April Showers... Require Rain Boots

A wonderful Facebook friend, Jill, mentioned what's now eons ago (sorry, Jill!) that she was on the hunt for rain boots. Since I've seen a number of adorable pairs -- and because I'm a great person of course! -- I'm sharing with everyone my finds since we're in rainy season.
The major rain boots questions: do you go with neutral black, navy, brown or even yellow or red, possibly investing in the perfect pair of Hunters ($125ish)? Or, do you mix it up with a fun, lively pattern? Decisions, decisions! While I'd probably get two (keep in mind I have none! ha) -- one basic and one more colorful -- in the spirit of a lively Spring, I'm throwing out some fun patterns!

Target, Women's Small Flower Amanda, on sale $22.99 (reg. $29.99)

Target has about 100 more patterns! Click here for more.
 

See by Chloe, Animal Print Lace-Ups, $150.15 (reg. $215)

Bearpaw, Ashland, $50.95 (was $64.95; free shipping)

 

Kamik, Janis, $60.00

Target, Zebra Rain Boots, on sale $19.99 (reg. $24.99)

PS: Target has about 100 more patterns! Click on this link and search around!

And, if you insist on going neutral, add texture like with this black croc print I totally j'adore!

Sperry Top-Sider, Pelican Boot (comes in 10 other fab patterns/solids), $60 (reg. $75)

Are you a rain boot gal? Share your favorites!

I met Tory Burch!

I'm not sure if exclamation points are acceptable in headlines but this one deserve it. I had the wonderful (and pretty damn lucky!) opportunity to meet designer extraordinaire Tory Burch during a public appearance at the Saks at The Gardens Mall.

The story: Tory had a public appearance and knew I couldn't miss it. I learned from a twitter bff (@wpettis!) that Tory was already at Saks so I raced out of the house only to arrive to a private luncheon! What the?! How did I not know?! :( I was sad for a moment and then I hear... "Alyson!" An awesome friend-of-a-friend, Brooke, waved me in from her table near the entrance. Turns out there was an empty seat at her table, so fast forward a few minutes, I take it! I wind up with a glass of wine, some lunch, a semi-private viewing of the stunning new collection and the chance to talk to meet fabulous ladies around the table. Yay to Brooke... the TAGG hero of the day (and to a gal named Laura who decided not to show, lol)!

Now, we notice Tory has arrived, and is seated nearby. I tell those around me that I'm dying to say hi, crazy Twitter stalking her all-day (really, sad but true!) and want to introduce myself for the blog. I take another swig of white wine, muster the courage, and walk my sweet self up and said hi! To Tory. Burch!

Let me tell you ladies... she's as sweet as they say! She's soft spoken and lovely. I mentioned to her the blog, asking what she recommends to all of us for her favorite affordable place to shop. Since she said Topshop (London-based brand with just one store in NYC), I asked her for #2. Her answer? H&M. I know not all you gals have it, but it's expanding so hopefully it will make it your way soon. We got it here recently and it's the BEST.



Me giving her a TAGG business card; man, I'm a nerd. :)

I also asked her to share one item of hers worthy of investing in, and she quickly replied the Robinson Satchel.  what would it be. Her answer? The new Robinson Tote. While it is $550, I can attest that this is a classic for sure. As she said, it's a seasonless bag you'll have year after year. I do agree. I also like that her logo is dainty; not overpowering as it honestly sometimes can be. In this case, the leather takes center stage. While she's currently using the green, I recommend this gorgeous creamy brown color (that also works with black).

Other highlights: she complimented how good the black patent leather Revas look on me... AND she signed the inside of my Tory Burch wallet. So fun! Oh, with her great love of all-things-orange (which she insists has more of a pretty coral undertone that would look good for redheads), I scored myself a pair of orange chinos at H&M for $9.95. GASP. If you know me, your jaw is probably dropping but I am convinced they're pretty awesome and am going to work it! My first "orange" item EVER! Thank to Tory for the color inspiration.

I'm so happy for a successful woman who seems to have built an empire based on smarts and sweetness! May she be inspiration to us all. Much continued success.

xo
Alyson

Trend: A Neutral Look

A totally refreshing Spring trend? NEUTRAL. It was seen all over the runways, from Alexander Wang to Acne, and is already now is in every one of our fave stores. Trust me, I was browsing the stores this weekend and I can't get enough of this total classic. If someone wants to call it a trend? Sure! The look is available at all price points so head to Forever 21 and H&M for trendy options, or hit up Nordstrom and Saks for pieces to last you forever.

For this 'trend,' try an all neutral look with a bold coral necklace (another color trend), wear a bright patterned dress with hot neutral heels, or just rock your khaki shorts with a neutral palette and killer wedges. The options are endless.

Lulus, Getaway Weekend Khaki Sweater Top, $41.00

Wear with wide-leg jeans and stacked heels, or styled as you see for a stroll on the beach.

Forever 21, Bubble Lace Dress, $27.80

Take a cue from this dress and pair ANY dress with a skinny brown belt.

Banana Republic, Patterned Stretch Pencil Skirt, $69.50

The perfect spring work skirt. Tuck in a shirt, leave one out and add a belt, pile on a blazer, the options are endless. (And, wait for Banana to have a 30% or 40% sale; it happens every few weeks).

Aldo, Nachod, $89.00

I want to wear these every day. Did see you see that back zipper?? Pair this with hot pink toes and a sexy bold dress for a totally irrisistable look.

Modcloth, Summer Will Come Dress, $77.99

The delicate boddice on this white and khaki stripe? Adore.

Until summer actually comes, rough up this with tights, knee-high boots and a jacket or cardy.

Free People, Lace Back Tee, $68.00

A semi-casual look on the front, a totally sexy look in the back? Trust me, the men will be drooling
(and the gals will be totally jealous of this fierce find).



Outfit: Date Night

Last week, the hubs and I got reprieve from our usual week night routine for a fun date night at a local food and wine soiree. It was so wonderful to spend time together, socializing (I do work at home now, so seeing people? yay!) and sampling new wines and bubbly, along with tasty treats from area restaurants. We even popped over to one of our fave sushi spots for an after-event roll just to have a few extra minutes for the two of us. The perfect nightcap.

(more pics below)

But, possibly the best part of the night?? Zipping the back of this exposed zipper skirt because... it fit! (shhh, don't tell the hubs that! lol). In the past 14 months my weight has been all over the place and a month ago, this moment had no chance of happening. Be impressed I'm finding outfits for these posts. :) So thrilled that my healthy eating is starting to pay off, right here with this post.

I've never worn this gold top with the skirt. Typically I'd pair it with "safer" black top, but I'm loving it the shimmer. Also added a chunky pink bracelet to pull out the color in the skirt.

I love when a look comes together.

gold top: michael, michael kors

skirt: idra, from anthropologie

tights: gap

heels: bcbg

pink bracelet: from loehmann's

gold chain-link bracelet: armani exchange

watch: swatch

clutch: vera bradley

Style Inspiration for Fall

Thank you J. Crew (and its president/past creative director, Jenna Lyons) for the most inspiring Fall looks. This is a big reminder from last weekend's "weekend chic" post that your outfits don't have to match, they just have to go. Being honest, I have a serious girl crush on every gal pictured.

And, check out these looks regardless of age. As a corporate business professional and new biz owner in my other life, I can't get away with all the looks a 20-something might, but I can certainly integrate pieces and looks that make me a little more fashion-forward... instead of backward.

Use this as a bit of Fall inspiration, making a list of new fashion styles to try. Start here:
- buy fun colored tights and socks (the socks with heels are totally growing on me!)
- wear tights with open-toe shoes and/or shorts
- cuff your jeans and mix them with anything you can find
- wear comfy but stylish heels or wedges on the weekend... just because
- add belts to unexpected looks, like frilly dresses and skirts
- you don't have to wear a suit to look polished. Jackets and cardigans with blouses and bold jewelry look much more modern.