What to Wear for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day...you either love it or you love to hate it.  It'll be here before you know it, regardless of what your plans are or your relationship status is.  I put together a few favorite outfit ideas for different things you may have going on for February 14th...a surprise date, casual evening ordering in, girls night out, or Galentine's get together.

1.  Surprise date night.  He made the reservations and just informed you a few hours before.  Instead of frantically searching the closed, just know that you can't go wrong with a ruffled LBD, velvet bootie, and red lip.

2.  Girls night out.  Flirty floral with badass leather is one of my favorite combinations for wherever the night may take you!

3.  Night in.  Fancy dinner reservations?  No, thanks...Cozy up in a cute sweater and comfortable denim for watching chick flicks with your SO or ordering pizza with your best girls.

4.  Galentine's get together.  This casual outfit could be worn for weekend brunch, bowling, hitting up the dive bars, seeing your favorite band, or out for Mexican food with the girls.

♥ always
Allison

Fair Trade Fashion: Mangal Bracelet

The Mangal Bracelet is the Threads Worldwide piece featured in this post and let me tell you, this thing is gor-geous.  The Mangal Bracelet is a Threads Exclusive and features 3-strands of multicolored beads with soft yellow tassels. The colors are PERFECT for fall, but the section that completely drew me in was the turquoise-green square beads in it. They seriously had me mesmerized.  This bracelet is also adjustable, so it'll fit wrists of all sizes! It's a great piece to layer with others or totally makes a stand-out statement on its own. 

Handmade in Guatemala, our Artisan Partners use techniques inspired by Mayan culture to create fascinating beaded jewelry.  With the income that they earn, they're able to invest in smokeless stoves, solar technology, organic farming, and water filtration to benefit their entire communities.

Mangal Bracelet

Mangal Bracelet 1

The Mangal is a great accent to a mustard yellow toned blouse, really highlighting the tassel detailing.  Throw on your favorite jeans, and a pair of booties and you're good to go for those still sorta warm, not really sure how to dress fall days.  Featured here with the Toluca Stud Earrings, which you can shop here:  Toluca Earrings - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Mangal Bracelet 2

Add a pop to a solid colored dress with the Mangal Bracelet.  Throw on a pair of flats, crossbody bag, Mulki Scarf, and you're all set for a day at a festival, whether it's a Craft Fair or Oktoberfest :)
Shop the Mulki Scarf here:  Mulki Scarf - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Mangal Bracelet 3

For a night out, add a splash of color to a monochromatic look with the Mangal.  Featured here with the stunning Indravati Necklace, three strands draping of gold-tones glass beads.
Shop the Indravati Necklace here:  Indravati Necklace - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Shop the Mangal Bracelet here:

Mangal Bracelet - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Photo Source:  Threads Worldwide

♥ always

Allison

Fair Trade Fashion: Pankha Necklace

The Pankha Necklace is a Threads Worldwide exclusive handmade by our artisan partners in India.  Not only is it the perfect statement piece for fall, but every sale from the Pankha empowers the artisans to advance socially and economically, allowing them to send their children to schools rather than beg on the streets.

Back in June, the Threads Worldwide conference took place in Denver, CO.  The Fair Trade Partners that were there were able to have the first look at (and model!) the fall pieces.  Once the BIG REVEAL came, I immediately had my hands on the Pankha Necklace.  The fan-fringe detailing is huge right now and the gray-blue thread flawlessly falls into the neutral trend.  Bottom line, this necklace is a modern and fun must-have for fall-winter.

 Pankha Necklace 

Pankha Necklace 1 by missallierae

I'm totally crushing on the army print trend at the moment.  The Pankha favors greens like no other.  I paired the Pankha with another Threads Exclusive piece in this set, the Mangal Bracelet.  The Mangal is handmade in Guatemala, and let me tell you, this thing is gor-geous.
Shop the Mangal Bracelet here:
Mangal Bracelet - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Pankha Necklace 2 by missallierae

The perfect transitional outfit, a sundress and booties.  This look is featuring the Toluca Earrings.  Handmade by artisan partners in Mexico, the Toluca Earrings feature gold-toned brass pyramids on sterling-silver posts and are perfect for everyday wear.
Shop the Toluca Studs here:
Toluca Earrings - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Pankha Necklace 3 by missallierae featuring a high heel bootie

And lastly, the Pankha pairs with a boho blouse like a match made in accessory heaven.

Shop the Pankha Necklace here:
Pankha Necklace - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Photo source:  Threads Worldwide

♥ always
Allison

Fair Trade Fashion: Chichi Tote

The Chichi Tote, named after a Guatemalan village, beautifully functions as an everyday tote, from work to travel, to errand running, farmers market trips and the gym.  Because the fabric is handmade, each Chichi Tote is unique.  The Chichi is made in Guatemala, where our Artisan Partners use their earnings to invest in resources to benefit their entire community, such as smokeless stoves, water filtration, organic farming, and solar technology.  Continue through for 3 different looks of how to style the Chichi Tote.

Follow the link here to shop the Chichi Tote along with other gorgeous fair trade accessories:
Threads Worldwide - Chichi Tote

Chichi Tote by missallierae

Chichi Tote 3 by missallierae

Chichi Tote 2 by missallierae 

♥ always
Allison

Photo Source:  Allison Young - Threads Worldwide

Fair Trade Fashion: Capilla Necklace

The Capilla Necklace, a personal favorite from Threads Worldwide, is handcrafted in Ecuador and created from Acai and Tagua seeds.  The Acai beads are dyed gray and yellow then held in place with two pieces of Tagua seed.  In South America, many families leave their homes to search for work in the cities.  Through hand making these gorgeous necklaces, our artisan partners in Ecuador are able to earn an income without leaving their villages.  This allows them to keep their families together and invest in education for their children and themselves.

Shop the Capilla Necklace HERE:  Capilla Necklace - Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Add a pop of sunshine to a neutral outfit, or pair the Capilla Necklace with coordinating colors.  Here's 3 outfit to help inspire looks of your own!

Capilla Necklace Outfit 1 by missallierae

Capilla Necklace Outfit 2 by missallierae

Capilla Necklace Outfit 3 by missallierae

View the Capilla Necklace and other Fair Trade Items at my online boutique:  

Allison Young, Threads Worldwide

Valentine's Day Gift Guide { for galentines }

What exactly is Galentine's Day?  Well, it's an event created by Leslie Knope on Parks & Recreation, typically celebrated on February 13th as a pre-Valentine's Day get together for you and your gal pals.  BFFs, Sister, Moms, favorite barista, co-workers.  Ladies celebrating ladies.  Leave the men at home and celebrate by hosting a brunch, dance party blasting Taylor, Katy, Selena, and Queen B, or get all the girls together at your favorite wine bar.  Don't forget pink everything and sweet treats!

Of course you want to show love for your bestie who always supports all your crazy endeavors, won't sugar coat anything, is always there, and loves you for you...because friendships are EVERYTHING.  Here's a gift guide featuring nail polish, cat mugs, a selfie remote, tees that tell it like it is, and more that'll tell your soul sister how much she means to you (or treat yo self).  Are you into Galentine's?  What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate?

Missguided polka dot sleepwear / ASOS cotton jersey / Talbots heart socks / Clava bag / Glenda López red ring, $57 / Monsoon gold tone jewelry / Chiara Ferragni tech accessory, $44 / Full Tilt metal frame sunglasses / Missguided iphone cover case / Essie nail polish / Black and white mug / Natural life / The Selfie Remote Control

'Thanks for being my unbiological sister' Initial Necklace from poweandjade on Etsy

Here's a great how to on throwing a Galentine's Day Party.  Everything from the photo booth to decor and drinks to dessert!  How to Host a Galentine's Day Party

If you happen to be in the St. Louis area, please join us for our Galentine's Day Celebration at Style Your Space on Saturday, February 13th from 11 am - 4 pm.  Sweet treats, Rosé all day, discounts, and great gifts to surprise your Galentine or treat yo self!  See more details at our Facebook events page:  Celebrate Galentine's Day at Style Your Space

Image source:  Galentine's Cards

Valentine's Day Gift Guide { for him }

Surprise the special dude in your life with a gift he'll love.  Clothing, accessories, and even an engraved beer mug, which will come in handy come baseball season!

peace, love, sparkles and flamingos,
Allison

Festival Fashion

Coachella has come and gone but for me, festival style basically equates to summer wear.  It's almost a guarantee that there is a music festival or concert in the books for you within the upcoming months.

My day-long, concert going advice:
Avoid playsuits or overalls.  With all the liquids being pumped in to your body, chances are you're going to use the restroom relatively often.  Rompers especially make restroom using slightly and and awkward, since you basically have to strip down in a public place.  Opt for a shorts and tank combo or a comfortable dress.
Backpacks and crossbody bags are key, because no one wants to hold a purse on their shoulder all day.
Take just the necessities.  Girls can get a little carried away piling stuff in bags, but that shoulder will hurt by the end of the day if too much is weighing you down.
Easy layers.  Lightweight during the day, while the sun is beating down.  A jacket or button down for if it cools off at night.
Flats or wedges, but make sure they're comfortable.
Avoid bulky and heavy jewelry, you'll regret wearing anything that gets irritating as the day goes on.

Here are 4 looks to help inspire your festival and concert style all summer:

Riley by missallierae featuring summer sunglasses

Avery by missallierae featuring a camisole dress

Mila by missallierae featuring Tory Burch

Sarah by missallierae featuring a blue sleeveless dress