Happy National Wear Your Lilly Day!

It's a belated Fashion Friday... I've been a little behind but this one was for good reason! Today is National Wear Your Lilly Pulitzer Day!

Here's my outfit for today... my favorite shorts ("You Gotta Regatta" Callahan shorts), a striped top and easy flip flops. I love wearing stripes with this print! It adds a little nautical touch.

Earlier this week, I brightened up a Little Black Dress with a Lilly scarf (Spike the Punch!), bright pink flats and a soft yellow cardigan.

What did you wear for the solstice and/or Lilly day? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Beautifying beige walls

Lately, I feel like I am surrounded by beige. My walls and carpet are two shades of the color, and while I have bright accessories all over, sometimes it doesn't feel like enough.

I finally purchased a television console for my living room (meaning my coffee table can go back to being a coffee table!) from IKEA. It's turquoise and metal, with sliding doors. I can change the channels through the doors! I am so pleased with it.

But the empty space above it bothered me. It bothered me when the TV was sitting on the coffee table too, but now I was ready to do something with the space!

I found these Moroccan tile mirrors at Target. They came with stencils and were surprisingly easy to hang correctly!

Cairo helped get them level.

The finished product!

But I wasn't done yet... I knew I could add a little more to my walls. Like in my kitchen. I like my hand-made "EAT" wall art, but it needed a little refresher.

Besides, what if EAT was lonely!?

My parents gave me a vintage plate and a turret that my great grandmother made. Dad and I purchased plate wall hangers for under $5, which came with hardware, and Dad had them up in under 5 minutes.

Spring hangers are your friend!

He's a magic man.

Ta Da!

So simple, but it makes the wall look refreshed and brand new. I'm sure I can find a few more walls to decorate and improve....

How do you decorate your walls? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,

Alyson

Fashion Friday: Patriotic Edition

This week's edition of Fashion Friday was marked by Flag Day on Thursday! Happy belated Flag Day! I took the opportunity to wear my new red sleeveless monogrammed polo.

Naturally, I took photos at the George Washington monument in the city square.

Breakdown: red polo, white monogram, polka dot navy skirt, nude kitten heels, pearls to complete the look!

There are a lot of easy options for patriotic wear. What are some of your favorites? Independence Day is coming...!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Another clothing post: Same dilemma, different day!

I'm only 23, but I've graduated college and have a full time job. That makes me an adult, right? I bet you know where this is going....

I'm tired of people assuming I am a high schooler!

Being mistaken for a college student, though, isn't so bad, but I pay rent and bills and take care of another (furry) life. I'm not a lil baby, but I do have a lot to learn and grow from.

It feels like there is no in between of "college wardrobe" and "matronly" for me. I want to wear as much Lilly Pulitzer as possible, but it does make me look pretty young (baby faces, wear with caution.) So how do I wear what I want, when I want, without being mistaken for a 16 year old?

Lately I've been digging through my closet and cleaning it out. Styles I don't wear, styles I think are a little too young are headed to consignment stores or Goodwill. This helps bring in a little extra cash, and it helps consolidate and simplify my life.

I've been trying to make better choices about what I purchase. I want my wardrobe to be versatile, so now I ask myself, "Could I wear this to work?" before I buy.

As for Lilly... I have plenty of Murfee scarves (love them for cold weather Lilly Loving!) but a Georgia summer is a little warm for scarves. I've had my eye on an Elsa top, and maybe it's time to bite the bullet and just buy one (or two!)

Jellies Be Jammin! Via LP

How do you mature your wardrobe without abandoning your personal style? I'm taking suggestions - share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself (even if you look 16),
Alyson

Fashion Friday: Mixing it up

Happy Friday! Today's outfit its a mish-mash: I've used stripes, scallops (my favorite!) and a dash of leopard. Sounds nutty, but in small details, you can add a bit more bang for your buck with details!

Keep cool with a high bun

And as always, a denim jacket is my go to for a light, but functional cover up.

Do you like to mix patterns? Tell me how you like to mix it up in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Cha-ching: Budgets and Over-Shopping

Welcome to Cha-Ching: Posts about money. In these posts, we'll discuss budgeting, overspending, buying, selling, trading, you name it! Because extra money means more Lilly, it's important to make the most out of it.

The thing I've noticed the most from living alone is that no one is here to stop me. I am almost a full-fledged adult, and I've got a nice little paycheck and holes burned into my pockets.

It's taken me a whole year's time to figure this out, so please let me spare you, post-grads: your money is going to different places now. You must stop shopping on frivolous things.

What counts as frivolous? That depends, what's in your budget?

Are you saying, "Huh!? What budget?" because if you are, grab a piece of paper and write down everything you've spent money on this month. Everything - right down to the slush puppies you've been getting at the Circle M before work. (Yes, that may be a personal example. It's hot!)

Whattya got? I hope the first thing on your list is RENT followed by UTILITIES, such as electricity, heat and the like. After that, I'd like to see some GROCERY money, PET FUNDS (Kitty Cat's gotta eat) and maybe a little something for yourself - mine is the JULEP subscription box. And, if you've got everything under control, a little bit going into SAVINGS. Add all those suckers up! How much do you spend?

It doesn't have to be fancy! 

Now, grab your last paystub or two, depending on how much you get paid. Subtract how much you're spending from your paycheck -excluding your taxes and health insurance (if your company supplies it.) What do you have left?

Look at the number. How does it make you feel? Happy? Sad? Alarmed? Like you've lost control of your life? Some of those feelings I will encourage you to take to your parents, or a therapist (no judgements) but hopefully, you've got a little something left over.

There are a few ways to wrangle those numbers down, you know. If you have the patience, try couponing. Like books, movies and magazines? Get them from the library. Lots of designer clothes? Try selling ones you don't wear online.

I'll cover some more money-saving tactics I've been using as the month goes on. Do you have a specific tactic you'd like to see a how-to for? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Fashion Friday: Peppy ponytail

It's almost summer. It's hot. There's a big window in your office that makes everything warm. You didn't wash your hair. What's a girl to do?

Enter, the peppy ponytail. I've been doing this look a lot more with second day hair... I use some dry shampoo the night before and then pin up my bangs, gather into a high pony and tease, and lastly, add a little clip inside to make it fan out just right.

Other ways to keep cool? A swingy cotton dress with a little stretch, flats or sandals, and a denim jacket to toughen up the look when you find some A/C.

I styled this outfit with a bauble necklace and bright leather bag as well. Add some more color!

What trends do you love to keep cool? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Wednesday Inspiration: A small tribute to Maya Angelou

Happy Hump Day! Here's a little something from the late Maya Angelou that hopefully, will keep you in full gear until the weekend!

Do you have a favorite Maya Angelou quote? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Happy Birthday, Julia!

One of my high school classmates died last year following a car accident. She was leaving her house in Peachtree City hen she forgot something and stopped her car. However, she didn't put the car in park. In a strange twist of fate, she opened the door and tried to put her car in park and hit the brakes as it slowly rolled down a hill. But instead, the car crushed her. She went into cardiac arrest, and later, a coma. A week or so later, she passed away. 

When I saw Julia's story on my Facebook, and later, in my own newsroom, I fully expected her to make a full recovery. I though, "Wow, what a crazy story this will be when she pulls through." I never expected this to be the end for her. 

Julia Tarter and I met in high school. She was hilarious and kind and laughed a lot. 

   

                       We look like babies... Stevie, Brooke, Julia and myself in 2009.

We lost touch after my graduation, mostly because I left high school behind like a bat out of hell. Julia eventually graduated two years after me. Then, God gave me an opportunity I didn't take: Julia pledged Phi Mu at another school. 

In hindsight, this was my opportunity to rekindle a friendship I wished had been stronger. This was a very direct sign that was leading me to the right people. I regret every day that I did not take that guidance. 

Julia was kind, generous and God-loving. She led by example and was a true Christian: not one who judged or urged you to repent. She showed you love and compassion and prayed for you. When I think of a true Christian, Julia is one of the people who pops into my mind.

Julia did a lot of things on Earth that I wasn't involved in, so I can't really compare those experiences. But if God calls you to Heaven when your job on Earth is done, it's no wonder Julia left us at 20. 

So while we weren't very close, Julia's soul touched me like few others could. I will remember her compassion and joy and try to put a little Julia into my every day. Maybe one day we will meet again. 

Happy 21st birthday Julia. You are deeply missed and eternally loved, but you knew that already. 

                                

                                            From Julia's Facebook page 

Stay true to yourself,

Alyson

Fashion Friday: Jeans Day

Casual Friday often translates to either polos and khakis or, at my radio station, promo shirts and jeans. While I like to wear Lilly on Fridays, I'll tend to take my casual Friday early. Here's what I wore with my jeans.

Featuring: Draped tank top blouse, polka dot jeans, nude kitten heels, bauble necklace and tan blazer.

What do you wear for casual Fridays? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself, 

Alyson

PS: Here's an earworm for your weekend... It's a guilty pleasure. Just embrace the awesomely badness.(But hey, this kid has a music video and I do not... so take it as you will. Also she's like 11, so be nice!)

PPS: "Hahaha... jack my swag."

Daughter's Update

As you may know, I've applied to become a member of the DAR, or Daughters of the American Revolution.

I received a letter early last month asking for more information. Unfortunately, that information was not enough and my link to a specific ancestor hasn't been established firmly enough to go forward.

I was pretty disappointed, so much so that I haven't even called back the membership director. It's embarrassing too, because I'm not sure how to fix it, and it's getting so confusing. My dad has been a major player in establishing my ancestors and with 4 people (yes, 4!) with the exact same name it's been an unusual task.

I'm sure we'll establish the link, but it's taking longer than I had hoped! Luckily, I have other ancestors that could be possible matches, but it feels like I am so close but so far away.

Lilly Pulitzer's Sparklers pattern! A great homage to Independence Day!

I'm mostly dealing with the disappointment by ignoring it, but I have to face it. Tomorrow, I'll call the membership director and discuss the problem with her. Afterwards, I'll talk to my dad about firming up that silly link!

But in the meantime, I'm going to continue to remember why I wanted to be a member of the DAR - I wanted to show everyone just how magical it is to be an American Citizen, whether your ancestors fought for this country over 200 years ago, or if you are the first one in your family to step foot on our great land.

So until my links can be established and my application accepted, I'll fly the flag high and get excited for the upcoming patriotic holidays this summer! My first task? A red, white and blue wreath!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Fashion Friday: Casual pin up dress

Welcome to Fashion Friday! I'm trying to get better about posting frequently and I love to style a great outfit, so each week I'll be posting a fabulous outfit I have styled for work or church!

What I wore: A black and white striped pin up dress, nude flats, a classic denim jacket and a skinny pink waist belt. 

This outfit could easily be dressed up with a fascinator, heels or a blazer!

How would you wear this look? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself, 

Alyson

Introducing... the Plie Wand from Julep!

I'm a Julep Maven, which is a nail polish subscription. I first heard about it on the College Prepster's blog and have been hooked ever since. So when they revealed a new tool that is supposed to make polishing your nails easier, I was intrigued.

I originally wasn't interested in Crowdfunding, but on the very last day, I bit the bullet and went for it! I paid $20 to ensure I would get the new Plie Wand in my May Maven Box. You can read more about the wand here.

So guess what came in the mail today!? My box! I wanted to share some photos of my new haul with you.

I haven't used it much yet, but I'm excited to paint my nails with it! Perhaps I will write up a review for y'all later!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Thought of the weekend: How are people like houses?

The weather has been beautiful lately, so I've been purposely taking the long way to get to places. This is not so great on my gas tank, but I've been enjoying looking at all the little houses in Gainesville.

I used to hate driving around and looking at houses. It was something everyone else in my family enjoyed. I'm not sure if I just didn't want to like the same things as them, or if I was too young to understand, but now I see why it's enjoyable.

Each house sits on its own plot with its own decor and its own personality. Each house is different - two house could have the same floor plan, be built with the same materials, but never be the same.

House are like people. Some are old, some are broken down, some are in their prime. Some have more character than others.

But whether or not you like the little brick ranch house, it adds something to where it is. Just like a person, each house has it's own "vibe" and adds something - positive or negative - to the space around it. And what one homeowner likes, another could detest.

I like to drive by this one house that's a 1960's era brick box. It's a multi-family home and you can see the quadrants from the outside. It's nothing special, really. But when I drive by it, I see little plants in the hallway window, and a chandelier and a vintage wall separator in one quadrant. It's just neat, because that's somebody's home and that's the way they like it.

And, just like architecture, people only last for so long. So while you're driving down the road, looking at all the little houses, be kind to them. You may not like the front-facing garage, but somebody else loves it. Just like somebody out there loves you.

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter Everyone!

I hope you have a marvelous day, filled with family and friends, all clothed in pastels, white and seersucker!

Throwback to Easter 2010! My first Easter in college. That's Sparkle Von B. on the right.

I'll be sure to post my Easter outfit later. I've been slacking on posts lately (so sorry!) so I'll have to do a life update as well!

What are your Easter plans? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson