Kate Spade for Keds

I'm not the biggest fan of sneakers. In fact, if you pretend my Chuck Taylor phase didn't happen I've basically never worn them.

Now, I like tennis shoes. Actually, a lot. They're so comfy! I just feel like I look stumpy and I can never get them to go with my outfits!

But then... Kate Spade announced she was partnering with Keds. Known for their classic canvas "Champion," they have been loved since 1916 by celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Mischa Barton and Taylor Swift.

Via

While I kind of think Keds make my feet look like almonds, I have to have a pair of these. Finally, my prayers have been answered! Cute tennies!

I mean just look at them!

I simply adore the white with black polka dots. I love polka dots and I especially love pairing them with stripes - mostly because I can mix patterns without looking like I'm mixing patterns.

I've already dreamed up a few outfits... a casual, hanging-out with friends outfit and a business-y, casual Friday outfit!



Will you be snapping these up in March 2013? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Rain, rain, go away!

It's raining here is Georgia today. In fact, it's been raining all week!

At Brenau, the campus used to have a trolley run through the streets. The tracks have since been paved over, but the streets are really high up and the gutters are really low, meaning there are always puddles to jump in!

I purchased a pair of pink rain boots when I came to Brenau, but last summer they sprang a leak. I was so sad! They went with everything! (I can't even find a picture of them! I have one somewhere....)

I purchased a new pair eventually due to a surprise storm during work - I was wearing a favorite pair of leather flats and refused to ruin them!

Today, I bought a new pair of boots. The second pair I had were outrageously patterned and was too much for my typical, already patterned outfits. So instead, I looked for another solid color.

This time, I picked a shorter pair in a berry color. The selection at my local Target was a little picked over (it is the rainy season!) but I found what I was looking for.

I was kind of looking for these guys - not solid, but how cute are the critter whales!?

I've always liked Hunter rain boots, but I can't justify purchasing $135 worth of rubber! Yes, they're cute, but it only rains once in a while down here, and after college, I'm not sure how much I'll wear rain boots! But since I'm not getting the expensive pair, maybe I'll get the Critter Whales too!

Do you own rain boots? What kind? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Belle on a Budget!

Hey y'all!

Every college student is on a budget, whether we like it or not. But being on a budget doesn't have to trample your style!

Whether you're paying your way through or are slowly getting cutoff from Mom and Dad, a budget is always a good plan. It takes money to make money - and if you blew each and every paycheck without saving anything, you'd learn very quickly after college ended how much of a disaster that is!

So how can we outfit ourselves, our rooms, our beaus and our dogs on such a budget?


First, if you don't mind gently used, try thrifting. I really don't like to share or borrow clothes, but my expensive taste is slowly turning that stinginess off (although it is good to draw limits, especially for sanitary reasons!)

I don't really like to shop at thrift stores, but I have been known to stalk Re-Lilly into the wee hours and to routinely check eBay. Often times, you can find brand new pieces that just didn't lay right, or well-treated pieces worn once or twice for special occasions. You can even resell pieces that you haven't worn or no longer want! It's a win-win.

If that still doesn't float your boat, or if you are turned off about buying from strangers, be sure to check your local discount department stores. Places like TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall's, Stein Mart and HomeGoods all get chunks of merchandise to resell.

After working retail, I've learned that a lot of these lots of clothes are redistributed due to silly things, like mislabeled or missing tags. Which means a never-worn, never-stocked item is available for half the price!

Of course, the merchandise varies by store and not every store has great merchandise. If you can, try to drive around to different locations - you'll get a completely different stock!

If you really can't stand buying discount or gently used items, consider adapting your budget. If you really want a certain top, try cutting out your morning Starbucks and brew a cup at home. Or, decide to eat-in for a week and put what you would have spent away for your must-have.

Where do you like to shop? Do you shop resale? Know any great bargain sites? Share in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson