New Shoes: My Favorite Styles for Spring/Summer

Whenever the seasons change it's always nice to update your wardrobe, and this past weekend I went a little crazy at DSW. Here are my most recent purchases and why I love these styles for spring/summer:

I used to love love LOVE converse so much that I wanted them in every color and style available. While that is a bit excessive, these classic basketball sneakers are fantastic! I've had them in colors ranging from black to red to green, but I was dying to switch things up and go with the understated and crisp look of a solid white Chuck Taylor. These are great because they seriously go with everything, whether you want to rock a casual denim look or a dress. I've also developed a preference for the high tops because they're more versatile. Since the shoe is canvas, you can either fold the edges down to get the look of a low-top or you can leave it as is. Either way these shoes are beyond comfortable, light and airy for the warmer weather, and are simple and crisp enough to pop against any outfit.

My next favorite is the sport sandal, this one being from Teva. Growing up, my dad used to rock sandals like these and when I visited Israel I saw my fair share of them. What's awesome about these kinds of sandals is that they can be worn for anything from hiking to a day at the beach. They come in a ton of different colors and styles but I prefer the originals. These can pretty much be worn with anything just like the converse. With the normcore trend making it's mark, shoes like these last two pair (as well as the next pair) are becoming a lot more mainstream. 

I am obsessed with unique flats and sandals. I really can't wear heels for too long unless they're THE perfect height so I love finding unique shoes that give my feet the comfort they need but are also super stylish. When I saw these online I knew I had to try them on, and in person they did not disappoint. These White Mountain sandals give you the perfect amount of cushion that you don't get from thin flat sandals. Plus, the unique criss-cross style seems like a modern and slightly artistic interpretation of a Japanese sandal. I purchased them in the black and white but they also come in a funky copper/rose gold color. 

The final style I'm loving for spring/summer is the cut-out bootie. This style has been out for a little while now and I do own a similar style, but this pair from Zigi Soho were too cool to pass up on (plus I got them for a great deal at DSW). I love wearing boots all year round, despite the nagging I got from my parents over the years. Sometimes a boot adds that edgy detail that your outfit really needs. Now with cut-out booties you can wear your boots all year round without your feet melting or "making foot soup" as my dad likes to say lol

Do you have any favorite shoes for this time of year? Let me know in the comments below!!

As always, thanks for reading<33

xxAlli

Purple

T-shirt:: From a benefit concert hosted at my high school

Skirt:: Thrifted - similar here and here

Shoes:: Z London booties

Necklace:: Belonged to my grandmother - similar here

Earrings:: bebe double hoops

Lips:: Airborne Unicron opaque lipstick with Pisces Zodiac Glitter on top, both by Lime Crime Cosmetics

If you haven't been able to tell, I'm a tad bit obsessed with the color purple. I used to love everything purple as a child, whenever someone would ask me what lollipop flavor I wanted my response was always "purple" (such a smart child huh? lol). This love for the color has carried over into my adult life and expanded. I like to play with all shades of purple from lavenders and lilacs to deep mauves.

Here I am playing with shades of purple, white, black and gold. I think that gold really pops against purple and it just so happens to also be my fraternities colors! - yes I was in a co-ed professional fraternity in school.

My look was actually built around this skirt. I chose to wear a crop top with it so that there wouldn't be so much fabric hanging on my body as the skirt is already very full. Crop tops are always fun, but when paired with a midi skirt the look becomes more balanced and sophisticated. A sliver of skin makes the look a little bit sexier without letting everything hang out. Shiny accessories and a bold lip complete this look giving it a fun and funky edge.

I hope you like it, and see you all Monday! Don't forget, just THREE days left to enter my contest!!

Thanks for reading<33

xxAlli

Pop of Color: Red

Vintage safari style jacket, Jonathan Simkhai top, Bullhead Denim from PacSun, Charlotte Russe heels - similar here, Aldo clutch - similar here

I don't know about you, but I love a look with one brightly colored piece. Wearing subdued colors really makes the piece pop. Here I chose to wear a new Jonathan Simkhai top that I received from my boss, it's 100% silk so it's light which makes it perfect for spring. I love that the maroon sleeves are a bit more sheer to add some detail and make it a little sexier. I paired it with a light wash pair of ripped jeans, nude heels and a safari jacket.

Don't forget, just one week left to enter my contest for a chance to win that $50 visa/mastercard gift card!

Thanks for reading!

xxAlli

IMATS NYC 2014

This past Sunday I went to the IMATS in NYC. It was my first time going and I'm hooked, I plan on going back next year! So many fantastic brands and youtubers, it was heaven filled with endless amounts of color!

I got to meet the truly outrageous, one and only Doe Deere of Lime Crime Makeup. She has a super funky style of prints and bright colors. I am obsessed with her style and the amazing makeup she makes. Her line is completely vegan and cruelty free and the color payoff is AMAZING. She has a ton of amazing products like velvetines which are liquid like a lipgloss and dry matte, the best eye primer I've ever used, and a ton of color lipsticks and eye colors. 

I also got to meet the super cute Amy from Sugarpill Cosmetics, another vegan and cruelty free line that has fantastic color payoff. Her line is mainly eyeshadows and eyelashes. She is like a little lolita always dressing up in super bright colors with a head of rainbow hair and beautifully bright makeup.

While I was there I also caught a glimpse of Jeffree Star and some youtubers like Makeup Geek.

For my makeup I did a very colorful look with lavender and pink eyebrows using a basic white pencil as the base, a lavender color from my 88 palette, and passionate from MAC cosmetics. On my lips I used the purple cloud from Portland Black Lipstick Co. which uses natural products in their lipsticks. Because I had such a colorful face I wanted to keep things simple so I wore all black. I found this beautiful peplum top from Club Monaco for just $35!! It was on sale with an additional 50% off, definitely a great steal!

After an amazing day filled with makeup and color and so many beautiful faces my friend and I enjoyed a burrito at a cute little Mexican restaurant on the way home. It definitely was a day to remember.

Don't forget! I have a contest going on right now where you could win a $50 gift card that can be used anywhere. Be sure to read my previous post for the complete details. As always, thanks for reading and Happy Friday!

xxAlli

Fashom: New Fashion App & $50 Gift Card Giveaway!

Remember when I said I had some exciting news for you? Well this is it!! I've been talking to a lovely rep from this fashion app called Fashom and it's definitely something you all NEED to check out.

Now I know that we've all seen tons of fashion apps out there in the blogosphere, and believe me I didn't think this would be very different from the rest. Let me tell you that I was wrong, this app does exactly what I think all fashion applications should do by allowing you to directly tag items in your photos with details from where you purchased it to links and prices. The best part about this app is that it was made for everyone from your average person posting an outfit to inspirational fashion bloggers and can be used on both your mobile device and your computer.

The transparency that is created by allowing you to directly tag your items with such detail makes outfit sharing soooo much easier for everyone! Plus you can find people sharing anywhere around the world in one simple platform! All you have to do is select a location on the world map provided within the application and you'll find all sorts of fashionistas in that area.

And now for the fun part...

How to win the $50 gift card!!! 

- Download the  free 'Fashom' app on your mobile device. It's available on both iTunes and Google Play.

- Follow _fashionALLI on Fashom. To find a user on the app, simply click on the magnifying glass on top of your profile. Select Show me users and type in _fashionALLI

- Post an outfit on Fashom. In the description space please include the hashtag #_fashionALLI

Terms & Conditions: Minimum 50 new participants must sign up for this giveaway. Only 1 winner will be selected. A winner will be chosen on April 28th on the “Best Outfit” post, selected by fashionALLI. fashionALLI or Sponsor may use the winner’s name, voice, likeness and/or prize information, without limitation, for promotional purposes without further consideration, review, approval or payment, where allowed by law. By participating in this promotion, entrants agree to be bound by the Official Rules and the decisions of fashionALLI and Sponsor, which are final and binding in all respects.

Sleeveless Collared Dress

H&M blazer - similar here, H&M sleeveless collar dress - similar here and here, Steve Madden wedges - similar here, Tumi briefcase

I don't know about all of you, but I am in love with sleeveless collared dresses. For some reason them make me think of the 1950s, something about them screams retro to me (of course in the 50's there was much more volume in the skirts of dresses). As much as I love running out in this dress on it's own, I wanted to dress it up so I added this structured blazer. Pairing a structured piece with a flowing dress such as this really plays up the best features of the dress. I love this look for a casual spring event or even for something business casual (preferably your legs aren't as long as mine or the skirt of the dress be a bit longer). Either way this look is fun and comfortable and can be made more casual with flats instead of heels or a cardigan instead of a blazer.

Hope you like the look and I'll see you all on Monday! Oh! And stay posted as I have a great surprise in the works for you next week :)

xxAlli

Borrowing From the Guys: Bermuda Shorts

bebe tunic - similar here, Gap denim button down - similar here, Faded Glory shorts - similar here, Aldo iPad carrier, bebe watch -similar here, converse low tops

I love looks that border the line between feminine and masculine. With this look I started with these basic black bermuda shorts. Personally I've had a love hate relationship with shorts like these, at times I think that they're super cute but if they're not the right cut than it just doesn't flatter my figure all that well. Since these shorts are fitted they look fantastic with a flowy top. Here I've tucked the top in a bit creating a slight disheveled look. Continuing with this more masculine theme I added some chucks to the look and a denim button down. I toned the look down with this clutch and red and pink lip. The look is simple and casual but can be dressed up with a pair of heels and the denim button down can be switched out with a blazer.

Hope you like it and as always thanks for reading!

xxAlli