Sunday Best

Inspired by Kimberly, I'm trying to inject more color into my wardrobe. It's so dark and dank that even my husband, who doesn't care what I wear, has taken notice. All I wear is black, grey, and some dark jewel tones. Granted, these colors work for me, but I really do need to jazz it up a little.

So when I saw this dress on crazy clearance at Macy's I had to get it. Seriously. How cute it is??

Dress: Alfani via Macy's (can't find the dress but here's a top in the same pattern)

Shoes: Sofft via Zappos/6pm.com outlet

Necklace: vintage c/o Me-Maw

Bracelets: Old Navy and Me-Maw (the two Me-Maw links go to different posts)

This necklace. Man. I've had it for years and years but never wore it b/c I didn't have anything w/the right neckline. I wear a lot of v-necks and layers so it would get lost. Then I read Tom and Lorenzo's Mad Style review of Mad Men and knew what I had to do. When I saw Megan wearing a similar style necklace (from the same period) I was thrilled.

This pic is from Tom and Lorenzo's site. Please click through to the links above to read their fantastic Mad Men recaps and Mad Style reviews. They're seriously one of the best things on the internet.

My version:

It's hard to tell, but the piece is very textured and super fancy. I loved wearing it. The only thing I'm not 100% sold on is how blousy the top is. I feel like it makes me look puffy but whatever. I suppose the belt pulls things in enough.

Casual Saturday

The weather has taken a marked turn lately and it's VERY appreciated. No more single-digit nights and frosty mornings! I love spring time and am showing great restraint in not wearing every summer dress I own!

Cardigan: Target

Birdie tshirt: Old Navy

Jeans: Old Navy

Heels: Calvin Klein

Necklaces: vintage Me-Maw :D

Gravely and cool

We had a cool snap recently (though I guess it's not a "snap." It's November after all) and I ended up dressing like the weather: Dark and sleepy.
Dress: Target

black/white scarf: vintage Vera

Green Tajmina: Target

Gray tights: Walmart

Pewter heels: Cole Haan

Bracelet: gift







I had originally photographed this outfit earlier in the day at work but you couldn't tell my tights were gray, so I took this when I went to visit Al out at the house. He's been working until after midnight every night and we're close to being ready to move in. Now, we will be sleeping in the kitchen for a while, but at least we'll there!
I love this scarf SO much. It's probably one of my very favorites. I scored it on eBay a year or so ago for a few bucks.

















This bracelet is one of my prized possessions. Before the wedding, I'd asked Al if he had any jewelry that was his mom's so I could wear it at our wedding. I was going to wear a bracelet of my mom's and I thought it'd be nice to wear something that was his mom's. She passed away several years ago and I wanted a way to pay tribute to her without being too morbid.

Al didn't have any but called his sister. She called me and said their mom didn't dress up much but that she had this bracelet and necklace that had been given to their mom by her grandmother. Al's sister said I probably wouldn't like it but gave it to Al for me to wear. She told me I could keep it since she never dressed up and it was way too flashy for her. Well, you know how I feel about flash :) I bawled a little (I pretty much cried the whole week before the wedding. Overwhelming emotions, y'all.) but was so honored and thrilled that she wanted me to have this jewelry.

When Al came home with it the tears started flowing again. It was perfection. It was totally my style, totally matched what I was going for jewelry-wise for the wedding, and would be the perfect compliment to my mom's bracelet.

The necklace is just like the bracelet, only longer. I need to get the clasp repaired, but I probably wouldn't wear it b/c I'm so afraid to lose it. The bracelet is too big and gets hung on stuff, so I'm going to reserve it for special occasions too. Wearing it all day made me a nervous wreck and I fiddled with it constantly.

Sorry I've not shared any wedding pictures yet. I want to make sure the photographer is okay with me posting them (they're not released to us yet), and I've been forgetful about asking. In short: the photographs are amazing and I can't wait to do a wedding wrap up on how I blew my wad on shoes (imagine that) and managed to make it all come together in spite of that.

501

I didn't even realize it, but the last post was our 500th post. Wow!! Thanks for sticking around through everything. I've been so busy lately with getting married and remodeling our house that I just can't post as often as I like. If it makes you feel better, you're not missing anything! Not many cute outfits these days.

This shot is from a couple of weeks ago and I had forgotten it was on my camera. I LOVE this dress. I have a "no ruffles on the bottom" rule when it comes to dresses and skirts but this one is so subtle that it doesn't make me look like I should be on a TLC show for short gals in bad dresses.
Dress: Target ($10!!!!)

Cardigan: Target

Necklace: had it for years. Walmart, maybe?

Bag: Furla (with vintage Echo scarf)

Shoes you can't see: Stuart Weitzman

Sunnies who've recently fallen apart and broken my heart: MaxStudio







My sweet husband (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and I met one of our favorite friends for brunch and this is what I wore. The dress was on clearance since it was from summer (it's a halter and a titscrepancy just waiting to happen) but it looks like fall to me. The brown and rusts and creams and pinks and peaches. Just love this. It's a gauzy material and has some super unflattering smocking around the waist. No way in hell would I wear this w/out a cardigan unless I was mad at y'all and never wanted you to come back. However, I believe most of the world's problems can be solved with a cardigan and this was no exception!!

Tuesday -- Ally

Have you noticed with the exception of this past weekend I've had a serious lack of outside photos? I'll be sharing why later in the week. Let's just say it's a REALLY CUTE REASON :)
Cardi I wear too often: Old Navy

black lacy cami: Old Navy

Pants: JCP

Shoes: Cole Haan

Scarf: vintage Vera










I've been itching to wear this scarf ever since I scored it on eBay. I love blue and green together but until today, just hadn't had the right outfit. I like to pair a pretty scarf with something simple outfit-wise. Granted, I'm pretty simple most days, but I went super simple so the scarf can be the main attraction.

So so pretty and tied in the Pretty Gal Sal bow :)

Thursday -- Ally

Our weather sure is temperamental! I guess that's just like Spring for you, huh??

Sheer blouse: Target

Pink t-shirt: H&M

Pants: JCPenney

green croc heels: Ralph Lauren

Belt: Walmart

Necklace: Gift

Bracelet: from Me-Maw





There's a lot more going on in this outfit than what's easily seen. Subtlety, kittens. ;)

I love pink and green together but not PINK AND GREEN, ya know? I also really love this blouse but it's thisclose to being a wardrobe malfunction if the proper foundation is overlooked. Even a tank looks slut-tastic to me, so I always go for something with a small sleeve just so I'm covered.

Some details:
Mama bought this for me years ago. She no doubt bought it on clearance because she's awesome like that.











I wear the heck out of these shoes. Ralph Lauren makes an excellent shoe and worth every cent. I've said it before, but green is definitely a neutral for me.










From last time I wore this blouse. Looks like I like pink with it!

















My special Me-Maw bracelet :) I'd rather wear someone else's monogram than mine. Not b/c I don't love mine, b/c I do on bags and the like, but it's sorta like having a tattoo with your last name or something. Think you're gonna forget it, buddy?

Word of advice: If you've had a couple of drinks, don't ask the big dude next to you at the bar if he's afraid he'll forget his name. That won't go over well.

Weekend -- Ally

How about this weather??? It's 74 as I type this and we're expecting a record high today. We had snow just a few weeks ago - it's crazy but welcomed!

Sweater: NY&Co.

Navy cami: Old Navy

Denim pencil skirt: Lands' End

Tights: Target

Boots: Frye

Scarf: vintage Echo

Bracelets: Old Navy




I've decided I don't care for the Target tights. They're the same price as the Walmart ones, but they're SO SHEER and look really cheap because of that. The Walmart/George ones are much more opaque and have a softer waistband.

This is the color my boots started off but after a couple of years of wear, they're so much more worn and I love them.

Tuesday -- Ally

I'm still getting in the swing of this new picture-in-the-morning business. So far, so...eh. I did get dressed and shod but no make up, so please excuse the red and shiny and lack of eyelashes. I got around to being more presentable once I got to work. (I use my "smoke break" to slap on 3 minutes worth of make up in the mornings)

Teal sweater: Old Navy

Black pants: Old Navy

Grey patent shoes: Sofft

Scarf: vintage Echo via eBay











The teal bits of the scarf are the exact color of this sweater - perfect!!

TGIF - Ally

I can't BELIEVE it's 59 degrees right now. Last Friday it was below zero when I got up...just insane weather here.
Cardi: Target

Pink tshirt: H&M

Black pants: Old Navy

Grey patent shoes: Sofft

silk scarf: vintage Vera via ebay










If you look very carefully to the right, you'll see a certain someone's cute little nose edging into the shot. I can never get Maddy to sit still for a pic but she'll certainly get in the way!!!
I LOVE this scarf. It reminds me of winter and bare trees and cold air. I scored this in one of my ebay scarf auctions from several months ago and it's one of my favorites.

Tonight I'm meeting Tracey and Leslie and our friend Kim for a VERY belated Christmas dinner and to celebrate Kim's birthday. It's been a while since we all got together :)

I also have a very sick doggie at home. I found a lump on Maddy almost two weeks ago and she had surgery to remove it this morning. All I know right now is the surgery went well and she was waking up. Al is at the vet's office as I type this so when I get an update, I'll be sure to update it on this entry.

She'll be pretty wobbly and sore from the surgery, but I'll just be glad to have my girl back at home. To all who've emailed or called to check on me today, thank you. It meant more to me than you could ever imagine. I never thought I'd make such great friends through this blog, but I really have and I'm grateful for you all.

UPDATE: Maddy is home and resting. She has a HUGE shaved patch on her side an an 8 inch incision. It's pretty gnarly and SO pitiful. She just feels awful and wants nothing but to be petted and snuggled. That I can do!! We'll find out in about 5-7 business days what kind of tumor she had, and I'll be sure to let you all know the prognosis. I'd post a picture of her, but to be frank, she's kinda gross looking. However, I will share pics of Al and I trying on her E-collar/cone:

Wednesday -- Ally

The look you see on my face is exhaustion from a long day at work. I promise I didn't stay up too late celebrating with friends :D Today was a "uniform day."

Cardi: NY&Co.

Cami: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Tights (unseen): Target

Shoes: Ralph Lauren

Scarf: via Athena







I LOVE this scarf. I'm not one to wear yellow as it usually looks like garbage on me, but this shade is just orange enough to not make me look dead.











So yesterday KT was smart enough to predict Mrs. Obama would be wearing gold and I must have channeled Malia b/c we both wore blue and black. I have a Sasha accessory in mind for next week so stay tuned!

Tuesday -- Ally

I'm so PUMPED UP about today, y'all. It's so historic and so special and I can't WAIT for this evening when our friends come over for a little Inauguration Par-tay! The champagne is chillin'!!
Blue top: Old Navy

Black lace cami: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Maroon patent Mary Janes: Target

Vintage Vera scarf: ebay

I'm quite the Old Navy fangirl today, huh??








Remember when Sal taught us how to tie scarves? I remembered how!

When I'm tying it, I always call it the "Pretty Girl Sal" bow. So it has a name now :)














Candice made another sweet comment about my weight loss and what secrets I had. Well, there aren't any secrets and I'm at that point where I'm pretty OVER dieting. I've been following the general principles of The South Beach diet (I recommend checking out a few of the SBD books from your local library) all while counting points with Weight Watchers. If I were truly doing SBD the right way and not being a picky eater there'd be no need for points, but I need more structure than that.

If any of you want more information on the specific foods I've found that are low point and work with SBD, please email us (link at right) and I'll get back to you. I don't want to turn this into a weight loss blog or The Ally Show :)

The morning after.

It's always a bit of a let down the day after a major holiday or event, huh? You get so wound up for The Big Day that when it's all said and done you wonder, "What now?" I always feel this way after events and never learn my lesson. I am so focused on that one day, that one thing, that I lose sight of the forest for that one, single tree.

I hope you all took the time yesterday and the days preceding to slow down a little, say something nice to your pesky little brother, hug your parents, not nag your husband, or just relax. The holiday season isn't just about magical events that may or may not have happened. It's also about spending it with family and friends and people who love and respect you. We all have different religious views and opinions, and it's important to embrace the differences and cultivate new understandings of your own views through others.

I'll not be posting about gifts I gave or received or anything related. Cliche as it may be coming from a fashion blogger, I take deep issue with the materialism of religious holidays.

I had a great day with my family and Al and I look forward to Sunday when we celebrate with his family and our close friends (who are family to us too). I can only hope you're all as fortunate as I have been this year. I'm employed, I have an amazing family, a loving, caring boyfriend, and my dog is awfully sweet too.

I did get a little festive on Christmas Eve and dressed in red and green. You won't see me wear much red, but I will wear green!

Top: Old Navy ($6!!)

Lace cami: Old Navy ($5!!)

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Dollhouse via Zappos

Pin/necklace: gift

Sleepy eyes: late night with Tracey and Al :)





I'm lucky to not only have family that I'm related to and look like, but I also have family that I've chosen. I "adopted" our neighbor when I was 4 and she's my 3rd grandma. I love her just the same as the others, and her parents were great-grandparents to me.

When her mother passed away at the ripe old age of 96 (or was it 97?) her pins were made into bigger pins and given to family members. I got a Christmas pin and it's one of my most treasured belongings. I'm so afraid the glue is going to give out and I'll lose a pin, but I wear it anyway knowing GiGi would be proud of me.







I'm also positive she would appreciate these hotsy shoes! haha

I know Leslie is deeply offended by ankle straps and won't come within 10 feet of a shoe with one, but I like them. I don't think they make my ankles look thick or my legs short and they have such a charming retro flair to them. (I give Les a load of grief every time ankle strap shoes come up - don't want anyone thinking I'm picking on her!)

These shoes are a "little much" as it is, though, so I reserve them for wearing with pants so as to mute the LOOK AT MY HOT RED SHOES vibe they send out.

Thursday -- Ally

Well, you win some and you lose some. Today's outfit has been the biggest headache. It looks cute enough in this pic, but in practice, it's annoying.
Cardi: NY&Co.

Navy dress: Target

Green lacy top: Target

vintage slip visible at hem: thrifted

Tights: Walmart (can't find a link. They're the George ones. May be instore only)

Boots: Frye

Necklace: no idea





The idea of this was much better than the practice (sorta like how Communism is good on paper but bad in practice). When standing still, the lace edge of the slip at the hem of the dress was cute. However, when I sat then stood, I had to adjust and pull and tug to get everything to hang just right. Then I'd take a step and the dress would jack up in the back. *sigh*

See? It means well. It just doesn't work b/c it bugs me. If you're not comfortable in something, it'll look like crap no matter how cute it really is.

But you know what doesn't bug me? These tights. They're the cheapie $5 ones at Walmart and I like them FAR more than the $6 ones at Target. They're a lot thicker and not as sheer. They're super soft and warm AND the waist band is all wide and doesn't dig. Total winner!



I also don't like this green top with the dress/cardi. I like where I was going with the lace and color contrast, but it just didn't work. I think if the top weren't v-neck it would have gone better.

It also pulled to one side and with all the layers I had going on, I finally just let it go :) It was a balmy 25 this morning when I left so while annoying, the layers were greatly appreciated!




No close up of the boots (sorta forgot!) but these are probably my favorite shoes. I know it's hard to pick a favorite, but these are it. They're comfortable for about eight hours, but after that, not so much. I walked the Seven Hills of Rome in these bad boys, so they're in it for the long haul!

Voting Ally

Happy Election Day, y'all! I'm SO EXCITED today's here and can't wait to watch the news all night. We're going to a party at a friend's house (it's actually an Obamathon to be precise) so we'll all be up together watching the results. Can't wait!!

Sorry I look so tired - it's the end of a long work day for me and I'm beat!!

Sweater - JCP

Skirt - Banana Republic

Scarf - vintage Vera, ebay

Shoes - Target










My MO Pearls didn't show up, so it looks like I'm in search of a new set. Cross your fingers Walmart still has 'em cheap!

I don't really own much in the way of red, so I went with green today since the environment and green causes are so close to my heart :) I've been saving this Vera scarf just for today and figure it took the place of the "I Voted" sticker I didn't get :( Leslie and I are very bummed our county doesn't give them out. Al called earlier, though, and said he made one for me and it's even laminated with Scotch Tape. Sweet!!











Don't forget to email us a pic of you at the polls or in your Election Day best! We've already gotten several pics and can't wait to see more!!!

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!

Back to work Tuesday -- Ally

Well, we're back. Exhausted, yet still on speaking terms - that's always good! I think we both need a vacation from our vacation...3, 000 miles in 8 days is a lot! I'll post a recap of my vacation outfits this week :)

Thin, grey, tshirt: Old Navy

Purple lace cami: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: wait for it... OLD NAVY.

Necklace: Vintage MeMaw









I didn't realize I was all Old Navy until just now...if I weren't so comfortable I'd be annoyed with it.


I've worn this necklace before but always forget to put on the earrings. I'm not much of an earrings gal, but they'd be cute shoe clips.












And just for KT, my shoes on my desk!
















I got the shoes and pants during Old Navy's $14.92 Columbus Day sale. If it weren't such a great deal, I'd have passed on it just out of principle. I mean, seriously, what the hell did Columbus discover? Absolutely nothing. You can't discover someplace where people already live...never made sense to me. Silly history books.

And since it's a week of birthdays, Happy Birthday to my sweet Maddy. She's 8 today (!!!!) and she's sweeter and cuter than ever.

December 2000, right after we adopted each other:

Maddy was a chunk when I got her. 10 lbs at 6 weeks!











Summer 2008:

My baby's all grown up :(












***EDIT***

Maddy and the first time she met her Aunt Leslie.

Leslie wasn't a dog person back then and she especially didn't like Maddy getting black fur all over her white pants. However, Maddy knew this and did her best to cover Les with fur every time they hung out.

They soon came to terms and I learned to keep a lint roller handy :)

TGIF - Ally

It's super cloudy on our balcony for some reason, so excuse the dullness of this photo. I'm off work today because Al and I are leaving for vacation tomorrow! We're taking an eight-day, 15-state road trip through New England and a teeny bit of Canada. I'm super duper excited and am ready to see new places. The fall foliage will be in full swing and since this is my favorite season, I'll be in heaven!

I'm out running errands today and enjoying the beautiful weather.


Cardi: NY&Co

Tank under cardi: NY&Co.

Jeans: Gap

Flats: Sam Edelman

Scarf: ebay







How pretty is my basil??? I hope it doesn't die while we're gone. I have some friends/co-workers coming by while we're gone to keep things watered, but I'm still nervous. I just want it to make it until we get back so I can freeze it. I still might cut it back tonight b/c I'd hate to lose it all :(

We should have internet while we're gone, so I'll be putting up pics on Flickr and doing outfits here as I have time. If anyone has any suggestions for things to see and do while up that way, send an email to me at the address on the right - I'd love to hear what are must sees and dos and buys!

Thursday -- Ally

Yesterday, Leslie asked in the comments if I had my hair colored when it was cut because it looked so dark. I didn't have it colored, but it did look awfully dark for some weird reason. I took today's picture in as much sunlight as I could find. It made for silly shadows and washing out, but the hair color is accurate! :)

Top: Old Navy

Pants: Old Navy

Scarf: vintage silk Vera (ebay)

Shoes: Cole Haan











I have a blogging confession...I don't always post the pics on the same day I wear the outfit. I'm not awesome like Kimberly and E and keep up with these things. "Yesterday's" outfit? I wore that Saturday to work...eep! I feel I need to stay this only because I'm wearing the same pants/shoes I wore "yesterday" when really, they've been washed since! For the most part, I either post outfits the same day or the next - it's usually not as much of a stretch as yesterday was. However, I've been really slammed at work and have been too exhausted to post when I get home. *whew* I feel better after coming clean!!

I overslept and ran out the door this morning (thrilled my hair took zero time!) and forgot a necklace. Fortunately, I had grabbed this scarf because I was going to tie it on my bag.

I tried tying it several ways but it's not a big scarf, so I just made it a triangle then folded that up some more, tied three knots and then tied it in the back and wore it as a necklace. I think it worked :)

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.