fall/winter hats

Today was a day where I realized I really should've worn a hat. When did it get cold?! (A regular person would've realized that on the first snow, which happened recently. Yet I still didn't fully realize this during my weekend trip to the mountains....) Yup, today I wore jeans, flats, a tank, and a cardigan. Then ran back home to grab a coat. But I was still cold! Luckily, the coat has a hood so it acted like a makeshift hat.

I love college, but I'm moving somewhere warm and sunny when I graduate.

In the meantime, I'll wear a hat when it gets cold. Or when it acts simply as a cute accessory, like my "Blair Waldorf" hat, which you can see in this post.

Some fall and winter hats I'm loving:

This teal-green wool hat from Nordstrom would totally transform any outfit.

For super cold days, this trapper hat from J. Crew would be perfect!

Nordstrom also has this classic cloche hat in multiple colors.

Pom pom hats are so fun! I like this one from American Eagle.

I love these winter headbands! I have a older white one from Anthropologie, but this new red one subtly stands out from the crowd with the bow detail.

What hats are you wearing this season?

xo-ally

PS - one of my recent outfits is on Fash Boulevard's post on riding boots! Check it out here. I'm excited because this is one of my fave blogs. :)

skinny belts

When belts over the waists became big again years ago (was it 2005?) I didn't like them at first. It was ninth grade, and I was fine wearing my bootcut jeans and gold Hollister belt slung diagonally over my hips, thankyouverymuch. At that time, I had just dipped a toe in the skinny jean trend but could not even fathom wearing high-waisted jeans, nevertheless a belt higher than my hips. Later, I grew out of the Hollister-Abercrombie phase and experimented more with fashion, and even - gasp - tried out belts over my waist! What a perfect way to cinch the waist, add color, and make baggy shirts and dresses much more flattering.

Over the years, belt trends have come in and out, but the cinched waist is still going pretty strong. Lately, skinny belts have had the spotlight. They are perfect over dresses and high-waisted skirts, but I'm loving them as actual belts, too. A colored skinny belt can be the only color you need if you're wearing denim, white, or neutral-colored shorts or pants.

A few skinny belts I adore these days:

This is the green belt I wore last week. I've worn it a few different ways already!

The bow on this belt is adorable! I love the powder blue color.

This colorful, beaded belt is unique and would be a cool statement accessory on any outfit.

xo-ally

bikinis!

One of my favorite things about spring/summer shopping is swimsuits! My favorite style is currently the bandeau. It is flattering on so many different body types! Below are three cute bandeau swimsuits I'm loving.

I love this flag bikini. Very patriotic and would be great for Memorial Day Weekend coming up! The Anthropologie swimsuit in the middle is another favorite of mine - it's so pretty and I love all the colors on the bottom. On the right is an adorable Betsey Johnson swimsuit. Betsey Johnson is going out of business (tear), but pick up a swimsuit now on sale before it's gone for good! I have two Betsey Johnson swimsuits that I adore - the quality is great and there are so many cute details.

Other fab swimsuits out right now:

I really like this black bikini from Nordstrom. It is classic and looks a lot like Kim K's below!

[photo]

This J. Crew paisley bikini has lovely bright green ties.

Loving this bandeau from Victoria's Secret (more colors available!) I get many of my swimsuits from there.

Happy swimsuit season!

xo

monochrome

Shirt: Anthropologie Jeans: Rock & Republic Heels, rings: F21 Bracelet: unknown (aka my mother's closet)

This morning I went to a small, French cafe downtown for a late breakfast. I had roasted asparagus with scrambled eggs and the most beautiful lemon blueberry scone I've ever had. (That frosting is just as good as it looks in the photo!) It makes me want to try this recipe. It was quite the large breakfast, and I'll be full until dinner. Though, it was a nice switch-up from my usual protein/fruit smoothie.

I haven't worn these jeans in a while, but I like them because they have this waxy-shiny finish on them. It makes them more unique than a typical pair of dark washed jeans! Plus, they look great with heels.

xo

at the coffee shop

Sweater: Anthropologie Tank: Nordstrom Jeans: Joe's Headband: F21 Flats: Report

I am currently at this little coffee shop (actually, it's quite big for a coffee shop) about to do homework. But I'm blogging first. Because that's more fun. :)

I realized that I have three midterms, a paper, and a project all due in the same week, so I'm trying to get ahead with my homework for the 3-day weekend. (Thank you, President's Day holiday!)

Enjoy your Saturday,

xo

monochrome

Shirt: Anthropologie Jeans: Rock & Republic Heels: F21 Silver bangles: New Look (London) Circle bracelet: Tiffany & Co.

I wore an all-black outfit today, which is relatively dark considering how many bright colors I usually pair with neutrals. I like the streamline effect of wearing all black. It feels more sophisticated than my typical pinks and purples. The white flowers on the shirt add some excitement and the silver bracelets accent it. I guess I do have some color, though - the pink polish on my toes!

xo