"relaxed professional" outfit

Hello, hello! Today is my first day off after training for my new job in DC. I can't believe training is over so quickly! We have a couple days off before starting the real thing next week, and I am really excited to begin. After brunch at a little nearby diner, I went shopping with a few other girls. I really need more "professional clothes" because I've already mixed and matched quite a few of my pieces! Haha. Luckily I found a J. Crew and picked up a few things ;) AND everything is 25% off, including sale items! Love a good sale.

Here is what I wore one of the days - pencil skirt, my favorite white top, a watch, and statement jewelry:

I also wore my swimsuit to the pool after training ended. It was nice to be outside in the sun after spending the days inside! The one I got was a recent purchase from Victoria's Secret (great swimsuit selection, always):

swimsuit (it just went on clearance!)

Hope you're having a wonderful week!

xo-ally

friday's fancies - stripes

This week's Friday's Fancies theme with Long Distance Loving is stripes.

top, skirt, shoes, bracelet, bag

xo-ally

one outfit, two pairs of shoes

Today I was indecisive on my shoes. I wanted to wear my floral heels to add some color to the outfit, but knew I would be running errands later, so I brought some sandals along as well. So I just took photos with both pairs of shoes!

And the sandals:

Anthropologie top (old, slightly similar here) | Brandy Melville skirt (similar) | GUESS sandals (old) | Anne Klein heels (similar) | Ray-Ban sunglasses | Michael Kors watch

xo-ally

with a pop of pink

 Bag Juicy Couture Shirt Subdued (Florence) Jeans Rock & Republic (similar) Heels Nine West Watch Michael Kors (similar) Bracelet J. Crew (slightly similar) Earrings Nordstrom Necklace Max & Chloe

Wow! What a day. I can't believe I'm just getting around to blogging, and it's almost midnight! Tomorrow morning I need to get up SO early - 4am - to get in line for Vegas basketball tickets at 4:30. I'm so excited to see Gonzaga in the WCC Vegas tournament, but I'm definitely not excited about my 4am wake-up call. I also have my first midterm tomorrow in marketing - wish me luck! I hear the tests are pretty tough for this particular class...maybe I'll study tomorrow in line while half asleep. :P I think that'll work out well.

Also - what do you think about the .GIF outfit posts? Yay or Nay? I'm leaning toward YAY because I think they're fun, but I'd love your feedback since it's something new I've been trying out!

xo-ally

my first .gif outfit post!

Here is my very first .gif outfit post!!!!

I've been planning on doing this for months and I finally just did it. I'm so excited! I've never seen any other bloggers do this with outfit posts, so I feel so innovative :) you saw it here first! 

And if you didn't, because someone else did it before me, then this just got really awkward....

Without further ado, here's my outfit:

Photo credits go out to my wonderful friend Lauren P! Lauren takes many of my outfit photos, including the ones from today!

Bag Kate Spade (similar) Bracelets J. Crew Shirt Forever 21 (similar) Skirt Nordstrom (similar striped look) Heels DSW Nails Cynthia Rowley Necklace Max & Chloe

Since I'm loving the black and white color blocking being a huge trend this season, I paired this sheer button up with my striped cupcake skirt and then nude platform heels. With touches of gold from my new monogram necklace, shoes, and bag, I had fun by using color on my bracelets and nail polish.

xo-ally

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

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

jeweled headband

Headband: Ann Taylor Shirt, black bracelets: F21 Silver cuff: My mother's closet Double ring: Swank Sunglasses, jeans: Nordstrom Heels: Steve Madden

I borrowed my friends jeweled headband today! The moment I saw it I just had to ask if I could wear it to work. If you know me, you know I love anything with sparkle. ;)

xo

simple black & white

Blazer: Nordstrom White tank: H&M Black tank, jeans, elephant ring, necklace: F21 Double ring: Swank Boutique Bracelets: Juicy Couture Flats: Divided

Today I decided to keep most of my outfit neutral, besides the leopard-printed flats and neon pink bracelet. I liked how a seemingly plain outfit base - a white tank and skinny jeans - can look more put together just by throwing on a blazer and a pair of polished flats. The pendant on the necklace is a little ballerina wearing a black tutu (I wish the neclace was just a little bit longer) and the black ring is shaped like an elephant! I like adding fun little details like that to a simple black and white outfit.

xo