outfit – 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.

Feeling Clueless

Lately, as I said in my last post, I have been FEELIN’ the 90s and the warm LA sunshine the past couple days has allowed me to break out my collection of mini skirts (usually reserved for the summer months). I added some thigh highs and chunky sandals which is TOTALLY something Cher would do in Clueless but instead maybe with a matching plaid top and skirt.

I’m wearing: A Topshop top (from summer/Europe)// Velvet Urban Outfitters Circle Skirt (last fall)// American Apparel Thigh Highs// Steve Madden Sandals// “Dream” Necklace Nordstrom.

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

Mystery Solved: Colored Jeans

Last year, bright and bold colors and patterns began popping up in the bottom half of outfits. Now these stem statement making pieces can be seen in nearly every store around. Above, I shared my secrets to finding the perfect pair (or two) on a budget but still splurging with style. These babies look fab paired with a t-shirt, blazer and cutie booties!

My picks: Old Navy Grape cotton skinnies $34.50// Brown Anthropologie Cords $88// AE Sateen Jegging $45// Rose Print Denim $58// Pink Skinnies $49.50.

Santa, I’ve been REALLY GOOD this year….

Since Halloween has passed and we are now well into the month of November, the Holidays are rapidly approaching, and you know what that means? FOOD, WEIGHT GAIN, FAMILY AND PRESENTS!

To help Santa out, I have already started to put together some gift ideas for me this year (I know SO generous). My Pinterest board called Santa, I’ve been a really good girl… has some really great gift finds plus maybe some early gift ideas for you and your loved ones.

BRING ON THE HOLIDAYS!

PS: That photo above (on the right) is really me as a child!

Pre-Halloween 2012

Pictured Above: Gold One Piece $30// Disco Short $52// Terry Headband $6// Knee High Sock $10

This year, I am especially excited for Halloween because I have a BANGIN’ costume and several fun events I’ll be sporting it at. This Halloween, American Apparel has put together an AMAZING campaign of costume ideas which have inspired me to go tight and short this year. Above are some of my pics for the costume I am creating. I’m going to be a GROOVY DISCO DIVA and couldn’t be more excited! Next Saturday, I’ll be wearing the costume to the costume party at my work which should be a TON of fun. Then, on Halloween night, I’ll be attending the fab parade in West Hollywood with the other thousands of Halloween lovers. Expect pictures to come!!!

BLACK + WHITE OBSESSION

Right now, more than ever, I am OBSESSED with the black + white trend. This trend is timeless and looks great accented with gold accessories and a soft pink lip! Check out my picks below!

Clockwise: ASOS Playsuit/ Stella & Dot Studs/ Rouge Coco Shine/ Kirna Zabete Blazer/ Black and White Oxfords/ Rag & Bone Booties/ Stripped Skirt/ Gorjana Chevron Bracelet/ Marc by Marc Jacobs Bag.

Heidi Merrick Fall 2012

Yesterday I ran a quick errand for Damsel in Dior to Heidi Merrick‘s studio in Downtown LA and was reminded of how much I adore her clothing! A few months ago I actually got to meet Heidi at an event in Beverly Hills and she was so sweet and down to earth. Her clothing is simple and to the point but she adds key details that really bring something special to each piece. Above are some of my favorite looks from her Fall 2012 collection. These pieces are all very wearable and versatile with undeniable class. I am excited to see what she brings to collections to come!

Can you tell I LOVE Fall fashion?!

Xx Aly

CAbi Fall 2012

I’ve been a huge fan of the brand CAbi for several years now. For those who don’t know, CAbi stands for Carol Anderson By Invitation. CAbi is a clothing line solely offered and sold in peoples homes for women by women. Designer Carol Anderson founded the clothing company in 1977 upon the principles that women would receive a personal shopping experience in the comfort of friends homes as well as their own. My CAbi consultant is a personal friend and neighbor and she always is great at showing off the amazing collections. There is always a Fall and Spring Collection annually.

Yesterday I was lucky enough to have time to go and view the Fall 2012 collection and fell in love with many pieces (as usual). I bought a handful of items that I will definitely feature on my blog once it gets a little cooler seeing as they are fall/winter pieces. Mary (my consultant) showed me that CAbi now has a blog that I know highly enjoy reading! It’s called the CAbi Canary and I recommend that everyone takes a look!

Crazy For Stella & Dot

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!