Urban Outfitters – 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.

Walk on the Wild Side

Last week, my sister and I made a trip to one of our favorite stores in Hollywood, Amoeba Music (and spent a little more time there than we maybe originally anticipated). Every time I find myself in that amazing store, I discover that I need things I never knew I needed! This time I found an awesome poster of the late great Janis Joplin that will be perfect for my new apartment!

What I’m wearing: Urban Outfitters top // Levis vintage shorts (I own 3 pairs) // Dr Martens (my sister’s) // Gold chain necklace: vintage from my grandma // sunnies: street vendor in Venice.

**Side note: A lot of people have been asking me about my hair lately. It is in fact naturally like this, but to achieve this type of curl, I rely on Catwalk by TIGI Curls Rock to get this kind of look (along with the good favor of the universe). I will do a post soon on my hair ritual to fill you all in completely!

Photos by: My fab sis Sarah

Thanks for reading!

xx Aly

Crop Top Queen

Earlier this week, my sister and I both had a day off so we decided to to take a trip up to Santa Barbara to shoot some photos and of course, do some shopping. I wore these high-rise Gap jeans I found on MAJOR sale about a week ago (and have worn them nearly everyday since). I decided to break out this floral American Apparel crop top that was part of last summer’s staple wardrobe in Europe. In the past, I’ve only worn this top with shorts and skirts, so it was fun to try something new and maybe a little more Carrie Bradshaw-esque. 😉

What I’m wearing: American Apparel top // Gap High-rise distressed jeans // Old Navy suede demi-wedge sandals // Urban Outfitters Initial Bar Necklace // Aviator sunglasses (borrowed from a friend 😉

Like an American

These past couple of weeks I have been crazy busy with school and I’m starting to reach my breaking point. Luckily, blogging outfits, spending time with friends and attempting to channel creative energy in what I am doing at the moment have helped me to stay focused.

I’ve had this denim American flag print vest from Forever 21 hanging in the back of my closet for probably over a year now but have worn it only maybe once or twice. I decided to give it a fair chance after feeling inspired by Lana Del Rey’s song “American.”

What I’m wearing: Black crop top (under vest) Zara // Velvet circle skirt Urban Outfitters // Target booties // Bite lip color.

I’m on a Highway to…

Since coming back from Vegas, I’ve been feeling a little off and have a bit of a cold. I don’t know if it was the lack of sleep, amount of alcohol I consumed while there or just plain exhaustion. Anyway, I still haven’t really unpacked so I’ve had to be kind of resourceful with my outfits lately. Here’s what I came up with yesterday.

AC/DC T-shirt Urban Outfitters (old) // H&M Jeans // Urban Outfitters Platform Oxfords (now on sale) // Forever 21 sunglasses // Lancome Lipstick.

Photos: Nicole Loftus

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

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

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.

Keep it Casual

I’ve had several requests from guy friends lately to start doing some outfit posts/inspiration boards for guys. I don’t know too much about men’s fashion, but I do know what looks good. This week I chose a laid back look for men pulling inspiration from my Men’s Style Pinterest board. I usually like a well dressed man but for Fall, I’m noticing a lot of really casual looks. The key to this look is looking trendy without trying too hard, the beanie is a great accessory but SHOULD NOT be worn everyday.

My pics: Nixon Cruiser Watch $175// Burton beanie $25// Gap Jeans (cuffed) $89.95// AE Denim Shirt $49.95// Tom’s Brown Suede Botas $74// Urban Outfitters V-Neck Tee $18.

California Dreamin’

This weekend was a great one! I got to work at the restaurant all day during the Beer Fest (which lead to some very interesting convos), go to a surf contest, see some old friends and of course down a delicious authentic Mexican burrito! I hope y’all enjoyed your weekend as well!

My outfit above: V-kneck Tee Forever 21 (old)// Shorts Nordstrom (old)// Shoes Sperry Top Sider// Sunglasses Urban Outfitters