Keepin' it Real(ly Appropriate)

Have you ever noticed how people never seem completely happy with their age and maybe, to a larger extent, happy with who they are? (That's a whole other issue, though) I notice this a lot among fashion bloggers through the way we all dress. While Madonna dressed twenty years younger, fashion bloggers dress twenty years older. And if we don't dress older, many dress to get pageviews.

Pageviews. The delicious, sweet nectar ever blogger wants to enjoy that not many get a large chance to try. So many bloggers sacrifice their style and voice in order to play to what seems to be popular in the here and now.

I Think I Blue Myself

I was goofing off, actually thought it was a bit cute. Even though it looks like I have to pee.

Muscles & Leather

Shirt Urban Outfitters | Skirt Urban Outfitters | Shoes Lucky Brand | Earrings Nicole Miller | Nail Polish Essie

 

Look, an outfit post! I went out to a party last night with a few friends and we all decided it would be fun to dress up. Also sorry the background is very boring, I'm a bit limited when it comes to setting.

My friend and I being models, you know.

I'm also going to take this moment to talk about muscle tees, a small trend that I really like. Urban seems to be leading this trend in both quantity and aesthetic. Many muscle tees have edgier designs to them but I've included some more girly ones as well.

Truly Madly Deeply Tees · Lucca Couture Tees · R 13 Tees

-Ally

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Short Shorts/ Green Jacket

Jacket: Old Levi's, Shirt: Michael Stars, Shorts: Levi's

Figured I'd be a flamingo.  I mean, why not?

I got some powder from Tom Ford the other day...Not that you can tell.  I just wanted to share because I love myself that much.

For the first time in a long time, it rained in San Diego. It was light, but it gave me a reason to wear a jacket.  Now it just needs to get below 70 so I can wear my new jeans.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I went to Beverly Hills and bought myself some makeup and nail polish.  I have to say, Tom Ford has some vibrant and unique nail colors.  Total treat, though.  Thirty bucks is a lot for nail polish!

Not much to say today.  I still have this question - What type of monetization do you find least obnoxious?

See you all tomorrow!

P.S. - If you could give my FB page a bit of love I'd be very appreciative!

Very (f)irst clothing haul - be gentle.

Hello everybody!  Today I've decided to show off present my clothing haul for my upcoming school year. Extremely interesting and humble, I know.  But I just love everything so much I want to brag share with everyone.  Nearly all of this was on sale, too! Items will be presented left to right.

• T. Babaton mustard sweater: A gift from my boyfriend while we were in Canada. The sweater is cashmere and has a great color.  I'll be wearing it a lot this school year, by itself or with collared shirts.
• Lucky Brand ballet flats: Simple and simplistic, but sorely needed.
• Citizens of Humanity jeans: OH GOSH, I'm so lucky to have these babies.  I got them for 75 bucks.  Yes, that's still a lot, but I need to invest in jeans.  I want them to last forever and Oregon rain is pretty harsh my old, cruddy jeans.
• Paige jeans: Yet another pair of designer jeans I was able to get at a great price.  Keep an eye on Bloomingdales' sale section - I got these babies on Labor Day, but good sales do happen spontaneously.

• Urban Outfitters cardigan: Now, I get the whole "don't wear white after Labor Day" rule, but I'll probably wear this every so often during the Fall (such an anarchist).  Got it on big sale, fits well - I couldn't pass it up.
• Hudson jeans: Yeah, I paid full price on these.  They are so great - I couldn't help it.  These jeans are jet black, a first for a pair of jeans I own.  So happy I got them, so worth it.
• Cusco top: I got this top and a green sweater for fifty bucks altogether on Labor Day.  It was a 75% off sale.  I'm surprised I didn't buy the entire store.

So yes, it was a glorious week of shopping.  Many dollars were lost in order to gain clothing on huge sale.  It was a sacrifice I was willing to make.  So I hope you all enjoyed looking at what I purchased and, if I was rolling in money, I would buy you all the same thing.

Also, I'm planning on monetizing eventually but I don't want to be an obnoxious sell out (rather just be obnoxious). I'm thinking of sponsors or rstyle - one is promoting other blogs and the other is stealthy.  Which way is better in terms of not selling out?  Is there another valid method?

Oh, Canada!

Dress: Free People (similar)

Look at those boobs - I mean details...

Hello, hello.  I took a little break last week because I was in Canada.  I've never been to Canada and it was pretty enjoyable.  My boyfriend has family up there and his cousin was getting married. So, he invited me to go!  People are pretty nice up there (maybe I was just noticing this because of the stereotype) and the scenery is gorgeous.  I stayed in Ontario, more specifically Ottowa and Toronto.

Here we are at the wedding. I'm the one on the right.

Also, thank you all for the great comments on my last post.  I wasn't expecting such great feedback.

See you later in the week.

How to Use Your Dog as an Accessory

Top: Michael Stars  I can't find any online stores carrying this, but I went to Bloomingdales and they had plenty in store.

Hello everyone! A few days ago I went shopping and bought this great, lightweight top from Michael Stars.  I'm freakishly obsessed with it because I have been searching for something like this that is not obnoxiously fragile and - voila - it appeared!  So happy, so lucky, best day ever.

The fun doesn't stop there.  Oh no, no, no.  I walked my boyfriend's dog, Annie (remember her?).  And, boy - she is the best blogging accessory ever.

Not facing the camera, yet still looking cute.  She's better at posing than I am...that's not saying alot, though.

Dogs are adorable.  Unlike cats, you can walk them and pet them with being mauled. Combine dogs and fashion blogging and BAM - you are the most unique fashion blogger ever.  If you have a baby or a blogger boyfriend, you know how being part of this fashion elite feels.  Gone are the days of awkward and alone photos - you have a dog to pose with.

Well, at least I'm not alone...

In all seriousness, I went for an early evening walk with my boyfriend and decided to show everyone my casual style (plus a Westie).  In my opinion, you don't have to look like atlantic-pacific  all of the time in order to look good.  Of course, my style may have to do with my age - I'm not a twenty-something like most of you.  If I dressed like AP, I think it would add years to my age although I would love to have her closet.

Trying to look as insufferable as possible.

I hope everyone is having a good week.  The weekend is swiftly approaching which means going to Ikea and watching Curb Your Enthusiasm.  Yeah, living the life, I know.

Just a Little Red & Orange

Dress: UO (MASSIVE sale on it right now!)  Belt: Vintage Coach  Shoes: DV

Hey everyone!  I'm a bit late on posting this outfit but I haven't had access to the camera and I'm busy with work and blah blah blah.  Anyways, I wore this outfit on Saturday when I went to The Grove in LA.  I had a pretty good day with my boyfriend but there really isn't much to do there other than shop.  Yeah, I know - shopping is great.  However, everything was so expensive.  I think going into Barney's made me severely depressed for the rest of the day.  Not really (ok, maybe a little).

I hope your week is going smoothly. Atleast it's hump day!

Also, I'm planning on changing up the site a bit. Eventually this'll happen.  Once I stop being so laaazy.

Comic Con Cool Down

Edit 7/26 - Hey guys - I'm sorry I haven't updated for a while. I've been busy in Kansas for the past few days.  I got back a couple days ago but I'm a bit sick.  Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but I'm extremely dizzy from my illness and it's really bogging down my brain.  So, I'm not in the best frame of mind to produce quality content.  I will be back very shortly (outfit post tomorrow).  I'm not stopping blogging at all!  Just wanted to give an update to everyone. Thanks!

Summoning the Dark Lord and I'm extremely happy about it...

Shirt: Madewell  Shorts: Madewell  Jewelry: Madewell, Lucky, gifted

My mom bought this outfit for me for my birthday (it was about two months ago) and I love it.  Orange is my favorite color, and I've been looking for a tunic to buy, so it was a win-win situation for me.

Also, I am back from Comic Con - what an amazing experience.  I high fived Joel McHale, met Seth Green and Chad Michael Murray, and got an awesome shirt with Nick Cage on it.

Yes, that is Nick Cage as a dragon.

All in all I had a great time.  I would tell you all to get a ticket for the next one, but we already have enough people there!

A side note, I'll be in Kansas from Thursday till Monday.  Hopefully I'll be able to post a bit while I'm stuck there!

Of Wasps and Lipstick

Why do I look so cautious?  I was posing right next to a wasp nest! PS - I'm a giant chicken.

Dress - H&M (similar),  Belt - Urban Outfitters,  Shoes - Cole Haan (similar),  Jewels - Gifted

Happy Monday, everyone!  I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I came up with a simple outfit - a loud dress with classic heels.  When the clothing is loud, accessories shouldn't be heavy. Instead, I focused on lipstick and nail polish.

Two Quick Beauty Tips from Beautician* Ally Allen
*aka Blogger


1. Lipstick is a must for any fashion forward gal.  The one I'm wearing is Chanel Mademoiselle.  It may seem expensive for some, but make-up is a tricky business.  I'd rather save up for a shade that looks beautiful on me than a cheaper alternative which is nothing special.  That said, a cheaper lipstick may look better than a more expensive one (which would be a great situation!)

2. Get unique nail colors. Yes, I know there are dupes for the expensive brands.  I'm not telling you to buy 20 dollar nail polish - I'm saying get colors that are unique and different.  I'm wearing Nars' Orgasm.  Apparently people either love or hate this particular polish.  On a general note, obviously buy what you like - nails don't have to be trendy all of the time and not everyone is going to like it.

Thanks for sticking till the end!  Now, I have a question for you guys - Do you invest in expensive make-up or opt for cheaper products?

-Ally

A Sequined Saturday

Dress and skirt - Free people, Shoes - Dolce Vita (similar),  Bracelets - Madewell & Juicy Couture, Sunglasses - Rayban, Earings - Kate Spade, Bag - Michael Kors

Happy weekend everyone!  It has been hot in San Diego , so I've been dressing in sleeveless shirts and shorts all week.  Today I decided to be a bit more flirty and girly by wearing a Free People dress with a frilly white skirt underneath.  Also, I love my Dolce Vita sandals.  I've had them for a while but just haven't been wearing them as often as I would like.  Expect to see them a bit more.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

-Ally

070212

Top: Marc by Marc Jacobs   Skirt: Anthropologie  Shoes: Coach (similar)   Earrings: Kate Spade   Ring and Necklace: Gifted  Sunglasses: Ray-Ban  Bag: Michael Kors  

Happy Monday everyone!  Hope it is going smoothly. I’m in love with my shoes right now – they go with almost everything!   Also, I know a black bag would have gone better with the outfit, but I just got my new purse and I want to wear it with everything.