Geaux Saints!

Three days, that's about how long I have had a headache... Life just kind of sucks when you feel like your brain is trying to split itself open.  This means, no outfit post of my Monday because you probably don't want to see me in my pajamas. :)

However, Sunday I got dressed in my black and gold to support the Saints.  I attended the annual boyfriend's delayed holiday party at a local bar here in town.  And this is what I wore on that fun and festive occasion!

 

  

  

Sam took these pictures, and it was so nice to be in a different setting, and having an actual person behind the camera!  We stopped by my favorite resale shop Clothing Xchange because I still had $17 of store credit.  We stopped outside and we snapped a few photos.  I think they turned out great!  This last photo is of a bag that I bought.  I have really been on the lookout for a really great purse.  I thought I found one at Target but there was just nothing special about it.  This was the right price and the right purse.  Its so large, I can stick my head and one shoulder in it.  I LOVE THAT!

Jacket: H&M

T-shirt: American Apparel

Jeans: Express

Shoes: Borrowed from a friend

Purse: Urban Outfitters, $19.99

I'm so glad the saints won the super bowl!!!  Wow!  I am still in total disbelief!

Back in business

I have officially stepped out of my blogging hiatus; blowing the dust off and starting this new year.  My parents got me a lovely camera for Christmas, so I cannot wait to start taking my outfit pictures with that, instead of my iPhone.  In fact today's outfit picture will be the last one taken with the iPhone.  So, let's shed a tear...  okay, I'm good.

A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through Google Reader catching up on blogs.  On a whim, I started following the Quiksilver blog, the brand famous for their surf, swim, and extreme sports wear, but also, some pretty chic pieces for women.  I was inspired by this outfit:

I am frequently inspired by other bloggers, and knew I had the tools to pull of this look.

Two of the items in this outfit were amazing cheap scores.  The top was on the clearance rack at Anthropologie for $19.95 and I got another $10.00 knocked off of it because there was a stain on it, and it totally came out when I washed it.  Also, the skinny jeans were an amazing steal.  They were $29.99 on the clearance rack at Express, originally $98.00.  They are as comfortable as leggings, with lots of softness and lots of stretch.  Also, the waist is a little higher on these, which I really like. 

Top: Anthropologie

Skinny Jeans: Express

Necklace: Nashville Boutique, Pangea

Boots: Anthropologie (by the way, these are "the boots")

I also wanted to show off me all bundled up in this outfit.  It was actually pretty cold that day.

Coat: YesStyle.com
Scarf: American Apparel
Hat: Gift, Forever 21

I love this coat.  It is so adorable, and has a great vintage look to it.  I took a huge chance and ordered it from YesStyle.com about a year and a half ago.  It is long, which is perfect for the cold Nashville winters, and has some really great vintage details to it.  (hello!  collar, buttons, love it!)

I am working on finding a new place to take pictures.  As much as I love our kitchen, its not working for me.  Got suggestions? Please send them my way!

On the hunt for statement necklaces

I am on the prowl.  On Monday night I was watching Gossip Girl (totally without shame).  Lily had on the most beautiful statement necklace.  Trust me I have been scouring the internet looking for the exact necklace.  My first guess was J.Crew, but it was not there.  I have someone on the case though and surely will update my blog as soon as I find out.  (Apologize for the low quality screen shot, but this was the best I could do for now)

In the meantime, I decided to hop on over to Forever 21 and peruse their statement necklaces.  Forever 21 always has the greatest selection of jewelery at a price that is easy on the bank account.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Jeweled Ribbon Necklace, $6.80

 

Native Bead Necklace, $6.80

Chain Maille Drop Necklace, $6.80

Glistening Knotted Necklace $15.80

The last necklace is my favorite.  I wear a lot of gray and I love the way something sparkly looks up against a gray top.  I want this to wear for the holidays!

I will definitely update as soon as I find out where Lily's necklace is from!  

Blogs I Follow - What I Wore

Another new feature here at AlysonIsNeat is Blogs I Follow. I am constantly adding new blogs to my Google Reader and I want to be able to share them with people in some sort of large scale format.


I wish I could say that I have been following the What I Wore blog since its inception, but I haven't. I started following Jessica Schroeder just recently but I have to be honest, I am in love! She is also incredibly positive and honest in her writing (which is something I strive to be also). I am inspired by her words and her style. I am constantly telling my friends about her posts, or showing off her outfits to my boyfriend, Sam.

Lately, I have been really trying to put things together that are different and refreshing, and Jessica's blog has been a huge part of that. Maybe its because I am listening to the soundtrack for Glee and specifically the song "Taking Chances", but this blog has really inspired me to take chances.

So go, visit, give her some love!

The Nashville Concert Stance

Last week, I went to see The Deadweather play here in Nashville. The energy during the whole show was intense. Alison Mosshart flailed, danced, and belted out on stage. It was awesome, and people even broke out of the "Nashville Concert Stance". For my friends not here in Nashville, I need to describe the "Nashville Concert Stance". Everyone in Nashville does it without realizing it.

How To:
Stand with most of your weight on one foot (preferably your left foot).
Other foot should be slightly in front, and bent comfortably.
Push your hips forward a little bit.
Cross your arms over your chest.
Nod your head to the beat.*

*If you are really into the show, you can tap your heel of your foot on the ground.

A few pictures from the night courtesy of MetroMix Nashville.

Kelsey Foster Photography

My former roommate Kelsey Foster is a stellar photographer. She was recently in Nashville for a shoot and I got to be the object of her test shots. I found out that when I'm not really trying, its easy to take good pictures. Here a few:


You can book, follow, or read her blog.

Bright Orange

I love the orange flowers that grow in the back of my office. They are really pretty. I cut a few of them to put on my desk so I can enjoy a little bit of nature while I'm stuck inside.

I'm not going to lie, its incredibly hot here in Nashville, so I am pretty happy to be inside today. Especially because my allergies are kicking my butt right now, and breathing in the thick moist air from outside only makes me feel worse.