(always)alanna

re-inventing myself.

2011-02-08T22:31:00.001-05:00

alwaysalanna.tumblr.com
come visit over there until i come back.

2010-12-25T12:30:00.000-05:00

merry christmas to you; good luck with santa!
and merry christmas to me; taking a vacay. be back in a fewww

xo
(always)alanna

how many times can we revisit the memories we're so desperate to keep?

2010-12-17T21:24:00.000-05:00

don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY HERE to win an apothica.com gift certificate to buy all the best beauty essentials!

images via jak&jil, intriguemenow, knightcat
(always)alanna

maybe we have to break everything to make something better of ourselves.

2010-12-13T16:13:00.000-05:00

worst week ever. finals.. sick again.. and my heart hurts. why did things decide to get complicated now?

images via knightcat, 5inches&up, olsensanonymous, lefashion, googleimages, stylerookie, bleachblack, fashiontoast
(always)alanna

she spends her nights waiting for real life to start

2010-12-11T16:56:00.000-05:00

transitioning out of my nasty sickly state.. expect outfit posts again SOON!

uhmmm and the vibe of these photos? mmm lovee.

images via knightcat
(always)alanna

2010-12-09T10:18:00.000-05:00

some architecture porn..

(always)alanna

WINNER

2010-12-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS deannag! check your email for details :)

(always)alanna

they dance in the courtyard; sweet summer sweat.. some dance to remember, some dance to forget.

2010-12-03T17:20:00.000-05:00

wow. what a nightmare. hospital trips, never ending stomach problems, mono, and now a cold. this cant be right. did every germ in this town attack me?

images via refinery29, knightcat, bleachblack, 5inches&up, googleimages
(always)alanna

craving fluffy frosting and dreamy cupcakes? check out this wonder of a collection..

2010-12-01T12:00:00.001-05:00

SARAH LEORA

just stumbled upon a new up and coming designer. and what with the holidays and new years around the corner, i couldnt be more excited to discover her line of princess frocks and beautiful sparkly cloud like creations.. they are a winter wonderland dream straight from the wardrobes of iconic french actresses and audrey hepburn. the line is sarah leora apparel and you can check out the site HERE-where you can buy all of the pieces on a website created by her sweet brother and sister. the face behind the line is sarah leora herself and her story is nothing short of a fairy tale.. she grew up saving her money hoping one day to become what a million girls would die for.. someone to sew in her tower and dress the stars of this world. she started roaming around the city on weekends just looking for swatches and fabric to finally start her line. as sarah started to sew, her friends began to model the creations and the vision was born. she has had help from those around her as she aspires to follow in the footsteps of father karl and all his minions.

you can also check out the collection HERE in a film directed by kristina moucha

gorgeous faces may jernigan & aluna yacove

(always)alanna

now all the bums is wondering where i be at- if you ain't a barbie its none of your freaking beeswax..

2010-11-30T17:04:00.000-05:00

counting down the seconds until the show starts. i'm thinking crunches in the commercial breaks as we all pine for those gorgeous modelesque bodies..

(always)alanna

2010-11-26T17:18:00.000-05:00

craving new year's white.

images via knightcat
(always)alanna

truth is stranger than fiction

2010-11-24T20:31:00.000-05:00

images via refinery29, knightcat, insideamlulscloset,
(always)alanna

sometimes when you're dealing with extraordinary people, you need to take a risk

2010-11-20T16:19:00.001-05:00

GIVEAWAY RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

in the meantime.. Apothica has been so sweet to leak the family&friends coupon to you readers for 25% off of SkinCareRx good through december 1- just in time to get that anti-aging cream for your mom for christmas ;)
coupon code: FF25
and can you imagine a discount on TOP of sale? make sure to check out their black friday and cyber monday deals! AND you can opt to use the discount on special brands.. check out La Roche-Posay for some fabulous skincare productss! i've heard they are also having amazing deals and giveaways on the Apothica and SkinCareRx facebook pages, so check those out!

completely and totally obsessed even though these showed up on stockholmstreetstyle weeks ago..

(always)alanna

stolen girlfriends club, i adore you

2010-11-19T17:40:00.000-05:00

admire these

(always)alanna

she paints her eyes as black as night now and pulls those shades down tight

2010-11-16T14:55:00.000-05:00

don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY HERE to win an apothica.com gift certificate to buy all the best beauty essentials!

okay, okay. before you say anything- yes, i still like the olsen twins and yes i am still going to post random pictures of them every now and then. i lied, sorry.

images via intriguemenow, insideamlulscloset, olsensanonymous, knighttcat, lefashion
(always)alanna

i wanna be a kennedy. i wanna kiss heroes and kiss the girls of centerfolds all the time

2010-11-14T20:55:00.000-05:00

don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY HERE to win an apothica.com gift certificate to buy all the best beauty essentials!

she's 48 and she's still freaking smoking.. can i please hope to have genes that will give me those legs at her age? i'll beg..

(always)alanna

to be or not to be.

2010-11-13T16:55:00.000-05:00

don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY HERE to win an apothica.com gift certificate to buy all the best beauty essentials!

seriously considering the tattoo thing again. hmmmm

(always)alanna

bambiii

2010-11-11T14:55:00.000-05:00

don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY HERE to win an apothica.com gift certificate to buy all the best beauty essentials!

bambis backkkkkkk... and she's still killin it.

(always)alanna

down in a local bar out on the boulevard; the sound of an old guitar is saving you

2010-11-09T18:05:00.000-05:00

freaking mono. AGAIN. yes, i have mono. and yes, its the second time. and yes, that is very rare. and yes, i am ALWAYS the exception in a bad way. cool.

don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY HERE to win an apothica.com gift certificate to buy all the best beauty essentials!

images via stockholmstreetstyle, knightcat, olsensanonymous, googleimages, intriguemenow, 5inches&up, fashiontoast, jak&jil
(always)alanna

she got service road curves and highway eyes.. the road to her soul, just follow the road signs.

2010-11-05T23:55:00.000-04:00

don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY HERE to win an apothica.com gift certificate to buy all the best beauty essentials!

lara stone never goes out of style. i dont care what season it is. SHE IS IN.

(always)alanna

always remember the sound of the stereo, the dim of the lights

2010-11-03T21:36:00.002-04:00

don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY HERE to win an apothica.com gift certificate to buy all the best beauty essentials!

(always)alanna

2010-10-31T17:51:00.001-04:00

don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY HERE to win an apothica.com gift certificate to buy all the best beauty essentials!

i had a formal last weekend and ended up getting a steal with this t-bags dress that i absolutely fell in loveee with. not to mention, i was beyond ecstatic to finally be able to take my new jeffrey campbell lita's out of their precious shoebox.

can we please take a minute to admire the gorgeous bouquet of flowers my sweet date gave me.. i felt like i was a bride!

hopefully its not completely obvious that i feel awkward in formal settings where im expected to act "cookie-cutter" and not use the f word. psh, utter fail. my shoes made sure of that.. no matter; i had fun in my ponyhaired lace ups.

(always)alanna

guess what time it is? yup. giveaway TIME! thankyou APOTHICA!

2010-10-28T12:00:00.005-04:00

so PLEASE tell me. what exactly could be a better end to this dragging week than $25 to THE beauty retailer of all online shopping. and yes, i'm talking about $25 for YOU, not me. YES IT'S GIVEAWAY TIMEEE! so let's get down to the dirty details.

basically apothica is the most fabulous online beauty retailer because WAIT not only do they carry the makeup brands we all love and lust over (YSL, NARS, too faced, smashbox...), but get this.. they also carry hair products! (oh and skin and body products too).. pluss candles. because who doesn't love to get ready by the romantic flame with a coconut scent? so here's your chance to win a $25 gift card to put towards your next purchase (because let's be honest.. who wants to stop at $25?!).

the contest runs from October 28 to November 20.. just in time to secure some goods to break out in december! also, the giveaway is for domestic AND international readers!

want more than one entry? no problem! just leave a separate comment with the link for each way you submit an entry!
-two entries for comment on this post about apothica!
-one entry for becoming a fan of apothica on facebook HERE
-one entry for following apothica on twitter (@apothica)
-two entries for retweeting apothica's tweet about this giveaway
-two entries for requesting apothica's newsletter found HERE
-seven entries for posting about apothica.com with a link to their site!

good luck boys & girls. play nice!

xo
(always)alanna

going through life with eyes half open; missing the trains that blur the windows.

2010-10-27T11:31:00.000-04:00

images via 5inchesandup, refinery29, fashiontoast, knighttcat, googleimages, cobrasnake, hautepursuit, jak&jil, stockholmstreetstyle, bleachblack, thecobrasnake
(always)alanna

men men men mennnn

2010-10-25T19:44:00.000-04:00

from top to bottom: michael bastian, robert geller, timo, band of outsiders.

applause for a fabulously worn topshop coat in the middle of subsahara GEORGIA? definitely think so. not to mention the fabulous pieces that have been stomping down the runway lately. can we please take a moment and appreciate the michael bastian model on the right in the gryffindor stripes? fucking hott.

(always)alanna

2010-10-22T15:48:00.001-04:00

sorry its been ages since i had an outfit post. finding coherent clothes and mustering the energy to photograph a shoot has seemed absolutely exhausting lately- not that i havent tried. however, i did manage to slip into some comfortable knits for tapas the other night.. delicioso miamorr

going out with some friends tonight.. the challenge: who can last the longest without taking off their platforms? apparently they think THEY can win. rightttttt....
xo
(always)alanna

beyond obsessed..more like over it.

2010-10-19T21:25:00.000-04:00

who better to turn to in times of closet depression than mk&a.. i need a style revamp. asap. and thus, i've decided to purge my olsen folder and start fresh.. here goes-

whoa. i feel CLEAN now.

(always)alanna

ayyy its katee!

2010-10-17T14:36:00.000-04:00

heres kate moss for those of you lacking sex appeal in your life.. loving the metal hardware on those leather pants..

(always)alanna

sweet shine; sweet sparkle

2010-10-15T14:39:00.000-04:00

images via knightcat, googleimages, fashiontoast, altamiranyc, acnefall, insideamlulscloset, lefashion
..and please take note of those zipped flare pants. WHOA
(always)alanna

ALK

2010-10-13T14:40:00.000-04:00

whereas before, i was simply aware of my desire for cold weather so i could break out the fur; i am not blinded by desperation. abbey lee, you make me pine..

(always)alanna

2010-10-11T16:43:00.000-04:00

images via fashiontoast, refinery29, knighttcat, style.com
(always)alanna

hello nude, gray, and black. well, you were always there. so i guess, welcome back

2010-10-10T21:43:00.001-04:00

this images make me want to walk into an old film. so absolutely gorgeous, wholesome, and naive. whereas all the new intrusion of color brings to mind images of corruption and infiltration. i want the old stuff back. i'm tired of everything modern, i can't keep up with this.. i'm exhausted of chasing the latest JUNK.

(always)alanna

2010-10-09T14:35:00.000-04:00

fuck.fuckfuck. jeffery campbell lolita platforms

(always)alanna

messy me crazy

2010-10-07T16:48:00.000-04:00

so absolutely obsessed, its gross. i would kill to be able to do this to my hair every morning when i wake up.. i feel a challenge coming on!
(always)alanna

faces to watch

2010-10-05T16:31:00.000-04:00

bambi northwood-blythe.. shes definitely a face to make this industry a better place

love the ferocity of her stare. and please note the strategic hand placement (?!)

vulnerable, classic, and fresh. can't wait to see her in a get-up.

(always)alanna

no wonder her last names love; you can't help but be swept away..

2010-10-03T16:39:00.000-04:00

the vibe emanating from pamela love's spring 2011 showcase have me going wild. i'm still wondering whether her true calling was jewelry because DAMN does she have an eye for makeup and hair. not to mention the gorgeous drape and aesthetic of those designs. every single thing just fucking rocks. like whoa, seriously.

(always)alanna

nyfw street shots

2010-10-02T15:34:00.000-04:00

loving the black of these photos. its no wonder i hide away until the sun sinks down. not to mention that color pop in the last picture which is an immediate time warp right back into the summer (which i do NOT miss though i'm definitely enjoying this snapshot)

images via refinery29

(always)alanna

random shots of a better yesterday..

2010-09-29T18:39:00.001-04:00

delayed photos of the city from earlier this month..

1. NYFNO seconds after the plane landed
2. well dressed colombia students wandering the streets of times square at 2 am
3. random run-ins with fashiontoast
4 & 5. spending until the bank account hits zero.. dragging bags until the scale hits zero hah
6 & 7. gorgeous soho lofts
8. late night cab rides with crazy drivers
9. street encounters with everyone missing winter..
10. nostalgic-inducing reunion with ponies in central park
11. andy warhol art.. a girl can dream
12. german boys rocking neons

(always)alanna

calling all show addicts. YSL's in an 8.5? PLEASE!

2010-09-27T19:23:00.000-04:00

enjoying lazy days.. if only they excluded chocolate and included wandering a few more streets.. not to mention a few more interchangeable sexy heels to wear with leggings. can somebody PLEASE re-sell some YSL pumps in an 8.5? i need a discounted rate.. i promise i'll wear them well!

(always)alanna

2010-09-26T21:17:00.000-04:00

i want to justify the natural look right now because i'm out of makeup, out of good clothes, and pale as a sheet.. i think she's rocking it.. maybe in a fantasy world we'll dye the world black & white

(always)alanna

strong urge to be rich all of a sudden.. can we attribute that to beautiful clothes? definitely.

2010-09-24T18:40:00.001-04:00

(lush shirt, vintage skirt, DIY necklaces)

discovering the imprisonment in new york hotels.. i had forgotten how misleading advertising dimensions could be when it came to hotel room square footage.. which seems to shrink by a few hundred square feet from the picture to the real thing. at least the window was big enough to trick me from feeling like a zoo animal to realizing that it was time to wake up and head to soho. speaking of; the current topshop collection? perfection.. only wished i could have picked up a few more pieces. oh, and the w store upon returning to the hotel? intensely captivating.. i spotted a pair of elizabeth and james pony hair platforms i'm not sure i will ever forget for as long as i live. oh, what its like to be eaten away with desire..

(always)alanna

2010-09-22T21:04:00.000-04:00

i am disgustingly in need of some inspiration..

(always)alanna

2010-09-21T21:25:00.000-04:00

i'm ready to strip the flowy summer fabric and rock the shaggy coats. in fact.. i'm psyched to post a new shaggy i got- this weather has finally got my believing in global warming.. gross.

(always)alanna

2010-09-18T19:00:00.001-04:00

(piko button down, thrifted scarf, calvin klein heels)

thanks to the recommendation to try brunch at sarahbeths months ago.. finally made it around to breakfast this time in the city on sunday and it was beyond worth it. salmon and eggs benedict on a homemade english muffin with homemade hollandaise and a side of arugula? not to mention parisian dark chocolate macaroons and a latte for afterwards.. to DIE for. spent the rest of the day wandering the shoe floor of saks, visiting the warhols in the met, sampling cupcakes on the street corner, drinking red wine, and wandering the aisle of whole foods.. which has left me wishing for such pastimes everyday of my life..

(always)alanna

2010-09-16T21:14:00.000-04:00

phillip lim resort 2009. its winter.. and i want WHITE. why is everything i do backwards?

please don't short our your keyboards as your drool over the details of these designs..

(always)alanna

casting calls; the hunt for wine; and too tall heels.. adventure day one

2010-09-14T20:06:00.000-04:00

(h&m shirt, 21 skirt, MK platforms)

running around times square at 2 am in the remnants of fashion's night out. this city is so glorious in the aftermath of beautifully dressed fashionistas.. sigh that i missed the event; but thats another story.. for now, let me just say that the confused construction worker who immediately told me there was a casting call in the agency next door upon seeing me pose for these pictures made everything worth it. i love naive men..
(always)alanna

2010-09-07T20:49:00.002-04:00

i would pay someone the entire contents of my bank account to enroll themselves in school as my clone..
buttt since i couldn't find any takers, i'm packing my bags for the city as we speak and rebelling against all of these nauseating math formulas.. i promise some posted pictures of the NY shows from the airplane!

xx
(always)alanna

backkkk!

2010-08-29T23:44:00.001-04:00

I feel awful that I’ve been absent and posting halfway decent outfit photos. I’ve had an intense past two weeks… school started back again and apparently, when I was registering, I was delirious and signed up to take 18 hours… most of which are honors… SO, I’ve been absolutely confined to the desk in my bedroom permanently glued to a textbook and massive cups of caffeine in the form of good ole’ starbucks coffee. Which means that on top of heaps of assignments, I’m now broke- can someone PLEASE teach me how to brew halfway decent coffee at home? And sick again with mono- worst illness EVER. I had mono in February and unfortunately, if you happen to get even a TINY bit behind on sleep, it comes back full force like a train in the face… ouch, I know. I’m planning to spend this week trying to finish up the rest of my homework so I can take it a tiny bit easier next week, hopefully recover a bit, and finally participate in some sorority events and pay my little sister some needed attention… I was scheduled to walk in a local show yesterday and after fittings last week i was like "shit, this sedimentary behavior of the past two weeks has most definitely NOT done good things to my figure." Ehhhhh. Expect me back on schedule soon with posts that you ACTUALLY want to read (I know I’ve made this promise before- please blame my freaking overwhelming schedule and teachers for keeping me so engaged in learning stuff I could care less about).

But anywayssss! Here are some photos from the show that I'm happy to say turned out fabulouss!

from after the show.. thank you so much andrea for the gorgeous hair and makeup styling! and everyone please fawn over those gorgeous satin chanel wedges shes rocking-

XO
(always)alanna

2010-08-23T22:03:00.000-04:00

planning my trip to the city right now.. does that earn me another few days absence :)

crazy days.
xo
(always)alanna

ahhh!

2010-08-18T21:36:00.000-04:00

am i the worst blogger on the planet, or what?
i have mono.. and instead of being able to update the blog while i lay in bed, im drowning in school assignments. please forgive me? and expect me back before the end of the week!

sadly, starbucks might be the only thing keeping me alive and passing in school right now.. ohh, caffeine

ps. i promise i still love you guys! im sorry for the neglect- stop by again sunday for a much deserved post :)

xo
(always)alanna

&even pottery barn would die..

2010-08-14T01:05:00.000-04:00

some architecture for you to orgasm over while i figure out what im going to do with MY room...

no idea where these came from- had them saved in a folder on my desktop.. email me if you'd like credit!
(always)alanna

the sound of the water and the smell of the salt

2010-08-11T13:01:00.001-04:00

(target tank, 21 tank, thrifted belt and clutch, DIY jewelry)

went to grab a late night bite a few days ago in the midst of our road trip to find some sand and waves.. ended up grabbing some spicy tilapia and coffee so strong i didn't sleep for more than 10 hours following its consumption..
ahh, just enjoying the moments before i have to sulk back into reality and obligations.. off to grab some sushi. and if im lucky, they'll still have some leftover sweets to munch on ;)

(always)alanna

coconut, avocado, mangos.. we're dreaming of the tropics babyy

2010-08-09T13:05:00.000-04:00

something about these shoes breaks my heart. they're so absolutely white and so innocent and perfect.. which seems to always make me hesitant to grab them. dirtying them would be such a sin, and i love them too much.. i think its a bad sign that im becoming hesitant to wear my shoes.. i mean, they are for wearing but they also look SO good all clean and white on their shelf.. ahh, internal struggles..

(21 shirt and skirt, BB purse, borrowed scarf worn as wrap, ph x gap platforms)

went to grab some drinks and a bite to eat at bonefish the other night with some friends. wish i had snapped a few pictures of the food- to DIE for. i got the crabcakes on an avocado salad, and the girls had the mango salsa tilapia, and coconut crusted shrimp. and you absolutely HAVE to try the ceviche as an appetizer if you go.. amazingggg. good ceviche is so hard to find in the states. i remember when i was in panama and the gas station had the most amazing ceviche for like a dollar. pretty sure if you bought ceviche at a gas station in georgia, you'd be dead of food poisoning within 24 hours..

(always)alanna

SEASONS 52

2010-08-06T13:07:00.000-04:00

i dont know if you guys have ever heard of the restaurant, seasons 52. its a darton chain and theres about ten although the original restaurant is the one that is in orlando. during our little trip, we decided to try it out on a whim and i immediately was impressed. they guarantee that all of their menu items are less than 475 calories and everything is grilled. they also swear by their freshness as they change the menu four times a year- once during each season and the specials 52 times a year- once each week. its a must try if you happen to pass one on the road and are hungry..!

we got the sockeye salmon sushi rolls with dill and asparagus for appetizer-

this was what i got- the crunchy wasabi seared tuna with tuna tartare on the side-

and one of the girls got the chipotle shrimp flatbread which was SO cheap and SO good-

(target dress, 21 tank, thrifted belt and purse)

(always)alanna

2010-08-04T13:12:00.000-04:00

i did something a bit confusing. since there were 35 comments, i did a random generator from 1 to 70 for those that got two entries for following my blog! i then generated until i got a match!

and without further ado, the winner of the giveaway is...

The numbers generated by this widget come from RANDOM.ORG's true random number generator.

#13- KELLY of sourtang

congratulations to the randomly selected reader of the alex & ani space ring! you guys have been great and i promise another giveaway to my gorgeous followers soon!

(always)alanna

sorry.. blame it on harry potter

2010-08-02T09:13:00.000-04:00

i know i have to be the worst blogger on the planet right now, but i PROMISE that i have a good excuse! i got a surprise vacation to orlando, florida to see the new and absolutely amazingggg harry potter world at universal studios! the park was absolutely breathtaking. whether or not you're even a huge fan of harry potter (i am a die-hard fanatic!), you will be in awe of everything. being obsessed, of course, i bought a wand, quidditch robes, a time turner for my keyring, and a luggage tag! i'm about to check out of the hotel and head home and promise a legitimate outfit post veryyy soon and to announce the winner of the alex & ani giveaway so make sure you keep checking back!

here are some pictures just to give you an idea of my level of obsession... haha-

gryffindor for the house cup!

(always)alanna

2010-07-27T10:42:00.002-04:00

dont forget to enter my giveaway HERE!

going out of town for the night.. expect a regular post tomorrow!

images via 5inches&up, knighttcat, olsensanonymous, googleimages
(always)alanna

2010-07-24T11:12:00.000-04:00

dont forget to enter my giveaway HERE!

i was planning on letting you guys now that posts were going to be coming more often and more on time, however, i've picked up quite a few shifts at my part time job since i lost my other one and thus turned it into a full time job. BUT, i promise as soon as school starts back and i start wearing things other than lifeguarding bathing suits and work shirts, you can expect post after post of outfits with all the vintage and sale stuff i've picked up this summer! (ahh i cant wait for close toed pumps and layers- SO beyond tired of this excruciating heat)..

(vintage sweater, mom's DIY shorts, gifted scarf from china, vintage boots)

... wow; i have GOT to get my hair done..

(always)alanna

breakfast and harry potter.. who could resist?

2010-07-21T19:04:00.000-04:00

dont forget to enter my giveaway HERE!

went out to breakfast with my sweet neighbor, haley, who just got back from arizona to hear about all her adventures (and to talk about the recent harry potter convention in florida- did anyone go? im jealous! haha)! we went to a place downtown called mama's boy.. its homecooked somewhat southern food which im honestly not a huge fan of, but the breakfast is absolutely to DIE for! i got salmon cakes with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce on a biscuits. im drooling thinking about it again.. i actually had a meeting after and therefore wore nothing cute, but she looked adorablee.. how could i not take a picture?! she picked up the shoes on her trip and im not positive on the rest because i forgot to ask where she got everything (but hey, secrets are more fun anyway, right?)..

here's a few shots of the restaurant and food-

these pictures dont do much justice.. the place is WAY cuter and quainter in person. if you're anywhere near athens, this place is famouss for breakfast. hopefully i can draft a post of athens restaurants soon!

we both contemplated the peach french toast but neither one of us got it because we were too excited for the biscuits which i must say, did NOT dissapoint!

and chocolate cake for breakfast? this looks gourmet! next time ill get breakfast and box this up for dessert :)

these pictures are from a local food blog- thanks taylor!
(always)alanna

2010-07-20T17:04:00.000-04:00

dont forget to enter my giveaway HERE!

hard day.. just resigned from my main job.. way too much stress. good news is i still have my part time job to bring in a little bit of cash. the timing wasnt so bad as schools about to start and im going to be busy balancing everything butt im also somewhat in denial right now. when it finally hits me, i can only hope im this composed.. in the meantime, i thought i'd advertise begin pale as i doubt ill be able to keep my tan without working 40 hours a week as a lifeguard :(

i mean this girls rocking it, right?! not to mention there goes any chance of a chanel.. aw!

image via stockholmstreetstyle
(always)alanna

HELP!

2010-07-19T14:34:00.003-04:00

dont forget to enter my giveaway HERE!

put a vintage louis on layaway last summer.. took me five months, but it was worth every penny. i'm seriously considering doing the same on a chanel (and draining my bank account..) though i'd also like to wait and get a new one.. ahh what to do, what to do?!

and speaking of bags, remember my post on roughroses discount designer bags HERE? well, the site has been so sweet and sent over a 20% off coupon for all of my readers! just click the "redeem a discount coupon" at checkout and plug in the code! happy shopping darlings!
(always)alanna

2010-07-17T15:14:00.000-04:00

dont forget to enter my giveaway HERE!

and thank you to take me out to the runway for the gorgeous award!

still obsessed with this miu miu clutch:

(always)alanna

GIVEAWAY!

2010-07-14T13:00:00.002-04:00

i'm hosting another giveaway for all of my readers, commenters, and followers to say THANKYOUU for all of the support you guys have given me in the last year- you have no idea how much i appreciate it and the inspiration it gives to this blog! without you, i would be nowhere!
designer apparel and i have teamed up to bring you alex and ani. shoppable at designerapparel.com, the designs behind the line are insanely creative and completely unique. and, with my obsession with bracelets, i die over their bangle bar every time i visit the site. the site also carries heaps of other designers that include everything from DKNY to missoni (ahhh crochet dresses! to stella mccartney.. the love of my life.

for the alex and ani space ring giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post- and if you follow my blog, you get an extra entry in the giveaway! im sorry to say that this giveaway will only be open to domestic readers.. i promise a giveaway to international readers soon!

the giveaway will be open until july 31! good luck!

(always)alanna

LUST!

2010-07-12T16:00:00.004-04:00

just made the discovery of my life in the form of a purse, and then the website its featured on.. being limited by my weekly paycheck (which continues to shrink drastically as taxes skyrocket), i can no longer afford to dish out the big bucks on full priced brandname bags.
can anyone PLEASE say affordable luxury handbags ?-well, guess who found them? I DID! I DID! check out www.roughroses.com! im about to swipe my card on this beautiful crossbody canteen bag.. its perfect for a light summer bag to head out to dinner and dancing this weekend, and the black makes it a perfect bag for winter shopping too because lugging around a huge satchel and looking through clothing racks is definitely NOT my idea of relaxation (more like weight lifting!).

im considering even splurging a little bit and grabbing this one too-

its similar to the canteen bag, but im really into cross body bags and you can never go wrong with black..

saving this site to my favorites ASAP; thought i'd share the deals with you beautiful fashionistas as well!

(always)alanna

2010-07-09T21:55:00.000-04:00

images via seaofshoes, fashiongonerogue, refinery29, glastonbury, 283days, thehautepursuit
(always)alanna

2010-07-05T12:30:00.002-04:00

ahhh- just got home from the calven klein collection on sale! promise to share photos ASAP!

this heat has me begging for color; and dreading having to get dressed in the morning (i wore this shirt only under the condition that we would go to a restaurant that kept the temperature wayyyyy down).. so, after breaking out the new morange lipstick and grabbing this string of beads, i decided that the only way i'd be wearing suede shoes and sleeves was if i worse some ultracropped shorts.. i mean seriously, i cant even think in this heat, much less function.

(f21 dress as shirt, thrifted shorts, DIY necklace, JC heels)

(always)alanna

2010-07-03T23:52:00.001-04:00

happy fourth of july.. im feeling mexican food..

(always)alanna

2010-06-29T23:04:00.000-04:00

i apologize for the lack of posts and the utter lack of creativity lately.. i've been with an ear infection and vertigo for 8 days now and it is draining every ounce of effort i can muster to do anythinggg. in my half-awake stupor, i put together this outfit and attempted to do a "living room photoshoot", but i'm suddenly feeling like a failure in that all four of these pictures are me halfway crouching into the fetal position or finding my head falling on the table..

i was excited however, to put on these shoes- one of the pairs i picked up at the shoe sale last week! not to mention i grabbed a gorgeous pair of Calvin Klein lucite heels.. though i have to admit i'm going to have to think on how to wear those for a while

(ON shirt, AE shorts, Sam Edelman Wedges, random bling)

i promise to be back again soon, full force!

(always)alanna

2010-06-26T10:35:00.001-04:00

images via olsensanonymous, seaofshoes, src783, lisaplace, marieclaireitalia, blushingtulips, leflassh, ukonlookbook, bazaar, googleimages, hellolist
(always)alanna

2010-06-23T11:56:00.000-04:00

finallyyyy got a day off, put together an outfit, and headed to the mall. lucky me for being forced to wait so long- everything was on sale! pologie and nordstrom were both having massive sales and i couldnt keep my hands off of all the shoes.. GORGEOUS. although i was sad not to buy them all, i exercised some self-control and only walked out with two pairs promising myself that if they were meant to be, they would still be there come time for next paycheck..

mom and i headed to cheesecake factory before hitting the stores and it was amaazingg. im always BEYOND overwhelmed when they hand me that menu as its 15+ pages long.. crazy, right? i usually get the pizza and it never fails to dissapoint but i decided to do something different and got the herb salmon salad and i must say it was a bit of a letdown butt it might have also giving me a shopping advantage in that like when i eat the pizza, i wasnt so full that i had to unbutton my pants during shopping hahaha..

(DIY shorts, vinage silk shirt and bag, gap blazer, miami hat and jcrew flower pin)

enjoy the week; the suns shining here (although maybe a little bit too much..)

(always)alanna

flyy me to the moon

2010-06-21T18:18:00.000-04:00

still in love with breton stripes. i mean seriously, does desire ever fade when it pertains to sailors? i think not.

(always)alanna

2010-06-20T13:36:00.000-04:00

images via knighttcatt, lefashion, olsensanonymoous, fashiongonerogue, googleimages, seaofshoes, fashiontoast
(always)alanna

baby, be my mistake

2010-06-17T15:16:00.000-04:00

i feel so redundant and completely ridiculous saying this.. but i kindof miss winter already.. and these photos so do not match the weather; but they're too beautiful to keep all to myself

(always)alanna

the words flowing amongst the airwaves; they wash the mood and set the tone

2010-06-15T22:18:00.000-04:00

i was so psyched when i found these platforms.. ive been dying to wear them since i picked them up- perfect for summer and the best transition from day to night.. and they were a steal. i've been vintage shopping like crazyyyy lately trying to make my paychecks last as long as possible. balancing my money between going out and shopping is definitely not as easy as i remembered.. or maybe i'm just becoming an expensive eater; not totally positive though i'm leaning toward the latter explanation

i've been into rings hardcore lately.. im all about the giant armor rings that swallow my entire finger- and this new beaten one with stones is to diee for

(vintage wedges and silk buttondown; DIY shorts)

finally brought my dog out for pictures because you guys havent met him yet! isn't he a darling? i tried to adopt a yorkie not too long ago after stumbling upon the little pup in the road but as it turns out, he had a home.. still considering going to the shelter in the near future and saving one of the furry little rascals.

(always)alanna

2010-06-13T16:58:00.000-04:00

dinner:

andd dancing:

enough said.

(always)alanna

2010-06-11T13:12:00.000-04:00

images via src783, jak&jil, peltdesign, refinery29, marleymumbles, googleimages
(always)alanna

2010-06-09T11:36:00.000-04:00

i apologize for lately repeatedly forgetting to take blog pictures and ending up cropping the photos from a night out and calling it a blog post.. pathetic, im totally aware. so i promise, there is decent fashion coming your way!

the picture below is one of my favorites.. leah is my part time photographer; and the best friend i could EVER ask for

(VS slip; CR dress; express necklace)

went out for drinks and dancing a few nights ago; wound up stumbling to work the next morning.. this lack of sleep is killing me.. vacation anyone?

xo
(always)alanna

2010-06-06T13:59:00.000-04:00

images via altamira, fashiongonerogue, childhoodflames, tenley, wildcat, voguekorea, and random other places i totally forgot..
(always)alanna

2010-06-02T13:18:00.000-04:00

currently obsessed- gold; rings; black platforms; lace; lipstick; tortoise shell

(always)alanna

2010-05-31T12:39:00.000-04:00

images via altimaranyc, refinery29, jakandjil, mucciahadalittlelamb, thesnakecharmer, thecobrasnake, mademoisellechic, tumblr, thecityofdreams, knighttcat, voguenippon
(always)alanna

2010-05-29T21:33:00.000-04:00

spring perfection- lots of linen, cracked leather, and neutral colored shorts paired with completely cropped, sheer, and billowy tops.. and tons of wooden platforms with mounds of earthy stoned jewelry.. nowww for that paycheck

(always)alanna

the wind in my hair, the sand in my toes, the tan on my mind

2010-05-27T12:33:00.000-04:00

this was my favorite photoshoot EVER. something about the beach, the wind, and the excitement of knowing a tan was coming my way (threatening transparency is no longer acceptable in april). leah and i headed over to sapelo island in south georgia to take these photos and found ourselves on a very bumpy boat ride.. it kind of made me wish we could just slow down and take it all in- isn't the ocean beautiful?

i thought bringing a coat was going to be ridiculous and hot, and ill admit i wasnt too keen on wearing it once we got off the boat; but it came in handy on the ride over there. salty wind from the sea in april? freezinggg.

i wish there was some way to mimic the ocean hair look. i've tried the ghd sea spray and i love it but i feel like it just completely fries my hair. any suggestions? im going for an mk&a grungy wavy look..

(abercrombie top, vintage belt, VS bathing suit, express necklace, carmen fur trimmed jacket)

now, can i please get my toes back in that sand?

(always)alanna

2010-05-25T16:57:00.002-04:00

1. mushrooms in tasmania
2. lamb rack
3. floral
4. the city
5. tasmanian moss
6. pink love tulip
7. maxi
8. wine nights
9. rekindling old memories
10. future picasso from the little ones
11. saturday night sushi runs

photos from the past while taken by my brother, my boyfriend, and myself.
(always)alanna

2010-05-23T23:02:00.001-04:00

images via americanbeautymuse, cinnamonchaicouture, allaboutit, insideamlulscloset, styleorectic, lookbook, lefashion, tumblr,
(always)alanna

2010-05-20T22:28:00.000-04:00

channeling some pochahauntas vibes here (minus all the adorable talking animals..)

(target socks, topshop corset, urbanvibe fringe dress, vintage vest)

expect some DIY's soon. my fingers are getting shaky following all of these calculus formulas and im thinking some sewing/crafting might ease the tension ;)

photos by LEAH!
(always)alanna

2010-05-16T00:24:00.000-04:00

totally into the simplicity as of this moment. and in my world, simplicity = mess.. hence, the grime.

(vintage skirt, aa bandeau)
(always)alanna

in coffee city we borrowed heaven

2010-05-12T19:17:00.000-04:00

i was SUPER psyched when i went out today and mom told me it was my day to choose out whatever i wanted on HER. sweet deal, right? since im all into colors right now (its this warm weather dominating every thought that enters my mind), i chose out this pinkkkk purse. its really bold and pretty bright but i figured another gold bracelet/ring hanging on my shelves was probably a stupid investment. thus, my opting for strong flourescent clutches.. was that a mistake?

(mom's linen shirt and scarf worn as wrap, american eagle shorts, bb purse, DIY charm bracelets)

either way.. i would definitely say i enjoyed the color in my oufit tonight. i thought i was going to glow in the dark (sadly, i didnt) haha. and have you noticed this scarf kick i've been in lately? i think i've been experimenting with scarfs on every part of my body EXCEPT my neck (can anybody say WINTER?!?!) and loving every bit of itt!
p.s. shorts with heels? jumping on that bandwagon ASAP! it is wayyy too hott to even think about pants right now..

(always)alanna

2010-05-10T14:49:00.001-04:00

something about these boots paired with these trousers screams peterpan pantaloons to me (am i completely insane?). here we go.. im playing the word association game yet AGAIN. no matter, it was one of my better outfits as it was super functional.. flats all day for walking, trousers to stay warm but not hot, and the perfect touch of vintage to complete the outfit :)

maybe this picture/pose was the culprit in tricking me into a peterpan mindset?

how to climb a tree for dummies.. step one and two shown above and below haha. my brother and i nailed boards onto this tree FOREVER ago.. i had forgotten about it until i saw the wooden box in the branches and remembered why we built a tree trunk ladder in the first place.. tricking people into thinking hurricanes blew boxes into trees. can anyone say juvenile?..

(chinese laundry boots, bcbg trousers, express shirt, vintage vest)

photos by LEAH!
(always)alanna

best ATL food.

2010-05-08T13:16:00.001-04:00

heres the third edition of best ATL food. some of the titles have been copied as there may be more than one place that has the best burgers, mexican.. its a big city after all! enjoy the recommendations and be sure to send me feed back! and as always, let me know if theres anything you'd like me to research/add to the list. (many of these recommendations are centered around food and most of the food only reccomendations (not cocktails, taverns..) are recommended for lunch. however, if you're shooting for atmosphere, check out my first food post, "best big-city eats")

best meaty food:

Saskatoon
360 Pharr Rd; Buckhead; 404.891.1911

Take a shot at starters like wild game eggrolls or wild boar flatbread w/ alfredo & portobellos before attacking formerly water-borne eats like Fisherman's Pasta (littleneck clams, P.E.I. mussels & gulf shrimp in Chardonnay/vermouth/garlic sauce), smoky Idaho rainbow trout w/ plum BBQ sauce, or the oven-roasted, delivered-while-flaming "plank" salmon, whose indignity was doubled, as it wasn't even able to walk it. Bigger "Lodge Specialties" include an eight-ounce elk tenderloin w/ grilled portobellos, an ostrich fan filet w/ citrus-infused red wine demi glace, and double-rack venison rib chops; you can also nab four-week-aged Nebraska steaks (filet, sirloin, blue cheese NY strip...), and birds like the Remington roasted duck, whose dual-breast action is guaranteed to eat just as well as a blade, or your money back!
Sas's full bar boasts a wide selection of reds & whites alongside drafts like Guinness, Paulaner, Yuengling, and 420, also what made your eyes all bleary and bloodshot so you couldn't see the screen well enough, and this gun is totally broken anyway, dog.
check out the full menu here

best spanish food:

Auténtico INC Street Food
948 Canton St; Roswell; 770.998.3114

Commence stuffing yourself with cactus & yucca fries (w/ chipotle pico & Latin remoulade) or Salvadoran chicken pupusa (chicken-/queso-stuffed grilled white corn-masa), then move on to three-taco plates ranging from the standard-ish chili-rubbed skirt steak (w/ slaw, pickled carrots, chipotle crema) to more-adventurous BBQ octopus or veal cheek, which was lovingly pinched by that clock right before getting grilled on where it was going to college. Further Latin specialties include the Sonoran hot dog (bacon-wrapped, w/ black beans, cucumber slaw, queso & chili lime mayo), Cuban sammies, and stews like the red mole con carne (braised beef, corn-masa dumplings & Oaxacan mole sauce), and the shrimp, calamari, scallops, mussels, potato, tomato, corn-on-the-cob, and coconut-milk "Brazilian-Style", which goes through that pain every couple weeks just to keep you happy, and you'd damn well better appreciate it. Cause they read somewhere that people like to drink, INC's got 'ritas (e.g., Tres Chiles, w/ Thatcher’s liqueur & jalapeno candy), 34 tequilas, Dos Equis Lager & Amber on draft, and bottles like Abita Purple Haze, Presidente, and Spain's Estrella Damm -- the same thing you say after finally catching up with your other favorite food truck, and realizing it's out of King Kones.
check out the full menu here

best night club:

The Havana Club
3112 Piedmont Rd; Buckhead; 404.869.8484

When stuff happens you don't like, there's solace in knowing it was for a reason: when your hamster died, the little fella was old and not really enjoying himself anymore, and when the Buckhead strip closed, it was to keep you from being stabbed by visiting NFL players whose names rhyme with Ray Lewis. Reinventing an adored dance factory in a new, linebacker-free location, Havana Club.
After closing three dark years ago to make way for the safer-for-tourists, perpetually "Coming next year!" Streets of Buckhead project, Havana's officially back this weekend in a new, sprawling triple-room complex, where DJs'll spin top-40 rock, house, and salsa/merengue tunes among faux palms and 100-year-old recycled wood walls pulled from a Texas courthouse to provide "old-world ambiance" -- so...Texas, Spain? The entry-area "Stage" zone features cream leather couches and dark wood tables below an elevated level with a concrete/stained glass bar, a shiny red stage for bands & DJs, cabana-style beds, and a walk-in humidor/wine room next to a smoker's lounge with brown leather chairs and natural wood cocktail tables, who don't need no stinking pills! Keep it moving and you'll hit the "Studio", a red-lit, Latin-themed back area for merengue & salsa dancing (free lessons if you arrive early) with a high stage built into the wall for live Cuban bands; next up's the "Gallery", a glistening white expanse in the rear for house music, which'll also double as an event space for art exhibits, runway shows, and high-end dealers flaunting their new cars, which'll leave you wondering Who's Gonna Drive You Home.
Havana's hosting two huge events for this weekend's launch: complimentary hors d'oeuvres & an open bar from 9-11pm at "The Friday Night Escape", then the same deal from 8:30-10pm for Saturday night's grand opening -- which thanks to their "No Ravens Linebackers" door policy, doesn't refer to your throat.

best cheap food:

Lunacy Black Market
231 Mitchell St SW; Downtown; 404.736.6164

Just about everything on both the lunch & dinner menu's under $5, and along with soup and salads, the main attractions for midday eaters are sandwiches like Asian-style pork w/ ginger soy sesame sauce; chicken w/ spinach, tomato & goat cheese; braised beef w/ roasted peppers and Ricotta; and the crispy mushroom, which comes with "chunk" tomato sauce -- overeat, and you'll quickly become acquainted with Sloth. Dinner seekers can nab shrimp sauteed in olive oil and garlic, Mediterranean chicken leg w/ cinnamon curry cardamom, tangy mint-sauced pork ribs (also made Asian-style), or the four-person-satiating, marinated roasted whole mullet (and now you know who the Trans-Am taking up two spots belongs to).
For the manliest part of the meal, there're chocolate chip cookies w/ apple & caramel sauce, and the red wine-syrup-drizzled poached pear, a name that'll mislead diners to thinking it was illegally murdered by chip-toothed men in khaki hats.
check out the full menu here

best oysters:

The New Food: C&S Oyster Bar
3240 Cobb Pkwy; Cobb; 770.272.0999

The upscale seafood saloon's trucked in new wines like Spain's Basico Sav Blanc at nice prices ($6-$8/glass) and unveiled fresh house specialty entrees like Parm-crusted flounder and blackened swordfish w/ tomato dill butter & crab sweet potato hash, along with snackers like the veal & Ricotta-rolled Marie Anne's Meatballs, which you'll feel much more comfortable handling than the Skipper's.
check out the full menu here

best pizza:

950 Pie Pizza Tavern
950 W Peachtree St; Midtown; 404.881.8884

Pizzas're crafted with finely ground Italian "00" flour and San Marzano tomatoes, then wood-fire baked at 750 degrees for a charred crust; creations include the Bianca (olive oil, garlic, mozzarella, smoked provolone, feta, sun-dried tomato), the brunchy Bacon & Egg, the chorizo/Manchego/red bell pepper/garlic Matador, and the shrimp-topped Gulf Stream -- what top Citibank officials would order if Tim Geithner wasn't keeping them all poor. Chomp-ables outside the giant circle category include antipastis (zucchini fries, hand-rolled meatballs...), calzones like the Italia (mozzarella, ricotta, spicy Italian sausage, salami), paninis (chicken club, meatball, Caprese...), and gourmet salads like the red wine vinaigrette Tavern Chopped, with salami, chicken, Pepperoncini, garbanzos & organic "mesculin", like that stuff you tried last summer in Arizona, only with 17 fewer sagacious lizards.
The full bar's got gourmet milkshakes (Hazelnut, Key Lime Pie), Italian, Argentinean & Spanish wines, cheap drafts ($2 PBR, $4 Peroni & Abita Jockamo IPA), and 20+ craft bottles like Terrapin Sun Ray Wheat and Moretti La Rossa, brewed with aromatic hops that give it a slightly bitter aftertaste -- what Snooki was left with when the last guy she challenged proved he could flip her for real.
check out the full menu here

best caribbean:

The Village Jerk
1271 Glenwood Ave SE; East Atlanta; 678.705.4585

The gorging commences with apps like tostones a la criolla (Caribbean Creole/guava-simmered shrimp on crisp plantain) and batter-fried conch fritters with mango chutney, along with hearty bowl-based nourishment including sancocho (plantain/yucca/seafood/veggies) and a chicken-laden chowder called jerk soup, also what it's called when the Alpha Betas all jump in the jacuzzi. Things get more substantial with "planwiches" (jerk chicken/pork sandwiches with fried plantain fritters replacing bread), chicharron de pollo (chicken fried golden brown and drizzled with a warm tamarind apricot sauce), meatloaf covered in BBQ guava glaze and served with a side of yucca, and masitas de puerco: chunks of pork slowly baked then flash fried before losing all motivation to go to the gym.
Drinkables stay tropical, with Negra Modelo, Corona, and Red Stripe, along with sangria and mojitos; they've also got an uber-cute "Nino's" kids' menu plus a nice smattering of vegetarian offerings, in case you want your heart to continue to beat (as one).
check out the full menu here

best multi-faceted restaurant:

One Cafe & Yoeshi
Burritos, sushi & yogurt: unite!
171 Auburn Ave, Ste D; Downtown; 404.688.5344

Hit One for custom burritos (with free-range beef/chicken, shredded pork, or buffalo chili), burgers, soups, and pre-prepped, microwaveable to-go grub like mac 'n' cheese-sided pot roast, which you can grab at the self-service kiosk -- reminiscent of what you do with your own beef at Peek-A-Boo's video arcades. To get even fatter, stroll over to Yoeshi for sushi like deep-fried, panko-crusted Super Crunch (salmon, cream cheese, avocado), specialty rolls like the ponzu-glazed Electric Eel, or combos; froyo's all vanilla with frighteningly healthy toppings like blackberries, pomegranates, kiwi, plus dried fruits like mango and candied ginger, also the redhead kid into whose hair you used to grind Now and Laters.
Because studies show that people like booze, there'll be frozen margaritas on the One side, plus self-serve spots in both joints where you can pay for and pour your own domestic, micro & import beer, wine, and sake, so you "don't have to worry about tipping" -- the exact opposite of the classic sleepover move, "just the tipping".
check out the full menu here

best international pizza:

Piola
1080 Peachtree St, Ste 9; Midtown; 404.249.7019

Start with antipasti like Linosa (avocado, shrimp & pink sauce), or the Italia Unita w/ mozzarella, Parmesan, bread & sun-ripened apricots; pizza's 12" mozzarella-covered thin crusters like the Mantova (sliced raw beef, Brie, arugula, fresh tomatoes...), the smoked salmon/ricotta/parsley Rimini, or the Merano, with zucchini and Italian Speck ham -- unlike other prosciutti, it's "boned before curing", which proves that you're not the only pig that likes to live dangerously. There're specialty pies like the white-sauced Lipsia (shrimp, broccoli, garlic, fresh tomatoes), or the spicy salami-topped Napoletana Pompei, while there're also pastas like Fusilli Bianco Verde (chicken, broccoli, cream, Parmesan) and hearty meals including breaded beef cutlets, pan-seared tuna steak, and a chicken breast roll (try that on for size, Sean White!!)
For your imbibing pleasure, they've got bottled beers (Peroni, Stella, Corona...), wines, and mixed drinks like Caipirinhas or Kiwi Caipiroskas; dessert includes profiteroles and tiramisu made w/ Mascarpone cream, coffee, cocoa powder, and oval-shaped cookies known as "lady fingers" -- tell Zaza that he shoots like his hands are made of them, and he'll slap you like you just pulled him over for speeding.
check out the full menu here

best small plate caribbean:

Entice A
239 Ponce de Leon Ave; Midtown; 404.607.0101

The tapas attack begins with curried wings w/ mango salsa, pecan-crusted chicken fillets w/ sweet potato, and blackened tilapia, before ranging over to jerk chicken flatbread, sweet pepper shrimp & cheese grits, Guinness-marinated short ribs, and snapper escovitch w/ fried dumplings, which will eat themselves once they run out of Flaming Cheetos. If you enjoy food that used to swim, there's the Caribbean crispy fish salad or grilled jumbo sea scallops w/ mango rice; sides include garlic red potatoes w/ leeks, zucchini Parmesan pancakes, and Caribbean Ratatouille, the Pixar sequel that was way more awesome, since Billy Ocean did the entire soundtrack.
Once the mayor approves their liquor license (c'mon, Kasim!!), you'll be able to brighten up your life with the "Caribbean Twilight" martini (dark rum, GranMa, lemon, bitters), Caipirinhas, tropical L.I. Teas, or the 1800/triple sec/Chambord/sour/cranberry "Bite the Berry" -- something you pray you don't end up doing after discovering just how mighty-mighty your brick house really is.
check out the full menu here

best french food:

Moto Bistro
2257 Lenox Rd; Buckhead; 404.634.2828

Apps like the vegetable-basil or crab spring rolls (w/ tamarind dip sauce) and cucumber-/sweet pepper-sauced crystal shrimp dumplings cover the Asian side of the fusion; things swing French from there thanks to wine-sauce-steamed mussels, roasted quail w/ pimento plum sauce, flash-fried & rice flour-crusted oysters, and the garlic-buttered escargot au beurre, a favorite of popular French rapper Gucci Homme. Mainly-French entrees range from poultry dishes like roast-grilled hen w/ mustard sauce, to five-spice-sauced pork belly, to red-meaty meals like rosemary-herb rack of lamb, red wine ribeye steak, and the braised shortrib w/ mashed potatoes and natural reduction, which in a cruel twist, will lead to your own natural augmentation.
As for eats o' the sea, Moto's got the Bass Au Fenouil Et Poireaux (accompanied by fried fennel & leek), or the Pates Au Saumon, smoked salmon & penne -- the same thing you'll leave in Ma$e's collection plate, as that's about all his thoughts are worth these days.
check out the full menu here

best not-quite-bar food:

Young Augustine's
327 Memorial Dr; Grant Park; 404.681.3344

Snacks come small (Benton's Tennessee prosciutto on a toasted loaf w/ fried ginger mayo) and large (pork belly sliders, tomato/fundido/jalapeno-topped tater tot nacho "totchos"); they're also slingin' sammies like the short rib grilled cheese (w/ arugula, pickles & vine-ripe tomatoes), and the cured salmon Reuben, which enjoyed a new lease on life, until you ate it. More aggressive eating comprises brisket hash poached eggs (w/ mustard Hollandaise), fried chicken w/ stone ground grits & tomatoes, or the jasmine-rice pork vindaloo, all backed up by sides like truffled mac & cheese, scallion pancakes w/ oyster sauce, and fries cooked in duck fat (aka, Goldberg the goalie).
The bar's got a full arsenal of booze, but the main attraction's the additional 16 taps they've added to the 12 left from The Standard's still-standing bar, pouring everything from tamer crafts like the 4.5% ABV Blanche de Bruxelles to heavier hooch like the 12% Duvel Green -- guess which one would get Bob Jammin'.
check out the full menu here

best brunch:

Brunch House
1465 Chattahoochee Ave, Ste 100; West Midtown; 404.350.9665

Just opened off Chattahoochee, Brunch House is an everything-under-$7, relaxing southern-style breakfast/lunchery, decked with wall silhouettes of cats and flying birds, a central zig-zagging exposed brick sectional wall/coffee station, and a fireplace. Early pig-outage includes a biscuit & gravy w/ meat (Kentucky Pride sausage, honey baked ham...) and combos like the country fried steak platter w/ gravy, two eggs, and hash browns or grits, while lunching ranges from sammies (blackened garlic roast pork, Gogi steak...), to a bar for loading up baked potatoes, which are almost certainly couch potatoes.
check out the full menu here

best irish food:

Mac McGee's
111 Sycamore St; Decatur; 404.377.8050

Bite into apps like pork belly on bubble & squeak (pot roast veggies), and a smoked fish plate w/ gooseberry jam & blancmange, then step up to chips-sided Irish calzone-y "pasties" like beef brisket or seafood (clam, shrimp, fennel), lamb leg sandwiches, or the Dublin burger w/ Cashel Blue Irish cheese & house-made "rashers": strips of bacon, and less deliciously, the nickname for women at Myrtle Beach's Señor Frogs. Entrees include pies like steak & mushroom and smoked oyster, plus the always-available Full Irish Breakfast (eggs, bangers, bacon, black & white pudding, baked beans & roasted tomato); finish off your fatness with desserts like toffee pudding w/ whisky cream & brown sugar tuile, or the chocolate pot de creme, which comes with a "current scone", which will quickly turn into a former scone.
Meanwhile, the whisk(e)y stock focuses on varieties Irish (Jameson Rarest Vintage) and Scotch (Macallan 15 Fine Oak, Glenmorangie 18yr, Lagavulin 16yr), plus there're 16 bottled brews (Trappistes Rochefort, Highland Gaelic, Victory HopDevil), and 23 drafts like Trois Pistoles and Boddingtons -- named for owner Henry, whose grandson Ewart sold the company off in 1989, because he was too chicken to continue.
check out the full menu here

enjoy- and don't forget to eat enough for me as well ;)
(always)alanna

2010-05-05T14:57:00.000-04:00

i just adore savannah- its such a quaint little city. river street is adorable and they have the most amazing candy shops; and the nature in the city is just gorgeous. the whole town is made up of squares with amazing live oak trees and all kinds of wildlife. not to mention there's some absolutely breathtaking architecture.. old houses, catholic churches. but anywaysss.. we headed into savannah the other day to eat at lady and sons which is paula deen's restaurant.. SO delicious (but make sure to pretend that your arteries arent being clogged and threatening to shut down from butter overload while you're eating)

delicioussss chicken pot pie :)

(CR shirt, AA bandeau, vintage belt, steve madden wedges, some random capris?)

i recommend checking out rocks on the roof if you visit savannah- its a tapas place at the top of the bohemian and its amazing- such a city atmosphere and it overlooks the river.

photos by LEAH!
(always)alanna

2010-05-02T17:17:00.001-04:00

images via fashiongonerogue, fashionroadkill, tumblr, jak&jil, googleimages, streetstyle
(always)alanna

wisteria, azalea, hydrangea, botany

2010-04-28T14:46:00.002-04:00

something about hiding in tall, tall grass and super long maxi dresses just magnetizes in my head. might that be a side effect of too many word association games? either way, i really liked the way these turned out- the vibes kind of neglecting, kind of indifferent, kind of exactly the way i feel when i walk into abandoned fields of grass and thorns..

(vintage maxi)

(always)alanna

2010-04-26T20:47:00.003-04:00

images via jakandjil, altamiranyc, knighttcat, olsensanonymous, seaofshoes, googleimages
(always)alanna

ay-yayy-ya

2010-04-24T13:06:00.001-04:00

wow. okay, so fringe? is it weird that my mom told me that it was imperative i own a fringe shirt?

here i am again, DIY-ing with my famous hanes shirts. this is one i had originally cut into a cropped angle shirt (check out an earlier DIY) and then took some scissors and cut many, many vertical strips into it about 3 inches long. if you pull the strips after you cut them, they roll up a bit and turn out like this.. simple elegance :)

(always)alanna

beige.. bring on the beige.

2010-04-21T11:53:00.000-04:00

went to grab pizza today at mellow mushroom. seriously, that place has the most amazing pizza i have ever eaten in my life.. i think i ate my weight in pizza; disgusting, i know. so, in my elephantly and bloated state (i wore leggings to remind myself not to eat too much- FAIL) went to take these pictures as this spot that leah knew of. i was impressed with the structures and was surprised to find it hiding where it was- unexpected beauty..

(vintage shirt, 21 leggings, express necklace and cuff and random other jewelry, my mom's purse)

super stoked that the weathers warming up again. looks like i'll be able to have a spring break that is properly evidencing spring climate.. that might merit a trip down to the beach. agreed?

photos by LEAH!
xx
(always)alanna

2010-04-18T13:06:00.002-04:00

1. poolside resort and vodkatonics
2. napping men by the river
3. the golden isles as the sun goes down
4. brick.. lots of brick
5. parking structures and their prisonlike beauty
6. cactus
7. sapelo island
8. bling- in the form of an express necklace
9. georgia palms

and don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY HERE!

(always)alanna

kimberly ovitz

2010-04-15T12:17:00.001-04:00

these shots are from a kimberly ovitz collection, and being totally obsessed with this sweater, i decided to try my own version. though i must admit, its a bit far fetched from resembling this gorgeous sweater.

how to:
(read all the steps first because i did the sewing last although i would recommend doing it first.. i was having a few difficulties with the sewing machine. but its totally up to you- whatever's convienient)
1) cut a large rectangle in the back of an XL or XXL hanes white men pocket tee (the size will depend on the length you'd like your dress to be)
2) on the vertical sides of the rectangle, cut an equal amount of slits on both sides (approximately .25 to .5 inches in height)
3) cut this many strips in the rectangle that you cut out of the shirt (they don't have to be perfect, the messier, the better)
4) stretch the strips (but only a little bit, as they will rip), so they "roll-up" and resemble something similar to a tunnel
5) tie these strips to the fringe on the shirt (the two knots will be visible)
6) try the shirt on and hem the sides according to the desired tightness of your dress (i sewed mine approximately 2.5 inches on both sides so i could sew and cut off the excess inside of where the sleeve began - like a tank dress (but you can take in the sleeves as well if you like this look better)
7) option- cut out the collar and cut the bottom hem off (about 1 inch off bottom of dress) for a more "disheveled look"

VIOLA! cheap perfection baby.
and as always- e-mail me your results @ always.alanna@yahoo.com and ill post your DIY as well!

and don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY here!

images via googleimages, kimberlyovitz
(always)alanna

GIVEAWAY!

2010-04-11T11:46:00.002-04:00

here i am with EXCITING news! im teaming up with CSN stores to bring my readers a giveaway! it was inspired through a sister website and their amazing entertainment centers. im furnishing a room and was checking them out at racksandstands.com, so definitely check those out! andddd heres the prize up for grabs: a $50 shopping spree to ToysandGamesOnline.com which is a store with all kinds of disney related toys and games (which is pretty much my favorite thing ever- i mean disney princesses? HELLLO!)! THE BEST NEWS? all you have to do is comment on this post with your email. im going to choose the winner by hand by whoever can come up with the most creative reason that they should win so leave me something fun to read! im sorry to say to all my international readers that due to CSN stipulations this is a US & Canada giveaway only!

(always)alanna

2010-04-07T20:42:00.000-04:00

had my own personal dance party as i was cheered on from behind the camera a few nights ago- credit to leah egging on my less than mediocre dance talent while teetering over the ocean in platforms.

these might be my favorite shoes ever. i've seen them before and really liked them, but never managed to get my hands on them.. as fate goes, i walked into the gap the other day and there they were in all their shining glory- one pair found hidden in overstock and set out on the shelf at a ridiculously marked down price- score!

(DIY levis, topshop corset, target scarf worn as sash, DIY gold belt, gap wedges)

oh and these shorts- amazing.. please try them! $2 at goodwill and a pair of scissors.. cheapest shorts of my life; and the best ones too.
(always)alanna

rawrr. grrrr.

2010-04-06T15:50:00.000-04:00

so this is what love at first sight means.. furry deliciousness..

images via knighttcat
(always)alanna