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