Trend – 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

Buckle UP!

So I have been neglecting Alyknowsbest.com for the past few months now and today I decided it was PAST TIME to get back into the blogging game. When I am not blogging I am frequently instagramming all kinds of photos. Follow me @aly_nagel

Lately, I’ve been completely obsessed with booties that have special details like buckles and hardware. Here are some of my favorites above. Which one’s your fav??

1. Jeffrey Campbell Gaelle Bootie $204.95// 2. Joe’s Dahlia Boot $224.95// 3. Everly Cutout Boot $205// 4. Chloe Suzanne Stud Buckle Boot $1,345.

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.

Santa, I’ve been REALLY GOOD this year….

Since Halloween has passed and we are now well into the month of November, the Holidays are rapidly approaching, and you know what that means? FOOD, WEIGHT GAIN, FAMILY AND PRESENTS!

To help Santa out, I have already started to put together some gift ideas for me this year (I know SO generous). My Pinterest board called Santa, I’ve been a really good girl… has some really great gift finds plus maybe some early gift ideas for you and your loved ones.

BRING ON THE HOLIDAYS!

PS: That photo above (on the right) is really me as a child!

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

Gorgeous Gorjana

My current obsession in jewelry is the brand Gorjana. It’s a brand that originated in Malibu, California (very close to my hometown) and embodies what it means to be a California girl. They have adorable pieces that are meant to be layered or worn delicately alone. Above are some of my favorite pieces (but I really LOVE all of it). Find them (and many more great pieces) here.

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.