Crushing On Clothes…

Posts Tagged ‘Spring’

Daytime Sequins and Mixing Prints

Happy Tuesday! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend (I am aware I’m a day late). The manfriend and I had some friends staying with us, so we went to Pike Place Market, ate Paseo sandwiches (voted the #2 sandwich in the country), went to several parks and walked around, saw some improv, ate a Seattle dog (sausage or hot dog with carmelized onions and cream cheese…quite possibly the greatest creation ever. Don’t knock it til you try it), and had many laughs. Overall it was a great weekend. What did you do?

Another thing I did this weekend? Got my hair colored! It has been a little over 4 months, so I was so excited when my girl Chloe at the Northgate Gene Juarez Salon had an opening. I got a full balayage, which I haven’t done in a few years. Normally I just get a partial balayage, but this time I wanted to go a bit lighter than usual and I LOVE it! Pulled back it definitely looks more ombre than when it is just down and normal, but it’s definitely more blonde than it was last week!

I feel like I always get weird looks when I wear this sequin top – something about it is just so extravagant and special-occastion people just don’t know what to make of it when I wear it casually during the day.

This bow bracelet is my new obsession. I purchased it a few weeks ago, and think I have worn it most days of the week. I love bows, and it just looks so dressy being black and gold. It is the perfect wrist piece to wear alone, with chunkier jewelry, or smaller dainty pieces.

Incase you didn’t see, I’m hosting an event this Saturday with 7 For All Mankind so if you live in the Seattle area I’d love for you to come and say hi! I’ll be at the 7 For All Mankind store at Bellevue Square from 10am – 1pm. See you in my next post. Until then! xo

J.Crew Gingham Blouse | J.Crew Polka Dot Sequin Shirt | J.Brand Jeggings | Hunter Pink Rainboots | Rebecca Minkoff 3-Zip MAC | Cara Bow Bracelet | Michael Kors Watch | France Luxe Leather Barrette | Prada Sunglasses (old)

Posted on: April 23rd, 2013 by Alyson | Permalink

Layering Lace, Denim, and Ruffles

Layers on layers on layers. Spring in Seattle requires this because you never know if it’s going to rain, be windy, if the sun will come out, or if it’s going to snow. I wanted to bring out some color to keep the look bright and cheerful.I’m loving the mix of the girly ruffles, masculine chambray shirt, and the grandma doily shirt ;)

What are you fine folks up to this weekend? We (manfriend and I) have friends in town so we’re exploring the city with them, showing them how Seattleites do it – walking around the Seattle waterfront, going to an improv show, and enjoying some good food (but not too much – I am recovering from food poisoning you see…damn you, delicious sushi!). Even though I got food poisoning last night, I had a wonderful time meeting Amanda. We have been friends on Twitter for some time now, so it was great to meet her in person. We are basically the same person and both love Pretty Little Liars, nail polish, and know some of the same (party) people in Portland ;) What do you think of meeting friends on the internet? Weird? Creepy? Cool? I used to think it was so weird, but since I’ve discovered the Fashion Blogging community (both in Seattle and around the world), it has been a BLAST!

Whatever you end up doing, hope you all are keeping your friends and loved ones close  - you can never tell someone too many times how much you love and appreciate them! See you all on Sunday xoxo

PS random side note – how many outfit shots do you like to see? I usually do around 9, which I’ve realized is too much. I’m now trying to cut it down to about 6. Too many? Too little? What is your perfect number, tell me in the comments below.

Anthropologie Ruffle Trench | River Island Chambray | Forever 21 Lace Shirt | J.Crew Mint Jeans | Trouve Caged Booties | H&M Neon Necklace

Posted on: April 19th, 2013 by Alyson | Permalink

Floral Print Under The Cherry Blossoms

It FINALLY felt like Spring this weekend! I squealed with excitement when I saw the bright blue sky, the sun shining, and the cherry blossoms in bloom this weekend and I dragged my boyfriend outside to take photos. I knew these fun abstract floral print pants were the perfect thing to throw on. I am hoping we get more of these sunny spring days in the city soon. The sunshine makes me so HAPPY! :)

I wore this outfit running errands and to Smash Putt apocalyptic mini golf this Saturday. If you’re asking yourself, “What the heck is apocalyptic mini golf?” fear not. It is basically where you drink and play crazy golf courses – such as a scratch and sniff hole, a DEFCON hole, a skeeball hole, and a laser beam hole. Yes, it was as awesome as it sounds.

Another thing I did this weekend – got my haircut! Can you tell? I cut off about 2 1/2 inches and I love love loooove it. I adore the look of long hair on other people, but once it gets below my boobs I just look like Cousin It and like I’m being swallowed alive by my own hair. Not cute. If anyone is looking for an amazing designer to cut their hair in the Seattle area, I cannot recommend Amie at the Northgate Gene Juarez Salon & Spa enough. She has been cutting my hair for about 3 years now and she is absolutely incredible. If you’re wondering about my color, I’m hoping to get that done in the next week or so (it’s been 4 months since I’ve last had it done). I also go to the Northgate Gene Juarez and see Chloe. She has been coloring my hair for about 7 years now, and she is a balayage genius. No joke. She creates the most natural, stunning looking color. I adore her.

Alright, enough hair talk :) I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday. Ps let’s not forget about Boston. Keep them in your thoughts, donate if you can. Text a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, hug your loved ones, and buy a stranger’s coffee. Kindness – it’s the little things in life that make the most impact if we all do them.

Army Jacket (similar) | Nordstrom White Tee | Ann Taylor Floral Pants | Cole Haan Black Wedges (similar) | Forever 21 Bow Stud Earrings | Rebecca Minkoff Purple Haze 3-Zip MAC (similar)

Posted on: April 17th, 2013 by Alyson | Permalink

Neon in LA

J.Crew Polka Dot Blouse | Lush White Blouse | Forever 21 Neon Lace Skirt | White Converse | Michael Kors Navy Large Selma Satchel | House of Harlow Station Necklace | Cara Leather Bow Bracelet | HRH Collection La Lumiere Bracelet | House of Harlow Tortoise Chelsea Sunglasses | Sally Hansen Pacific Blue Nail Polish

Being in LA when it was 72, walking along Rodeo drive…is there anything better in life? Maybe if I could afford something in any of those stores…but I digress. Mollie and I had a great first day in LA last week during Lucky FABB (see my recap here if you missed it). We stayed at the Crescent Hotel which is right in the heart of Beverly Hills. Everything is so, excess in Beverly Hills. I have never seen more amazing cars in one area in my life. Everywhere you looked there were brand new Audis, Mercedes’, BMWs, Range Rovers, Bentleys, etc. I would STAND OUT like a sore thumb in my neon blue Prius C. However it was fun being in another world. We had lunch on Rodeo Drive (where a Diet Coke was $6…I can’t make this stuff up), did some window shopping, and overall enjoyed the sunshine.

I showed this skirt and shirt in my most recent fashion haul video and I still can’t believe that this neon skirt is from Forever 21. It looks so J.Crew to me – the bright color, the detail, the quality of the fabric. It is a gorgeous piece that I will be able to wear tons this summer, both for work and play. Also, recognize the sunglasses? :) I have them in black as well (which you’ve seen 1 million times on the blog – here, here, here and here just to name a few), but I picked them up in tortoise recently. I saw Laura of Buy Now Blog Later wear them on her blog, and they looked fantastic on her that I caved. To give myself some credit, I don’t have any brown tortoise sunglasses – so you see? I NEEDED them.

Finally, I will talk about the bag. I recently picked this up from Michael Kors, and have fallen in love with it. It is great for those days when you want to carry around a ton of stuff, but still want to look polished and together. This bag holds a TON (look out for a review coming soon on my YouTube channel) but still looks professional. I love how it has a long strap so you can sling it over your shoulder for the times you want to be handsfree.

Alright, I think I’ve rambled enough. If you have any questions please let me know. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend – happy Friday! xo

Photos by Mollie Ruiz-Hopper

Posted on: April 12th, 2013 by Alyson | Permalink

My Lucky Fabb West Recap!

Warning: The blog post you are about to read/view will be VERY photo and text heavy.

[Outfit details: Nordstom Dress, Vince Camuto Heels via Nordstrom Rack, necklace from Little Black Bag, House of Harlow key ring ]

Now that we got that disclaimer and outfit out of the way – hello! :) Last Wednesday at this time I was at the airport, getting ready to board a plane and head down to LA for the Lucky Magazine Fashion and Beauty Blogger Conference, also known as Lucky FABB. This was my first “blogger conference”, so as you can imagine I was extremely nervous. I didn’t know what to expect, who I was going to meet, if people would be friendly, if the information would be useful, and so many more things. Even though I was only in Los Angeles for 2 days (and only attended the first day of the two-day conference), I had an absolutely BLAST and cannot wait to attend even more conferences in the future. It was amazing being able to attend the conference with Mollie of Mollie In Seattle, a fellow Seattleite (hence her blog name) and fashion blogger whom I have had the privilege of getting to know over the past 2 years or so.

 

(read more →)

Posted on: April 10th, 2013 by Alyson | Permalink

From The Office To Drinks

Old Army Jacket | Forever 21 Shirt | Paige Jeans | Nine West Pumps via Nordstrom Rack | Poshmark Clutch | H&M Necklace | Etsy iPhone Chase

I wore this outfit to work last week with my regular (giant) purse and some black flats. The easiest way to dress this up was to add some black pumps, and swap out the tote for purse for this transparent clutch. It’s fresh, HH appropriate, and fun and different. The necklace really ties this look together and makes it polished rather than sloppy. The bright color adds interest to the outfit (especially because I’m wearing all dark neutrals).

I showed this clutch in my recent haul video and am already loving it. I’ve gotten some compliments on it, mainly because it’s so different. That is why I love handmade things – they’re unique, and have a personal touch to them that you can’t always get when you purchase something from a store (ex. Forever 21. Love the place, but I know if I buy something, approximately a bajillion other people will have it).

I don’t wear heels that often because the steps of doom at my work. I work in a loft space, and walk sometimes a few blocks from my parking spot to the office. Add that with being a clutz, and you have a recipe for disaster. BUT! I’m going to Lucky FABB THIS MORNING (I cannot believe how fast that came) so I thought I should step up my A-Game and practice. I used to wear heels pretty much everyday at my last job in the corporate world, but being at a startup is quite the opposite. I love it so much, but definitely do miss wearing my heels from time to time.

And here is what is in my clutch: a YSL Glossy Stain, my iPhone with a Chanel nail polish bottle case, some sunglasses (House of Harlow), keys, and my business cards because you never know who you’re going to run into ;)

I hope you all are having a fabulous week so far, I’m at the airport on my way to LA for Lucky FABB! It’s going to be a whirlwind, but such an adventure. If you want to keep up with what I’m up to, follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Talk to you soon! xoxo

Posted on: April 3rd, 2013 by Alyson | Permalink

Accessories I’m loving (and lusting over)

Kitty iPhone Case | Chevron Sneakers | Mirror Ray-Bans | Flower Necklace | Lucite Necklace |Lime Pumps | Emerald Pave Link Bracelet |Millionaire iPad Case | Bow Bangle

Some things currently on my wishlist that I am loving for spring. Neon pumps, A kitty phone case, chevron sneakers, mirroed green ray-bans?! Yes yes, all fantastic.

What are you currently loving, or what do you have your eye on?

Posted on: March 30th, 2013 by Alyson | Permalink

New Video! Collective Spring Fashion Haul

Hi! :) I’m back with a new video! I did not shop (most of) January and February, so March has been an excuse to update my closet (not to mention LuckyFABB). This video is a collective clothing haul from J.Crew, Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21, Ann Taylor, and Poshmark.

What items did you like? What items did you not? What have you been buying lately? What spring trends are you excited for? Leave me a comment down below!

Items from my haul I could find online:

J. Crew NOW 30% OFF!
Butterfly Shorts
Dotted Shirt
Bangle

Victoria’s Secret Pink Underwear

Forever 21:
Backless Bow Dress
Crochet Top
Bow Studs
Bow Necklace
Boat Wheel Necklace

Ann Taylor
Floral Jeans
Floral Dress

Poshmark
Transparent Clutch
(this one was made for me, but let her know you want one and she’ll make one for you! Leave her a comment!)

Go check out these girls’ blogs, they’re both adorable!
Maria’s Blogpost wearing the transparent clutch
Amanda’s Blogpost wearing the transparent clutch

Posted on: March 27th, 2013 by Alyson | Permalink

Grandma Chic

Forever 21 Top | American Eagle Jeans | Ivanka Trump Flats | France Luxe Headband | Dogeared Infinity Necklace | Forever 21 Bow Bracelet | Chann Lu Wrap Bracelet | Something Silver “Remember To Play” Bracelet | butter LONDON “Molly Coddled” Nail Polish

Mixing of prints and textures can be tricky. I walked into work whilst wearing this outfit and my coworker wasn’t sure he “got” the whole mixing of lace and polka dots. We then started laughing how this shirt looked like I stole it doilies from my grandma and sewed this shirt out of them. While he is totally right, that is exactly what I thought when I saw this shirt myself in the store. I thought, “wow, that looks literally like a doily. I can make this work”. I think it is extremely feminine and flirty, and also very old-time glam. It adds a touch of dressiness to the everyday outfit.

These photos were taken at 6:40pm. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! AH! I am so glad to not be a slave to the weekends anymore, seeing as for months there it was impossible to document any of my outfits during the week. It is so nice to come home on a regular work day and actually show what I wore that day. Novel concept, I know, but I am thrilled. I was driving over to my girlfriend’s house last night and it was 7:30 when I arrived. It wasn’t completely bright out, but it was still light out nonetheless. AWESOME! I cannot wait for summer when it stays bright out until like 10pm. Whew. Getting myself all jazzed just thinking about it.

I feel like I haven’t had a proper arm party in a while. Working at a startup, my style has definitely gotten lazy lately because I can get away with it most days. For example, yesterday I wore a cat sweatshirt to work. Yes, you heard me correctly. CAT SWEATSHIRT. Point being, I have gotten lazy and not worn hardly any jewelry, and if I do it’s once piece to give me the look of “Oooh, I tried!!” and I run out the door. But this day was different. I decided to mix black and brown and got this girly combination. The sparkly Chan Luu wrap bracelet, the “Remember To Play” saying, and the bow are all so feminine and fun.

The Gonzaga (my alma mater) Men’s Basketball team is playing in their first NCAA game of 2013 this afternoon. I love cheering on those boys and cannot wait to see how far we go this year. I believe I have us going to the elite 8, which I’m not sure has ever been done by Gonzaga (maybe about 15 years ago). Do any of you watch basketball? Who do you have winning the big dance? I’m never good with brackets as I always lose, but they’re fun to fill out and have a little bit of competition with.

The first day of SPRING was yesterday, did any of you celebrate by wearing bright colors or purchasing new flowers for your home? Even though I was a kitty sweatshirt, it was bright blue. So there, I did get some color in. And wearing that sweatshirt made my happy. I would have been much happier if it was 70 and I was able to wear a dress, but I digress…

I hope you all have a fabulous Thursday and I will see you all this weekend with a new video post and a new outfit! :) until then! xoxo

Posted on: March 21st, 2013 by Alyson | Permalink

Sophisticated Florals

H&M Blouse | Jason Wu for Target Skirt | Ivanka Trump Flats | HRH Collection Bracelet | Baublebar Necklace | Forever 21 Sunglasses

Besides dresses, in the summer this is pretty much my staple look – a cute skirt, oversized blouse, simple flats, and giant sunglasses with some statement jewelry mixed in. It is simple, fun, and can really work for a variety of settings – work, shopping, brunch, a bridal shower, a picnic….the list goes on.

There is something about this skirt that makes it seem more sophisticated than it really is, and I love that about this piece. When you see a floral skirt you don’t necessarily think modern or classic – I personally think of it as more of a young, fun, flirty, summer print. But the navy really makes it office appropriate, and the full-blown pleats really ramps up the formal factor. Did I mention it was less than $30 and EXTREMELY comfortable and flowy? Yeah. Awesome.

I wish I could have captured it better, but the bracelet below was just bouncing and sparkling in the sunlight like crazy. If you’re looking for a giant bling bracelet, this is the one to get. Alex (the owner and creator of HRH Collection) hand-makes all of these pieces herself, and she has a multitude of color options. If you haven’t looked at her stuff already, I cannot say enough good things about her pieces. They’re beautiful, unique, and of a superb quality.

What are your weekend plans for St. Patrick’s Day? I think I might be going to a nightclub tonight for the first time in wayyyyy too long…but we’ll see. I’m getting back from my company retreat today, so we’ll see how tired I am after all of that driving (and snowboarding!) Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I will see you with a new outfit on Sunday! xo

Posted on: March 15th, 2013 by Alyson | Permalink

Connect with Me!

Alyson Andrews

I'm a 20-something fashion blogger who loves to put together outfits. Living in Seattle, I have a fun style of classic prep meets masculine twist. I have a hardcore handbag and nail polish addiction, and I have a big heart. My style icons are Nicole Richie and Lauren Conrad, and I’d rather Balayage than Foil my hair (mainly because Balayage is so much more fun to say). Look around, and enjoy!
More About Me…

Search

Follow the Blog!

Subscribe to my posts via email:

Categories

Archives

0