This morning I saw this photo from one of my favorite films “The Devil Wears Prada,” and it gave me a good laugh. Meryl Streep is one of my favorite actresses and she plays this part so perfectly. Like Miranda, (her character’s name) i would someday love to be a magazine editor. But I would definitely be a less harsh than Ms. Priestly aka the Devil Herself.
Happy Monday! Make sure to get your coffee!!
Although I have always loved and admired the gorgeous Diane Kruger for her impeccably chic style and acting abilities, this picture has me feeling a bit unsettled. Although Kruger looks magnificent in this dress by Nina Ricci at Cannes, she looks like part of her is missing. Like a good 15 lbs! After seeing this photo, I looked at other recent photos of the actress and was rudely awakened that she looks sickeningly thin.
I understand the pressure to be thin in Hollywood. A well known Hollywood expert and reporter (who I will not name) once told me, “When you’re happy, that means you’re fat. When you’re unhappy that means you’re at the weight you want to be.” It’s so sad that this is what our Hollywood sirens (and role models) have become. The fact is you can choose to cave and be ultra thin or to be your own person and HEALTHY. I myself, am trying to drop some lbs. but have done so in a healthy way. Starving yourself and having a possible eating disorder, is not healthy or good for your body. Please see a registered dietician or nutritionist if you want to learn how to lose weight properly. Remember HEALTHY is HAPPY. Being THIN IS NOT always the key to happiness.
This morning, my family and I participated in a fun awareness/fundraiser walk for Pulmonary Hypertension in Santa Barbara, California. I know what you must be thinking, what is this disease? and is that even possible? About three years ago, my mom was diagnosed with the disease and doctors said she would be lucky to live a year or two more. After the diagnosis my family was all devastated. How could my extremely healthy forty something mother have a rare lung disease that would be terminal? At the time she was exercising daily, never smoked, ate healthy and drank alcohol in moderation. When she was diagnosed I was 17, a high school senior ready to graduate and conquer the world. My little sister was eleven, she still depended on my mom for everything.
That first year was really rough. Learning to live with my Mom (Lori) being on full time supplemental oxygen and taking more drugs than most people take in a lifetime. We had to adjust, we had always been such a tight knit family that was extremely active. We went on bike rides up the coast on the weekends, camping trips in the mountains that required a lot of hiking and physical activity, and walked our dogs constantly. Suddenly, we were no longer able to do that.
Today, three years later, my EXTREMELY optimistic mother is still alive and kicken (and walking the dogs). We have all learned to deal with that fact that she has this terrible disease, but we try to not let it rule our lives. I am incredibly thankful for ever day I have left with her. Today in the Pulmonary Hypertension Walk of Santa Barbara, we walked in her honor. She is the most strong and courageous human being I know and a inspiration to everyone.
I share this with you (my readers), to raise awareness to the fact that this disease is something that anyone can get it and there is no cure. Healthy or not, you should know that there are more chronic (and terminal) diseases besides just Cancer. Go to the doctor regularly so things like this disease can be caught early.
For more information on Pulmonary Hypertension click here. For more information on our effort to end this disease click here.
Yesterday I purchased these little beauties as a back-to-school gift to myself and I’m “Sperry in Love.” I have always loved the look (and comfort) of Sperrys, but have never quite found a pair that personifies my style like these little babies. I am not much of a tennis shoe person but need to do a lot of walking on campus so these are a perfect comfy alternative. What the picture doesn’t show is that the shoe has a perfect melody of patent, suede and animal print paneling. Can’t wait to wear ’em with everything! Get your own here!
The one trend I’m extremely excited for this Fall are booties! Lots and lots of them! I’m always a sucker for boots (believe me I have plenty), but I think the booties trending right now, I like more than past seasons knee high and over the knee. Booties are versatile (not to mention, it’s a FUN word to say). You can wear them right now with shorts and as it gets colder into fall with jeans and tights. Also, many of these lil’ beauties offer a bit of a chunky heel which can add some height without being a “real’ healed shoe. I’m loving the selection (and prices) the site Piperlime has right now. Above is a collage of my favorites. I’ll most likely end up getting a pair (or two)! 😉
Last week I got to travel to Catalina Island and stay with my extended family on a wonderful vacay. Incase you don’t know, the island is located about an hour off the coast of southern California (near Long Beach). I have been going to the island since I was young but this has to be the best trip by far. Spending time with my gorgeous cousins, little sister, grandma, and many other very important people in my life was a blast! We got to go tubing, jet skiing, swimming, snorkeling, boating, hiking, shopping and much much more! If you’re looking for a fun (and beautiful) place to stay that is family friendly, look into Catalina Island!
I’ve known about the online shop Etsy, for quite some time but haven’t fully looked into what they have until now. Etsy offers a unique blend of vintage as well as hand-made eclectic finds. While surfing the AMAZING site, I found many things that I MUST HAVE. Vintage Chanel bags, adorable handmade jewelry and that leather messenger bag that would be absolutely perfect for school! I have fallen IN LOVE with the site and plan to purchase many of my favs (shown above). I will most likely open my own shop considering I have made a lot of jewelry, art and other little knick knacks!
More to come! Xx
Aly
The other day I got my hair cut after taking a very long time to grow it out. It doesn’t look that long but believe me, it was really short before! I also got it dyed after growing out the ombre (aka bad roots) for a while. I like that it looks more clean and kept now. What do you think of it?
Here I am wearing an Anthropologie top, Urban Outfitters jeans, and my favorite Victoria Leather purse.
I recently received my Gigi Studs from Stella & Dot that I won in a giveaway hosted by fellow blogger Arbitrary Ambrosia and I’m in love! I chose to wear them the other day on a trip to the luxurious Ojai Valley Inn & Spa in Ojai, California. While touring the gorgeous Spanish style grounds of the hotel, I wore a simple black cami tucked into printed high-waisted shorts, my favorite (old) Steve Maddens and topped it all off with my new Gigi Studs! Besides the fact that I won these vintage-esque little beauties, they traveled to me all the way from Georgia! Which is somewhere I’ve never been and would love to go and try a delish peach someday!
My gorgeous friend (and fellow blogger) Carly Caumiant has graciously honored me with a nomination for the Liebster Award and I couldn’t be more excited!
The Liebster Award:
“The Liebster Blog Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The Meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.”
The Rules:
If you are tagged/nominated, you have to post 11 facts about yourself.
Then you answer the 11 questions the tagger has given you & make 11 questions for the people you are going to tag.
Tag 11 more Bloggers.
Tell the people you tagged that you did.
No tagging back.
The person you tag must have less than 200 followers.
So let us begin!
Eleven Things About Me:
1. I love to sing more than almost anything in the world
2. I used to be a Musical Theater major in college but am now majoring in Journalism (and couldn’t be more happy)
3. I am meant to live in the city. I was born and raised in LA (where I live now), but NY is my higher calling
4. I am OBSESSED with dogs. Sandy my Pembroke Welsh Corgi in particular (and Boo the famous Pomeranian)
5. I come from an extremely musical family/background and have taken lessons/played the Piano, Guitar, Flute and Voice.
6. I have a little sister named Sarah who I believe is a better version of myself (you may have seen her pics on my blog)
7. I live and breathe fashion. It’s one of my greatest passions but I wouldn’t say it completely defines me as a person (I plan on becoming a fashion journalist or something in the field in the future)
8. People usually think I’m a lot older than I am (I’m only 19)
9. I love to draw, write and paint. Basically to be able to channel what I’m feeling into an art form
10. My mother was diagnosed as terminally/chronically ill several years ago. Which I would not like to say it is something that defines me, but I count my blessings with her everyday.
11. I’m new to blogging and have learned everything I know from Damsel in Dior (who I currently am interning for)
Questions From Carly:
1. What is your greatest passion? Anything artistic or creative, probably a tie between music and fashion
2. What is your most favorite band of all time? (be honest, guilty pleasures count too) Elton John hands down. Between his music and outrageous costumes, what’s not to love?
3. Do you have siblings or are you an only child? I have one younger sister who’s 6 years younger than me. Im very protective of her and love her probably more than anything in the world
4. What was your favorite pass time as a child? To paint. I started taking “art lessons” when I was probably 4 years old
5. What is your favorite subject to study in school? Tie between Art and Writing class
6. What do you want to be when you “grow up”? (this applies to bloggers of all ages, you may already be doing it!) I would love to either be a fashion writer for a magazine (like Vogue) or a correspondent/anchor on Good Morning America (I can dream can’t I)
7. What do you love most about yourself? I love that I can stay positive and upbeat in some of the toughest situations
8. How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Two packs of equal sugar and a splash of milk. Sometimes if I’m feeling extra sweet I’ll take some creamer as well
9. Do you enjoy county fairs, why/why not? OH MY GOD NOOO. Backstory enter: when I was growing up I raised rabbits and guinea pigs to show in the fair (sad truth). Long story short I never want to go back again. Between the carnies, crummy food and smell of the animals, you won’t catch me near one probably ever.
10. Art or sports? Although I did both in high school (played water polo, was in drama, art, music, etc.) I would have to choose Art
11. If you could paint your house any color… ? Right now I’m really loving the light teal/aqua color that’s popular so maybe if I ever live in SF or Italy (where this color is acceptable) it will happen
Eleven Questions for My Nominees:
1. What is your favorite movie?
2.What is your most favorite song of all time? (be honest, not cool)
3. Where is your favorite place you’ve ever been?
4. Have you ever been in love?
5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
6. What do you want to be when you “grow up”? (this applies to bloggers of all ages, you may already be doing it!)
7. What is one major flaw you possess? How would you change it?
8. What is your favorite childhood memory?
9. Would you rather go on a hike or shop a sale at Nordstrom?
10. Right now are you watching the Olympics or Gossip Girl?
11. What shoes are you wearing right now?
And last but certainly not least, my Nominees!
Aly Knows Best 