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

an almost marilyn moment...

Jacket Vivid Collection Tank Nordstrom (similar) Skirt F21 (similar) Flats Report (similar pairs here, here, and here) Ring Swank Boutique Sunglasses Nordstrom (new version)

Today was very windy. 

Today was also a day where I decided to wear a skirt. 

Today was a day I did not realize it was windy until I stepped outside wearing said skirt. 

Today was a day where I had to hold my skirt, due to almost Marilyn moments. (Almost!) 

And then to make things even more awkward, the part of the skirt that I had sewn up had re-ripped. I blame Forever 21's cheap material not my lack of sewing skills. Haha. :)

Hope you are having a wonderful start to the week!

xo-ally

friday's fancies - autumn treat [starbucks iced mocha]

This week's Friday's Fancies theme with long distance loving is favorite autumn treat. I don't really have a favorite particular one, but this week I've had an iced mocha almost every day.

I agree, iced coffee doesn't really scream "autumn." (I don't like warm drinks! I know, I'm weird.)

But the recent spike in iced mocha purchases may or may not have to do with midterms/very busy week with school.

So....this time during the fall semester is the time I drink plenty of iced mochas (just finished one, in fact.) That's how I will tie that somehow into this week's theme! Here's the outfit:

dress, handbag, watch, bracelet, flats

...I even used clear jellies to mimic the clear, plastic cups that come with iced drinks! The green bag is like the straw, haha. (And am I the only one who wishes there are Christmas cups for iced drinks too??!!)

xo-ally

orange, green, and the parent trap

Nordstrom: Tank, belt, sweater vest (old), jeans Watch: Michael Kors Shoes: Target Nail polish: Essie

I'm wearing a LOT from Nordstrom today! Almost my whole outfit...what can I say, it's my favorite store. I never would've thought that this sweater vest would go with the rest of the outfit, but I liked it! And I love love love the color combo of bright orange and bright green.

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So not only is today 10/11/12, but it's also the birthday of Annie and Hallie from The Parent Trap! 

"How old are you?" "I'll be twelve on October 11th." "Really?! So will I!" 

The Parent Trap was my all-time favorite movie for years when I was little. I even remember seeing it in theaters in second grade. My best friend Jenn and I would "play the Annie and Hallie game" every time we'd go to each other's houses. I was Hallie and Jenn was Annie. We had so much fun.

[photo]

xo-ally

straw hat and orange flats

Sweater, colorful bracelets: Nordstrom sweater  bracelets Shorts: Rock & Republic (old) similar Flats: Target Hat: H&M (old) similar Watch: Michael Kors Ring: Kate Spade (old) similar Sunglasses: Chanel 

Belt: American Eagle Black bracelets: Forever 21 Nail polish: O.P.I. "DS Glow"

Still warm. Still wearing shorts. :) Going to go lay out in the sun in a bit to read and relax - should probably do some homework, too... short post today!

xo-ally

tory burch animal print reva flats // new blog design

I've been seeing these flats ALL over Pinterest lately in Polyvore-style outfit images. I love them so much! The gold logo piece on the toes even seems to bring out the gold and darker tones within the animal print. A great way to add interest is to add animal print flats - this pair by Tory Burch is versatile and would liven up any outfit.

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Also - do you like my new design?! I kept the layout the same but changed the header and side buttons. I was starting to get bored of my old header and wanted to add some color. Let me know what you think!

xo-ally

broken camera / blue tank

Tank: Nordstrom Shorts: American Eagle Shoes: New Look [London] Necklace: F21

My camera is currently broken :( I'm hoping I can get it fixed soon! That's why I haven't been posting my outfits lately. But, I liked this outfit and even though it's not the best quality I decided to take the photo with my phone. A contrasting turquoise and silver necklace compliments the bright blue tank and I wore white shorts and flat espadrilles to accompany the color.

xo

color blocking: cap toe flats

The color block trend is going strong and is incorporated on just about any type of clothing or accessory! Color blocking on flats; often called "cap toe flats," is one of my favorite ways the trend has shown up. Here are a few styles I am loving:

J. Crew - $148

Target - $17

Nordstrom - $165

Nordstrom - $89

xo

pastels vs. neon

Neon has been huge lately. Everywhere from simple items to dressier pieces to activewear has been hit by the neon trend.

This spring, pastels are making a comeback.

Pastels have never gone out of style, but the classic spring shades are beginning to outshine their loud-colored counterparts. I even saw a light pink car outside of Safeway! With Easter coming up this Sunday, I only thought it would be appropriate to showcase some fashionable items that are heading headfirst into pastels!

Colored Denim
Brighter vs. Lighter

Left, Right

Nail Polish
Neon sparkles vs. Light grass green

Left, Right

Shoes
Sunny bright vs. Poppy pale pink

Left, Right

xo


pink & blue

Shirt: F21 Tank: Nordstrom Jeans: GJG Denim Ring: Swank Bracelets: New Look London Flats: Report

I am still waiting for spring to come to Spokane, so I wore pastels today! I wore the striped cozy shirt with the pink-coral colored jeans and added sparkly silver flats and accessories. The cheery colors helped wake me up in a tired daze after getting only a few hours of sleep. (Worth it for The Hunger Games midnight show!)

xo

floppy hat & neutrals

The camera caught me mid-smile! #awk

Hat: American Eagle Sweater: Aritzia Tank, skinnies: Nordstrom Bracelets: F21 Ring: Kate Spade Watch: Michael Kors Flats: Divided

The only "color" I'm wearing today is the red stone on my ring! Wow! I put together this whole outfit without thinking about adding a bright color, which is unusual for me. I did wear neon pink to the gym this morning, though. :)

I needed a definite caffeine boost so I ordered my first grande size coffee at Starbucks - I usually just get the tall! I was so tired and needed to focus for my midterm today, which ended up going really well! The exams tomorrow are my big ones, so this post will have to be cut short so I can tackle my many to-do lists. Have a great Wednesday!

xo



these jeans are from high school

Scarf: Market in Florence Jacket, tanks, flats: Nordstrom Jeans: Hudson Watch: Michael Kors Bracelets: F21

Skinny jeans have become such a staple in our denim wardrobes these days that it is hard to remember a time when they weren't popular. For me, junior high and high school was the beginning of the skinny jean trend. It is crazy to think how much skinny jeans are now the "norm" with denim when the "norm" years back was boot-cut!

I got my first pair of skinny jeans six years ago - I remember being excited about tucking them into cowboy boots without the fabric bunching out the sides. (That was during the days of Jessica Simpson starring in the Daisy Duke movie. I still have those boots, by the way.) I'd wear boot-cut jeans more often in high school, with graphic tees and Abercrombie fur-lined hoodies. (Oh, the days when that was considered fashion...)

Now that wider-leg jeans are becoming trendy again, I thought I'd pull these back out. I feel like they're not as flattering as my beloved skinnies, but maybe it's because I haven't seen myself wearing boot-cut jeans in ages! I added colors on the top of the outfit, a side pony, and a splash of sparkle on the flats to complete the outfit.

xo

Brands I Love: Tory Burch

I've been loving the brand Tory Burch for the past few years. I got my first Tory Burch tote for my birthday a few years back, and have worn it almost every day since! The durability of the bag plus the classic pattern made me venture out to find more Tory Burch clothes and accessories.

The Tory Burch website defines the company:

"Tory Burch is a luxury lifestyle brand defined by classic American sportswear with an 
eclectic sensibility and attainable price point. It embodies the personal style and spirit of its CEO and designer, Tory Burch. Recognizing a void in the market for a sophisticated aesthetic at an attainable price point, Tory wanted to create stylish yet wearable clothing and 
accessories for women of all ages."

The Reva flats are seen everywhere on college campuses, with their long-lasting comfort and almost endless supply of color and pattern options.

Shop flats

Some of my favorite picks from the spring collection:

Skirt, Tote, Sunglasses

Tory Burch even did a cameo on Gossip Girl! Season 3, I believe. Serena [Blake Lively] was interviewed by her. Bonus points - one of my favorite brands and favorite shows!

xo

pastel bow flats

I think these flats are so adorable that I had to share them! I love the color pink with the lavender bow on the back. These would be perfect as spring begins to roll around. Also, pastels are supposedly making more of an appearance this spring rather than the neon-siren colors we've been seeing recently. I love a good neon, but it will be refreshing to see calmer colors as well!

On the plus side, these flats are only $20! Get them here.

xo

chocolate jeans

Jeans: DL 1961 Sweater, flats: Nordstrom Jacket: Gap Watch: Michael Kors Feather earrings: F21

Okay, so my jeans aren't actually made out of chocolate. They're just this deep, rich, dark brown hue that is the same color of my favorite sweet treat. They're by this brand called DL 1961, and what's great about them is that they have a four-way stretch so they'll stretch to fit, but won't get baggy over time. I got these jeans last Friday and have already worn them three times!

I pulled out my bronze glitter flats, which I haven't worn in ages! I love anything that sparkles, and it's nice to wear them with other brown pieces in my outfit. I kept the rest of the outfit pretty fall-casual with a beige sweater, cozy cotton jacket, and feather earrings (earring close-up attempt is above. Haha.) I also curled my hair, giving it a much-needed boost of volume.

I just got back to school after a very relaxing Thanksgiving break, and I am so busy! There are so many things to finish up before the semester is over. I was in such a "home" mode last week, just relaxing, watching TV, and going on runs. Now it's all go-go-go for the last couple weeks of the semester. It's crazy how fast time flies!

xo