Outfit – 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

Mystery Solved: Colored Jeans

Last year, bright and bold colors and patterns began popping up in the bottom half of outfits. Now these stem statement making pieces can be seen in nearly every store around. Above, I shared my secrets to finding the perfect pair (or two) on a budget but still splurging with style. These babies look fab paired with a t-shirt, blazer and cutie booties!

My picks: Old Navy Grape cotton skinnies $34.50// Brown Anthropologie Cords $88// AE Sateen Jegging $45// Rose Print Denim $58// Pink Skinnies $49.50.

Pre-Halloween 2012

Pictured Above: Gold One Piece $30// Disco Short $52// Terry Headband $6// Knee High Sock $10

This year, I am especially excited for Halloween because I have a BANGIN’ costume and several fun events I’ll be sporting it at. This Halloween, American Apparel has put together an AMAZING campaign of costume ideas which have inspired me to go tight and short this year. Above are some of my pics for the costume I am creating. I’m going to be a GROOVY DISCO DIVA and couldn’t be more excited! Next Saturday, I’ll be wearing the costume to the costume party at my work which should be a TON of fun. Then, on Halloween night, I’ll be attending the fab parade in West Hollywood with the other thousands of Halloween lovers. Expect pictures to come!!!

The Color of Fall

This Fall, Burgundy is taking over wardrobes everywhere! You’ll see it in handbags, cardigans, jeans, blazers, shoes, makeup, etcetera. Above, I chose some of my favorites and what to pair this bold color with. Burgundy looks great accented with creams, light pinks and browns.

My Picks: Pink Scarf $21.99// YSL Arty Ring $290// Banana Republic Cardigan $42.99// Frye Boots $328// Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC $195// AEO Glitter Bow Belt $19.50.

Keep it Casual

I’ve had several requests from guy friends lately to start doing some outfit posts/inspiration boards for guys. I don’t know too much about men’s fashion, but I do know what looks good. This week I chose a laid back look for men pulling inspiration from my Men’s Style Pinterest board. I usually like a well dressed man but for Fall, I’m noticing a lot of really casual looks. The key to this look is looking trendy without trying too hard, the beanie is a great accessory but SHOULD NOT be worn everyday.

My pics: Nixon Cruiser Watch $175// Burton beanie $25// Gap Jeans (cuffed) $89.95// AE Denim Shirt $49.95// Tom’s Brown Suede Botas $74// Urban Outfitters V-Neck Tee $18.

California Dreamin’

This weekend was a great one! I got to work at the restaurant all day during the Beer Fest (which lead to some very interesting convos), go to a surf contest, see some old friends and of course down a delicious authentic Mexican burrito! I hope y’all enjoyed your weekend as well!

My outfit above: V-kneck Tee Forever 21 (old)// Shorts Nordstrom (old)// Shoes Sperry Top Sider// Sunglasses Urban Outfitters

BLACK + WHITE OBSESSION

Right now, more than ever, I am OBSESSED with the black + white trend. This trend is timeless and looks great accented with gold accessories and a soft pink lip! Check out my picks below!

Clockwise: ASOS Playsuit/ Stella & Dot Studs/ Rouge Coco Shine/ Kirna Zabete Blazer/ Black and White Oxfords/ Rag & Bone Booties/ Stripped Skirt/ Gorjana Chevron Bracelet/ Marc by Marc Jacobs Bag.

Finding Pinspiration

When I need help finding outfit inspiration, I look to Pinterest. It’s a great place to easily look at styling ideas from designers, fellow bloggers, celebrities and more. The Pinterest board I post to the most is My Style. This board is a compilation of inspiring looks from all over. Above are some of my favorite Pinterest looks I plan on sporting this fall. I love the long full skirts, tweed jacket (I just ordered one) and the white blazers (I’ll have to get one of these babies). Where do you find your inspiration?

Paris is Calling…

My dream for quite some time has been to travel to Paris and maybe even live there for a period of time. Most of my friends have been there and tell me it is calling my name. They say if I went to Paris I would probably never leave, and if that’s so let it be. I am currently reading a book about the secrets of the glamourous life of Coco Chanel and the world renowned fashion house she created in France nearly 100 years ago. Chanel had some deep and dark secrets that historians are just now exposing which makes the city where she lived even more intriguing. My journalistic instincts cause me to be nosey and my curiosity sometimes knows no boundaries.

If I were to go to Paris I would immediately go to the Louvre (I would probably spend days there). As I have expressed in previous posts, I am a devout art worshiper and French Art is my absolute favorite! When I refer to French Art, I mean artists like Monet, Manet, and Degas (to name a few) who were all part of the Impressionist period of the late 1800s. I know it sounds incredibly nerdy, but I will probably cry on the day I get to go to the Louvre (whenever that day may be).

Some other places/things I must do is go to the original house of Chanel and buy a handbag (duh), go to the eiffel tower at night, visit the gardens of Versailles, eat pastries and learn to speak some French.

I don’t think this trip will be happening anytime in the near future, but one can dream right?

Keep your dreams alive

Xx Aly