Saturday, November 3, 2018

Trending Now: Camo Print

If you haven't noticed, camo print is having a major moment.  This isn't your typical "hunting season, blend-in with nature somewhere out in the country" type of camo.  It's now a casual-cool look that is seen everywhere in clothing and accessories, and neutral enough to mix with color...just avoid a neon orange-camo combination if you don't want to look like you're about to go get your deer hunting on.  Read on to find all the cutesy and cool camo pattern things I've found!

I've actually had my eyes peeled for a camo jacket for some time now and the sweet people over at Gabriel Clothing Company were sweet enough to send me this utility style one!  I'm obsessed.
Photographed with the Pumpkin Spice Spice Girl tee that was featured in a previous post.






























So yay or nay!?  Are you on board with the camo trend this fall?

♥ always
Allison

Images from Nordstrom.com

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

5 Last Minute DIY Halloween Costumes

With Halloween just a week away, the Halloween parties, bar crawls, and other festivities are taking place this weekend (and obviously on Halloween).  If you're just not that into Halloween or dropped the ball on planning out a costume, I'm here to hopefully help you out with 5 easy last-minute Halloween costumes (plus some throwback photos for your enjoyment).  Since I tend to be on the more thrifty side of the spectrum, I'm a huge fan of costumes re-purposing things you already own or purchasing things you would wear again.


1.  Audrey Hepburn.  There are a few roads you could take with this option.

The first would be the classic Audrey as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's.  


Black dress (or black fitted top with a black skirt), black elbow length gloves, statement necklace and bracelet with pearls and rhinestones, oversized cat-eye sunglasses, topped off with a tiara.

Me as Audrey:
I loved this costume so much that I wore it multiple times.


1.5.  The second option would be Audrey as Jo Stockton in Funny Face.  Long sleeve black top, cropped black pants, black loafers and you're set.


So technically this was two costume options but since it's the same person, we'll say that's one of the five last-minute costume options :)

2.  A witch.  Although it may be a little over-done and generic, it's a freaking spooky classic!  


Throw on a black dress or if you happen to have anything with bell-sleeves (v. popular right now), it totally adds to the witchcraft vibe.  Run to Target, grab a $3 witch hat, maybe a skull, black crow decor, or broomstick to carry around and BAM!  You're a witch.

3.  A scarecrow.



If you own a plaid button-down shirt, this is a piece of cake...or should I say fun-size candy?  Costume essentials are a flannel button-down, floppy hat, distressed jeans (or really whatever bottoms you want...overalls would be great as well), and a dollar store fall floral to add some foliage to the look.  For the makeup, I used a coral color lipstick I had, black eyeliner, iridescent eyeshadow (or highlighter) to add the doll-like glow, and just used inspiration from searching "Scarecrow Costume DIY" on Pinterest.

4.  4-Eyes.


The only 2-minute Halloween costume I've ever come up with and is great if you're really in a bind...I forgot about a Halloween get-together until very last minute and already had googly-eyes for a costume I was making for the real Halloween party.  Slapped two googly-eyes on the black shirt I was wearing and called the costume "4-Eyes".

5.  Rosie the Riveter.


Nothing screams "Girl Power" quite like the classic image of Rosie the Riveter does.  This iconic feminist costume is effortless, requiring only your favorite jeans, a chambray top, and red bandana.  You go, girl!

I'd love to know, what are you (or your kids) being for Halloween!?

♥ always
Allison

Thursday, October 11, 2018

If you don't like pumpkin spice, do you even like fall?

If you don't order at least one Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte within the first few days its released, do you even really love fall!?  I don't like to be basic, but I'm basically in love with pumpkin everything.  Throughout the fall, just about every single run to Target or Trader Joe's will include me leaving with some sort of pumpkin something to try.  I get it, some people are more into apple stuff than pumpkin stuff, and that's cool, too...I can get down with some caramel apples just the same, but this post is dedicated to pumpkins.  Fall!  Yay!  Pumpkins!  Yay!...which brings me to the point of this post.

I grew up in the time when the Spice Girls were all the rage.  To this day, you can't go to a karaoke night without Wannabe being sung!  Girls' nights and road trips guarantee some Spice Girls songs.  That's why when I saw this tee by Gabriel Clothing Company, I had to have it.  It combines two things I feel passionately about and also makes people laugh.


\Gabriel Clothing Company allows you to customize your tee in a variety of colors, using the super soft Bella brand.  You can get your own tee or a number of boutique items for 30% OFF using the code ALWAYSALLISON at checkout.





3 Available:  Good Witch, Bad Witch, or Drunk Witch




What else I'm wearing:
Bucket Bag:  Vintage, Nine West
Buffalo Plaid Shirt:  Old Navy
Distressed Black Skinny Jeans:  Ashley Mason from Nordstrom Rack
Fuzzy Sandals:  Target
Watch:  Jord Watches
Sunglasses:  Rayban
Starbucks cup:  Starbucks ;)


♥ always
Allison

Monday, October 1, 2018

Do More with Do More Boutique + Exclusive Discount

The fall and winter months make me want to bake all sorts of baked goods but I could also use a little help with measurements.  This adorable conversion chart was sent to me by Jennifer at Do More Boutique.  Not only does it add a pop of cuteness inside a kitchen cabinet door, it also helps us adults be able to adult a little easier.  The conversions are readily accessible rather than hitting up Google or Pinterest to figure out different measurements.

The recipe I followed was Joanna Gaines Magnolia Table Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Although mine didn't turn out quite like the photos (partly Pinterest fail-worthy), they still tasted very good.
Here's the recipe:  Joanna Gaines Magnolia Table Chocolate Chip Cookies

I'm so excited to use this conversion chart for all my baking needs in the upcoming months!  You can get your own conversion chart with an exclusive discount of 20% OFF here:  Do More Boutique Conversion Chart

Happy Baking!










Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Target Fashion Finds for Fall

Ok, ok, so this isn't breaking news because we all know us women are at Target at least once a week and typically enjoy browsing every aisle.  I love stopping in the dollar spot, perusing the clearance, checking out the makeup, and of course the snacks!...unless I'm forced to go to Target with my boyfriend.  My boyfriend is more the run straight to the paper towels and head to checkout type (insert dramatic eye roll...who doesn't LOVE Target!?)...PLEASE LET ME STOP BY THE WINE SECTION!  But honestly, if I'm not kept on a tight leash at Target, I can spend way too long looking at things I don't really need.  

I've attempted "sticking to a list" at Target ever since the time I went in for hairspray and left with a basket full of random stuff...shoes, ice cream, stuff I didn't need.  The cashier said as she was ringing me out, "Let me guess...this is what you came in for."  She was right.  THE TRICK I've figured out that helps me "stick to the list" is adding things like new nail polish, cute dollar spot home decor, or fun shoes to the bottom.  Gotta check off everything on the list.

We probably all know that Target has been killing the clothing game over the past few years.  5+ years ago, I would ask someone where they got a cute sweater or whatever and they would say Target.  Well, when I would go to Target, I wouldn't be able to find anything I really liked and would leave the clothing section feeling discouraged.  I felt it was a little overpriced for the quality when I could just head to Forever 21 and get a trendier style for less...mind you I was in my mid-twenties at the time.  BUT ever since they started releasing these "capsule collections," I want it ALL!  The quality is high for the pricepoints and the styles are fashionable.

So anyway, my point is you'll want to add these fall clothes and shoes to your list next time you're headed to Target.  With everything ranging from $18-$50, your bank account probably won't notice that "extra little thing" that jumped into your shopping cart. 


So many items you'll find are cropped at this time.  How I tone down the "cropped look" is pairing it with something more high-waisted.  Love how Target layered this cropped sweater over a dress!  Shown in olive, this sweater is also available in that popular shade of millennial pink.


Animal print has made a huge comeback for fall and let me tell you, I AM HERE FOR IT (clapping hands).  This fuzzy sweater is a fresh take on the animal print in a lilac hue and perfect to cozy up in on those crisp fall days.


Stripes are such a classic and I'm crushing on the color combination here!  This crew sweater is also available in a red/black combination.


The chenille trend is giving me major throwback vibes but I couldn't pass up this mustard yellow.  Such a golden shade for fall.  This pullover sweater is available in 5 other colors so there's definitely a hue to suit you!


The plaid pattern popping up all over reminds me of a fresh take on Clueless style.  This wrap dress would look so cute under an oversized knit sweater, ideal for those days when it's 60 degrees in the morning and 90 by noon.


Signs of western style have been popping up and this long sleeve dress would look cute paired with loafers as well as tennies.  Just avoid cowboy boots, might look a little too country.


Any cropped pants will show off a cute pair of shoes and a jumpsuit is a no-fuss option to throw on before Sunday brunch.  This could be layered with a top under it or cardigan sweater over for chillier weather.


More cropped bottoms for cute shoes!  I love how the bold pants can be paired with a basic top for a casual yet fun look.  The pop of blue in the stripe on the side gives them an athleisure look.


Animal print is a neutral that will transform a look from mild to wild and can be styled for a day at the office or a night on the town.


Corduroy will add texture to your wardrobe for fall and is very trasnsitional as the season progresses.  Pair with a graphic tank and ankle boots for early fall, then a chunky sweater and over-the-knee boots for late fall.


This skirt offers everything there is to love...high-low tulip hem, gentle ruffle, tie waist, and in PLAID!


Timeless style and modern minimalism combine with the fashion-forward design of this tweed overcoat.  Add a chunky knit scarf in late fall/early winter, and you'll be wearing this coat through early winter!


Duster kimono jackets look effortlessly cool and are versatile enough for leggings (the famous fall wardrobe staple), sundresses, or a classic white tee and denim look.


Own a pair of mules and they will quickly become your every day go-to shoes.  Seriously, you'll end up wearing more than you would have ever imagined.  These are also available in Cognac!


Almond toe metallic platform loafers will instantly update your wardrobe.  Pair with a skirt or cropped bottoms for an on-trend look.  Also availble in black!


Swap out your summer slides for a close-toe version with these slip-on mules.  These shoes will be a comfortable staple for casual date-nights to running weekend errands.  Shown in rust but also available in gold, cognac, and black so there's a color to match everyone's style.

All images are from Target.com