Shoe Candy... err, Porn

I swear I get 40+ emails a day from various brands with sales, promotions, new products, you name it. While I delete a good majority, there's some enticing enough to get me to hit the "open" button. And, there's one today that I must share with you.... the glitter, the glam, the satin, the nudes, the red soles, the simple perfection. Mmmmm. Breathe it in...

Can you resist?? Just because we all can't afford to buy it doesn't mean we don't deserve our daily dose of eye candy (or shoe porn, as rosy + tart refers to it! LOVE that term! ha)!

Louboutin

Outfit: A Very Casual Work Day

I'm not sure if I've totally shared what I do besides the blog.... in addition to starting TAGG in July (the best decision ever! yay!), I started two months later a pr/marketing/social media/etc company (I've been a busy gal!).

Prior to about eight months ago, I spent the past 10 or so years working somewhere, some office, some place I had to go to in at least business casual attire. Now? I work from our home office. No one knows if I'm working in my pjs, a ball gown or a suit! And, I guess neither do you as I type this. :)

On the particular day last week when we took these pics, just had a quick lunch date with a friend and then back to the grind. My short-sleeve gray cardy is a total wardrobe fave. It's super comfy, versatile and fits perfectly. And, I had just purchased these boots and basically had no choice but to wear them. My feet were craving them. At that moment, an outfit was created. Plus, you'll notice these are my go-to-skinnies; they're here, here... and here!

While I wanted to share this casual look with you, my smart, gorgeous, determined little girl had other ideas (check out that packed-to-the-rim grocery cart in the last shot that was being driven everywhere!). She gave daddy about 30 seconds to get some quick pics before our moment was done. Hope you understand!

 cardy / skinnies / pendant necklace: forever 21

striped tee: bdg from urban oufitters

boots: wanted from loehmann's

bracelet: sworovski

white-leather band watch: michael kors

yellow coffee cup: crate & barrel circa 2004 (on our wedding registry!)

Beauty VIP: A Face Fave

You know that product you've been using since you were a teenager that you can't give up? Sometimes it's necessary to loosen the reigns because there are better products out there, but sometimes: stick with what works!

That's how I feel about St. Ives Facial Scrub. It's not only a fave of moi, Allure named it a best beauty product as have countless other mags and beauty blogs.

It perfectly (and not to harshly) exfoliates.... cleaning my pores and preventing blech breakouts. Not sure if you're supposed to use it every day but I do.

Oh, use it elsewhere too... I give my arms some St. Ives love, too, and they always thank me for it!

If you're one of a few who haven't given this lovely scrub a whirl, test it out. It's available everywhere and under $5. Why spend four times as much when there's perfection in this little white bottle? Yay.

xoxo

Oscar Noms: Have you seen 'em?

If you're like any average, typical gal, you'll be parked on a couch or comfy seat come tonight ready to take in the delectable, breathtaking and totally enviable looks strutting down the red carpet, followed by the awards show. I have high hopes for Anne and James leading it this year; they're both fabulous! As for the films, maybe this happens every year, but it feels like there's so much hype this year! Am I right?? Maybe it's that last year I had a 3-month old and wasn't into it?! That could be! Ha. Who had time for a movie. Well this year, there's such intensity and wonder... it's almost like the Golden Girls trying to come to a unanimous decision! Impossible!

This season I'm proud to say I've seen most of the movies up for best film. I'm slightly sad I haven't YET seen Black Swan but I'm going to, even if it means me going to the theatre by my lonesome. Me, big bag of buttery popcorn and an intense film everyone is talking about. What's taking me so long??

Best film nominations:

Black Swan / The Fighter / Inception / The Kids Are All Right / The King's Speech / 127 Hours / The Social Network /

Toy Story 3 / True Grit / Winter's Bone

So tell me... who's your pick??
{my vote goes to The King's Speech, though The Social Network is a close second}

Forget Cake...

Forget cake...

HAVE YOUR CUPCAKES,

AND EAT THEM, TOO!

photo credit: mary ruffles



Here's to a wonderful, delicious, frosting-filled weekend!
xo
-- alyson

Shoe love: Dolce Vita for Target

I've received a lot of love regarding the sandals I wore on my recent TV appearance. Rightfully so! Have to say these Dolce Vita for Target sandals rock my wold, and they should rock yours for Spring, too. They give great height, are comfy and are super "in" for Spring. The wedge and stacked heels are totally 70s yet modern at the same time. Best of all, they have a zipper on the back (so fun!) and look like they should cost at least three times more than they do. Love when upscale brands do it up for Tarjay! DV sandals are usually $120 and up.

Check these out, and remember, if you spend more than $50 on qualified purchases (almost everything is) on Target.com, shipping is FREE! Easy enough to find accessories, beauty/make-up, etc., a few layering tanks or even household supplies. Might as well! Enjoy these... you're going to live in them!

Dolce Vita for Target Rope Wedge Sandals, $29.99

Also available in Black, Nude, Cognac

Two other Dolce Vita for Target looks worth checking out...

Cork Wedge Sandals in Pewter, $29.99

Also available in Black, Brown, Gold and White

Silver Wedge Sandals, $24.99

Also available in gold and pewter.



Outfit for my FIRST TV Appearance

I'll try not to gush too much but I'm over-the-moon excited that I've had my first TV appearance as The Average Girl's Guide. And, who do I have to thank? YOU! Without awesome readers, commenters, tweeters, Facebook-ers and feedback-ers, I wouldn't be here today. I have a lot more women I'd love to reach, but in just seven months or so, I'm ecstatic that I've had the chance to meet all of you.

So back to the TV appearance: I was on our local CBS12 affiliate with the amaze and super professional Eric Roby and Suzanne Boyd. Check it out here!!!! They made me so comfortable, and Suzanne even let me borrow some of her blush and lipstick in the make-up room. The sweetest!

I wore this look to look professional, and show some trends for Spring in a not to over-the-top way. I'm wearing a wider leg jean (I had been living in my skinnies) and wedge sandals (70s theme), a cross-body bag, florals and stripes and lace. And, check out my "necklace" -- I'm not actually sure if it's supposed to be a bracelet or what, but I threw it around the neck and it worked. Think about new uses for things; this also could be adorable tied around a bag to give it a fresh look (for under $6!).

Best of all about this experience: they invited me back! Next week, as we approach warmer Spring time weather with shorts and bathing suits, I'll share ways to get your chocolate fix without loads of calories; miracle!

ps: obsessed with the back-zipper detail! also available in black.

blazer: gap

stripe/lace top: forever 21

jeans: vigoss studio (oldies from my closet)

wedge sandals: dolce vita for target

necklace: h&m

flower ring: forever 21

side-body bag: steve madden from loehmann's

again, check out my appearance here! If it doesn't come up right away,
just look for it in the list on the right-hand side.
Thanks again lovelies!

5 Must Haves: to be Camera Ready

Meet Dori. She's one of my oldest friends: we met during the high school years, became sorority sisters at UF and now, lifelong friends. I think she's truly amazing. She's smart, gorgeous, talented and tells the best stories (trust me when I tell you this girl doesn't forget a detail). I wish we got to see each other more often because it's the best. You know those few friends who it just clicks every time you see each other? That's us. We laugh, we shop, we gossip, we have the best time.  We're known as DorAl, just like Brangelina, of course. Lol, don't judge. But back to the stuff more relevant to this post... 

Did I happen to mention she's kinda famous? Yeah, she is! I'm so proud of her. She's worked her way up the tv ranks and is now an evening anchor for the CBS station in the Capital Region (that's the Albany, New York area). I have high hopes she'll make it back to the Sunshine State, but until then there's always that game of phone tag we love!

Since she's on TV every day, I figured who better to give make-up insight! Her skin has to look flawless daily -- especially now that there's HD! -- so here she is with...

5 must haves, in her words... to be Flawlessly Camera Ready!

First things first: this is probably going to sound like a big sales pitch for MAC makeup. And I apologize for that. But overall, when it comes to being camera-ready, whether for video or still, their products really ARE among the best when it comes to being effective and efficient.

MAC, Studio Tech

For starters, their Studio Tech can pull double-duty as both a concealer and foundation. I apply with a foundation brush to make sure it's even and smooth.

Sheer pressed powder

We all know how being "shiny" can ruin a photo. Don't you hate that -- when everyone else looks fab, but you think you look so slimy and gross?! I've found that using sheer pressed powder, MAC's in particular, is the best way to get rid of the shine and get a truly flawless finish. But it's not just the product itself that matters; it's also the application. Instead of using the included puff applicator, use a large makeup brush to apply the powder more lightly and evenly. A little goes a long way.

Too Faced eye shadow palette

I used to be the WORST about knowing where different eye shadows are supposed to go on the lid, and which shades are meant to compliment one another. That is, until I discovered the "Natural Eye" palette from Too Faced. It offers the perfect neutral combinations for day, night and fashion, as well as helpful cards showing you exactly where each shade for each look is applied on the lid. Totally foolproof -- and totally one of my favorite makeup finds yet.

Eyeliner - Almay / MAC

Every woman has their one type of makeup item they can't live without, the one item they "have" to have on before they leave the house. Without a doubt, mine is eyeliner. If I'm running errands on the weekends, it's just a quick once-over of an Almay retractable liner. For work and all those camera-ready occasions, it's MAC's Fluidline gel liner. The. Best. Using a flat brush that's rinsed and dried every time, line both top and bottom as close to the lash-line as possible.

MAC lip products

When it comes to lips, three products get the award for "Best Supporting Role." Find your signature shade of lipstick, lip liner and lip gloss, that are all relatively neutral but have a little pop. For me, it's a coating of MAC's Viva Glam V lipstick, followed by an outline of MAC's Spice lip pencil, and a swipe of MAC's Viva Glam V Lipglass on top. All three are pretty universally flattering shades, so get ready to pucker up for some fun kissy-face pics!

A New Jewelry Obsession

Incase you haven't heard yet of JewelMint, it's the Kate Bosworth jewelry line and club, where similar to sites like Shoe Dazzle, you join (for free) and every month they recommend to you different pieces that are just $29.99 each... with free shipping. And, no need to buy every month...just purchase when you can't help yourself, or tell them you're passing! I love Kate's perennial chic, carefree style so was excited to check out her new line. Have seen it in different style mags and one of my favorite bloggers, Grace from Stripes and Sequins, said she ordered and loved.

This post was actually going to come at you in another week or two (trying to space out the excitement, lol) but today I received an email to get a whopping 60 percent off one item, for newbies only! You must check this site out. What's cool is that when you join, you answer four or five quick questions that help the site determine your style. This way, they recommend items to you that's perfect for... you! Suuhh---weeet!

With today's deal, I ordered the Lovers' Locket I've been eyeing. How sweet is this? Up close, it has a gorgeous antique look, yet it's modern with the single chain to the heart. And, I've totally dying for soft, long chains like this.

To redeem the 60 percent off on your first piece, while it lasts, use code FIRST60 when you check out on the site. Let me know what you find!

xo - Alyson

Trend: Cross-Body Bags

How fabulous are these? While they're not for everyone, and not even for every person all the time, I absolutely j'adore the functionality of a bag I can toss over my bod and not have to worry about. While some are too teeny tiny, and some look like messenger bags I wore while trekking across campus while at UF forever ago, there are so many adorable, affordable looks. I recently just purchased a dark beige/neutral from Loehmann's and I'm loving it!

How perfect is this when you're shopping when you need your hands free? Whether it's at the mall or the grocery store, it's so perfectly ideal. And, an extra set of hands if you're a hot mama? Sign me up! Just be sure to not go too enormous; you don't want to add weight in the hind section if you know what I mean. And, no need to wear it across your body all the time; it's totally in (and comfortable!) to wear it hanging from one shoulder.

Here are just a few I'm totally loving right now:

Lucky, Embroidered Sunset, $129.

Lulus, Little Brown Postal Purse, $26.50

Treesje Gypsy Platinum (also in Black), $198.00

The Sak, Pax Leather Foldover Flap Shoulder Bag, $77.99 (orig. $149)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnkey (other colors available), $158.

Steven by Steve Madden, BPal Convertible Cross-Body, $58.97 (reg. $97)

Quick Bites: Godiva Pearls

First, a little business: Congrats to SCD from What You See and Laurelann from Opinionated Girl vs. Wild, Wild World for winning The Give Bag package! Contact me with your address and we'll get them sent out ASAP! Now, to today's post...

As I think you know by now, this gal loves her chocolate. I love it dark, with caramel, with almonds and hazelnuts, with marshmallows, with crazy spices, you name it! I'll gladly try it. However, while chocolate might taste delicious it's not always doing my hips a favor. Since this gal is trying to lose a few lbs, Godiva Chocolate Pearls have become my new best friend. How cute are these little babes??

I first tried them a few years ago at an airport, and was immediately hooked, yet I could not -- for the life of me -- find them locally. I haven't give it much thought recently until just two days ago in the Charleston airport, what did I see? Godiva Chocolate Pearls! Packaged in perfectly sized containers for on-the-go deliciousness, the pearls are come in about six flavors. So far I've discovered white chocolate, dark chocolate (my fave!), dark chocolate with mint (like a morsel of a Thin Mint? yum!), dark chocolate with  mandarin orange, milk chocolate and milk chocolate cafe latte. You can buy them online in packs of six (or 18! Some people must really love them), otherwise shops sell them individually.

Packaged in these "take-with-me" tins, they're perfect for on-the-go for for a tiny after-dinner treat without the gilt. The entire container has 220 calories and 14 stinky grams of fat, however three or four of these mini pearls gives me the chocolate taste I need for probably less than 30 calories. SOLD! I keep them in my purse and in the pantry, too. Plus, the hubs is a huge fan, too! Maybe that pack of 18 is for me?! Hah.

Indulge away!
Have you tried them? What do you think?

Outfit: Charleston Chill Factor

Brrr; that's the sound of a Florida girl in temperatures below 72. Haha, just kidding, though it was an adjustment packing for Charleston with the lows predicted in the 30s and the highs in the 50s. I'm not so used to the efficient layering process you northern gals do, where there's a super adorable blouse underneath seven other layers! I need a lesson. :)

In the meanwhile, I'm trying to manage. Here is a sampling of a few outfits from our trip. Tried to keep it cute and casual while keeping warm. Though I did have the seat warmer to help me with that. I swear that's the best car invention ever. My next car WILL have one! As for our trip, it was awesome and luckily it wound up warmer than expected... I even took the coat off a few times. I 100 percent recommend Charleston for a little getaway. We loved it! And, a special thanks to my beyond-wonderful hubs who kindly bared with me as we took all these pics. It is a process that I'm very appreciative of. If you know him, give him an extra thanks for moi!

 sweater & necklace: forever21 / scarf: israel market / jeans: gap / suede boots: nine west /

bathub: courtesy of our room!

sweater & necklace: forever 21 / scarf & bag: gap / leggings: trouve / boots: mossimo / stuffy nose: me :(

black blouse: express via tjmaxx / necklace: j. crew / white pants: ag jeans via goodwill (!), clutch: nine west / heels: kenneth cole

perfection.

My Charleston Swag

While in Charleston I was tantalized by so many fun finds. There's an awesome market every day where you can find everything from spices and jewelry to home-made creations you didn't think could exist. Loved it. Plus, there's tons and tons of other fun shops to fill your days. I was so good, not buying any lovely items from J. Crew, Gap and other stores we have at home. I found just a few things... showing you them here!

Purple above-the-knee socks, American Apparel. After hearing about these, I believe from the talented gal behind I Spy DIY, a few months back, I've been wanting these like it's nobody's business. Funny: I guess because I'm not even 5'4 they're go all the way up the leg, so I had fun parading around the hotel room in these! Plus, ideal for Florida? Negative. It was 80 degrees today! Who cares.

Rose gold chain-link-style bracelet: LOVE! Found this at the market for a mere $10, when I've seen similar ones for twice as much and way more than that. Grace from Stripes and Sequins posted one recently. Rose gold is a new fave. Can't wait to wear this.

Chocolate Cow Tales: YUM! Have you had these? Totally random... they were in the Moon Pie Store (which is a silly "must visit" because of all the old school candy they sell and an photo opp to sit on the moon; wait for tomorrow. hehe). Chocolate with a cream filling. So good, and so hard to find near me.

Spices from Edna's: A super popular stand at the Charleston market packed with hundreds of fresh spice bags, and authentic Low Country fare. We went for the spices: Sexy and Sassy (garlic, parsley, cayenne, crushed oregano, basil, tomatoes, celery, salt and onion), and then Edna's marinade and her special Market Mix.

Mario Badesco facial spray: I heard great things about this spray with aloe, herbs and rosewater from Katherine Lande, a previous guest poster who also runs Les Luxes, a fashion, style and beauty blog. It's so refreshing (and a bargain at just $7.00!).

Some outfit posts from my trip coming your way on Monday... xo.

Having an "I Feel Cute" Day!

This is kinda nerdy to admit:
                                 I feel really cute today!
And, then, it makes me think: I hope you do too!

I spent a casual afternoon with my little girl, the hubs and his parents at ArtiGras, a fun art festival near me in Palm Beach Gardens (just north of West Palm Beach). I wore a semi-casual tank but one I'd often "save" for a night out or when there's a reason. But, why do I do that? Why do all of us do that? I know you have cute clothes in there yet I see so many gals wearing a blah cotton shirt or tank. If you're going to do that, please doll yourself up with a few fun accessories.

You deserve to feel cute, make that freaking adorable, every day!

Here's a similar version to what I wore today (exact Forever 21 tank in navy; thank heaven for lace and stripes for just $9.50 and the Gap flats in fuchsia. Own similar versions of everything else).

Casual afternoon by Aly2121 featuring lace tops

Stripe & Lace Tank
$9.50 - forever21.com
Lace tops »

Life In Progress™ Saddle Skinny Jeans
$25 - forever21.com
Patch jeans »

Gap The City Flat
$28 - gap.com
Flat shoes »

Rebecca Minkoff Inspired Love Letter Cross Body Bag Brown
$60 - mimiboutique.com
Shoulder bags »

forget-me-knot pendant
$28 - madewell.com
Brass jewelry »

black glitter background
hurtowniabrokatu.pl

Brand Love: Boden

I get about a million magazines and newspapers each month. Between some unused airline miles that forced us into about a dozen magazine subscriptions and my job in PR where I subscribe to everything and anything my client might be in, we get a lot. And, then there's catalogues. While many new ones don't catch my eye, I was immediately drawn to Boden's bright, bubbly cover with clothes that literally POP off the page. I was hooked. I devoured their entire Spring 2011 collection, enjoying not only the clothes but the creative, mix-and-match styling each look received.

While many of us are in gloomy, cold climates that practically force us into lots of black and grey, Boden is so refreshing right now. A UK brand, they've been in the US for a few years. How have I not heard of them?! Have you? To me, there's a slight J. Crew and LOFT feel going on, but at the same time, way different and wonderful.

Check out just a few of their looks here. There's gazillions more on their site at all price points. I could have posted loads of glorious striped tops and way more of their accessories. Right now, they're offering 15 percent off, plus free shipping and returns. Fun!

Happy Friday, gals. Live is up this weekend... and add some color! xo

  

 

Jersey Top Dress, $83.30

 

 Ruffle Top,  $49.30

 

Women's Neutral Knot Wedges, $125.80

Printed Cotton Top, $49.30

  Cropped Chinos, $57.80

Collarless Ruffle Shirt, $49.30 

Petal Clutch, $108.80