very burberry.

happy tuesday! [and november 1st.. which to me means being excited for christmas is perfectly acceptable!]

i have always wanted a burberry cashmere scarf.. the pattern is iconic, and anything cashmere is just to die for.  i do have a knock-off one from kohl's, but it's just not like the real thing --

whenever i go shopping in downtown chicago i always make my friends go into the burberry store with me.  of course i always walk out empty handed, considering the scarf i want is $375.  

i've said it once and i'll say it again.. WHY do i have such expensive taste!?

xo, Allison Marie

red hot.

as you all know, i'm obsessed with AKIRA, so naturally i follow them on facebook.  they just posted these fabulous shoes -- 

 

AKIRA luichiny shoe: $79.90

i think they definitely take a cue from the 50's, especially with the ankle strap and the peep toe.

i'm totally picturing these with dark-wash skinny jeans, a white-and-navy striped boat neck tee, and gold jewelry.

xo, Allison Marie

feathers.. still obsessed!

i am still obsessed with anything feathers!  i currently have 3 pairs of feather earrings-, feathers in my hair AND a clip in peacock feather.. obsession?  maybe..

butttt here are the ones i own --

i was on etsy earlier today and found more feathers i want to add to my collection --

extra long tribal orange and blue feather by ginagrantsjewelry on etsy: $38.00

this pair reminds me of a parrot!  so pretty!

skye blossom peacock feather earrings by featherpixie on etsy: $32.00

this pair just might be my favorite.. yes to some of you they may be obnoxious, but how awesome would they look with your hair down, a solid top and jeans?  or a simple dress!?

i think that this trend will be around for awhile.  they're an easy and inexpensive way to add character to an outfit and there are endless possibilities of color combinations, lengths, and types.  plus every time i've worn my feather earrings i've gotten tons of compliments which is always a great mood-booster!

xo, Allison Marie

swarovski + louboutin = perfection!

happy tuesday!

these shoes are by christian louboutin and i honestly have no words for them other than OH MY GOD.  while trying to find a good picture, i found a video on youtube which i think is better than a still..

apparently these are "knock-offs" and that the rhinestones were glued on by the person that took this video, but who cares?  you understand the point i am trying to make -- that these shoes are un-fricken-believable!  however, they cost an unbelievable amount -- over $4,000.

xo, Allison Marie

[faux]fur real.

everyone, i apologize that it's taken me so long to put up a new post!  i have no excuse other than i was lazy.

while i was shopping in st. louis this weekend, i noticed that there was a lot of faux fur being used to perk up outfits, like wraps, detailing on collars and boots, and mittens.  seeing all that got me thinking about an armani exchange clutch i saw in september's issue of instyle -- 

faux fur clutch: $88.00

the fur detailing is so bold, especially on a handbag.  it's neutral too, so you could use it for a night out or for your essentials during the day.

i also found one on forever 21's website --

faux fur trimmed handbag: $34.80

this one is obviously much larger, perfect for school.  i think the tan, chocolate and the gray combination is an ideal palate for fall!

xo, Allison Marie

you & me could be a bad romance.

the song "bad romance" by the one and only lady gaga came on while i was driving today and i immediately thought of the music video.  i still think it's her best video to date, featuring some of the most beautiful pieces of fashion i have ever seen.  like these shoes by the late alexander mcqueen for example --

although completely and utterly impractical, who the hell cares!?  they're just breathtaking.

i recommend if you haven't seen the video in awhile, or at all, that you should take the 5 minutes and 8 seconds to watch it --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I&ob=av3e

xo, Allison Marie

watch-ing out for michael kors.

happy tuesday!  

even though no one seriously uses watches anymore [come on, we all use our iphones to tell the time!], i still want one of michael kors watches --

it's just.. amazing!  the swarovski crystals around the mother-of-pearl face only add to it's beauty.  and it's not too terribly expensive - $225.  i think that's more attainable than a lot of my past tuesday posts [=

xo, Allison Marie

pamela LOVE.

so as we all know, statement jewelry is huge and i think it is here to stay.  but how is THIS for a statement necklace!?

i am so obsessed with this necklace by pamela love!  i love the crystal and all of the gorgeous colors,  and there is no doubt that this would go with any outfit, casual or dressy.  the antique copper finish is also a nice change from gold or silver.  

however [and unfortunately,] it IS expensive, costing $760 on ssense.com.

xo, Allison Marie

pink poncho = found!

so a few posts ago, i posted a picture of blair eadie [check out her blog, so inspirational!! - http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/] and her fabulous hot pink shawl --

i fell in love with it and knew i HAD to find something similar.  lucky for me, forever 21 had what i was looking for [and on sale to boot!] -- 

i cannot WAIT to wear this poncho!  i think most people would be afraid to wear this bright of a color in the fall, which you shouldn't be!  it's refreshing and unexpected which is always a plus in the fashion world!

when i finally wear this i will put up pictures so you all can see how i put the outfit together!

xo, Allison Marie

my new baby, tory burch!

okay okay, so i know in my previous post i said i wasn't a fan of knockoffs.. that doesn't mean i don't buy them!  on our campus today there was a vendor selling knockoff handbags, ugg boots, northfaces, and perfume.  and of course i couldn't resist buying a purse..

i don't know what you all think, but i think that's a pretty damn good knockoff!  it looks more tan in this picture, but in person it's definitely a mustard color, which is so big for fall.  it's brighter than black but still goes with everything!

xo, Allison Marie

workin' for a birkin.

happy tuesday!  

hermes birkin bag.. pretty much every powerful celebrity has one.  victoria beckham in particular has a whole rainbow of them [lucky girl], which is amazing considering they from anywhere between $9,000 to $150,000.  i have a knockoff one, but there's really nothing like the real thing..

some people say that knockoff handbags work just as well; i'd have to disagree.  a real birkin costs thousands of dollars for a REASON-- it's perfectly crafted, taking 48 hours to finish one bag, and it's made with some of the most luxurious hides available, such as leather, python and alligator skin.

xo, Allison Marie

lots of luving.

i first saw erin wasson's low luv body chain on carrie bradshaw in sex and the city 2.  i was like, hm that's interesting and completely pointless, but so damn unexpected at the same time.  i couldn't find it on carrie, but here is another picture of it -- 

how undeniably sexy would this be under a sheer t-shirt or tank?  or it would totally spice up a maxi dress or LBD.  of course, it doesn't come cheap.. around $250.  i'm trying to find something similar that will fit my budget, but no luck yet.  i'm not gonna give up!

xo, Allison Marie

seeing spots!

i felt the strong urge to post at 2 in the morning so here i am!  i saw this bag in the september allure and just fell in love..

it's by marc jacobs, and it'll run ya $995 [WHY do i have such expensive taste!?]  the red and the black combo is just so new and unexpected.  usually i think polka dots are kind of juvenile but not on this bag!  and i absolutely love the chain detail on the handle.

xo, Allison Marie

ringing in my ears.

i am SO into statement rings!  i think they're so fun and make a boring outfit interesting.. after all, one of the first things people notice about a person are their hands!   this fall, i'm going to wear stones and geometric shapes to add some spice to say, a chunky sweater and jeans or a LBD.  

the three below that i picked out are from forever 21 and are under $10 --

faux stone stretchy ring: $6.80

pressed rhinestone leaf ring: $4.80

 

faceted bead ring: $5.80

these next two are from AKIRA [if you couldn't tell, i'm a huge fan of their stuff!] --

low luv x erin wasson double bone ring: $80.00

avalon ring: $14.90   

you can never have too many rings, or jewelry in general! 

xo, Allison Marie

cross my heart..

today, in OCTOBER, it decided to be 80 degrees.  and i decided for the second half of my day i'd wear a 3\4 knit top and my new scarf.. probably not the best idea, but i just couldn't wait any longer to wear it!

normally i wouldn't wear a necklace under a scarf, but this shirt is so plain it needs a little extra.  it's long enough where it doesn't take away from the motif of the scarf, but also simple enough so i don't look like i'm drowning in accessories.  and for my bottoms, i just have simple white shorts on.

top - forever21, scarf - forever21, cross necklace - forever21, shorts - hollister

xo, Allison Marie

chanel 2.55

it's tuesday everyone, so you know what that means!  

[blog about something i'll-never-be-able-to-afford day!]

i really don't think there's anything as classic and beautiful as a chanel handbag.  this one, the 2.55 quilted handbag, is my absolute favorite!  you can see it on the arms of lauren conrad, paris hilton, and any one of the kardashians to name a few.

i absolutely love it in this nude color; it'd go with everything, any time of the year.  the straps are also adjustable so it can be worn longer or closer to the shoulder.  i am hoping that one day i will be able to carry this..

xo, Allison Marie

chic stripes.

i finally used my new clutch today for my internship meeting, so i thought i'd share my outfit!

infinity scarf - express, top - nordstroms, jeans - gordman's, shoes - TOMS, clutch - AKIRA chicago.

time to tighten up!

one of the girls in my advanced textiles class had THE cutest outfit on the other day, and the thing i loved the most wasn't her actual outfit or purse.. it was her tights!  they were lacy and black and had a beautiful floral pattern.  luckily, i found and bought a very similar pair on forever21.com --

i definitely need to invest in some more long tunic\sweater dresses to wear these with!  i love how they're kind of sexy without trying too hard.  and can't you just imagine how adorable these would be with a pair of flat booties!?

xo, Allison Marie

shawl-y darling!

whenever i am sick, all i want to do is cuddle up with some starbucks and a shawl\snuggie\something that is soft and warm.  such as this gorgeous pink vintage shawl -- 

this is blair eadie, and her blog is www.atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com [which i now follow!]

normally i would zone in on her handbag, which is coach's willis bag, but that's not the first thing my eyes went to when i saw this picture; it was her fabulous pink shawl!  it's vintage, and i think it just brightens up her whole look.  bright colors are so unexpected in the fall, but when paired with more understated clothing and accessories a la blair, it just works.  add a simple messenger bag to bring the whole look together.  i am now on a mission to find one similar to hers.. when i do, i will be sure to blog about it!

xo, Allison Marie

louis vuitton lust

i can't believe it's been 4 days since i last posted, time really does fly!  but i have decided that every tuesday i will blog about something super high-end that i cannot afford [HA!].  like this louis vuitton clutch complete with a lock and key cuff -- 

i originally saw this on the emmy red carpet, and guiliana rancic was holding it.  having two vuittons myself, i immediately lusted after it.  i think i remember her saying that the retail price was over $2,000.. which is typical for one of these bags.  it's definitely not something you could carry around every day, but who cares?  it's just a beautiful piece of art.

xo, Allison Marie

teal-y excited about my new clutch!

super short post today.. just thought i'd share the new clutch i ordered from AKIRA -

the color is what really caught my attention.. i've never really seen a blue like this!  definitely going to wear this with a neutral outfit since it makes such a statement on it's own.  i can't wait to get it sometime next week!

xo, Allison Marie

"red"-y or not..

everyone has regrets.. one of mine right now is not buying a pair of colored skinny jeans from AKIRA in chicago.  i saw these on the shelf, picked them up, and set them down again because i thought the following -- 1) i'm going to lose weight, so i'll only be able to wear them for a couple months and 2) red jeans!?  am i really going to wear these!?

the answer to the first question is debatable, because i've been telling myself to lose weight for months now and it hasn't happened [HA!] but as for the second question - yes i would wear those!!!!  color-blocking is huge right now, so just imagine these with a cobalt or mustard top!  but being so bright, they ARE the accessory.. keep jewelry and your handbag simple.  you don't want to walk around looking like you rolled around in your closet!

xo, Allison Marie

sperry nice!

it's going to be a short post today, but i've seen two girls in my classes with these sperry topsiders and i WANT!

i can just picture how adorable they would be with jeggings and a bright t-shirt!  plus the subtle hint of leopard is a great way to add personality to an otherwise awkward shoe [come on now, who would've ever thought that boat shoes could be this cute!?]

xo, Allison Marie

adore-a my fedora

for the first time ever the other day, i finally wore my fedora that i've had for about six months.  i guess i was kind of scared to wear it, because it's kind of a tricky look to pull off.  i got mine from gordman's [a store very similar to a tj maxx, but with a better selection!]

[i don't have a hat stand, so i had to improvise and use my lamp!]  i wore mine with a cobalt blue tunic, eggplant leggings, and a simple gold necklace.  i felt super chic, and it was a simple way to make my outfit "trendy," even though fedoras have been around since the 20's and 30's.. a perfect example of a classic accessory.  i will definitely be incorporating it into my future outfits!!

xo, Allison Marie

"vest" in show

so i went shopping with a close friend today on michigan avenue and of course one of the stops on that trip was forever 21.  now i will be the first to say that they have some questionable items of clothing, whose quality is even more questionable.  but i found this vest, tried it on and i loved it except it was too small around my chest area [just another reason why you small chested girls should count your blessings!]  anyway, here is the vest --

i think it's adorable, and paired with any color long-sleeved knit, some leggings or jeans it'd be perfect for the cooler weather we're having.  add some cute boots, a slouchy bag and you're good to go!  i know it's not for everyone.. i honestly didn't even think i would like it before i tried it on.  but sometimes ya gotta just try things out for the hell of it!

xo, Allison Marie

pom-pom bomb

okay so this post really isn't about accessories, but i just couldn't ignore this.  this past week was fashion week in new york.  to most people, that means high-end, works of art that strut down the runway.  obviously to david and phillipe blond of "the blonds," it's an excuse to recreate a preschool art project -- 

pom poms?  a sequined leotard?  really?  if i knew it was this easy to be a part of fashion week, i would've saved all my old art project to use for inspiration!

xo, Allison Marie

i'm a snaaaake

so i'm not sure if anyone else has noticed, but python is HUGE right now.  bags, shoes, and even pants are donning this dangerous pattern.

pair python pumps with skinny jeans and a simple top, or a bright version [like the one below.. so beautiful!] with a LBD and you're set to have all eyes on you.

i want this bag SO badly!!!  anything by michael kors is just amazing.  however it's not actually even out yet..  on michaelkors.com it's not expected to ship until mid october.  perhaps early christmas gift? [=

xo, Allison Marie

fool's gold

i have never been a gold jewelry girl, up until recently that is.  back in august, i bought this adorable handmade necklace in a little boutique in saint louis' trendy west end --

it's made from recycled gold, so it wasn't that expensive AND it's good for the environment!  i adore the two little turquoise accent beads too.  of course the "a" is for allison.. who doesn't love a little personalization!? 

gold jewelry is perfect for fall and winter, and has a warmer touch than silver does.  it also goes great with any sort of pattern, like paisley, stripes and florals.

xo, Allison Marie

louboutin lovin'

so it is my ultimate dream in life [well, one of them!] to own a pair of christian louboutin shoes.  khloe kardashian owns 71 of them [..sigh..]  they are simply a piece of art, especially with that signature scarlet sole!  

nowadays, animal print is pretty much considered a neutral and it can dress up any type of outfit in an instant, as seen here a la khloe.

xo, Allison Marie

birds of a feather..

so i figured that my first post would be about something that is on the head's of almost every woman i know; feather hair extensions!  hilary duff was one of the first celebrities to try out this trend back in the spring, and good for her!  having feathers in your hair definitely has a bohemian feel, but also a fresh vibe compared to extensions, highlights, etc.  

you can barely tell she has any in, which is great for those who just want to try out this trend.  for the more adventurous, they come in any color of the rainbow!  i personally have bright red and black and white ones in right now.. i absolutely love them and have gotten many compliments [from guys and girls alike!]

xo, Allison Marie