red, white, and blue in the garden

Ray-Ban sunglasses| J. Crew top (not available, loving this one) | Aldo sandals | J. Crew skirt (similar) | Max & Chloe necklace | Michael Kors watch | Swank bracelets, silver | Nordstrom faux pearl earrings | Nordstrom bracelet, navy | Nail polish: Color Club "Disco Dress" | Lips: Mally Lip Magnifier

Today's outfit is a repeat of what I wore on the Fourth of July -- I didn't have a chance to photograph it then, so I decided to pull it back out. If you can't tell, I've been gravitating toward stripes lately :) as well as red and white! Haha, I just can't get enough of it I guess. If my next job had a professional dress code like my last one, I'd even consider this red and white skirt from J. Crew factory. Yeah, okay, maybe I should hold off on the stripes.

I got my nails done today and chose this bright but deep purple. At first I was afraid it would be a little too "teen punk rock princess" but liked the shade so stuck with it. Now I'm regretting not doing a different color (baby blue or bright pink)! I know, I know it's a major #firstworldproblem...

On another note, I was browsing around online and came across this photo of Disney Princess-inspired engagement rings! How adorable.

My favorite is Ariel's, followed by Cinderella's. Which one is your favorite?

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

friday's fancies - winning in white

This week's Friday's Fancies theme with Long Distance Loving is winning in white. I love a great pair of white jeans - it creates the perfect canvas for bright, summer colors! The blue in the bracelet helps bring out the pale mint in the tank, and the red hair bow adds some more color. And how cute are the sailboat shoes?

tank, jeans, bow, blue bracelet, bracelet stack, shoes

xo-ally

friday's fancies - april showers

This week's Friday's Fancies theme with long distance loving is April Showers. Here's a lovely spring outfit I made for when the weather is a little dreary! I'm loving the cutout sleeves on the top.

shirt, jeans, boots, bracelet, umbrella

And doesn't the adorable umbrella remind you of S and B's umbrellas from that Gossip Girl episode?? Fab.

xo-ally

pink jeans and floral heels

GJG jeans | Subdued top (Florence), similar | J. Crew bracelet, similar | Nordstrom sunglasses | Anne Klein heels, similar | Michael Kors watch | Max & Chloe necklace

Happy Sunday! Hope you had a great weekend. Mine was filled with lots of homework, coffee, and a major to-do list.... I still can't believe it's April! Graduation is next month....ahhh....

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

winter white

I recently came home from a shopping trip with a beautiful pair of crisp, white skinnies. White denim has been on my shopping list for years and I had yet to find the perfect pair. (Until yesterday!) Multiple outfit combinations are going through my head in anticipation of a bright spring and summer. However, knowing myself, I can't wait for the sun to finally show itself to wear this pair. When I get back to school next week, I'll have my full closet again - which means I can put together a winter white ensemble! (My clothing choices are pretty limited from living out of a suitcase for 4.5 weeks.) 

Until then, here is some inspiration I found on Pinterest to hold me over.

Stay tuned for a winter white outfit post! :)

xo-ally

bright green chino shorts

Shorts: J. Crew Tank: Nordstrom Belt, bracelet: Forever 21 (similar bracelet) Shoes: New Look London (similar)Ring: Kate Spade Sunglasses: Chanel

I got these bright green chino shorts from J. Crew last weekend and I love them! They definitely take center stage, so I kept my top and shoes neutral. But I didn't want to shy too much from color, so I added a matching green bangle with a belt and ring to complete the look. 

I know fall fashion is everywhere, but summer is still going strong! I'm going to soak up summer as long as I can. And that means wearing bright-colored shorts. :)

xo-ally

sweets & snacks - recipes for 4th of july

With barbecues and parties celebrating our lovely Independence Day coming up this week, I am seeing USA-themed everything, everywhere. I was perusing the web for Fourth of July recipes, and here are some I found!

Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes from One Ordinary Day

These are super cute, and the colored cake make it so much fun!

Nutella Berry Crunch Crackers from LaurenConrad.com

Nutella? Yes, please! This post on laurenconrad.com has a few other 4th of July snack ideas too!

Pretzel Rods from Martha Stewart

I think I'm going to try these! Looks like a good mix of salty and sweet.

Happy almost-Fourth-of-July!

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

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