Outfit: Movie (Semi-Blind) Date Night

Blog "outfit" update: I'm going to start posting a weekly compilation of my daily outfits to give you a real look at what this gal wears (thanks to so many FB friends for the encouragement).  I work full-time from home so prepare yourself that the outfits will range from business to casual (think pjs!)... hey, that's me for ya!

Today's outfit: DOUBLE DATE NIGHT!
We recently enjoyed dinner and a movie on a 'semi-blind date' where my husband knew the guy, but I hadn't met him or his wife. Always makes me a little anxious and eager to meet new people.
Wanted to be casual yet cute since we were doing Thai for dinner and then seeing The Hangover II.

I started with a pair of leopard flats that I've been constantly wearing after recently scoring them at a thrift store (thanks to Jodi from Live FabuLESS for sharing her local spot!).
Paired it with this chambray tunic, dark jeans, my fave accessories (inc. my new white MK watch - obsessed!), and ta-da! Outfit complete.


I should mention that we had the best night with this new couple. And, the wifey? A blogger! And, a super sweet, adorable one at that!  Seriously, very exciting for moi. (Shout out to Lauren from Baylor Says, an awesome interior design lifestyle blog that also features funny little musings from her little boy, Baylor).

PS: Have I ever mentioned my popcorn addiction? It's brutal.
And, it's in full effect at the theatres.
Luckily, I absolutely refuse to pay the crazy prices for a popcorn and soda. I often bring snacks (even a mini bag of popcorn! haha) but sometimes I treat myself to a theatre kid's pack. Just $5.25 for this deliciousness -- and great portion control! Perfect amount of popcorn, soda and skittles, oh my!
(PS: Monster thank you to the hubs who takes my photos including this one in the theatre! He's the best!)

tunic: old navy / cami: gap / jeans: loehmann's / flats: kitson l.a. - thrifted / bag: lv /
watch: michael kors / heart locket: jewelmint / leather bracelet: tory burch

Wishing all you gorgeous ladies a very Happy Monday!

So Flattered: First Bloggie Award, Seven Fast Facts & Paying it Forward!

Guess which girl is flattered? THIS ONE! I've just received my first mini blogger award. Called the Versatile Blogger Award, the adorable, super-talented Hallie from Coral & Cognacs bestowed this upon me. Check it out here.

As part of the award, I'm supposed to link to the person who awarded it to them, write seven facts about themselves, and award it to seven other bloggers.

Here goes with my seven fast facts:

1. I have an incredible, smart, smiley little 16-month daughter, Sarah, with my amazing hubs, Adam. He also doubles as my photographer extraordinaire for my outfit posts on the blog.

2. I love booty-shaking music, and know words to more 90s booty rap songs than most would care to admit. Should one come on... watch out: tis girl's a breakin' it down!
3. I'll be a whopping 31 years old on Friday.
4. I could eat sushi breakfast, lunch and dinner.
5. I have a master's degree. For those who are interested, in mass comm with a speciality in strategic communication.... and there was a two-year hiatus between the coursework and thesis (finished less than two years ago). Ok, not quite a fast fact but I'm so happy to have the degree -- and have that thesis behind me! -- that I have to share! haha
6. Thinks Fresca soda combined with vodka tastes pretty awesome (and is a low-cal cocktail!)
7. The blog is my side business... and a total passion. By day, I own a pr/marketing/social media company that I started in the Fall and work from home.

And, check out these seven bloggers who totally define versatility and overall fabulousness:

1. Stripes & Sequins
2. Bon Bon Rose Girls
3. Much Love, Illy
4. Sandy a la Mode
5. Haute Lunch
6. Blonde Episodes
7. Budget Babe

Thanks again to Hallie of Corals & Cognacs!

Five Blogger Loves, and a Little Something More

Today's post hits less about fashion, food, deals, fun & more, and a bit more of a double dose... a little about what I've discovered in just a few months since starting this shiny new blog and then five blog recs that are totally worth adding to your daily read:

1. I started this blog because I felt all of us gals -- all of us average, typical, awesome, everyday gals -- were looking for the same tips, tricks and insights to help us live even better, more fabulous and fashionable lives. I know I benefit from seeing style inspiration from another gal (that's why I started my outfit posts), from hearing about their favorite products (hence the 5 must haves column each Thursday!), from discovering, pre-tested, healthy and delicious meals (my Tuesday posts) and way more. I love this thing called blogging; if I can encourage one of you ladies to try a new bold color, test out a new recipe or score an awesome deal, I'm truly ecstatic. And, I LOVE hearing about it (hint, hint). This blog has also connected me to so many women I would have never met, which seems like a damn shame. So, so glad I met you!

2. Many of the women I've met are fellow bloggers: talented, smart, hysterical, gorgeous women around the country who I feel fortunate to have met, if only via Twitter or Facebook. I follow them on Google Friend Connect, eat up their posts and adore chatting with them. And, I want you to meet them, too. Every few weeks, I'll share with you a few women I've met. I hope you take time to check out what they have to say. It's worth it. Promise. I have good taste, right?



Saucy Glossie



Saucy Glossie: One of the most stunning gals who crazy enough, is also a total sweetheart. She regularly shares outfit posts of herself throughout NYC and the globe. Her photos are gorgeous, and she has a total knack for mixing high and low fashion.

Bon Bon Rose Girls: Fashion, decor and everything in between, they're a must-read if you like my blog. Unknowingly, the idea of my blog is quite similar to theirs, yet they got started about a year and a half before me! The two gals, one in Tampa and one in Annapolis are always posting something I'm dying to read. I'm particularly a fan of when they share new fashion trends (with yummy suggestions, too), and they have some awesome giveaways, which are not only fun to enter, it exposes you to a new brands. A captivating site.

The Looks for Less: The name says it all... she finds you the designer looks for less! And, she does a damn good job of it. She also gives entire outfits for less, using a celeb's look as inspiration. And, there's Manicure Mondays, with instructions on how to recreate her enviable nail candy.

The Suburban Mom: A mom-must! She keeps me up-to-speed on all the latest deals and discounts, mostly mom and kiddie related, new finds, and also shares fun stories and insights about her adorable little one, K. She, (along with her sweet, tech-savvy hubs!) have been total lifesavers to me as I started my blog. They've answered way too many questions and helped me out of many frustrating situations. I'm forever thankful!

A recent DIY bracelet on
Stripes & Sequins.

Stripes & Sequins: A semi-newbie blogger like me, she's a total DIY inspiration, coming up with homemade jewelry that J. Crew insiders would covet. Like her name, she has a love of stripes and sequins (me too!), and is frequently posting fresh fashion looks, her favorite products and instructions for her DIY projects. After a post about her outfits at Sundance, I'm seriously obsess about a pair of Sorel boots with fur (problem: I live in South Florida!). Stay tuned to my blog on Thursday: she's a 5 must-haves guest blogger!


Have a great weekend ladies!

xo
Alyson
(don't want to forget about reading my posts: click the google friend connect on the right of the screen, and find me on Facebook or Twitter!)