friday's fancies - pretty in plaid

This week's Friday's Fancies theme with Long Distance Loving is pretty in plaid. I found this amazing (and inexpensive!) blanket scarf in fall's favorite print. I love how the traditional red color combo and also how the size of the scarf can double as a blanket - when it's not making a statement. ;)

scarf, sweater, skirt, booties, bag

For the rest of the outfit, I chose not-so-simple basics: a neutral-colored sweater with side buttons and elbow patches from J. Crew, a faux leather mini (been seeing these everywhere!), and black ankle booties. The blue snakeskin bag has a fun shape and print to add a little something "extra" to the outfit.

xo-ally

photo diary: istanbul [nov. 7-11]

I'm back from Istanbul! Mollie and I went to the amazing Turkish city for a long weekend to get away from Italy for a few days. While I appreciate being back in Italy for the delicious pasta and my cozy bed, I couldn't have been happier to explore a city that is so different than anywhere I've called home. From exploring the Topkapi Palace to going "mosque hopping" to eating real kebaps, the weekend was well-spent. There is so much more to be done in Istanbul, and I'm hoping I make it back there one day to further see the beauty. Here are some photos:

Thanks for stopping by!

xo-ally

off to istanbul

I am currently on my neighbor's internet...for some reason my laptop has had a really difficult time connecting to internet, and I haven't posted on this blog in so long! (Less than a week - but it feels like a while). I'll get a tumblr saturday scheduled (unless the wifi goes out again...) and early next week I'll post about Istanbul!

I'll be in Turkey for a few days, I'm excited!

xo-ally

denim on denim

H&M shirt | Nordstrom tank | H&M jeans | Nike shoes | Chanel sunglasses | Michael Kors watch | J. Crew bracelet | Longchamp bag

Quick outfit post today, just wanted to share my casual outfit. It was in the high 60s so I was quite warm wearing this, but since it's the first day of November I would've felt a little silly wearing shorts! (Even though I really wanted to...) I like mixing the dark wash denim with lighter colored chambray. These H&M skinnies were only 10 euros - such a steal - and are really comfortable. I needed another pair of skinnies so I was happy to find a super inexpensive pair that doesn't look cheap or sloppy.

Thanks for stopping by :)

xo-ally

friday's fancies - halloween style

This week's Friday's Fancies theme with Long Distance Loving is all about Halloween! Last year, I was a mermaid for Halloween and wore a similar outfit to my creation below. Since I brought the same costume to Italy with me (not getting creative this year by making a new one...) I wanted to repost my FF from last year! A mermaid costume was super simple to find pieces for.

link to original post

I lucked out when I went to a boutique in Spokane and found a bandeau and green high-low skirt in late October. I would've loved to wear a sparkly one like I originally envisioned, but bright blue works too! My friend went as Posh Spice.

I wore brown wedges with colorful beads to complete the look. Since I didn't bring those shoes with me, I'll just wear my starfish Capri sandals instead. :)

What are you dressing up as this Halloween? Do you buy a pre-made costume, put pieces together to make one like I did, or craft your own?

xo-ally