winter beach outfit in viareggio, italy

Nordstrom t-shirt (similar) | Longchamp bag | Hudson jeans | Diva Shoes Florence boots (similar) | Chanel sunglasses | Michael Kors watch | Stella & Dot bracelet | Seattle boutique bracelets | similar jacket

This is my last outfit post of 2013! Last week I went to Viareggio, a small beach town on the Italian coast. It is only about an hour and a half train ride away. (Yup, those are my pink ear buds you can see peeking out of my Longchamp...didn't realize they were showing until after the photos were taken...haha). Even though it was winter, it was only a little chilly because of the sun. It was so refreshing to be on a beach and by the water and to get away from Florence for a day.

xo-ally

christmas gifts

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! I had a good day and celebrated here in Florence. My dad came out to Florence for the holidays and we have kept busy by seeing major Florence "to-dos," like going to the Ufizzi and Accademia museums and the Boboli gardens, Rome for a day, and of course, eating some delicious Italian food at my favorite restaurants.

A few of my Christmas gifts:

A new Longchamp to replace my old one. I had my old one for seven months and wore it almost every day. I often cleaned it, but then eventually, even cleaning it wasn't enough - it hit the point of no return. I got great use out of it, so it's nice to upgrade to a new one. The surface on this one has a beautiful gloss and the Longchamp pattern. It's black, too - hopefully it will disguise any dirt or marks!

 Europe also destroyed my riding boots, so I got a new pair of Italian leather ones from a shop in Florence. I love them! They're very comfortable and go with everything, and will be nice to wear especially now, before I take my riding boots into a cobbler.

Some new bracelets: the top one is from Stella & Dot and the other silver ones are from a Seattle boutique.

Happy holidays!

xo-ally

details lately...

Haven't had much of a chance to do my usual outfit posts lately, being so busy taking photos of the students on our trips! My Nikon is also currently broken...so sad! Hoping to get it fixed ASAP. In the meantime, I'll be using my phone.

Outfit details from lately:

Dixie glitter sweatershirt | Nordstrom hat (similar here and here)

My latest instagram: 

Stella & Dot scarf | Nordstrom sunglasses | Nike shoes (similar here, with a touch of pink!)

A little shopping from Croatia...  

From the market, these look like they could be inspired by J. Crew or Kate Spade, don't you think?

Loafers and sandals, also from the market.

And then I got these Nike high tops! I always said sneakers were just for the gym, until I moved to Europe...where literally everyone wears them. There is so much great style to be inspired by here, and I just had to snag a pair.

xo-ally

summer white on white

J. Crew skirt (no longer available, but this one looks breezy and perfect, and is on sale!) | Subdued sheer top (from Italy, similar here) | Stella & Dot necklace | Forever 21 green bangle (similar) | Report flats | Ray-Ban sunglasses | Longchamp bag

Today's post features a lovely, summer outfit I wore on my last day of work, which was also my last day wearing "relaxed professional." This look is more laid back than a typical pencil skirt and a blazer, but with the 100+ degree temperature in New York the thought of wearing a black-on-black pencil skirt and blazer seemed a little daunting. The white-on-white kept me cool while also allowing the bright pops of color to really stand out.

Whether it's for work or for play, an all white outfit creates a clean, pretty palette for other colors to stand out and is a refreshing switch-up from basic black. If you're thinking of adding a LWD (little white dress) to your work wardrobe, I'd recommend this one or this one (of course this depends on office dress codes). I also think this collared top would look lovely tucked into this white J. Crew skirt, with this gorgeous, colorful statement necklace underneath the buttoned up collar. 

xo-ally

under the colorado sun

^BTW, it was a little difficult to walk in the mud with those heels on!

Shirt Free People (similar) Skirt Nordstrom (similar) Sunglasses Chanel (similar) Heels Anne Klein (similar) Necklaces Swank Boutique and Stella & Dot Earrings Tory Burch Bag Kate Spade

After having a TON of fun in Las Vegas, (see this outfit post, and this post or this post for pics!) I went to Denver for the second leg of the trip to visit my best friend Jenn. I went to Denver for my Spring Breaks last year and the year before as well! It was nice to catch up and slow down from the previous weekend.  We went up to Daniel's Park near Denver and took photos by the gorgeous view.

AND, Jenn went dark with her hair! Take a look:

Dress Forever 21Bracelet Urban Outfitters (similar)

xo-ally

statement necklaces

Statement necklaces have been on the fashion radar for a few seasons now and I think it's safe to say the trend is still going strong. Whether it is a collar necklace or the popular bubble necklace, necklaces of all colors, materials, shapes, and sizes are everywhere. My current favorites are below - click on the image for the link!

                    

              

I've been on the fence about getting a bubble necklace, but love the purple Bauble Bar one above. However, a chunky pearl necklace like the J. Crew one would go well with my outfits..... decisions, decisions! Which one is your fave??

xo-ally

coral necklace and boot socks

Necklace Stella & Dot Socks Nordstrom Shirt J. Crew (found similar colors on sale at J. Crew factory!) Boots Corsmo Como

I still don't have Photoshop back on my laptop :/ so I made do with what I do have! Hence the half-sort-of outfit post.

I wore a pretty casual outfit but wanted to showcase the necklace and boot socks! I love the contrast of boot socks against jeans. The peek above the boot really makes a color blocking combination too, which is super trendy right now! My socks can also be worn over-the-knee (would look great with skirts and dresses) or scrunched to be worn under the knee. The coral pendant necklace was a Christmas gift, and while it is a little summery January, I couldn't resist! I love the long, gold chain, too.

xo-ally

elephant scarf

Scarf Stella & Dot Jacket Nordstrom Sweater J. Crew Jeans Nordstrom Watch Michael Kors Bracelet J. Crew (sold out) (similar one by Juicy - and the same price!) Boots Corso Como Earrings Tory Burch

I got this scarf for Christmas and was so excited to wear it! It matches my purple sweater perfectly. I added a link bracelet, tweed jacket, skinny jeans, and brown riding boots to complete the look. I'm also wearing the Tory Burch stud earrings I got for Christmas, but you can't really see them (forgot to do a close-up photo! Will try to remember next time).

Hope you're having a wonderful day!

xo-ally