dresses for vegas

I'm going to Las Vegas for part of spring break, and I'm so excited! Our basketball team will be playing in the WCC tournament and I can't wait to go. I am currently in the market for some dresses to wear in The Vegs. I want to look polished but fun without spending a lot of money (since I don't know how often I'll wear these dresses post-Vegas.) Here are four frocks I'm admiring:

one, two, three, four

I'll probably only need two dresses, maybe three. Which one(s) should I go for?

xo-ally

current shopping list: mint colored everything!

Yes, I know it's still January. Spring is around the corner! (In a couple months, give or take?) When stores begin to stock spring attire, my mind flashes forward to the days where I don't have to wear a coat or scrape the ice off my car in the morning. Ah, pure bliss.

I'm loving how both brights and pastels are huge this spring. I'm currently crushing on everything mint colored. It's subtle but can still be just as girly as a ballet pink.

Even though it snowed today (and yesterday, and the day before that) I can't help but get excited for the upcoming season! I already purchased white jeans recently, and here are a few spring mint pieces I'm lusting over.

Mint chino shorts. Love.

A mint hair bow!

Mint skinnies. The colored denim trend is stronger than ever and these jeans would be perfect for a cool, spring break evening!

Along with the colored denim trend, we're seeing bright colored exercise leggings in every hue imaginable. I already have avatar-blue leggings from lululemon, but these mint wunder under leggings are so adorable!

A smidge brighter than mint, but still a soft green nonetheless, this girly dress is calling my name.

Okay, okay, I'm stretching the dresses in this post a little too far with color, but this dress is great for spring too!

Let's bring it back to actual mint now. This plain tee is just asking for a statement necklace!

What's on your spring shopping list? Are you going to add mint and other pastel colors to your spring wardrobe?

xo-ally

dancing

I am currently rehearsing a my first speech in my Advanced Public Speaking class for tomorrow morning. I am talking about dance and how it has significantly contributed to the person I have become throughout my life.

I love dance. I love performing. I love every dance team I've been on, especially the lovely Gonzaga Dance Team.

I'm bringing all four dance uniforms from Gonzaga Dance Team to class tomorrow as some of my visual aids. Seeing all four dresses laid out makes me feel so nostalgic. My four years are almost up. I have had so many great performances in those dresses. I can't believe that my time with dance team is almost over. :(

No matter what, even if it is just by teaching Zumba, I really hope to keep dance part of my life in years to come.

Okay, okay! I'm not letting myself get too sappy yet! There are still two more months left :)

xo-ally

sunshine award

The lovely Nicole from Sequined Patterns gave me a Sunshine Award! Thanks girl!

The Sunshine Award is symbolized by a flower that one blogger can give to other "bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere."

As with most awards, the Sunshine Award comes with a few simple rules:

Acknowledge the person who gave this award in a blog post.

Do the Q&A below.

Pass on the award to 10 deserving and inspiring bloggers, inform them and link to their blogs. This award doesn't have any specific number of followers as a constraint, just pick people who inspire you!

Q&A

Who is your favorite philosopher? I studied Decartes my sophomore year, and I liked some of his work. Though I really like C.S. Lewis. I took an upper-division C.S. Lewis philosophy class and I learned so much. His work is very fascinating, in my opinion.

What is your favorite number? Four!

What is your favorite animal? Puppies/small dogs. They're adorable. :)

What is your favorite time of day? I like any time of the day past the groggy morning. Or any time it is sunny. Though I am most certainly a night owl, and feel like I'm more creative, and sometimes more productive late at night.

What do you prefer, Facebook or Twitter? I think they're both great social media tools, but I'm gonna have to say Twitter. (This also reminds me - I haven't uploaded pics to fb since, like, October. I should get on that, haha).

What is your favorite holiday? CHRISTMAS! It's the best part about a cold winter! It brings joy and happiness to the season.

What is your favorite physical activity? Dancing! I've been dancing since I was three. I am writing this after a dance team practice, in fact. I also enjoy rock climbing, running, teaching zumba, hot yoga, and pilates. As you can tell, I love exercise.

What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink? Iced, non-fat, no whip mocha from Starbucks.

What is your passion?  I have a quite a few! Dance, traveling, learning (I really do enjoy school), social media/blogging, PR, and fitness.

What is your favorite flower? White peonies or hot pink gerbera daisies.

My nominations are:

The Darling Prepster

All the Vanity...

The Girl Behind the Pen

Aimlessly Happy

Turtles and Pearls

Blue Dog Belle

 Demure in Diamonds

Thanks again, Nicole!

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

xo-ally

chevron dresses

Chevron stripes are a huge trend right now, and I've subtly worn the pattern with my colored chevron bangles. With spring on the mind, however, I have dresses on my shopping list. These bold, chevron striped dresses are perfect.

[top, middle, bottom]

Are you enjoying the chevron striped trend?

xo-ally

spring trend: black & white

You know when you get really busy, time slips away from you, and life kind of gets in the way? To the point where you realize you haven't posted on your blog in two days?! That's me right now...however, I would like to take a chance to mention one of the hottest trends right now: black and white color blocking. I've seen it, worn it, and (usually) have loved it. Take a look at some of my picks that I suggest for any spring shopping list. (Click the images to go to the site.)

     

     

My favorite is the Kate Spade tote, because I love the pop of hot pink!

Will you be wearing black and white this spring?

xo-ally

chambray & polka dots

Button-up American Eagle (similar) Jeans Nordstrom Flats Tory Burch Handbag Tory Burch (old) Necklace H&M (old) Earrings Nordstrom (similar) Sunglasses Chanel

I love my school! We took the photos today in front of the admin building. My very first college class was in this building freshman year, and I have one this semester in the same classroom. Everything is coming full circle.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

xo-ally

friday's fancies - outfit crush

It is no secret that I absolutely love spring and summer fashion. I also love pretty much anything that Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf has worn, especially her Hamptons outfits in Season 2. When I saw that this week's Friday's Fancies theme with long distance loving was Outfit Crush, I couldn't resist using Blair's summer style as inspiration! From Milly and Lilly P to Prada and Chanel, take a look at the mint and pink outfit I recreated plus some extra inspiration below.

Top outfit info: printed lilly wedges, kate spade pink handbag, mint dress, beach cruiser bike, gold necklace <this is the exact one! I've been looking for years! However it costs $1,500...

Other items: blue lilly pulitzer dress, prada sunglasses, milly pink rose skirt, milly green sheath dress, white, buckle belt, pucci straw tote, jewel headband, summer bangles

The snow outside already has me dreaming of warmer days, and this post definitely makes me want to leap ahead to spring break!

xo-ally

[photos from here, here, and here]

snapshots 01/17/13

I finally have my nail polish organized! I got these small, glass containers from Target for $3.99 each. Now the only thing is that each container is perfectly full, so adding to my nail polish collection might be an issue.....

I like to sneak in spring color into my winter wardrobe whenever I can! My poppy orange-red Kate Spade necklace is perfect for the task.

The trees looked so beautiful today because of this weird freezing fog we're having. Instead of being covered in snow, the branches were covered in mini icicles. It felt like walking through a snow globe this morning when I went to class!

Speaking of winter - a winter white outfit post is coming soon, as promised! I have the outfit planned and just need to wear it :)

xo-ally

just one of those days

[image]

Mhmm. 

Goooooodnight.

I promise to post something more interesting in the coming future. :D

xo-ally

last first day of school

Chose a pink notebook for this semester! Then realized I also have pink nail polish and a pink jacket on....though I have to say I'm not surprised with myself. I'm also right-handed, not left. I guess I was trying to be cool for the photo (ha)

Today just flew by, and now I'm finally getting time to sit down and blog! I had three of my six classes today - advanced public speaking, graphic design, and my public relations capstone class. Based on the first day, all three classes are great. We have 45 students in capstone (a large class for our small Jesuit school). We're all PR majors and everyone is super chatty and awesome. I love it. Graphic design will be fun too because we get to work with InDesign and Illustrator. (Speaking of - my Photoshop is BACK! Finally.)

Tomorrow I just have journalism and marketing, and then next week I'll get into my multimedia class. This is my first semester with no core classes. I am so beyond excited to be done with biology, and if you've been following my blog for a while, will be relieved I won't complain about it anymore! ;)

I just got back from our first dance team practice of the semester, too. It is so nice to be back. All the energy of seeing everyone, the exercise (those endorphins!), and dancing just made me so happy! I also just became the Foursquare mayor of the gym on campus too. I got pretty embarrassingly stoked about that. Tonight, just like any other night after practice, I have a ton of energy. YAY.

I'm just trying not to think about how this is my last first day of school. Ever. I'm not planning on additional school, so....this is it. It is exciting and terrifying and sad and bittersweet. Any other college (or high school) seniors in the same boat as me right now?

xo-ally

hunters on sale!

I know many of you are fans of Hunter rain boots, so I thought I'd share this great find! I've been eyeing the yellow Hunter wellies for quite some time now (see this post) and happened to notice they are on sale in yellow for $79. It's a great deal! However, I already have a pair of black Sperry rain boots so I don't need them, and, since I'm hoping I'll move somewhere sunny in a few months, don't know how necessary they are to my wardrobe right now. ("Hoping" I'll move somewhere sunny is the key word- we'll see where I end up!)

What do you think? Would you snag this pair on sale? Should I make the plunge and get a pair for this spring?

xo-ally

liebster award :)

Jenna from Wearable Fun Fashion was so sweet to give me a Liebster Award! You may remember the last time I posted a Liebster Award, but I wanted to answer Jenna's questions! 

1. What is one fashion accessory you could not live without?

Probably my Michael Kors watch. I wear it almost every day, and when I don't, I always glance at an empty wrist expecting to see the time! Haha :)

2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

As much as I love traveling, I cannot imagine myself living anywhere but the good ol' USA. After living in the Pacific Northwest for 16 years I am so ready to either head back to the south or move somewhere warm and sunny like Southern California. I'll graduate college in a few months, so I could go anywhere! I just hope I get a job....

3. What age were you when you started loving fashion?

Thirteen years old. It was eighth grade, and I had just been getting into fashion magazines. I would read and re-read Seventeen, ELLEgirl, and Lucky, and just absorb the glossy, colorful pages filled with the latest trends.

My very first copy of Seventeen was the January 2005 issue with Gwen Stefani. I've kept all my Seventeen magazines from January '05 - April '10!

4. Do you watch any late-time talk shows? If so, which ones?

Not really, sometimes I watch Conan. I usually just catch up on shows or watch something on Netflix!

5. UGGS - fashion do or don't?

I'm going to have to say UGGs are a fashion don't. However, I do see how they can be warm and practical when you want a super casual boot. I have two pairs of UGGs but haven't even touched them the past two winters. Though if it reaches sub-zero temps I might have to pull them out.

6. If you could describe your style in three words, what would they be?

Girly, colorful, and classic.

7.  What puts the biggest smile on your face?

Thinking about my future goals and performing with dance team. Puppies and babies also make me smile and talk in a wittle cute voice that I just can't help!

8. What is your favorite reality TV show?

The Real Housewives of Orange County and Dance Moms. A whole lotta crazy, but so entertaining.

9. Who is your biggest role model? Why?

My older brother is very inspiring to me in too many ways to list. My Aunt Ginnie is another main role model in my life - she is so understanding, loving, and always reminds me that the most important things in life are family and life itself.

10. What do you love most about having a blog?

I love connecting with readers and other bloggers! I also like doing outfit posts and working on my photography and photo editing as well. Writing every day is another big plus because I can see my writing improve over time!

11. Where do you hope to see yourself in five years?

I hope to be doing things and living somewhere that makes me happy. It sounds vague, but the "real world" hasn't hit me yet and I don't even know where I'll be after college. I hope to put my college degree to good use and have a job that I love, living somewhere sunny and warm, and spending time with positive people. (And hey, having a boyfriend wouldn't be too bad either! Haha.) We'll see!

Thank you Jenna! It was fun to answer your questions!

Also, I got a lovely surprise in my email inbox -  GJG DENIM spotted me wearing their pink denim skinnies in one of my outfit posts and posted it on their Instagram! (Click here to see a few other of my outfit posts in the pink jeans.) You can also follow them on Instagram at GJGDENIM. Yay!

xo-ally

statement necklaces

Statement necklaces have been on the fashion radar for a few seasons now and I think it's safe to say the trend is still going strong. Whether it is a collar necklace or the popular bubble necklace, necklaces of all colors, materials, shapes, and sizes are everywhere. My current favorites are below - click on the image for the link!

                    

              

I've been on the fence about getting a bubble necklace, but love the purple Bauble Bar one above. However, a chunky pearl necklace like the J. Crew one would go well with my outfits..... decisions, decisions! Which one is your fave??

xo-ally

winter white

I recently came home from a shopping trip with a beautiful pair of crisp, white skinnies. White denim has been on my shopping list for years and I had yet to find the perfect pair. (Until yesterday!) Multiple outfit combinations are going through my head in anticipation of a bright spring and summer. However, knowing myself, I can't wait for the sun to finally show itself to wear this pair. When I get back to school next week, I'll have my full closet again - which means I can put together a winter white ensemble! (My clothing choices are pretty limited from living out of a suitcase for 4.5 weeks.) 

Until then, here is some inspiration I found on Pinterest to hold me over.

Stay tuned for a winter white outfit post! :)

xo-ally

coral necklace and boot socks

Necklace Stella & Dot Socks Nordstrom Shirt J. Crew (found similar colors on sale at J. Crew factory!) Boots Corsmo Como

I still don't have Photoshop back on my laptop :/ so I made do with what I do have! Hence the half-sort-of outfit post.

I wore a pretty casual outfit but wanted to showcase the necklace and boot socks! I love the contrast of boot socks against jeans. The peek above the boot really makes a color blocking combination too, which is super trendy right now! My socks can also be worn over-the-knee (would look great with skirts and dresses) or scrunched to be worn under the knee. The coral pendant necklace was a Christmas gift, and while it is a little summery January, I couldn't resist! I love the long, gold chain, too.

xo-ally

last semester school supplies

As I'm gearing up for my last semester in school ever (ahh!) I'll need to pick up a few more school supplies to get me through these next four months. (again - ahh! Only four months left....) These are the tried and true supplies I've used every semester that keep me organized.

Post-it notes

I couldn't imagine not having post-it notes! I use multiple post-its daily, to write down everything from reminders to short- and long-term lists.

BiC mechanical pencils

Since freshman year I've been using these pencils! Each pack comes with 12, and I'm actually only on my second pack since then.

Highlighters

From my planner to study guides to notes, I color code everything with Sharpie highlighters. I wish there were even more of a variety of colors!

5-subject notebook

I'll need one last 5-subject notebook. I've used one every semester, and each year I've used a different color. (Freshman year was dark red, sophomore year purple, junior year green, and senior year orange.) However, I'm taking six classes....so I might have to get another small 1-subject one, unless I have a class where I don't take notes in. We'll see.

I still can't believe I have a week and a half until the whole "second semester senior year" thing starts. I love college and am not ready to leave quite yet! :/

xo-ally

PS - outfit posts will return soon - still getting some laptop issues resolved!

I survived the lilly sale

The Lilly Pulitzer sale ends tonight, and I wanted to see the selection before it ended! There were about 2387361 things I liked and almost just as many that weren't in my size. This also made it easier on my wallet so I didn't spend a fortune. Probably a good thing....

I was lucky to find the one skirt I've been eyeing for months in my size however!!

I also got a small 2013 planner. It was only $9 and it goes through December, so I thought, why not?

A couple things I didn't get, due to sizing :/ ("oh, shift!" Haha.)

This striped sweater would actually be perfect for spring where I live, because the weather is still very cold and the sweater colors are happy and bright.

This dress is just way too adorable! I don't know where I'd wear it, but I fell in love with the print.

Did you shop the Lilly sale? What did you get?

xo-ally