Fashion – Page 5 – Aly Knows Best

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! 🙂

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.

Ombre Obsessed

Since the beginning of summer I’ve been letting my dark roots take control over my once perfectly highlighted strands. Although my roots are a mere dark blonde, they present an extreme contrast to my previously pedicured locks. I have accidentally fallen into the trend of a ombre hairstyle and am in LOVE! I have decided to let my hair keep growing and let my real color shine thru. It’s almost like a liberation, not having to go to the salon every six weeks to get a “weave of highlights.” It saves me lots of time (and $$$ money).

Above I showed some of my favorite ombre styles that my hair will hopefully grow into (without color assistance). My favorite styles are with blonde to medium based roots. Really dark brown/black looking roots contrasting with bleach blonde tips are much too drastic and they distract from the natural beauty and shape of your face. Ombre styles should be a gradual change in color, giving a more natural (face framing) look instead of someone who just dipped their dark hair in a bucket of bleach. My favorite is Drew’s style above, I love how versatile her ombre is and the fact that she can still have her hair completely styled or wild and doesn’t give a s**t about the color. I also love that SJP pioneered this look back on Sex & the City without even knowing it! (call that a risk taker). Lastly I adore Alexa’s short ombre, it’s such a fresh, unexpected take on the look! The easy going look of ombre hair is much more approachable than an uppity blonde and I recommend it to any one looking to take a risk!

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! 🙂

Dream On: What I Want For Summer

This week I scored a summer job at Gap in my local mall and realized that I will soon be able to purchase many things I have been lusting over for the season. Working at Gap means I get discounts at Gap (duh), Old Navy, Banana Republic and Piperlime (sometimes). After hearing this news I knew it was time to start picking out what I want from those stores (and more).

Above is a jumbled collage of what I believe I NEED:

The top is an alternative to the average structured peplum from Anthropologie that is gorgeous on and moves really gracefully. I desperately need a new pair of sunglasses and love this classic pair by Super. Jeffrey Campbell never ceases to impress me, I don’t know any girl who wouldn’t want a closet full of his outrageously fierce shoes. All available at Nastygal. I’m especially loving bright bags and belts, pictured here is a bag from the new Tina Turk Collection at Banana and a bright belt from Gap. The iPhone 4s case is one of the many patterns available at J. Crew. The simple striped dress is a Gap find. The necklace is a fabulous piece by Vanessa Mooney (love everything she does). Finally I saved, BEST FOR LAST: Rebecca Minkoff handbags. I really really LOVE her new summer collection (where the pink bag is from). My goal is to own a whole collection of her M.A.C.S and MINI M.A.C.S 😉 Oh and the inset is a classic VOGUE cover that I feel embodies my idea of summer living to a T.

What I’m Loving: MAXSTUDIO.COM

Yesterday I was shopping and I stumbled into the store MaxStudio.com. I have shopped at the store in the past, but not for quite some time and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found: a VAST array of colorful frocks and evening gowns. I have recently been on a hunt for cocktail dresses that are a bit out of the ordinary and MaxStudio.com gave me just what I wanted! While sifting through the vibrant racks of dresses, I noticed that not only were they in delicious hues, but also in extremely daring cuts and hemlines. Above, I chose some of my favorites. Although these are very different pieces, the similarities they share is they all have some kind of overlay (mainly chiffon) which creates for fantastic movement.

These dresses from their Spring 2012 Collection (and more) available at MAXSTUDIO.COM.

*Please let me know what YOUR FAVORITES are (the black ensemble in the top, left hand corner is actually a skirt and shirt combo).

Tokyo Chic

This week my best friend hopped on a airplane to Japan from San Francisco (a 14 hour flight) to play in a music festival. Helping her decide on outfits to pack inspired me to create my own “Tokyo chic” look. As you all probably already know, Tokyo (in my opinion) is the capital of daring fashionistas. Women (and men) there are willing to take huge fashion risks and they have helped me conjure the courage to make my own. I know that not everyone in Tokyo dresses in outrageous attire all the time but it’s fun to be creative with fashion as well as take risks!

Above, I created a look that amps up my usual fairly simplistic attire. Many of these pieces transition into day/night as well as into many different outfits. For example: pairing the denim vest with a sundress and boots on a warm day instantly adds a new edge to a cute dress. Another option would be take the cobalt pants and pair them with a tiny tank, a blazer and killer heels for a perfect going out look. Go ahead be fearless!

Items: 1. H&M cat eye sunnies $9.95, 2. Markus Lupfer Kapow! sweater $475, 3. Raw edge denim vest $30, 4. Rag & Bone skinnies $200, 5. Marc Jacobs watch $200, 6. Polka dot scarf $22, 7. Hello Kitty necklace $16.50, 8. Marc Jacobs bag $438, 9. Explode slipper $40.

Blast From The Past: Alice + Olivia

As I was scrolling through one of my favorite brand sites, Alice + Olivia, I realized how much their current collection is channeling popular past fashion trends. Seeing as I am a sucker for 1950s fashions (as well as the others pictured here), I HAD to make a collage of my favs!

The lilac colored 1960s inspired ensemble would be great paired with a killer pair of heals and some chunky arm candy for a semi casual summer evening gathering. The 1970s Parisian inspired outfit is perfect just the way Alice + Olivia styled it on their site. The only thing missing is a chic clutch! The 1950s housewife get up is so fierce! Walk into any room wearing that dress with a waist cinching belt and you’re bound to have a few wandering eyes exploring your florals. As for the 1920s flapper, this is for a girl who WANTS to be noticed at a party or night out on the town. Wearing it with minimal jewelry and understated heels lets you shine on the dance floor without too much fuss!

* All items (and many more must haves) available at Alice+Olivia.com!

Crazy for Carrie

I recently stumbled on this photo and quote by Carrie Bradshaw of HBO’s Sex and the City (aka my fave show of all time). Since I’m such a nerd, I knew that this photo in particular is from an episode in one of the final seasons of the show where Bradshaw travels to Paris for a boyfriend. This stunt was very out of character for her, so I decided to put together a collage of things that ARE in Bradshaw’s character. These pieces are all something I believe the costume designer for the show (Patricia Field) would choose for Carrie. Carrie Bradshaw embodies the ability to be free and not fall to social norms when it comes to her everyday dress. I know I am going to start taking more of a “Carrie approach” when styling myself and I encourage you all to do the same! Oh! and don’t forget to top it off with a great pair of Manolo Blahnik’s!

Items: 1. Emilio Pucci strapless gown $2,695, 2. Sondra Roberts beaded clutch $198, 3. Lucky Brand feather ring $35, 4. Marc Jacobs pleated satin dress $1,500, 5. Sunshower bib necklace $188, 6. J. Crew polka-dot capri $120, 7. Manolo Blahnik swan heels $1,295, 8. Sex and the City: The Complete Series $165.