Los Angeles – Aly Knows Best

California Dreamin’

This summer I came up on this gorgeous UNIF kimono at a Buffalo Exchange for an absurdly good price and I couldn’t not buy it. For some reason, I haven’t figured out how to style it until now. Long kimonos work for me because of my height, but sometimes it’s tough to find a fairly understated/cool outfit to pair with such a stand-out wardrobe piece. My parents got me these awesome Ray Ban sunnies for my birthday a few weeks ago and the rose-tinted lenses that compliment the water color vibes of the kimono gave me the inspo to create an outfit based around them and the kimono.

What I’m wearing: UNIF Kimono// H&M crop top // Levis shorts // Ray Ban Round Folding Flash Lenses // Urban outfitters & Old Navy necklaces // Old Navy Bucket Bag // Charles David platform sandals.

Photos by my friend Laren Kai check out her site here laurenkaiphotos.tumblr.com.

An Afternoon with eShakti

About a month ago, the site eShakti.com reached out to me expressing their interest in doing a collaboration on my blog and I’m so excited to finally share the final product here! A little background; eShakti is an online retailer who specializes in creating customized pieces for women in an array of sizes (0-36W) that fit your individual body type.

They gave me the freedom to choose a product that I liked and that fit my personal style, so I chose this color-block sheath dress that I knew would flatter my body. The process of customization was simple and easy to understand. In my sample order, they asked for my height (important considering I’m 5’8″/5’9″), bust and hip measurements and then I chose my size according to what I usually wear and their guide. Upon receiving the dress, I was really pleased with the way it fit and how the customization had turned out. However, the only criticism I will give, is that I wish the sizing could be offered in a way that the bust size and the hip/bottom size could be made more tailored to individual bodies. For example, I have fairly broad shoulders and a big bust, in comparison to my smaller waist, it would have been convenient for those measurements to have been used and allow me a little more shoulder room.

Overall, my experience with eShakti was a great one and I am really pleased with the way my customized piece turned out. I recommend other gals take a look and see what it’s all about!

What I’m Wearing:: eShakti dress // Charl0tte Russe sandals // Chanel bag

Photos taken by my friend Alexandra Alvarez in Los Angeles.

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

Vintage Adventure

Yesterday I made a trip to one of my favorite vintage shops in Burbank with a couple friends. The store Playclothes, is a goldmine of classic clothing, accessories, shoes and basically anything you ever would want to find from decades past. From their eclectic hat collection to their groovy 60s and 70s matching seperates there’s sure to be something there for anyone looking for a unique find. Morgan trying on a cool psychedelic maxi dress in one of the stores elaborately decorated fitting rooms.

I’m wearing a CAbi faux fur vest // Old Navy Chiffon Shirt // Guess Skinny Jeans // Marc Fisher Boots // Faux Leather fringe bag (similar here) // Vintage Necklaces Photos courtesy of Nicole Loftus

Guess Who’s Back…

Sunglasses : BCBGeneration ; Necklace (doubled) : Forever 21 ; Flannel : H&M ; Biggie/Tupac Tee : Forever 21 ; Shorts : Forever 21 ; Knee High Socks : Urban Outfitters 2/$22 ; Booties : Old Navy ; Backpack : Urban Outfitters.

Photos : Megan Weiss

I’d like to attribute this outfit’s eccentricity to my recent obsession with Bad Gal Riri and of course Yoncé who are some of the biggest influencers in fashion right now. Also, I am currently working on a project in evaluating trends of the 90’s, so I think this is heavily influencing the way I’ve been dressing as of late. Please note, I didn’t realize when I initially put this outfit together, but every brand I am wearing represents the “fast fashion” industry which I don’t normally wear, but affordability and trendiness have been winning me over in recent shopping endeavors.

I know I’ve been REALLY bad at keeping up with blogging for the past few months. I’ve been in school full time and really haven’t had time to invest in one of the things I really love to do. So, as one of my 2014 resolutions, I decided I need to start blogging more often and document some of my weird (and great) outfits on a daily basis.

Happy New Year! Thanks for reading.

xx Aly

Backyard Exploration

As I continue to miss Europe each day that it grows farther away from me (sorry I’m dramatic), I try to find ways to entertain myself in the beautiful city of Los Angeles. Don’t get me wrong, this city is amazing and has SO much to offer but since I’ve spent a majority of my life here, I need to find things that are new and exciting. Au contraire to most, I enjoy change and the challenge of trying new things. I’m not afraid of putting myself out there because what is the point of being alive if you’re not truly living?

Yesterday I decided to make a solo exploration to Downtown to a bookstore recommended by many of my friends and I’m so glad I did! I like to explore alone because I feel that I open up my senses more, I hear and see things I wouldn’t observe if someone was with me and sometimes you just need some alone time. On that note, I entered THE LAST BOOKSTORE with hopes of finding some great books on art history (one of my passions) and whaddayanoo I found a plethora of treasures on everything from Gothic Architecture to Surrealism. I was in HEAVEN. I was hoping to find a book on Salvador Dalí whom I find to be incredibly intriguing and spent most of this past summer studying and seeing his works first hand. Fortunately I was able to find a compilation on surrealism describing the movement in its entirety as well as an overview of Picasso (Dalí’s predecessor and somewhat mentor).

After finding and skimming thru many amazing books I decided to take a peek around the store itself. It is decorated in a sense to make you feel as though you’re in an old library but it has been revamped with modern twists. The worn-in comfy leather chairs are a contrast to the Harry Potter-esque books literally flying off the walls towards you. If you walk upstairs you find several artists’ studios and shelves upon shelves of books. I spent about 2 hours there but I could easily see someone spending nearly the entire day searching through classic literature, old records, books on language and more!

I highly recommend to plan a visit if you haven’t been before!

A quote for Monday. Have a great week.

xx Aly

LA Textile Show

On Tuesday October 1st, I had the opportunity to attend the LA Textile Show with one of my classes from school at the California Market Center in Downtown LA. It was a very special opportunity seeing that students are not regularly allowed into industry events such as this. At the show we learned about color forecasting for the Fall/Winter 2014 season. We got the insight on what colors we should look forward to and where they will be used i.e: women’s wear, kids, or home to name a few. We were told by experts to expect many deep navys, nude/earth tones, purples and animal/skin prints for the upcoming season. It was really amazing to see all the fabrics that designers and buyers were browsing to actually use in future collections. I didn’t realize how big that part of the process is and it’s really where fashion begins. Textiles are where the creative process is born and I find it so incredibly interesting to see in person.

Next week I will be attending and volunteering at Fashion Week LA and plan on sharing some of my experience here. So be on the lookout!

Here are some snaps from the textile show:

Me on the left and some of my friends from class!

Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend!

xx Aly

A New Chapter

WOW! What a crazy past few months it has been! Unfortunately, when I was in Spain I was too busy truly living the adventure to keep up my blog. (I apologize) but, I can certainly now share the wonderful photos and moments I was able to capture while on my life-chaning experience abroad.

While there I stayed mostly in Madrid, España where I attended Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. I also had the chance to explore Valencia, Granada, Toledo, Segovia, Barcelona, Cadaqués and Girona (all cities in Spain). I also visited Porto, Portugal and of course, Paris, France!

In the last two weeks of my trip I had the INCREDIBLE opportunity to stay with my dear friend Laura Roca of ROCAVENEN (who I met through blogging) and her extremely gracious and welcoming family in Barcelona. Learning to live like a true Spaniard and feel like I was part of the family was an invaluable experience and easily the best part of my trip!

I got back from my trip a month ago today just in time to start school at Woodbury University in Burbank, California. I am studying Fashion Marketing and Communications and couldn’t be happier. I see starting back in LA again is a new experience and adventure (it’s not a bad place to call home). Although, I do miss España TERRIBLY. I love LA (my first home) but my heart is back in España.

Aquí están fotos de mi viaje a Europa! Gracias para visitas mi blog!

(Here are photos from my trip to Europe! Thank you for visiting my blog!)

*Please note all these photos were taken by me unless otherwise specified

Madrid, outside the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia where the amazing

Salvador Dalí exhibit was on display.

My friends walking in Retiro Park, one of our favorite places in Madrid.

Banco de España, one of the busiest places in Madrid.

The incredible ancient city of Toledo (one hour outside of Madrid).

Me enjoying a sweet sip in Barcelona by la playa.

Amigas enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean Sea in Valencia.

And for the finale… The Eiffel Tower…

Until we meet again… Besos

XOXO Aly

Holiday Shop Hop Preview

This evening I have the opportunity to attend the Holiday Shop Hop hosted my my friend and mentor Damsel in Dior (who I intern for) at The Grove in LA. It should be a festive evening filled with friends, drinks, and of course shopping!

Be looking for a post tomorrow, I will have pics up on the blog (and possibly some of my purchases!)

Happy Holidays everyone!

XX Aly

In luv with Heidi Merrick

This summer I am interning for the blog Damsel in Dior, and last week, I was lucky enough to accompany her on a tour at the Heidi Merrick showroom in downtown L.A. We arrived in the somewhat dodgy area and had a bit of trouble at first finding the correct address. After a few minutes of wondering around, we were able to find the large building that Heidi Merrick’s showroom along with many other labels hold creative spaces. Entering the space was like opening the door to a fashion fantasy. There were several different collections hanging on racks as well as people hand creating the glamorous pieces right in front of out eyes. Everyone there was incredibly kind and ready to answer any (and all) of my numerous inquiries about the incredible garments. One of my favorite parts of the experience was not only being able to see and touch the clothes (before they’re even in stores) but also seeing the large inspiration board that was a compilation of magazine and runway photos as well as sketches. This is similar to what I have been doing since I was roughly ten years old and it was reassuring to know that the pros do the exact same thing! I am so grateful for this experience and hopeful I get more in the future!

Merrick’s pieces are easy to wear and versatile. She uses smart, unexpected fabrics and colors to put a twist on items like a classic blazer and leather pants.

Here are some of my picks from Heidi Merrick’s Spring 2012 Collection:

* All items available at Heidimerrick.com.