Recent Pin-spiration

Since you all seem to really like my Pinterest picks, I figured I'd keep the Pin-spiration posts going! There are always too many to choose from, but these are my favorites from the week. Especially that last one, which was the inspiration behind this outfit.

XO,
Alison

All images are from my Pinterest. Follow me here!

Purse Picks : Burlap

Target Xhilaration Burlap Bag ($30)

I'm not going to pretend for a second that I'm not addicted to Target. I go in for one thing I actually need and end up spending $40 on...who knows what! Items like this bag contribute to the problem.

One of my favorite things about this purse (aside from the fact that it's $30!) is the mix of textures. I love the rugged, earthy feel of the burlap fabric with the contrasting shine of patent leather. And the neon/neutral color combo (which I'm obviously a fan of) just screams warm weather to me! It also comes in pink and blue if yellow isn't your thing. With that price tag, however, I promise I won't tell if you snatch up all three!

Have a wonderful weekend!

XO,
Alison

Photo credit: Target.com

Tiffany & Co. releases RUBEDO collection

There isn't a girl I know who would say no to Tiffany's. So when I had the opportunity to go check out the new pieces for their 175th anniversary, I cleared my calendar.

Tiffany 1837 Interlocking Circles Pendant (c/o)

And since it's Tiffany & Co., you know they had to do something big to commemorate this milestone. What better way than to create a brand new metal? That's right, a one-of-a-kind alloy developed exclusively for the occasion!

It's called RUBEDO™ and is an amalgamation of silver, gold and copper, all fused together to create a rose gold-like metal that seeks to capture the warmth and glow of dawn's first light. Brilliant, right? I've never been a fan of copper/bronze/rose gold jewelry, but I have to be honest. The pieces are stunning and I'd wear any of them in a heartbeat.

Product images courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

All of the RUBEDO™ pieces are part of the Tiffany 1837™ designs collection, which means they have the engraved signature of founder Charles Lewis Tiffany along with the other symbols associated with the iconic jeweler.

They were generous enough to surprise me with the necklace pictured above (found here) which I adore, but I really love a lot of the other pieces as well. I seem to be drawn toward bracelets, so the cuffs are definitely a favorite! The interlocking bangles are also tempting!

The entire collection is available online, and you can check it out in person at their Fairfax Square location in Tyson's Corner. I can't promise you won't be tempted, but I can promise you won't be disappointed!

XO,
Alison

P.S. Don't you love the happy coincidence that my site/font colors match this post?! It's the little things.

Outfit Post : Chambray + navy

Shirt: J.Crew (similar), Skirt: Forever 21 (similar with a really cute bow!), Shoes: Guess, Belt: H&M (similar belt that I also have and love), Clutch: ASOS (similar), Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Cuff: Loehmann's, Bangle: Macy's (similar), Watch: Michael Kors

Ever since I pinned this picture the other day I've been inspired to put together a navy blue and denim combo. But instead of jeans, I decided to put my own twist on the look and do chambray instead. I also don't feel like this shirt gets enough love (can you believe I've only worn it on the blog once before!?) so I'm trying to give it its fair share!

Additionally, I love that this outfit can be dressed up or down based on your shoes. I went with heels, but this would be perfect for weekend errands if you swapped them out for a pair of flats. Ahh, versatility!

XO,
Alison

Tuesday Temptations : Spring knits

One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six

There are few things I love more than putting my heavy sweaters away for the summer. But the transition to warm weather sometimes has chilly moments, which is why I love spring knits. They're lightweight and perfect to pair with a pair of jeans and sandals or even shorts. So cozy!

Happy Tuesday!

-Alison

P.S. You can see these items and everything else I'm currently loving by stalking me on Currently Obsessed!

One Year

March 26, 2011 // March 26, 2012

I know Mondays are usually reserved for outfit posts, but today is kinda special.

A year ago on March 26, that handsome fella above and I said "I do." I knew before we even "made it official" at the ripe age of 18 that we would get married. And six years later, we did.

Vin - you're my comedian, my partner in crime, the love of my life and my best friend. Thanks for always treating me like a princess no matter what I force you to put up with. (Oh, and for always taking my outfit pictures. I feel like that's relevant to mention here.)

You're one of the most generous people I know (not to mention ridiculously smart) and you have such a kind heart. You are the type of person I want our future children to grow up to be like and it's truly an honor to be your wife.

Happy anniversary and I can't wait to see where we are in a year from now! I love you! XO

-Alison

P.S. If you'd like to get a little nostalgic with me, you can check out my wedding post here!

Purse Picks : Slither

Marc by Marc Jacobs Supersonic Snake Print Hillier Hobo ($208)

I'm all about bargain bags and always try to bring you something that's chic yet affordable. And sometimes that comes in the form of a great sale!

That is certainly the case with today's pick, the Supersonic Snake Print Hillier Hobo by Marc by Marc Jacobs. Originally $298, this beauty is currently marked down to $208 on Shopbop! Snake print is one of the most coveted patterns right now, so this bag will be perfect for summer and easily transition into fall.

And for those of us with the 9-5 routine, it's large enough to fit everything you tote around with you to and from the office. I mean, let's be honest. Some of these Purse Picks are more fun than practical (girls need options!), but I figure sometimes you might want to be able to carry more than just lipstick and half a debit card. Right?

Have a fantastic weekend! XO

-Alison

Photo credit: Shopbop.com

Recent Pin-spiration

Since I shared what's happening in my real life a little earlier today, I got the urge to share what's inspiring me in my virtual life with some pin-spiration! Enjoy :)

How amazing is this Inslee by Design print? I've been such a fan of hers for a while now and think this is my favorite drawing yet! So me!

All images from my Pinterest. Follow me here!

-Alison

Recent Happenings

1. Tulips!

2. New shoes to brighten up my spring footwear collection.

3. Neon and metallic polishes from American Apparel.

4. A helicopter landing at the Pentagon in the early morning. Such an awesome sight!

5. St. Patrick's Day feasting.

6. More flowers...can't get enough!

7. A new addition to the jewelry collection...more pave.

8. Fun wine-themed decorations for next to our wine rack.

Have a great day lovelies!

-Alison

All photos are from my Instagram. You can download the app on your iPhone (my username is allycog) or follow me here!

Outfit Post : Highlighter

T-shirt: J.Crew, Skirt and belt: Forever 21 (similar), Sandals: Target (similar), Clutch: c/o Francesca's Collections, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Bracelet: Banana Republic, Necklace: c/o Send the Trend, Bangle: Macy's (similar in silver), Watch: Michael Kors

This post was almost titled "construction worker green," but I decided that may not conjure up the classiest of images. Although, I don't think I'd have trouble blending in with a road crew in this tee!

I chose to tone down this, er, alarming color yesterday by pairing it with neutral browns for a look that's still bright and fun but not overwhelming. Especially on the first day of spring! I definitely foresee myself combining neons and neutrals through this season and beyond.

Happy Wednesday!

-Alison

Tuesday Temptations : I'm on a boat

One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven

Okay, not really. But I want to be!

I'm such a huge fan of nautical pieces - stripes, anchors, etc. - and these have me wishing summer was already here. Can't you envision wearing that striped tee with a pair of cutoff shorts? Or that adorable romper over your bathing suit?

I suppose I'm getting ahead of myself, though today is the first day of Spring, which means we're one step closer!

-Alison

P.S. You can see these items and everything else I'm currently loving by stalking me on Currently Obsessed!

Outfit Post : Referee

Blouse: Forever 21, Pants: Zara, Shoes: Bebe (and in black), Clutch: c/o Stephanie Johnson via Bloggers Night Out, Bangles: H&M, Bracelets: Forever 21 and Fornash, Watch: Michael Kors

This is the outfit I wore to the La Petite Marmoset anniversary party last week. It was such a blast and Katherine and Ashley have impeccable style, so I knew I wanted my look to be fun. The DSW fairy recently brought me these cobalt blue heels and it was an obvious choice to wear them with this blouse after finding it at Forever 21 (for $13.50!!!). And instead of throwing on a pair of regular old jeans, I reached for these slightly neon yellow jeans. It's a somewhat unexpected color combination but I'm totally loving it!

Also, these jeans may be my new favorites, as they're super comfy and versatile. I wore them on Saturday for some St. Patrick's Day celebrating with a green shirt which made them look...well...green! Depending on what you wear, it seems they can play tricks on you. But I'm happy with any article of clothing that adapts to the rest of you outfit!

I hope everyone had a good weekend and a festive St. Patrick's Day!

-Alison

Purse Picks : Not quite McQueen

Tobi Skulls and Scales Clutch ($45)

I'm all about getting the look for less. Of course I would always love to own the real thing, but sometimes your real budget gets in the way. This is especially true when it comes to purses or handbags, since many tend to carry (pun intended) a hefty price tag.

Needless to say, I was pretty stoked when I stumbled upon this clutch - which is strikingly similar to the one by Alexander McQueen that I drooled over at the Neiman Marcus event. It has the signature brass knuckles, plenty of skulls, and a fun python print to give it some texture.

I usually tend to stay away from something that can be considered a "knock off," but there are enough differences between the real McQueen and this clutch to make it noticeable. And many real, respected retailers - not just those purse guys hawking fake merchandise on the streets - are getting on the replica bandwagon. Even J.Crew recently made a handbag strikingly similar to the ever-popular Celine tote. Even though it still carries a decent sized price tag (especially if you get it in leather), it's a fraction of the thousands you'd spend for the real thing!

What are your thoughts on replica pieces? Yay or nay?

Have a fabulous weekend! XO

-Alison