Type of Item – Page 3 – Aly Knows Best

Back to School Preview

CAbi Blazer (similar here) / Old Navy Graphic Tee/ Old Navy Jeans/ Flower Pin (similar here)/ Black Suede Boots (similar here).

As the smell of Fall begins to slowly waft through the air, so does the phenomenon of back to school shopping. It is always so important to be wearing the cutest outfit possible on the first day of school that says, “hey, let’s be friends.” Can an outfit really say that you ask? Yes, yes it can. Here, my sister Sarah models a potential look for young teenage girls entering their early high school years. Sarah is photographed in Ventura, California, where the fall weather will be the same as it was in the summer (65-75 and sunny) so having heavy jackets and fall pieces are extremely impractical. Instead Sarah wears a light weight blazer that can be taken off to reveal a cute graphic tee! Many of her favorite back-to-school basics are available at Old Navy where affordable clothing and great style go hand in hand! (no I am not an advertisement I just really do love Old Navy).

More to come later on shopping for school as it nears time to hit the books again!

GAGA FOR GWEN

I mentioned in my last post I would be delving more into Gwen Stefani’s style and here is what I came up with. A compilation of some of my favorite looks she has sported on the streets, in magazines and of course on the red carpet. Her perfect accessory is always her hot hubby or one of her adorable children.

Here I chose outfits that truly embody what it means to be Gwen Stefani. She tends to wear dark colors, houndstooth, animal print, leather and lots and lots of red lipstick. My favorite thing about her, is that she is fearless when it comes to fashion. She takes fashion risks even while at the grocery store or running errands with the fam. She hasn’t let mother hood tone down or dampen her style. Let’s be honest here, I envy the fact that she’s a lead singer of a great band, has an incredibly hot husband, flawless abs, can pull off a red pout any day of the week and that she is always oozing with amazing self confidence. Every woman (and man) should strive for this kind of confidence. It says “I am myself and you can love me or hate me, I don’t really care either way.” Gwen is an icon not only because of her constant ability to be stylish, she is also a role model because she is so fearless.

Stay Stylish.

X Aly

Gorgeous Gwen

It’s no secret that Gwen Stefani is the ultimate fashionista. She has been one of my most worshipped idols since I was 9 years old. Growing up, I admired Gwen’s ability to “get down with the boys” while still looking flawless. She made it okay to be a (hot) girl in a world where men dominated, and did so without smearing her perfect red lips. I have followed Gwen’s career from the pink hair in the mid 90s, to the launch of her solo career, to being the designer of L.A.M.B., all the way to today where she is a hot rocker mom who just released the new single “Settle Down” with NO DOUBT!

Above, the forever gorgeous gal is wearing her new fav Kelly Wearstler Pink Leather Jacket. She has been spotted wearing the jacket all around town but this pairing with the navy polka dot pants has me envying the platinum babe.

More to come on Gwen! Be on the lookout! 😉

Flats on Flats on Flats

These FAB flats are all great for summer and will transition beautifully into the early fall. I love flats because they can instantly dress up any plain outfit and make it special!

Flats Clockwise: Sperry Top-Sider houndstooth moccasins / Joan & David pink + orange / Marc Jacobs Sequined Loafer / Steve Madden Blue Suede / Gold Snake Print

Party Cardi

The other day I was browsing through Old Navy (knowing that I get a discount for working at GAP) and found a few cute and low priced items. This polka dot cardigan is so cute and perfect as a summer coverup! I plan on wearing it over dress, with shorts, jeans, etcetera. It feels sort of retro without being too much, oh and it comes in a bunch of great other colors as well! More to come (I’ll probably be blogging about this sweater again soon).

Hold Me Closer Tiny Dancer

Last week, I was lucky enough to be able to have some time off to go to one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. Los Angeles County Museum of Art more commonly known as L.A.C.M.A. I know I may seem old fashioned, but one of my favorite things to do in my spare time is to view artwork. My favorite era is the French Impressionist and Edgar Degas definitely is on my list of top 5 favorite artists of all time. I have seen bits and pieces of his famous “dancers” before but never before like I saw them at L.A.C.M.A. The piece that stood out to me was a small group of ballerinas casually stretching together clad in bright green tutus. Seeing this piece for me up close and personal was like meeting my favorite celebrity. NOTHING COMPARES to seeing a brilliant work of art in the flesh (I know I’m a nerd). Below I created a collage that I feel embodies what today’s fashion would mean to the amazingly talented Edgar Degas.

Items shown: Green Kate Spade Bow Bangle $78, Mint DvF clutch $325, Sunblaze Lace Dress $328, Jeweled Ring by Juicy Couture $88, Tabitha Simmons Evita heel $2,185 , Turquoise Cardigan $17.95, Lace Tulip Skirt $38.

Summer Must Haves @ GAP

As I mentioned in a previous post, this summer I got a job as a sales associate at GAP and couldn’t be more happy. Even though I’ve only been working for a few weeks, I’ve already spotted many things that I will HAVE to buy with my AMAZING employee discount. Above I created a collage of some of my favorites which include graphic tees, bright pants, and some rather fetching accessories if I do say so myself 😉

Items in order (all available at GAP.COM): 1. Bright Graphic Tees $22.95-$29.95, 2. Sassy sandals, 3. $34.95-$79.95, Spray Paint Cardigan $49.95, 4. Studded Belt $29.95, 5. Printed Scarf $29.95, 6. Colorful Pants $69.95, 7. Chevron Maxi $74.95, 8. Printed Shorts $49.95.

We’ve Got You Covered for ALL Your Upcoming Events!

Since my previous post about the event I attended and what I wore, I have received several requests asking for me to create more special event worthy outfits. This first option above is for the “Daring Fashionista,” in other words, the girl who wants to have all eyes on her. This gorgeous red chiffon dress looks great on pretty much every skin color and compliments many hair colors as well!

How to get this outfit: Red chiffon dress Urban Outfitters $109, Spike Earrings by Gemma Redux $172, Embroidered Leather clutch bag by Zara $89.90, Bangle Set from Forever 21 $8.80, Nail Varnish in electric lilac $14, Platform Pump $69.

This second option I’m calling “The Demure Hostess,” is the perfect look for the gal throwing the party. The eye catching dress says it all without trying too hard (not to mention it will compliment the champagne you’re serving perfectly 😉 The key to wearing a dress like this without looking too over the top is minimal jewelry and wisely chosen accessories.

Here’s how to get the look above: Rebecca Taylor sequined mini $395, Dior Nail Lacquer in vibrant raspberry $23, Kenneth Jay Lane Gold ring $125, Printed Canvas clutch $17, ALDO heels in Bone $80.

Are you going to an event where there’s a possibility that an ex might show up with his new gf? Then “The Ultimate Vixen” look is perfect for you! Not only will he be desperately sorry that you are no longer together, but new prospective suiters will be staring at you the whole night as well. This look is also perfect for a gal who just wants to look down right HOT (which there’s nothing wrong with). The key to this look (and best accessory for everyday) is CONFIDENCE. People (men and women) are drawn to it, if you are exuding with the fact that you know you are hot (without being cocky) it is irresistible to others around you. This look is a bit of Gaga meets 80s rock star and you have to be able to rock that tiny lace dress. I threw in the tough biker jacket on top to make it a bit more classy. As far as the jewelry goes, it’s okay to mix (when you look this hot) as long as layering bracelets have some similarities i.e: pyramids/studs.

How to get this Vixen look: Lace Dress $32, TOPSHOP Drape Biker jacket $140, Bing Bang Trinity Necklace $115, Bracelets both Forever21 $4.80 and $13.80, Sephora cream lipstick in classic bright red $12, Rebecca Minkoff Clutch $325, Spiked Peep-Toe Platforms $36.80.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR EVENTS! AND PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! 🙂

A.Sweet. Evening!

Last night, I was lucky enough to attend the POP of Candy Party hosted by A.Sweet. Boutique and Damsel in Dior in Beverly Hills. Since I began interning for Jacey at Damsel in Dior, I have been given so many great opportunities and have met so many really important people in the fashion and entertainment bizz. Not to mention, I have learned how to properly blog and use photoshop! 🙂

Last night I was lucky enough to talk with Catt Sadler (of E! News) and E!’s Fashion and Lifestyle Director (who are both good friends of Jacey). I also got to meet representatives of many P.R. firms, including a couple girls from JLo’s production company. One of my favorite things about last night is I got to meet designer Heidi Merrick of her company of the same name. She was so down to earth and she was SO happy that Jacey was wearing one of her dresses (see adorable stripped dress above)! Heidi was really interested in what I do as an intern for Jacey so I actually got to talk to her for a while AND HUG HER! Other’s I socialized with included successful professional bloggers, various jewelry/clothing designers, people of E!, fashionistas and the owner of A.Sweet.

What a great night! I am so thankful for the connections I made! Can’t wait for more opportunities like this in the future! My advice is to take the risk and put yourself out there, something great is bound to come from it even if it’s unexpected! 🙂

Guess by Marciano Goes to New Lengths

Yesterday I stumbled upon the Rochelle Dress from Guess By Marciano in store. I decided i had to try it on and here is the outcome. The dress has a wonderful chiffon overlay and comes in the three colors. The sleeves have adorable bow details on the cuffs. I immediately fell in love, however I am 5’8″ and often have a problem with hemlines being too short and in this case that was a major problem. I was planning on wearing it to an event but I wouldn’t even be able to sit down or bend over and God forbid if a gust of wind caught the hem of the dress. Although I love this simple, chic 1960s inspired style, I would suggest it to someone who is several inches shorter than I am. I had to opt out of getting it 😦