Denim Jacket and Diamond Studs

If you know me in "real life" you know that I am not an outdoorsy type of person. In fact the last time I went camping I totally cried. I am a city girl through and through. So when Mike suggested we take a short hike to capture some outdoor photos- I was hesitant and suspicious. Turns out his idea of a short hike is FOUR hours, where as mine is about 30 minutes. Needless to say - I am still sore from the hike, which was three days ago...

I have to admit, it really was worth it. The photos he took are fantastic and the scenery was beautiful. If you live in the area and have not checked out Grant Ranch- take your dog up there and go on a (little) hike.

With our backpacks full of clothes and camera equipment we took off ready for adventure!

#26. Denim Jacket

A short reminder - this blog is all of my average girl tips and tricks for beauty. I also have an ongoing segment based off of Nina Garcia's book "The One Hundred" Which is an amazing short book on how to build an adult wardrobe, and how to dress well and not be a "fashion victim."

Here are a few tips from Nina on buying and wearing the denim jacket "Be extreme. It should either be really dark or really worn out. Buy it a size too small or find a really fitted model. In general, don't wear it with another piece of blue denim."

That last one, I believe, is the most important. There is nothing worse than a denim on denim outfit, ladies! Caution!

I have two denim jackets. The lighter of the two I picked up at Crossroads Trading Co. for dirt cheap. Probably less than $20 dollars. The darker, I honestly cannot remember where it came from. It has been in my closet that long. Probably since middle school- I basically stopped growing in 7th grade so some of my clothes from then still fit me. I don't know if that is good or bad. Both jackets are originally from The Gap.

 The only thing jean jackets do not go with- are more jeans. Unless they are white. I like to wear mine with short skirts and dresses. I like mixing the masculine with the feminine. I wouldn't recommend spending more than $50 on a denim jacket. This isn't one of the items you need to buy brand new. In fact, they are kind of uncomfortable brand new. Better to buy one second hand that is already broken in. It will give you that "cool girl" vibe.

#27. Diamond Studs

"Best when large, real, and received as a gift. But large, fake, and self-purchased do the job, too (if you lose one, you won't want to kill yourself). They are a perfect everyday earring, as they add a bit of sparkle without being obnoxiously in-your-face about it. There are not many outfits that the diamond stud doesn't get along with" - Nina Garcia in "The One Hundred"

Real or fake-diamond studs are my favorite go to earring. Let me rephrase that- fake diamond studs are my favorite go to earring. I do not have real diamond earrings, nor do I plan on ever buying or receiving them- as I am fairly definitely positively sure I'd lose one and cry forever.

I have small dainty ones I purchased at Target or Nordstrom for less that $20. But the award for my favorite pair goes to Kate Spade. What girl doesn't love Kate Spade?! You tell me!!

A link for ordering the Kate Spade pair I am wearing in my photos can be found here. I throw these babies on ALL. THE. TIME. They make a casual outfit look chic, they dress up an already dressy look. They are versatile, funky, and fun. Plus super affordable!

 Squinting from the oh-so-bright sun. 

The cuff in this photo is also manufactured by the same company as Kate Spade and Tory Burch- I picked it up at Therapy in Downtown Campbell- the proceeds go to charity. 

I hope you girls are enjoying my posts! Please let me know if you would like videos or tutorials on specific things. Also keep your eyes peeled for the next free beauty giveaway! It should pop up some time next week. 

Your blushing beauty, 

Miss Ally Jean 

Jeans

I am so short. Little, tiny short thick legs. Shopping for pants is a nightmare. I always end up feeling really bad about myself when I'm trying on jeans, and then I have to stop and remember most jeans are made for tall, slender humans.

Recently I discovered a store called Uniqlo, where all their jeans come in one length, and they hem them for free. FREE I tell you. It's a wondrous, beautiful thing. You pick your waist size based on inches, and then the person working in the fitting room marks your jeans exactly where you want them hemmed, and two hours later they are ready. AH! If you have not experienced this I highly recommend going. They have jeans in all colors and fades. It's fantastic.

#42. Jeans

I can't even begin to describe the frustration, the bicep workout, the pulling on the belt loops or breath holding that has occurred while trying on jeans in the dressing room. I'm getting worked up just thinking about it. In her book "The One Hundred" Nina Garcia gives great advice when it comes to trying on jeans "Do not assume that because a brand is expensive or a friend or celebrity 'swears by them' that they will be the right jeans for you. One brand does not suit all."

She goes on to advise trying on many, many pairs until you find that magical one. I don't think a woman needs more than 2 pairs of jeans. Also, you will most likely/definitely need to have them tailored. All bodies are not made alike. And that is a GOOD thing.

There are so many brands out there that cost so much money! More than $100 for a pair of jeans? I don't think so! I paid $30 dollars for mine and Uniqlo and that included hemming! I have a very mobile job- even when I come in when I am not teaching I am usually picking things up or bending down to grab this or that. I need jeans that have a bit of stretch. Unless you are just sitting all day you probably do too.

Here are a few photos of how movable the jeans I chose from Uniqlo really are.

I can literally jump, bend over and pick something up, run, everything! Which is really important to me. When I bend over to grab something I don't need the world to see my crack. And neither do you- so pick a pair of jeans that fit properly! Sit down in them in the dressing room, jump up and down, you are going to be living your life in these, not just standing perfectly.

 Uniqlo Jeans Rolled Up-  Ballet Flat Shoes  

  Shot of My Awesome Burberry Trench

They are a super dark wash, I went a size up from my normal because I don't think jeans need to squeeze your butt to look good. Sometimes less is more. Actually all the time. My next pair on my hit list are Levi's 501s which I will most likely buy next week. I won't do an entire post about them but I'll make sure they are in a photo and tag it accordingly.

Happy denim shopping, ladies!

I hope you are reading and enjoying. Feel free to follow my blog, email me, find me on facebook or follow me on Instagram @Miss_allyjean

Your blushing beauty,

Miss Ally Jean

Frye Harness Boot and Watch

Hello fellow fashionistas. It's been a little over two months since I started this journey of collecting all 100 items from Nina Garcia's "The One Hundred." Nina's book describes, in great detail, one hundred items every woman should have in her closet.

Since this journey began, I discover every single day, how much easier it is to get dressed in the morning. I have my "core" items that I know will look great on, and I bring in my own little flair by accessorizing. Every day, at least when I'm not teaching, I grab a great pear of jeans and white Hanes T-shirt. Or maybe a simple black dress that I jazz up with a big necklace. Or perhaps a leopard print dress with a big cocktail ring for date night with Mike.

No matter the occasion, I feel armed and ready to go to any event, at ANY moment. All of this I must credit to the lovely and brilliant Nina Garcia.

Today, I wore several of the items from the book into work. Jeans, trench, cable knit, watch, and Frye boots. Once I came home, I realized I had only mentioned one of these so far- so I pulled out the camera and took some shots of today's look for you ladies!


#33. Frye Harness Boot

I truly enjoyed reading this entry from Nina. Here is a short introduction about the Frye Boot:

"In the 60's, women began to wear Frye boots in clear and bold defiance of restrictive 1950s femininity. They were a boot that meant strength and power, which women were intent on claiming at the time.  High heels took a backseat to these clunky, chunky boots." -Nina Garcia 

Nina goes on to tell how a pair of Frye's even lives in the Smithsonian Institution. How cool is that?!

I am 100% on board for clothing and accessories that support an androgynous feel. It may surprise you that until my early twenties, I hated shopping. HATED. I wanted to be comfortable in my stretchy pants and plain white T-shirts until college came along and I had to learn how to present myself in a professional way, while still maintaining my individuality. I love the look of boots and jeans, a mens watch, and a flirty pony tail with soft makeup. That is what inspired today. 

There are many, many options when choosing a Frye Harness Boot. I recommend trying several pairs on in different styles and colors. It's worth noting that I went a size down from my standard. This pair set me back about $300 at Bloomingdales on Boxing Day. However, I've worn them at least 5 or 6 times since then, and I plan on wearing them very frequently. Take some time reading over this part of Nina's book. The history behind these boots is fascinating and empowering. 

Frye Harness Boot

#94. Watch 

There is something romantic about wearing a watch. Not relying on your cellphone for the time but actually taking a look at your wrist. Who would have thought?? 

I actually own three watches. One is a beautiful Kate Spade watch my Mother gave to me on Christmas several years ago. Second is my work watch, used only for timing exercise, its blue and somewhat ghastly. The last I picked up recently at a going out of business sale in the Men's section. 

Today I was already going for that "masculine" feel so I opted to wear my new men's gold Nixon watch. Here is Nina's take on men's watches, "...Or you can opt for a man's watch. I personally love the look of a man's watch on a woman's wrist. The big, bold masculinity of the design draws the eye to the wrist, one of most feminine parts of a woman's body." 

Plus its ahem SEXY! Dressing with a masculine edge is fricken' sexy. It makes you feel empowered and kind of bossy. I love it. Here is a close up photo of the Nixon I wore this morning. 

Gold Nixon Watch 

I paid 40% less than face value for this watch at the sale, but I believe it retails for around $225. I get compliments on this watch any time I wear it out. It's just fabulous! I recommend having one feminine and one masculine watch in your jewelry box. They make great statement pieces and act as jewelry. Two birds.

I hope you are enjoying my entries for each of these 100 items! It really is changing my life, the way I see myself, how I spend my money, and how I get dressed every morning. My eyes have been opened to an endless world of possibilities! Ladies- take inventory of your closet. Sell what you don't wear or need and start collecting the things that will make you feel beautiful, and stand the test of time. 

Your blushing beauty, 

Miss Ally Jean