Monday -- Ally

I'm still on a purple kick! I might have too many purple sweaters!!!

Purple jeweled cardi: NY&Co.

Orange button-down: JC Penney

brown pants: Old Navy

shoes: Ralph Lauren

Necklace: Value City

Sunnies: Max Studio

Sorry I forgot my sunglasses were on my head! They weren't part of my outfit, but I wear them everywhere.




I also wear these green shoes with everything. They're my favorites! It's funny how stuff fits differently when you've not worn it for a few months. Usually I have to tape this shirt closed, but not today. It helped I was wearing a cardigan over it, but I was thrilled it was a little looser than when I wore it last.
I love love love this necklace and it was under $6!

Monday -- Ally

Fall is here! Finally!!! The weather has been in the 40s today and I couldn't be more excited. This is the last pic of my herbs and flowers until spring. I winterized them yesterday afternoon so cross your fingers my sage, mint, lemon balm, and rosemary make it through the winter. The rosemary came to work w/me today because from what I've read, they don't do well in cold temps even if properly mulched.

Jacket: Isaac Mizrahi/Target

Orange shell: Target

Denim pencil skirt: Lands' End (it's on sale for $25 right now)

Tights: Target

Boots: Payless

Necklace/earrings: courtesy of V/accessory swap







I'm a bad swap buddy! V sent me this necklace and awesome earring set (along with more great goodies!) a month ago and I'm just now posting them. The necklace and earrings are both totally my style - thanks, V! OhThatGirl is hosting another accessory swap this month, so click the link above to sign up!
You can see the collar of the jacket in this pic. It and the elbows are faux-suede (like the boots). It's very English Professor :)

Happy HOWLoween! - Ally

I hate Halloween. I don't like dressing up and don't get excited about it. However, Al LOVES Halloween and that means I have to play along. We're going out tonight and expect pictures over the weekend. That's all I'm saying...hahahaa

Sweater: Ralph Lauren (I got a DEAL on this. Do a search for some coupon codes and you can get it cheaper that what's online now.)

Scarf: vintage Vera, via ebay

Pants: Old Navy

Quilted patent peep toes: Target












I've gotten a surprising amount of comments today on this sweater - I had no idea it'd be so popular :) It's soooo soft and if I could afford it, I'd have it in every color! I wish the detail on the top pic was better but you can see it online. The cables are in a chevron pattern so it's super flattering.

This color is much more accurate of the sweater. It worries me with HOW ORANGE it is, but it's still cute and I loooove it.

It's silk and was originally $159 and I got it for $35!!








While I hate Halloween (greedy kids!), I do love dressing up the dog for it! Maddy's a good sport most of the time and this is a picture from 2003 or 2004. She looks so young in it too! She'll be dressing up tonight along with her Aunt Ginger and if everyone cooperates, we'll have pics of that tomorrow too!

Wednesday -- Ally

Happy Hump Day! We've had some beautiful, cool fall weather and I couldn't be more excited. The mornings are much cooler than the afternoons (25+ degree difference most days) so it's been a guessing game on how to dress. However, I have strong opinions about "seasonal" dressing and will rant about that another day (in short: We work and live in temperature controlled environments...why all the bundling in the office? Why?).

Shirt: JCP

Pants: Old Navy

Scarf as belt: vintage Echo (via ebay)

Shoes: Cole Haan











You might notice something a little different...I had my hair cut! I average about 4 haircuts every 3 years so this is a big deal. The last one was in early January 2008 and I made it until October before I got the itch to change it. For what it's worth, I don't heat style or do anything to my hair so my ends don't get icky and ratty. The girl who did my hair was shocked to learn it'd been nearly a year and said she couldn't tell - so there! :)

However, I still needed a cut and wanted some sort of style. Tracey's hair is the cutest (you'd see it if she ever posted...hint hint!) so I went to her gal at Z Salon. We talked about my current 'do (or lack of) and how much effort I'm willing to put in for styling (5 min tops) and all my crazy requirements (must go in pony tail, no weird layers by my face, no short bangs, must look good on days I wash 'n dash). Fortunately, she didn't kick me out of her chair and went to work. She gave me a cut that's cute but takes all of 5 minutes in the morning. Thanks, Trae, for guilting me into getting my hair did. :)


See...it's not THAT drastic to most (Hell, Al didn't even notice I had it cut. No words, ladies. No words.) but to me it is. She gave me some swoopy bangs on both sides of my part and a shorter layer about mid-way through.

Tameka (the hair goddess) said my hair would look longer and she's right! I've had several folks say how much longer it looks and how they didn't know it was this long before. Tameka cut about an inch off the bottom too and put layers in it as well. She did magic I say.

Oh and honey, even the stinky UPS guy noticed my new 'do. Just sayin'. I know you said my hair looked cute (and it did), but when you buzz off all your hair w/clippers I notice that. Same difference, right? :)



As an aside I wanted to post a pic from the weekend. Al and I met up with some friends for the Trolley Hop and before I could bitch about how hot it was in the gallery (OMG HOT), a friend pointed out our Congressman, John Yarmuth, standing behind us. He's running for re-election and evidently we walked into the gallery who was hosting him for the evening.

Anyway, we met with him and shook hands and chatted for a bit and then all were major nerds and had our pics taken with him. Regardless of where you lie politically, it's always cool to meet someone who's in DC and representing you and this was no different. He was very friendly and said he's having the time of his life up there.

Weekend -- Ally

I worked both days this weekend so I had to wear something other than pants with an elastic waist. *sigh* ;) Fortunately, we're allowed to wear denim on weekends so long as it's cute and pulled-together. No rock tshirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, etc.

Since I worked these two days, I get Monday/Friday off. Friday was spent running around with Tracey and later meeting Al and friends. I'm posting Friday's outfit with Saturday/Sunday because it's weekend enough for me!

Friday: ON LOCATION!!! :)

Black "wrap" top: NYandCo. ($12)

Jeans: Gap curvy fit

Scarf: Banana Republic (gift)

Sunnies: Maxstudio

Pink leather bangle: JCP ($10 - from my haul earlier in the month)

Bag: Michael Kors

Shoes: Crocs Prima




Just the right outfit for an afternoon of beer, shopping, beer again, free concert, then um...beer. What?!? It was my day off! Tracey supervised my behavior so I can assure I was good! :)

Saturday:
Cardi: NYandCo. ($10 super clearance)

Tank: Mossimo

Jeans: Gap

Brown peep toe wedges: Nine West

Necklace: gift











I had a belt over the tank when I left the house but I was crazy busy at work and it just had to go. I think the outfit still looks cute without it. This is the same top/cardi I wore in this post - just swapped the pants and shoes!


My mama got this necklace for me. Not sure where it came from, but knowing her, it was a steal. I learned bargain shopping at a VERY early age from an excellent teacher! :)

You can see the satiny detail on the tank a little better too. The center "v" and edge are satin and the rest is a super soft, drapey cotton. Al took the pic and it turned into more of a boob shot than I asked for. Men!


Sunday:
Black blouse: Worthington (JCP) ($17? I forget. I have it in orange too)

Denim pencil skirt: Lands' End ($35)

Belt: JCP ($8)

Flats: Crocs Prima (gift)













So let's talk about these shoes. I loathe the Crocs clogs you see people tripping over and children wearing. HATE THEM. Ditto on flip flops. I think if you're being THAT casual, you should reevaluate if you ought to leave the house in the first place.

However, these aren't those big clunky Crocs and they're downright cute. They're ridiculously comfortable and that's necessary for me when I'm at work. I walk a lot (especially on weekends when I'm flying solo) and the stilettos get old and painful. I toss these in the car most days and I also have a pair in red. My only complaint is they eat my toenail polish. I'll take them off and an entire toe will be without polish - weird!!!

How cute is this belt?? It was one of my steals from the JCP haul a couple of weeks ago. I got it for $8. The leopard is fuzzy and the black is patent. LOVE IT. The buckle kinda reminds me of the Fendi buckles, just cheaper :)



Whew! That was quite the update! I'm off tomorrow (Monday) and I hope to finish up the closet (have I ever mentioned I'm all about being lazy and putting off stuff??). I'll post pics of that annnnnd I have a fun surprise post coming up too!

Weekend -- Ally

What a beautiful, much-needed weekend! Outside is finally feeling like June and not August, so that means a less-fussy Ally and more time outside (with much sunscreen, mind you).

Saturday we enjoyed dinner with friends to celebrate a birthday. After that we went to Bed, Bath and Beyond. Al, my boyfriend, went along begrudgingly but ended up buying things too! We went just for hangers but left with heaps of stuff. More on the closet in a future post!


Sweater: Americal Living (JCPenney)

Jeans: Gap Curvy jeans

Shoes: Nine West

Necklace: Wet Seal? It came from one of those slutty teenager stores in the mall. You know the ones I'm talking about. The clothes are so small you have to be 15 to wear them, but they're not appropriate for a 15-year-old.

Sunglasses: MaxStudio (Not the same style but very close)

Bag: Michael Kors

Please disregard the Take-the-damn-picture-already face. It was a busy time on a busy street and I felt like a tourist.



I really like the button detail on the shoulder. It's functional too since the sweater isn't very stretchy (it's cotton) and I happen to have a very big head. :)










Let's talk a bit about summer sweaters. Al had never heard of such a thing and thought it was quite the oxymoron. I told him a thin cotton sweater is quite fine for the summer and isn't silly at all. We discussed it at dinner and all the women agreed and in fact owned summer sweaters. Our boyfriends/husbands all agreed with each other that a sweater of any sort was silly in the summer. Thoughts? Do the men out there think it's crazy to wear a sweater when it's 80 degrees or is it just semantics?


These shoes are well-loved! They're very worn and need a little TLC. They're my spring/summer/fall go-to shoe becausc the height is just right for every thing I own and they're super comfortable. I don't remember where I purchased them either - it might have been Zappos but I just can't remember.





Since I love you all so, I won't be posting an outfit from Sunday. Stretchy fuzzy pants and an old tshirt from college - NOT CUTE! It's closet clean-out day so here's to hoping I find something seriously cute that I forgot I owned!

Friday's accessories -- Ally

Tiff wanted more pics of my accessories for today and that's just what she's going to get! Fortunately, the rest of y'all get to see them also!!

The necklace:
It's pretty basic. Graduated beads and adjustable clasp. $5 and one of my favorites.

















The bracelets:
This captures the color best. They're very sparkly and a deep orange $2.50 for the set.

The look kinda red in this picture but they're not.











The belt:

I have this in brown and black. Got them both last year for $9-ish at Walmart. I've worn the brown one a time or two on here but no close up yet.










And finally, the pièce de résistance:


Michael Kors. Chestertown patent satchel.

Orange. Shimmery. LOVE IT. Click on the pictures to enlarge them. It's just so shimmery. *swoon*

































Best part? I can fit a TON of crap in it.













The load:

• 2 reusable shopping bags
• umbrella
• wallet
• wristlet of makeup
• business card case
• shopping/gift card case
• key keeper with work keys
• personal keys
• mirror
  
• vitamins
• lipglossies
• gum/candy
• and more!

It's currently my second favorite bag (right behind Romina). I think I'll name this one Mikey. This just gave me an idea! We should post a "What's in your bag" series!

Oh and guess what was waiting for me when I got home? My JCP haul! I cannot WAIT to wear the new stuff over the next few weeks!!!!!!!!!!!! Sooooo excited!

Friday -- Ally

Cardigan: Cherokee (Target)

Tank/shell: Merona (Target)

Belt: Metro 9 (Walmart)

Dress: Charlotte Russe

Jewelry: Walmart

Heels: Stuart Weitzman (Zappos Outlet)

Flats: Crocs (Mama)

Bag: Michael Kors

We'll talk about my feelings for Crocs another day. In short: I'm a walking contradiction.

I didn't get a chance to photograph my outfit so these pics will have to do. I met a coworker at Yew Dell Gardens after work so I swapped my beloved Weitzmans for flats. I'd hate to get stuck in a flower garden! They currently have a sculpture exhibit and I couldn't resist posing with the art. If you live in the area, go visit this place now. It's incredible and so peaceful. I was a guest of a member ($25/yr... a real bargain!) and we attended a private tour and wine & cheese event. It was just lovely and a great way to round out a hectic week.

Since I'm a day behind in posting, you'll have to excuse the out-of-order posting/events. After the garden tour, I met Maria and my boyfriend for dinner. Maria snapped this photo of me as we were leaving the restaurant. It was storming like crazy; we even had hail at one point!!!!



I am trying new color combos and thought the teal tank with orange bracelets and an orange bag would be a nice combo with the black/ivory of the dress. I got several compliments so I think it worked!

Kimberly at Fab Finds for $50 was today's inspiration. She layers over dresses and it's so pretty and deliberate. I just love it. I've had this dress stuffed in the guest room closet for a while because it just doesn't work as a dress on me as well as I'd like. The top is strapless and smocked. It ties in the back. If you know me at all, you know I'm a bit chesty so it just doesn't work. At all. You can't wear a bra with it and that's just NOT an option for this gal!





In Color Me Shocked news, I found some killer jewelry at Walmart. Picked up the beaded necklace I'm wearing for $5 and the set of three sparkly orange bracelets for $2.50 on clearance. I also scored some other goodies but I'm holding out on you :)

Just like yesterday, I'll post about my bag later. It's Michael Kors Chestertown patent satchel for you Googlers. Leslie enabled me and Tracey justified it. I love you girls.

Wednesday- Leslie

Wrap Dress: CAbi

Orange Cami: The Limited

Orange Heels: Schutz

Ok so I almost decided not to even post today because I'm not feeling very cute at all (and I'm ok with that--this isn't some "compliment me and make me feel better post"--we all have our good and bad days). Not at my best today, folks. However, I figure it's only fair to show you the good days and the bad ones both. :-)

First of all, let's start with the good. I'm still in love with my orange heels. But my pointy toe is already getting scuffed up!!! How can I keep it looking good??? I have already had tips put on. Any ideas? I'm thinking it may just go with the territory of wearing pointy toe shoes.

Now onto the not so good... I adore wrap dresses. Love how easy they are, comfortable, cute, fashionable.....and every fashion expert says how they are universally flattering on everyone. I don't think they've ever met me. Don't get me wrong-- I don't think its atrocious by any means--but it certainly doesn't do anything to flatter me like other outfits I don't think. I think it's because I don't have a very defined waist. I am a true "apple" shape I believe. I certainly wont stop wearing this dress as its knit and oh so comfortable--but it certainly wont be a top "go to" outfit when I need something that makes me look my best.

In fact, I have trouble finding dresses that fit me well in general. I have very few in my closet as a result and you have to understand that I LOVE dresses--love the look, the simplicity, how lady-like they are. It's the one item I truly don't have enough of.

Anyone out there have a similar issue? Any ideas on brands, dress styles, etc that may work for me?

And don't fear dear blog readers--tomorrow's outfit is going to be really good. I'm going to make sure it is. And when I tell you why, you'll understand :-) It's the one day of the year you have to look your best.

Weekend- Leslie

Denim Pencil Skirt: Gap

Orange Cami: The Limited

White Tee: The Limited

Orange Heels: Schutz

I'm currently infatuated with my orange heels. I've had these a couple years and wore them maybe twice. I found them on a clearance rack, bought them because they looked fun, but quickly got intimidated by them. Orange has just never been a color I've worn much so I didn't know what colors to match it with. As a result, they sat neglected in my closet.


I recently was at the Limited (anyone seeing a shopping trend??) and saw their seamless cami in orange so I picked it up. Having the orange cami to wear under various things has really helped me incorporate the orange heels in more outfits and still feel coordinated.
In fact, my orange pumps now have me wanting purple pumps and yellow pumps. And a pair of turquoise shoes. I'm wanting more color! My fashion goal is to move beyond red as my pop of color choice!

Vacationing Ally

3,000 miles

14 states
9 days
2 love birds
1 Honda

That's one hell of a road trip! I'm still exhausted! I bragged how I didn't need concealer the entire time b/c I was so relaxed, but that last day was ridiculously long and I'm still not fully over it.

Saturday
Saturday morning we left Louisville at 6am and drove through Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland and part of Virginia and spent the night in Fairfax, VA with Al's sweet Aunt Edie.


Top: NY&Co.

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Bag: Michael Kors

Scarf on bag: Vera Bradley (courtesy of my buddy, Laura, who not only scored this at the VB trunk sale, but was sweet enough to keep my balcony "garden" watered the week we were gone. Thanks again, L!)

Sunnies: Max Studio




I wear the same jeans, shoes, and bag/scarf through the whole trip so if you can't see them, they're around somewhere. I didn't see any need in switching out bags or packing a lot of shoes. Yeah, I know. I didn't pack a lot of shoes. What's wrong with me?!?

Sunday
We spent a relaxing morning with Aunt Edie and Al's cousins then headed to Washington DC for a quick drive-thru visit. Al's been a few times and I haven't, but I didn't want my first time there to be rushed so we decided to breeze through on our way to Baltimore.

We drove all day through Maryland to Delaware where we spent the night. We had an awesome meal at Iron Hill Brewery in Newark. Thanks to Maglet for the great suggestion :)

At Baltimore's Inner Harbor...

Cardi/Cami: NY&Co.

Pants: Old Navy

Necklace: Walmart

Bag/Scarf: Michael Kors/VB

Flats: Sam Edelman









Monday
We tried to get up early but didn't manage. We had a LONG day of driving ahead of us, but sleeping in until 8am was a better idea than getting up at 6! :) We left Delaware and drove through a bit of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and finally arrived in Maine just before midnight! Whew!

One of the highlights of the trip, for me, was going to QVC! I'm the biggest nerd ever and watch QVC all the time. I've watched it for years (since the early 90's) and while I don't phone in and order, I have ordered a few holiday gifts from there. They offer a studio tour and after much weeping and gnashing of teeth, I managed to drag Al along with me to see what it was all about. It was super cool and if you're in the area, go see it. They have a QVC store there, too, and that was the best part. I loved seeing all the jewelry and stuff they sell. The store itself is surprisingly small and I wish they had more of each line out.


Thin tshirt: Old Navy

Green cami: Target

Same jeans, bag/scarf, and shoes.

I'm proudly pointing out Louisville on the QVC Local bus. Nerd, I say. NERD!





Tuesday
We were fortunate to spend two days in Maine (two different cities though) and had then chance to drive through Portland, Freeport (for some shopping!), and even went to Owls Head to the Owls Head Transportation Museum! Are you all tingly over it too? haha Compromise, kittens. He got the museum and I got QVC. Fair trade. The drive to the museum was amazing, though, and I actually enjoyed it.

After the museum, we drove back down to Freeport to the outlets and to LL Bean. Unfortunately, they roll up the sidewalks around 6-7pm so I didn't get to do much damage. Thank goodness LL Bean never closes, so we killed some time in there.

Cardi: NY&Co.

Tank: Target

Jeans: Gap

Scarf: Walmart

I don't remember what shoes I'm wearing here. I had my Frye boots on for most of the day but switched to flats at some point...just don't remember if I'd switched yet or not.


Wednesday
We left Maine and drove through New Hampshire to Vermont. What an amazing drive. That stretch was definately the most beautiful part. The colors were peak in Maine and New Hampshire and we didn't take a single interstate - all country highways. It was just amazing.

The neatest part was our drive up Mount Washington. For those who don't know, I grew up in Mt. Washington, KY so I got a HUGE kick out of being on top of the REAL Mt. Washington. I did give my mother a mild heart attack by calling her from the top of the mountain and doing the ole, "Guess where I am?" bit. She wasn't home so for all she knew, I could have been in her Mt. Washington. If you have the time, click on the link above and read about the drive up/down the mountain. It was just under 8 miles to the top and was super scary at parts! The summit is 6,288 ft and has the reputation for the World's Worst Weather. We were VERY lucky the day we were there and the skies were clear and the wind and weather were mild. Usually it's very cold, very windy, and very cloudy. One of the buildings is even chained to the ground!


Dress: Target

Yoga pants: no idea...had 'em for years

Scarf: Walmart

Flats: Sam Edelman

Isn't the view amazing???









Thursday
We arrived at our B&B Wednesday evening, got settled in and went to dinner at a local brewery. We'd been lucky and had perfect, clear weather the entire time. Our luck ended Thursday. It was rainy and misty until early afternoon. We took advantage of the poor weather and did indoorsy stuff. Visited Ben & Jerry's, the Cabot cheese store, a sugar maker (for syrup!), and several other shops. We drove around quite a lot too. Vermont is beautiful, even on a cloudy, rainy day.

Tweed jacket: NY&Co.

Lace cami: Old Navy

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Target

Scarf: Walmart









Friday
After breakfast we checked out of the B&B and headed to Burlington and then through southern Vermont to Lake George, NY. It was a pretty uneventful day but the sightseeing was just incredible.

Black cardi: Target

Teal v-neck: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Scarf: vintage, ebay

purple scarf: Walmart




Saturday
Saturday was the longest day of our lives. It was AWFUL. Just awful. In spite of the awfulness, there were a few bright spots: Al's visit with a friend in Erie, my fab fest w/KT, and getting home. For some reason, we thought it'd be a GREAT idea to drive from Lake George, NY to Lousiville. I'll give you a second to run that through Google Maps. That's just under 900 miles and 14 hours. IF YOU DON'T STOP. Well we just can't do that, so by the time we stopped in Erie, stopped in Columbus, stopped at a freakin trust stop to sleep, we got home at an hour where most folks were getting up, not going to bed. Oy. I was so tired Sunday. So tired I puked. What's up with that? I slept all day Monday and finally felt like a normal person Tuesday. I am still all puffy and bloated from being in the car for that long.

Hi, KT!!!! I can't even begin to tell you all how much I enjoyed meeting KT! She's the best! Her sweet daughter, Tessa, came along and as far as 16-year-olds go, she's tops. KT and Tessa brought me a big stack of catalogs to kill the rest of the ride home :)

*Excuse the poor PhotoChopping skills on my shirt. I busted out of my Fashion Tape and y'all don't need to see my bra.*


Well, that's all I can manage to post! I have TONS of photos of the trip that I'll be putting up on Flickr later in the week.