Los Angeles – Aly Knows Best

Feeling Clueless

Lately, as I said in my last post, I have been FEELIN’ the 90s and the warm LA sunshine the past couple days has allowed me to break out my collection of mini skirts (usually reserved for the summer months). I added some thigh highs and chunky sandals which is TOTALLY something Cher would do in Clueless but instead maybe with a matching plaid top and skirt.

I’m wearing: A Topshop top (from summer/Europe)// Velvet Urban Outfitters Circle Skirt (last fall)// American Apparel Thigh Highs// Steve Madden Sandals// “Dream” Necklace Nordstrom.

Photos: Nicole Loftus

Smells Like…

… You know the rest.. This week, I was feeling a little (A LOT) 90s grunge thanks to a project I was working on in my fashion marketing class where I evaluated trends from the decade. What I realized after putting this outfit together was, I’ve had most of these pieces for at least a year. Lately I’ve realized that with mixing older items together, I come up with more creative outfits than just going out and buying similar things (that I probably I already own). One of my goals this year is to keep incorporating older pieces to make new, more interesting looks.

I’m wearing: Jacket: Urban Outfitters // Flannel: Target // Gold “Dream” necklace: Nordstrom // Crop top (underneath): H&M // American Apparel Disco Pants // Converse

Photos : Nicole Loftus

Backyard Exploration

As I continue to miss Europe each day that it grows farther away from me (sorry I’m dramatic), I try to find ways to entertain myself in the beautiful city of Los Angeles. Don’t get me wrong, this city is amazing and has SO much to offer but since I’ve spent a majority of my life here, I need to find things that are new and exciting. Au contraire to most, I enjoy change and the challenge of trying new things. I’m not afraid of putting myself out there because what is the point of being alive if you’re not truly living?

Yesterday I decided to make a solo exploration to Downtown to a bookstore recommended by many of my friends and I’m so glad I did! I like to explore alone because I feel that I open up my senses more, I hear and see things I wouldn’t observe if someone was with me and sometimes you just need some alone time. On that note, I entered THE LAST BOOKSTORE with hopes of finding some great books on art history (one of my passions) and whaddayanoo I found a plethora of treasures on everything from Gothic Architecture to Surrealism. I was in HEAVEN. I was hoping to find a book on Salvador Dalí whom I find to be incredibly intriguing and spent most of this past summer studying and seeing his works first hand. Fortunately I was able to find a compilation on surrealism describing the movement in its entirety as well as an overview of Picasso (Dalí’s predecessor and somewhat mentor).

After finding and skimming thru many amazing books I decided to take a peek around the store itself. It is decorated in a sense to make you feel as though you’re in an old library but it has been revamped with modern twists. The worn-in comfy leather chairs are a contrast to the Harry Potter-esque books literally flying off the walls towards you. If you walk upstairs you find several artists’ studios and shelves upon shelves of books. I spent about 2 hours there but I could easily see someone spending nearly the entire day searching through classic literature, old records, books on language and more!

I highly recommend to plan a visit if you haven’t been before!

A quote for Monday. Have a great week.

xx Aly

LA Fashion Week

Yesterday I had the opportunity to volunteer backstage for Los Angeles Fashion Week presented by the Los Angeles Fashion Council at The Grove LA. It was a great experience getting to meet new and upcoming designers and seeing their innovative designs walk the runway. One of my favorite new designers, Rose La Grua had one of the most unique lines, with KILLER shoes (literally), I’m expecting to see more of her designs in the future.

Since I’m currently in school full time and picking up a part-time internship as well, I’m extremely busy and don’t have time to update the blog as regularly as I’d like to. If you want to see what I’m up to on a more regular basis please follow me on:

Instagram: aly_nagel

Here are some photos snapped from LA Fashion Week! Enjoy!

Sprinkles Cupcakes made special cupcakes just for the event! Yum!

Some of Rose La Grua’s FAB designs backstage.

Taking a moment with the girls to enjoy the photo booth!

Have a great weekend!

LA Textile Show

On Tuesday October 1st, I had the opportunity to attend the LA Textile Show with one of my classes from school at the California Market Center in Downtown LA. It was a very special opportunity seeing that students are not regularly allowed into industry events such as this. At the show we learned about color forecasting for the Fall/Winter 2014 season. We got the insight on what colors we should look forward to and where they will be used i.e: women’s wear, kids, or home to name a few. We were told by experts to expect many deep navys, nude/earth tones, purples and animal/skin prints for the upcoming season. It was really amazing to see all the fabrics that designers and buyers were browsing to actually use in future collections. I didn’t realize how big that part of the process is and it’s really where fashion begins. Textiles are where the creative process is born and I find it so incredibly interesting to see in person.

Next week I will be attending and volunteering at Fashion Week LA and plan on sharing some of my experience here. So be on the lookout!

Here are some snaps from the textile show:

Me on the left and some of my friends from class!

Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend!

xx Aly

Holiday Shop Hop Preview

This evening I have the opportunity to attend the Holiday Shop Hop hosted my my friend and mentor Damsel in Dior (who I intern for) at The Grove in LA. It should be a festive evening filled with friends, drinks, and of course shopping!

Be looking for a post tomorrow, I will have pics up on the blog (and possibly some of my purchases!)

Happy Holidays everyone!

XX Aly