spring trend: mirrored sunglasses

As you've probably noticed, I've been LOVING my blue mirrored Ray-Bans (which can be seen in these outfits here, here, and here). To mark my one month-a-versary of having these sunglasses, I thought I'd do a quick post about the trend that's becoming more and more popular as we head deeper into spring.

Here are some styles to shop:

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Oakley

Ray-Ban

Personally, I absolutely love this trend right now. At first, I was a little wary - I hadn't seen anyone in person wearing sunglasses like these, and I knew I'd look crazy! But I went with it anyways and thought, "who cares!" The only downside is that when taking photos you can definitely see the photographer in the reflection, haha.

There are plenty of styles and colors to choose from, from aviators or wayfarers to shades of purple, green, blue...so many ways to add a fun pop of color to an outfit.

What do you think about the mirrored sunglasses trend?

xo-ally

blue ray-bans!

Wellllll, you can see my friend Lauren (friend and today's photographer) in the reflection, haha.

 Ray-Ban sunglasses | Free People dress (similar) | Martin + Osa cardigan (similar) | Report flats (similar) | Nordstrom bracelets (similar) | Entourage earrings

I am so loving my new blue mirrored aviators. I went to Nordstrom 4 times to look at them before actually making the purchase! They have already becoming a favorite in my accessory collection, even if they are a little crazy. I don't care, I love them anyway! It took my a while to admit that because they are a newer trend and a little "out there" ... also, my ex-boyfriend from high school used to wear mirrored aviators and I thought he looked like the biggest tool. Haha. So....

I'm also wearing the earrings from Leslie that came in my blog swap gift!! Love the subtle addition of orange next to the blue.

xo-ally

friday's fancies - shoes, shoes, shoes

This week's Friday's Fancies theme with long distance loving is shoes, shoes, shoes. I'm loving these shoe styles for spring :) and crafted a spring pastel outfit around a fabulous pair of Miu Miu pumps below.

From left to right: mint heels, cork flats, pink loafers, green flats, gold heels

dress, necklace, bag, shoes

I'm reaaaally thinking I might get that Vince Camuto bag soon! It's on my list and I have a gift card....hmm ;) we'll see. And as much as I'd like those pink Miu Miu pumps to be on the shopping list, they definitely aren't due to the price, haha!

Enjoy your Friday!

xo-ally

derek lam for kohl's

Have you checked out the Derek Lam for Kohl's line yet? I'm loving this black and blue color block dress. Having the color block on the sides like that makes dresses so flattering!

You can browse the lookbook here. Which look is your favorite?

xo-ally

friday's fancies - pretty in pastels

This week's Friday's Fancies theme with long distance loving is pretty in pastels. This light yellow lace dress is classic and pretty, and goes well with stack of pastel bangles. The bright pink shoes add even more color!

dress, pink bracelet, mint bracelet, yellow bracelet, shoes

xo-ally

floral statement necklaces

After seeing a photo of this beautiful necklace (on a recent tumblr saturday), I've been on the hunt for the perfect floral necklace for spring. Here are a few similar ones that I'm looking at:

The red Kate Spade necklace is gorgeous! It is the most similar to the one I've found yet to the one in that photo. 

I like this one from Etsy too - there are multiple colored flowers.

I keep coming back to look at this one from J. Crew Factory! The colors compliment each other well and are pretty versatile, in my opinion.

I think this one from Ruche might be my favorite, and it's only $17! The only thing is that it is sold out. :/ Maybe they'll restock soon?

Which one is your favorite? Do you like floral statement necklaces?

xo-ally

color block and polka dots

You can color block it or polka dot it - either way, you're sure to make a statement with these button-up shirts, currently my favorite trend for the upcoming season.

From left, clockwise: b&w polka dots, peach color block, b&w piping, peach & pink piping, b&w polka dots with orange , yellow color block, mint and white polka dots

My favorite is the black and white polka dot button-up with the orange collar. Which is your favorite?

xo-ally

OH, and our #2 Zags just beat BYU. It was HUGE! It was close for a little, but our trusty bulldogs pulled it out. One more game against Portland on Saturday, and hopefully the road to #1 will be complete! :D

guest blogger - aryn from giraffes + garlic + glamour!

Good morning! Or whatever time it is wherever you are. Actually, it's night time for me. I should be getting to bed...anyways, last week I guest posted on my friend Aryn's blog (you can read it here) and today she is so kind to post for me! Enjoy :)

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Greetings Sunny Sweetheart readers! I'm Aryn from Giraffes + Garlic + Glamour and I am so excited to guest blogging for Ally today. Ally and I are actually friends in real life and traveled to Italy together two summers ago, so putting together this guest post today for you all has been a real treat.

When I think of spring my first thought is floral print. But it seems that every passing spring brings brighter and bolder printed pieces of clothing. This season I already have a lot of favorite prints that aren't even florals. Ikat, polka dot, water color, animal prints - I love them all! Adding pieces with these unique prints is a quick way to make an outfit edgy or more feminine. Try mixing prints with pastels, neutrals and even leather.

Here are some of my favorite spring printed pieces. Enjoy!

1. Ace Delivery Blouse 

2. Kate Spade Bangles 

3. Equipment Cashmere Sweater 

4. Tory Burch Sea Horse Cosmetics Case

5. Ikat iPhone Case

6. Emi Jay Hair Ties

7. Opening Ceremony Loafers

Thank you so much Ally for having me today!

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Thank YOU, Aryn for posting! :D I love all of the pieces above, especially the printed bangles and the adorable sea horse cosmetics case.

xo-ally

PS - if any of you would like to guest post, send me an email at ally_sunnysweetheart@hotmail.com and we'll figure out the details! :)

spring shopping!

When I was perusing clothes online to use for Friday's Fancies last week, I was overwhelmed by all the amazing spring shopping options! I am beyond ready for warmer weather and the spring fashion that goes with it. Here are a few of my spring shopping picks:

red floral tory burch bag, milly blue and green dress, milly black bow dress, hunter rain boots, j. crew silk carnation top, j. crew butterfly shorts, red shorts, black ray-ban sunglasses, ray-ban aviators, purple watch, red striped tank, pink long-sleeved dress, striped tunic dress, printed lilly button-up, floral lilly jacket and shorts, green jack rogers sandals

My favorites are the blue and green Milly dress, the J. Crew butterfly shorts, and the red floral Tory Burch bag!

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

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

3 bustiers and how to wear them

Bustier tops are climbing up the trend latter this spring! With the crop top in full swing, bustier tops (sometimes called bralets) are being worn in many different ways - with hi-low skirts, high-waisted shorts, colored denim...there are plenty of options! As always, the lovely Topshop is ahead of the curve and presents plenty of fashion-forward bustier tops. Here are three bustier tops from Topshop that I adore:

One rule about bustiers: always wear them with a high-waisted bottom! The idea is to show a hint of midriff without exposing your whole stomach. Also keep this in mind when deciding where to wear them: a date with your boyfriend or a summer afternoon getting froyo with friends is fine, but to class or a work event may not be.

Here are three outfit options to wear with the bustiers above:

Top, Skirt, Ring, Watch, Shoes

This look is so glam and just fierce!! The skirt and top both have exposed frontal zippers and wild prints. These shoes are just spectacular, and the watch is structured and cool. Infuse a hint of sweetness with a floral ring, and the outfit is complete! Just add some confidence and prepare to get double-takes on the street from your fab outfit!

Top, Skirt, Sunglasses, Bracelet, Flats, Wedges

This outfit incorporates so many trends. The bustier top alone is ultra trendy, but the high-waisted hi-low skirt adds another fashion-forward element. Cat eye sunglasses shade your eyes from the sun while looking mysterious, and the filigree bracelet makes for an intricate, yet simple, accessory. I have two shoe options for this outfit. The straw flats would be great if you'd wear this outfit in the sun all day, or say, to a festival. The green wedges punch up the outfit and add some unexpected color!

Top, Shorts, Hat, Necklace, Ring, Shoes

This look is something I would totally wear. I love the girly floral print in the bustier and the pink stripes on the shorts. The pink stripes play off the pink flowers in the top, which shows that there is no need to fear 

mixing patterns! Neutral Sperrys keep the look casual and comfortable, and the necklace and ring add some extra dazzle. Top it off with a fedora to finish the look!

Which outfit option if your favorite? Would you wear a bustier this summer? How do you feel about the trend? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

xo

Trends Taking Off

Each season, designers incorporate new and recycled ideas to create their collections. As the fashion-minded people we are, we like to see what the new trends are and how they may fit into our wardrobes!

Some trends don't really take off, however. Overalls always attempt a comeback but haven't quite succeeded. Though remember how some people were terrified of jeggings, but now they're a huge hit? Many trends take a while to "make it to the big time." With Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week for F/W 2012 coming up in February (see the schedule here), I wonder which trends will come to surface!

Right now, I have an inkling these three trends may show up on the runways:

1. FLATFORMS

Jeffrey Campbell flatforms from Nasty Gal

Flatforms were all over the runways last year, but many people thought they looked goofy, impractical, or tacky. Jeffrey Campbell is known for his outrageous shoe collection, and flatforms are now a part of it. I'm not a big fan of the ones in the photo above. I could find woven platforms with straps (like summer wedges, without the "heel") appealing, though. I guess we'll see!

2. CUTOUT SHOULDER SHIRTS

Spencer from "Pretty Little Liars"

Threadsence Open Shoulder Blouse

I have been seeing shirts with shoulder cutouts everywhere. And I mean everywhere - television, Pinterest, Polyvore, celebrities, retail and online stores...This style has definitely grown on me, and I just might pick up a shirt with shoulder cutouts for the warmer season!

3. PEPLUM

Alice + Olivia Peplum Skirt

I love, love, love peplum skirts, dresses, and shirts. I think they are adorable and classic-looking and can dress up any outfit. I've seen a little more peplum than usual lately, and am hoping it will take off this spring!

Twenty years from now if I see this post, I might think, "Wow, that looks ridiculous. Those trends are so 2012," in the same way that our parents look at high school photos and say "So '70s!" or "So '80s!"

At least the mullet haircut hasn't come back in style...Oh wait.

Kourtney Kardashian's adorable son, Mason

xo