Paris – Aly Knows Best

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

Paris is Calling…

My dream for quite some time has been to travel to Paris and maybe even live there for a period of time. Most of my friends have been there and tell me it is calling my name. They say if I went to Paris I would probably never leave, and if that’s so let it be. I am currently reading a book about the secrets of the glamourous life of Coco Chanel and the world renowned fashion house she created in France nearly 100 years ago. Chanel had some deep and dark secrets that historians are just now exposing which makes the city where she lived even more intriguing. My journalistic instincts cause me to be nosey and my curiosity sometimes knows no boundaries.

If I were to go to Paris I would immediately go to the Louvre (I would probably spend days there). As I have expressed in previous posts, I am a devout art worshiper and French Art is my absolute favorite! When I refer to French Art, I mean artists like Monet, Manet, and Degas (to name a few) who were all part of the Impressionist period of the late 1800s. I know it sounds incredibly nerdy, but I will probably cry on the day I get to go to the Louvre (whenever that day may be).

Some other places/things I must do is go to the original house of Chanel and buy a handbag (duh), go to the eiffel tower at night, visit the gardens of Versailles, eat pastries and learn to speak some French.

I don’t think this trip will be happening anytime in the near future, but one can dream right?

Keep your dreams alive

Xx Aly

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!

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!