windowpane

J. Crew top (on sale!) | Marc Jacobs sunglasses (similar) | Italian leather jacket (similar) | Nordstrom arrow bracelet | J. Crew enamel link bracelet (similar) | GJG jeans | Tory Burch flats | Laurenly ring | Longchamp bag

Anything checkered/gingham/windowpane/whatever has always been my favorite pattern (stripes are a very close second). Bold, graphic windowpane patterns have caught my eye for a while and when I saw this black and white top from J. Crew, I knew I had to add it to my wardrobe. I added shiny and sleek accessories (leather jacket, Longchamp, and Tory Burch patent Revas) with a couple pops of pink to complete the look.

xo-ally

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

friday's fancies - travel chic

This week's Friday's Fancies theme with Long Distance Loving is travel chic. I love the mixed materials on the J. Crew top (the sleeves are leather!) and the Lilly Pulitzer travel pants are supposed to be perfectly comfortable for travel. Add some boots, a cozy scarf, and a sleek cinnamon red MK bag and you're good to go!

shirt, pants, scarf, bag, boots

xo-ally

bumblebee

 Dress Vivid Collection (totally loving this similar one!!) Jacket from a market in Italy (here's a cool, trendy take on a leather hoodie with color blocking) Tights F21 Wedges Tory Burch (similar) Bag Tory Burch (similar) Ring Henri Bendel Nail Polish Essie "Playa del Platinum"

Unlike yesterday, I woke up to a gray sky and drizzling rain. It felt like Seattle...ick. Instead of wearing the black peacoat I intended to wear, I threw on my black leather hoodie from Italy! I realized I haven't worn it in a while since it has been so cold. The leather material is soft and as smooth as butter. Also the material makes the outfit look a little more dressed up than a cotton or velour hoodie would. It's nice to pull it back out of my closet!

As you can tell, I am wearing mostly black with a huge pop of yellow in my dress. I love wearing bright colors in the winter! I played up the black in the rest of the outfit, and bounced off the yellow with gold accessories like my bow ring and the chain strap on my Tory Burch bag. Beige nail polish added a subtle, yet clean touch.

Happy Thursday - almost the weekend!

xo-ally

PS - to the girls that commented asking for a hot rollers hair tutorial - I am definitely considering it! I would need to practice the style more, however.....we'll see. I'll keep you updated if I do one. :)

Polka Dots for F/W 2011

**I started this post in JULY and never posted it! So I thought I might as well put it up on the blog.

It's that time of year again! Stores are starting to stock new garments for next season to mark the beginning of new cold weather wear. This is bittersweet to me, as I get super excited for all the new trends and pieces, yet know that mid-October I'll be longing for sunny, hot days at the lake wearing nothing but shorts and a tank. And I'll long for summer clothes all winter long during the -12 degree weather. Yes, Spokane gets that cold.

Before I talk myself out of writing this post on fall fashion I'll share a few of my favorite looks from the spotty trend.

POLKA DOTS

My favorite pair of tights (sheer with black polka dots) ripped when I was in Ireland! Though I'm sure I'll be able to find a replacement pair after Glamour magazine, Marc Jacobs, and Stella McCartney pretty much solidifed that polka dots will be a big trend this fall.

Blake Lively for Glamour

Stella McCartney

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs

 Other trends I'm excited for are the 90s revival, 70s hippie lovin', leather everywhere, and lace-up ankle boots.

**It is mid-October now, and like I said above, I do miss the days at the lake wearing shorts and tanks! But the summer did last pretty long this year, so I can't really complain (until winter, haha). I am happy that I get to wear my new fall clothes and shoes, and am still looking for a new replacement pair of sheer polka dot tights! :)

xo