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.

An Analysis of Style

Shirt: Madewell (different color)  Belt: old Coach  Shorts: Levi's (similar)  Sunglasses: Ray-Ban  Jewelry: UO and DogEared  Shoes: Coach

Hey - haven't seen you guys for a while.  I'm sorry for my brief departure, but I'm back~

I notice that blogs seem to grab "inspiration" from one another - especially when it comes to styling. Recently I've been seeing a lot of the half tuck and the top knot.

Hand in hair, top knot in place, flamingo pose, admiring the ground - my most original picture to date.

Before reading any further, please remember that these are my opinions and I am not saying they are better than yours nor correct.

To start with the positive - I really do like the top knot.  I'm not exactly good at it, but they're flattering.  Looks great with collared shirts.

Now, onto the bad - the half tuck.  Based on my "research", I believe that J. Crew started doing this, then popular fashion bloggers, then regular bloggers.  I really don't understand what is appealing about this look.  I think fully tucked in shirts look much better than leaving a flap out or just tucking in the middle.

Maybe the half tuck is only popular because J.Crew (and Madewell, much to my chagrin) is doing it and bloggers want to attract them as sponsors? Or maybe people actually do like the half tuck.

I would love to talk about this in the comments!  If you do like it, tell me so.  Thought provoking discussion can be had even when it comes to fashion.

Gotta love the reflection of my boyfriend.

So, what do you think of the new styles you're seeing lately?

-Ally

P.S. - This is only a taste of some new, more opinionated and "discussion promoting" content that I plan on bringing to my corner of the Internet.  Stay tuned!

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 Day in Beverly Hills

Yesterday I went to the fashion capital of southern California - Beverly Hills.  So, of course I went to Neiman Marcus.

Known as Needles Markup to some.

Neiman-Marcus and I are on a look-touch-but-don't-buy basis.  Usually.  Right now they are having an amazing pre-sale event.  I found some jeans from AG and shorts from Theory - both in my size, which is very rare.  In the end, I "settled" on some very cute Alice + Olivia shorts (pictures to come in the next few weeks).

Other than the pre-sale items, there were some great pieces.  A standout is an Equipment blouse which comes in a variety of colors.

Buy here

Dear Equipment - if you have too many of these shirts, just know that I am here and ready to accept any which you no longer need. Desperately Love, Ally.

Food from Urban Fresh

I had a great lunch, ate Sprinkles ice cream (long line for ice cream, even longer for cupcakes), then finished off the day by getting a haircut and dye.

It was a wonderful day.  The great thing about Beverly Hills is that you don't have to spend a ton of money to have a great time.

Anyone have a clothing item they need and will do anything for? Any fun plans this 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.