spend vs. save: midi skirts

I've been a fan of midi skirts since they resurfaced on the runways in the past couple of years, but have yet to try one for myself. I feel like they're somewhat hard to find, but maybe it's because the kind I'm lusting for are the colorful, full midis and not the slimmer-fit calf skimmers. A big, billowy skirt and a pair of heels would be enough to make me feel like a princess for a day, and luckily not blow my budget - thanks to some budget-friendly options. Here are a couple of beautiful, higher priced midis and a few of their less-expensive counterparts (plus, how to wear them).

SPEND:

alice + olivia - $395 (on sale for $277!)

Tibi - $395

SAVE:

Topshop - $96

ASOS - $51 

Space 46 Boutique - $92

HOW TO WEAR IT:

jacket, skirt, top, clutch, sandals

I'm in love with this tulle midi skirt. The princess-y feel of the skirt calls for balancing out the look with an edgier motorcycle jacket and a mock neck crop top. A bright envelope clutch adds some much needed color and the heeled sandals (always wear heels with midi skirts) add some height and make the legs look taller despite the skirt's longer hem.

xo-ally

spend vs. save: geometric sunglasses

I've had my eyes on a pair of geometric sunglasses for a while now. Sharp, angular sunglasses take eyewear to a modern level, while traditional shades like black and tortoise keep the look from being too "out-there."

Spend:

Karen Walker - $250

Elizabeth & James - $195

Save:

Nordstrom - $24

Topshop - $32

How to wear it:

Karen Walker sunglasses, Nordstrom top, Topshop pencil skirt, Tory Burch bag

What is your take on geometric sunglasses - would you try the trend?

xo-ally

friday's fancies - new year's finest

This week's Friday's Fancies theme with long distance loving is New Year's Finest. I can't believe it's almost 2013!!! When I think of New Year's attire, the typical black or gold sequined body-con dress with a fur vest comes to mind. Here's a fun, totally glam outfit to wear while ringing in the new year that stands out from the black-and-gold crowd:

dress, heels, large clutch, necklace, black and cream bracelets, pink bracelet

xo-ally

"digital" florals

Shorts: Nasty Gal Tank, bracelets, earrings: Nordstrom Sandals: my mom's closet Sunglasses: American Eagle

It was pretty warm again today, so I pulled out these floral shorts again - this time without the tights and boots! I love warm weather. "Digital" florals have been on the fashion-radar for a some time now and the trend has exploded this spring.

It has taken me a little while to warm up to the digital floral trend, seeing as some patterns remind me of the curtains from my old house in the '90s. They're not as bad as I originally thought, though. I have found some great pieces that are updated and more modern! Below are a few digital floral items to try out if you like the trend. (I think the skirt is gorgeous!)

maxi dress

cropped pants

pencil skirt

short-sleeved dress

tank

Do you like the digital florals trend? Is it a trend to stay, or should it have stayed in the past all along? Would you wear any of the pieces above? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

xo

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

st. patrick's day

I don't have much green clothing, and am usually at a loss for what to wear on St. Patrick's Day! (Well, with this new-ish dress, I guess I have an option...) The holiday usually sneaks up on me, so I thought I'd do a little preparation beforehand! If you want to go green head-to-toe or just add a pop of the color here and there, I have a few choices to start with if you're stumped!

CLOTHING

L to R: Tank, jeans, leggings, shirt

ACCESSORIES

L to R: Sunglasses, boat shoes, ring, earrings

LUCKY LITTLE EXTRAS

Beaded necklaces, nail polish, tutu

I love the J. Crew jeans. I'd wear them any time of the year! I think they'd be cute with a contrasting skinny belt in pink, yellow, or white. I also like the boat shoes, of course ;) - they're the perfect way to get through a rainy spring with some color. If you're going to a costume party, I think this tutu is adorable. I also like the nail polish, because you can't beat the price ($2.80)!

xo

Popular Prints for F/W '11-'12 - Shopping Guide & Inspiration, Part 3/3

Roxy S from Miami and New York [Lookbook]

Today we're wrapping up the Popular Prints series with Navajo! If you missed the first two shopping guides for Animal and Plaid, check 'em out!

This native-inspired print is definitely one of the defining trends for fall/winter 2011-2012. Stores are carrying many different pieces with the print and I am seeing it everywhere on campus. Take a look at the shopping guide below with inspiration from a few Lookbook ladies!

1. Street style photo from Lookbook of Natalie H from Sweden

2. Street style photo from Lookbook of Amy S from South Africa

3. Street syle photo from Lookbook of Alexandra P from Vigo

4. ModCloth "Manzano Mountains Scarf" - $17.99

5. Topshop "Cable Knit Tights" - $24.00

6. Nordstrom "Lily White Banded Skirt" - $22.00

7. Topshop "Knitted Macrame Vest" - $92.00

8. Forever 21 "Distressed Leatherette Boots" - $32.80

9. Forever 21 "Tribal Print Legging" - $12.80

10. Nasty Gal "Belizean Belle Tee" - $58.00

11. Forever 21 "Feather & Suedette Earrings" - $4.80

12. Forever 21 "Beaded Knuckle Ring" - $3.80

13. Forever 21 "Ethnic Print Cardigan" - $34.80

I have that skirt from Nordstrom (number 6)! It looks a little different in person than in the photo, but I still really like it. I also love the drapey cardigan from Forever 21 (number 12). It would be perfect to wear with other cozy pieces by the fireplace this winter.

xo