Week 5ish Outfit: A cheesy link between clothes and love!

I might be on break from class...and Wednesdays might be a crazy, and depending on how positive I am feeling, dumb day of the week. So, between hopping from school, to work, to school I thought I would use this break to create something fun :)

This week's ensemble is another recycled piece blossomed into something classy, pretty, and comfy. Dresses are so great, they are usually airy, forgiving, and easily transformed and layered to create diverse looks- from chic to casual. This one could pass for a formal dance getup with the bedazzlement and fabric used. I was a little skeptical when I first decided to use this dress in a piece, I though it might be too "homecoming" "sequin" "halter" stocky looking, but I can admit my error 100%.

Shortly after this dress came in (just a department store dress priced at about $15 at Mosaic) a beautiful periwinkle blazer (retro Claiborne) came in with a rounded collar. I saw this same color glimmer on the dress and when the two met, it was meant to be. The cutesy blazer ($12 at Mosaic) was appearing more structured over the halter dress, showing off a little skin uptop near the shoulders. The shape of the dress was complemented by the softness of the jacket and the colors could not have been more stunning together. Just like when two people can complement each other's characteristics, these two pieces did just that. Any details that might have been a little loud on the dress were now soft and still popped without being overwhelming and the jacket created a look that can go from work to dinner out.

Both these pieces can also, of course be played with and worn in several different ways. For example, be bold and wear the whimsical dress out alone for dancing or just to sparkle. And, the blazer would be great with a bootcut pair of lightwash denim and pumps.

I wish the beauty of this outfit would show up clearer in this photo but it gives an idea :) Here you go!...

 On the far left is a splurge- Betsey Johnson's (about $170) and the pretty gray pumps on the right are Samanta Shoes for at least half the cost of Betsey's! The accessories can definitely be minimal, I found these gorgeous, dreamy posts on Etsey (from the seller AshleySpatula- check her out!)
  Have Fun! I hope you enjoyed :)
                                                                                                                                                       xoxo

Before Bed Time Blurb

Why is it that we feel the need to stress? Why max out our delicate systems that God designed so intricately? Whether it be school, work, family, life, sadness, or something even deeper- we promised Him that we would treasure what He has gifted us. Why not take advantage of our time right now in order to bring this joy to others? This, on many days, can seem easier said than done. Sure, some days are more than dandy and the sun seems to be shining brighter than ever, but there are times of fogginess, darkness, loneliness, fear, and confusion. I, myself have thought it to be impossible to break out of something seeming so horrible and long. I thank God, that even though it may not get better in a week, month, or years- with His help and those he places in my path I will bring my life to where it needs to be and keep moving. I was reading I Corinthians chapters 12-13, and it talks about our body being a whole piece made up of all necessary parts. If one part suffers, or for example is stressed to its limit, then the entire body will be stressed. This is when minds are lost and unknown actions and unwanted emotions may come to the surface. One day a week might be the only  "great" day defined by us, but is it not worth it to explore keeping all of these magnificent parts of ourselves healthy...God Bless and keep these thoughts in mind.

Love,
Allison

'Snack and A Movie'...and Recycling Clothing

Robin Hood Men in Tights with a dash...or two of dark chocolate covered raisins and attempted homemade fries that turned into crispy chips, and finding new ways to re-vamp sleepy and possibly neglected clothing :)

This film by Mel Brooks (who seems to appear many times in our home) requires you to not have the desire to learn anything but just relax...and the later you watch it the funnier it gets-easy peasy.
photo courtesy of moviefancentral.com


Dark chocolate raisins are self-explanatory, and to make myself feel better I suggest that they are healthy. But wait, in all honesty if you buy the dark chocolate yogurt covered raisins the sugar, fat, and overall calories are lower but whether you decide to care or not they are mmmhmmm.

The attempted homemade fries were just normal idaho potatoes thinly sliced into fries and chips and flavored with basil, a smidge of oil, salt, pepper, and some creole seasoning...just don't leave them in the oven too long :( Jake had gotten home from work and I guess I was just fluttering around and forgot about them; as sweet as he is, he used ranch, cheese, and lots of love to eat them all.

Lastly, just a little ditty about re-using clothing that might be hanging out in the back of your closet. I have so many different sized, colored, and shaped button-downs that I just didn't wear anymore and seemed fashion tired. But, then I found a coral tank by XXI and a leopard print blouse from my friend's grandma and paired them together to create a fun day look. It's accented with a gold chain link belt as a necklace. This is just a simple idea that can be taken to many different levels!



Have fun :)
xoxo

Week 3 Outfit: Spring Sunset

I put this outfit together at work a few weeeks ago, just when the sunshine began coming back into our lives after a long enough winter. Now, I have brought it back from inspiration during my trip down here in Texas. The weather is just lovely, warm during the day, not hot and cools down slowly in the evening. These pieces allow for a dressy casual feel but keep just enough covered as not to get chilly. It's the boyfriend jean, non-business cute blazer, pop top mixture that makes this easily moveable from day to night and dinner to early cocktails.

 

The Blazer is a black Elie Tahari blazer with military-esque, gold buttons...Blouse underneath is a MKM Designs, olive green tank with slitted bottom and gold swirled and spotted designing...Clutch is a Whiting and Davis gold and silver ivory studded and sequined bubble clutch (one of their crossbody clutches sold for $13 at Mosaic!)...Shoes are Dolce Vita "Banks," gold flats...Necklace is retro gold chained tassle pendant ($8 at Mosaic!)...Denim is classic Levi "slouch fit" (an allison-ism), rips were individually done-personally I wouldn't make such big holes but just emphasize the ditressed look :)

I hope you have fun with this look and experiment with some new ideas! Have a beautiful day,

xoxo

Up and Coming

Yes, I admit my weeks tend to last more than the standard 7 days. I think everyone does have a week here and there that seems to stretch for much longer than intended, and sometimes if we're fortunate they feel like only a couple days. But, I am on break and in Dallas again so I will be more conscious of posting...thank you to the sunshine which seems to know how to make me feel motivated and giddy :)
Week Three Outfit will be premiering shortly! See you soon,
xoxo

I'm Sailing Away...Styx Reference and Week 2 Outfit: popped collar included

Hello Darling,

         I hope your week has blossomed into a fabulous weekend and as much as the snow sparkles I am ready for spring to warm us all up...so, this week's outfit will be the first, but not the last of nautical, ralph lauren feeling, relaxed, clean colors, mixed patterns, water, good smells, fun time themed. Shew Whee!

This look just has a taste of the nautical sense but is something that I could see being worn primarily during the day, sunshine recommended. But, then I read what I just wrote and it makes me make a face...there aren't any rules. This is an outfit that I could envision taking you through a day of shopping, galavanting, boating...to throwing on some pumps maybe changing out the jacket to a slouched tux blazer or something fun!

I had originally paired this with some Juicy Couture, navy, burlap flats with white rope finish and some fun detailing (retail about $170 v. $38 at our store-Mosaic) but then I had an affair with these beauties...

    Also From Juicy Couture, these are just a fun beachy

combo of platforms and wedges all rolled together

with braided rope and one of my favorite colors-camel :)

PS: The skirt is a sweet little navy and white thick striped basic cotton skirt from XXI. The "shirt" tucked in is actually a red and white thin striped, sleeveless mini dress with roping laced in front- our's came from a little boutique but I have seen similiar fits and styles at H&M and Ralph Lauren. The denim jacket is a classic Levi Strauss lightwash mid-length style just with the sleeves rolled up a smidge 50s-esque. And, of course those silver chunks in the front :)...this is just one of those fun finds that makes your day. These were strands of probably thick plastic silver oblong beads linked together and had some hammered detailing on them. They are 80ish but have been so versatile in styling at the store and are a lot of fun! 

Restrictions: hahaha, none- if you don't live by water or it's yucky outside, make a beach playlist (I have ones actually entitled: 'Beach' and 'I Want it to be Warm Outside'), create some tropical smoothie recipes, rent Gidget (Sandra Dee or Sally Field versions both acceptable) and light a coconut lime verbena candle. Have a relaxed and sizzling weekend :) 

XOXO

Valentine's Day, Sugar!

Roses are Red

Violets are Blue

Sugar is Sweet

and so we get extra on Valentine's Day!

Whether you might enjoy this time with the love of your life by romance, watching Charlie Brown with family, sipping champagne and playing games with friends, or just having a sweet day (all of these are wonderful ideas and via experience, very successful)---everyone could use some extra sugar. I ran accross this recipe after baking with another that was very similiar. But, my recipe is more of a brownie texture and I was hoping for a sugar cookie feel to make cutouts. This delicious formula comes from the blog smittenkitchen (very fun-please check out!) and, as the author states, this recipe goes back to basics...and yumminess.

Ready? :)

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup lightly salted butter, softened (baker's note: use one stick salted, one stick unsalted)

1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Mix dry flour, salt and baking powder in bowl and set aside. Combine butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and cocoa in mixer. Gradually add flour mixture, and mix until smooth. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least one hour. (My note :/ DO NOT chill for too long. I chilled the dough overnight and when I brought it to room temp and attempted to roll it, it cracked the whole time, learn from my silliness)

Roll out cookie dough on floured counter. Cut into desired shapes, brushing extra flour off the top. (It does disappear once baked, though, so don’t fret if they go into the oven looking white.) Bake on a parchment-lined or sprayed baking sheet for 7 to 10 minutes until the edges are firm and the centers are slightly soft and puffed.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Another little note: don't be afraid to roll these thick, they are tough cookies and can take it...ohhh my :)

And, more importantly-- have fun, spill some flour, turn on music that you can sing to when no one is home and consistently taste test while decorating.

Here are a few of mine:

 

 I hope you enjoy this recipe and the decorating that follows! Have a beautiful day :)

xOxO