Aly Knows Best

Lanvin Does “Real People”

For Lanvin’s new Fall line, the Parisians made a bold choice to use “real people” to model their luxe line. Among the chosen ones include bloggers, stylists, wardrobe consultants, photographers, designers and dancers. Read about all the “real people” models here. Above, I chose some of my favorite photographs from this extremely refreshing (and glamorous) shoot. To see people being acknowledged in pictures for their accomplishments instead of just what they look like is like a gust of fresh air in an otherwise extremely stagnant and un-diverse industry. Hopefully this bold move made by Lanvin, will help other brands do a similar campaign. Bravo Lanvin!

Summer Garden Party

Vintage Tracy Reese Top/ Nordstrom Trousers (from last winter)/ Zara Clutch/ Anthropologie Earrings/ Grandmother’s Vintage Gold Watch/ Aldo Heels.

Tonight I thought I’d put together a look for a “summer garden party.” I used some of my favorite pieces (and a new photo editor) to show what I came up with. Let me know what you think!

Pretty Polka Dots

Last week I was lucky enough to get together with my gal pal Courtney Baird to take a few snaps of her sassy style! I love her look here, she wears an ADORABLE navy polka dot print skirt, paired with a girlie slit sleeved top and floral sandals. This look is perfect for summer without trying too hard!

Long Sleeve Top/ Polka Dot Skirt (similar here)/ Floral Sandals (similar here).

A Day at the Ranch

CAbi Military Jacket (similar here)/ Stripped Tee/ Jeans/ Boots (similar here).

Today started off as a fun one, seeing as I got to go watch my sister Sarah ride during lessons. Today was her first day jumping (which was a big deal). While she road I snapped pics and made some new horse friends! What a great way to start the day!

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! 😉

A San Diego Weekend

This weekend I was lucky enough to have some time off to go visit some good friends down in San Diego. S.D. is by far one of my favorite cities I’ve ever been to and I have so many good memories there from when I was younger. Although this weekend I did a lot of the things there I’ve done before, it was even more special sharing the experiences with close friends. We also had a friend visiting from Korea so it was fun taking him around and showing him all the really touristy places (that we don’t normally go to). While there we visited Downtown San Diego (the Gas Lamp has great nightlife), we also got to see some great costumes from the Comic Con going on, Hotel Del Coronado (a must see), many different beaches (the ones in Carlsbad were my faves) and we sampled many different “authentic burritos” including the Cali Burrito at Los Panchitos in Downtown S.D. Some other things we didn’t get a chance to do, but I still HIGHLY RECOMMEND are: exploring Balboa Park (there’s nothing like it), visiting the Wild Animal Park (it’s way better than the zoo and you feel like you’re really on a safari), and of course Sea World!

Happy Travels! 🙂

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).