymmetric hems were the IT products last summer. Not surprisingly, this trend has transitioned well to fall and winter. So when John told that this ruffle sweater (in black and red) were flying off the shelves, I wanted in on the action. Here’s a quick look at the sweater, did a quick shot for you once I got back to Alaska.

The weather was bitterly cold (-7ΒΊF) so I kept my look simple. I’ve already rocked this ruffle goodness a few times already. It is going to be on repeat for months to come. Sadly, the sweater already sold out online but you might be able to get it in store. Don’t walk, run!Alaska fashion might not make it to the front cover of Vogue magazine or any major publications for that matter. But the fact that Alaska, the isolated state of the great Northern Lights, has some amazing stylish shopping options is great news. Join Louisa, one of Alaska’s top fashion and beauty blogger, as she explores the unique retail stores at Anchorage 5th Avenue mall! #winterfashion #alaska

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AERIE

Feeling satisfied with my picks, I checked out and headed to Aerie after charging my phone for about 20 minutes. We all know that Aerie is loaded with a lot of cute and comfy pieces. From the first time I laid eyes on the in-store display, I had my eyes set on getting this loungewear set.

I literally wanted everything in the store but I had to hold myself back. I let Jolene pick out an outfit for me. She asked me what my preferences were before picking out a super soft side-tie sweater and a cozy pair of leggings. Immediately, I got excited about athleisure wear.

A quick fitting room Insta-Story:

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Just as I stepped out of Aerie, I looked at my watch and realized that I was running short on time and still hadn’t been to Aerie. I picked up my phone and rescheduled my flight. This is what happens when you’re having a good time and lose track of time πŸ™‚ Thankfully, Alaska Airlines has an accommodating flight change policy. Blame it on the fun I was having!


APRICOT LANE

My last retail stop was at Apricot Lane, a mother-daughter boutique known for its on-trend apparel and accessories for women of all ages at very affordable prices. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Ann Marie earlier in the day. She shared her personal story on how she was inspired to start her very own Apricot Lane in the heart of Alaska.

Apricot Lane is packed full with a ton of phenomenal products. From corner to corner, I was oohing and ahhing! Ann Marie and BEX were gone for the day when I returned but Pamela and Cheyenna were a delight. Pamela made a few amazing recommendations. She also brought my attention to this insulated leggings. I ended getting it in two colors πŸ™‚

There was no shortage of pretty dresses and cozy sweaters to try on. With the subzero temperatures, I had my mind set on revamping my winter wardrobe. Take a gander!

Apricot Lane had me do a fun challenge for me. I was to create a complete look for $100. Initially, I assumed it’ll be tough to do but once I explored the store’s selection of items, it was a no-brainer. The hard-to-beat prices combined with their holiday discount made this a super fun activity. The result? TWO sets of outfit under $100 each!

This head to toe look (excluding the boots) from Apricot Lane cost a total of $92. I also bought a second pair of leggings, the grey peek-a-boo sweater, the tie front midi dress and a yellow scarf for a grand total of $220.80. Check out my under $100 outfit from Apricot Lane at Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall.

Alaska fashion might not make it to the front cover of Vogue magazine or any major publications for that matter. But the fact that Alaska, the isolated state of the great Northern Lights, has some amazing stylish shopping options is great news. Join Louisa, one of Alaska’s top fashion and beauty blogger, as she explores the unique retail stores at Anchorage 5th Avenue mall! #winterfashion #alaska


SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE

After hours of running on coffee and excitement, it was time to grab some food. I took a seat at the bar at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. Not only was the food delicious, the staff was amazing! I took my time savoring every bite as I listened to live music.

Joe, the general manager was checked on me. The food was perfect. A bowl of soup, tender steak, and molten chocolate later, I was ready to head back to Fairbank, a little reluctantly if I might add.

BACK HOME

I had phenomenal time shopping at Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall. The atmosphere, the people, and retail options felt like a perfectly composed symphony. If you’re visiting Anchorage, Alaska for the first time, you would be pleasantly surprised to see a mall of this magnitude in this winter wonderland.

If you are visiting from out of state, need a few items or need a break from the great outdoors, there’s plenty to do and see at the Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall. I only visited a handful of retailers during my time there. I instantly knew that I was back to Fairbanks, Alaska when I checked the weather.Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall 5413 640

I can’t wait for my next visit to Anchorage! Thanks to Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall (a Simon Hall) and all the retail partners for hosting me and for letting me run wide in their stores. Thank you for reading!

Professional photos by SNH Photos

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4 Comments

  1. It looks like you had such a fun trip out there. I have never been to Alaska myself, but I know I would love to visit. I can only imagine what the trek out to the shopping in winter must be like though. My daughter would love the Hat you got from Apricot Lane. And the products from Sephora I already know she loves.

  2. Would you believe that it has probably been six months since I have been to the mall? It is all the way on the other side of town, and I have 4 kids so going to the mall isn’t really a fun past time with them. I order so much online anymore that I haven’t had a need to go to the mall stores.

  3. Looks like you really enjoyed having the run of the mall. You stopped at a couple of my favorite stores including Apricot Lane as it isn’t as recognized as some of the other stores but it’s a great find nonetheless. I have visited their locations in Texas and Georgia and have always found something unique.

  4. I never associated Alaska with shopping, but apparently, there are a lot of options up there, and you look good in everything. It’s good the weather doesn’t keep you housebound!

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