must have monday {13.}...

After spending the weekend in the Bay Area and shopping my little heart out, (literally. when I got home and added up how much I spent my heart stopped for a few minutes), you would think I would be over swooning and shopping. But no. I am not. I am still ALL about it. What can I say? I love to shop. End of story.

Ok...not end of story really. I am super excited that in one month I will be hopping on a plane to Las Vegas to see Adele in concert. Jealous? Well if you aren't when I tell you I am also meeting up with Lauren and Ashton, you will be. I am so excited to see two of my besties and have a blast in Vegas with them. I am not so excited about being in Las Vegas in August. Seriously. Anyone who has been there knows it is pretty much like living in an oven. This sparked a shopping frenzy for some cool summer dresses, because jeans when it is 120 outside are a little ridiculous. That is what inspired this weeks, 'Must Have Monday'.

Enjoy...

{1.} 'Demeter Maxi Dress'-ModCloth

I am seriously loving on this fierce maxi dress. I mean the shoulder alone is super foxy. So, while wearing an all black dress in Las Vegas during the day may result in death, rocking this little number out to a fabulous dinner would be cool and hot all at the same time. You can find this gem over at ModCloth for only $59.99!

{2.} 'Peaceful Evening Dress'-ModCloth

Now this dress would be perfect for a day out and about on The Strip. Yes. I did just make 'The Strip' a proper noun. I am loving how delicate and pretty this little number is. I think it would be perfect for a day of shopping and running around. I also love how with the right shoes and accessories you could make it a bit fancier. This is over at ModCloth for $42.99.

{3.} 'Let's Go On A Dot Dress'-ModCloth

I want this dress in the worst way. I love items that can be worn a bunch of different ways. I could see this as a bathing suit cover-up, a flowy little dress, or belted with some high heels. It also has pockets, if a dress has pockets I typically deem that dress as legit. Once again head over to ModCloth and pick this up for only $49.99!

{4.} 'Second Verse Dress'-ModClothThis is such a fun and classic take on the LBD. I mean what woman doesn't own one? This just seems like such a classy little number. Once again it is black. Yeah, yeah. I like to wear black. So, this would only be used as nighttime wear in LV. Do we love? It is $99.99 at ModCloth!

{5.} 'Catchphrase Dress'-ModCloth

I love how comfy this dress looks. It would be so cute with some shiny gladiator sandals and a cute hat. Anything that is made out of jersey knit makes me think of pajamas. I love pajamas. For $42.99 you could have this to lounge, shop, and play in!

Okay fellow fashionistas, what is YOUR way to look cute and feel cool all at the same time? Also, if anyone has any must-do Vegas suggestions please share in the comments section! Happy Monday pals!

xoxo

must have monday (12.}...

It has been over two months since I have done a 'Must Have Monday' post. What is wrong with me? I suppose I have just been super busy, but I miss my blog and reading your blogs, so I am bringing 'Always Alexandria' back! My last 'Must Have' post was about tops to wear to a bachelorette weekend in Tahoe...yeah that trip happened forever ago. I will be posting about it later this week.

This weeks post is dedicated to dresses. I have been such a dress whore lately, which if you know me, you know that is highly strange. I am a jeans gal all the way, but there is just something about the comfort of work/summer/lounge/fancy dresses that has me addicted to them! So, here are some dresses I am currently swooning over...enjoy!

{1.} 'Alternative Apparel Diego Strapless Navy Blue Dress'-LuLu*s I have a love for dresses that can be worn for many different occasions. This dress would rock a fun night out to dinner with the girls, it could be made a little fancy with some funky jewelry, it could be worn on the beach with a bathing suit underneath, or it could be belted and made a little casual for a Friday at the office. Basically I love this dress...I could probably even sleep in it. It looks comfy like whoa. Also, it has pockets. If something has pockets it automatically sells me on it. I love me some pockets. This cuteness retails at $71.00 bucks over at LuLu*s.

{2.} 'Ease of Elegance Dress'-ModCloth

This little number is super casual. It would be perfect for a day out and about shopping, or grabbing a coffee with some friends. I would definitely not wear this out to dinner, or to work, but it would be perfect for day to day running about and errands. I would totally accessorize it up with a black belt and some funky black wedges! This cuteness is over at ModCloth for $59.99.

{3.} 'City of Lights Dress'-ModCloth

I cannot even begin to express how freakin' cute I find this dress. I want it like right now, in fact I think as soon as I am done with this post I may place an order for it. I am so wishing I would have found this before work bff Tania's wedding last weekend. It is totes adorable, and I have THE perfect shoes for it. It shall be mine, and will be in my closet within the next week. End of story. You can find this gem for $312.99 over at ModCloth.

{4.} 'Farmer's Market Navy Blue Dress'-LuLu*sI apparently have a huge thing for navy blue at the moment. This dress is a little on the short side for me, so I would probably wear some leggings or jean capris underneath it. Unless it was a beachy fun kind of day. Or just tan my legs and then rock out the shortness. Anywho, this is over at LuLu*s for only $41.00!

{5.} 'Languid Paisley Maxi Dress'-Anthropologie

I l-o-v-e this dress so much! It is the perfect comfy casual summer dress. One could easily dress this maxi up or down. It is beyond fabulous, I would of course belt it, because...well...I belt everything I wear! This lovely can be found over at Anthropoloie for $148.00. Why does Anthro have to be so pricey? And why does everything there have to be so effin' cute? Le sigh...

So, ladies...and fellas, what do you think? Which is your favorite? What is YOUR summer fashion obsession? Please share!

xoxo

must have monday {11.}...

It has been quite awhile since I have done a 'Must Have Monday' post! So, since I was not productive at all this weekend I spent a great deal of time window shopping online. However, this time I had a specific purpose and destination for the clothing I was lusting after. In April we are having a bachelorette party extravaganza for work pal Tania! Tania's maid of honor also works with us, and she has planned quite the little party. Only a few work girls are going (which has caused interoffice drama. Hi, I thought we were done with high school) but with the addition of Tania's other pals we are going to have a blast! So, the itinerary includes heading to a swanky hotel in Lake Tahoe, hitting up the shopping, buffets, clubs, and the spa! I am pretty much excited to have a Friday off work, and a fun filled girls only weekend. Now all I need are some cute tops to wear when we head out on the town. I am pretty basic, even when it comes to getting dressed up. So, here are some of the blouses I have been lusting after...

{1.} 'Fizzy Delight Tank'-ModCloth

{2.} 'Well Thought-Out Top'-ModCloth

{3.} 'Capirona Blouse'-Anthropologie
{4.} 'Les Fleurs Rouges Top'-Anthropologie

{5.} 'Stage Presence Vest'-ModClothI am pretty much loving on all of these cute tops. I want/need them right at this very moment. Stay tuned to see which ones I actually bought for our girls trip!

Happy Monday loves!

xoxo

and the winner is...

Thank you all SO much for entering my giveaway! I am so glad that you all took the time to do so. This will not be the last of my giveaways. I think they are so much fun, and I hope to do a few more throughout the next few months.

Now to announce the winner....

Ashton Dene!!!!!

Congrats Ash!!!! You will have a package of awesomeness arriving in the mail sometime soon! Email me your address when you get a chance.

So, I realize that people are going to think this thing was rigged, but it was NOT. I used random.org to get the winner and this is what it came up with! Am I happy that my giveaway is going to a real life bestie?! Of course! But I would have liked to have been able to give something to every person who entered, so the best I can do is if you use the code 'alwaysalex' when you checkout of the 'Mama Made Shoppe' you will get 15% off ALL merchandise for the rest of the month!

Thanks again to all who participated! I hope you enjoy the 15% off code until the end of February! Hope you are all having a lovely Monday. I know I am. Thank the stars for having President's Day off from work!!

xoxo

must have monday and giveaway {10.}...

It is Monday again, my friends. This means back to the office for another five day work week. It also means it is time for me to lust after some items that I need in my life. Or in this case, time for me to do a little shameless self promotion for my Mama's Etsy shoppe! Which just so happens to have some new items in it...made by yours truly! So, here is a little looksie into the new items..

Since I did indulge in some shameless self promotion, I figured I would make it up to you all with my very first giveaway! I am SO excited and I really cannot believe I have never done one before. So here is the deal, I want to surprise the winner with a custom made creation...and some other little surprise goodies! So, in order to enter this giveaway I want you to leave a comment with your favorite colors/color combo, and how you would describe your personal style, that way the hair accessory can be a surprise, but also something that you will LOVE. For additional entries you can tweet about this giveaway, then comment again with the link! You can also blog about this giveaway, then comment with the link to your post! That gives you all a total of three entries! The winner will be announced next 'Must Have Monday'. You have until 8 pm (west coast time) next Saturday (2/19/11) to enter!

May the odds be ever in your favor! Oh...Happy Valentine's Day m'dears!

xoxo

must have monday {9.}...

I sat down to write a 'Must Have Monday' post and I drew a blank. Well, not a total blank...more of a 'focused on only one thing in the universe' blank. About a month ago my mom and I went shopping in Sacramento. We wandered into a Coach store...and I fell in love. Pure, sweet, undeniable love. With one thing. Last Thursday Mama and I ventured to San Francisco...I bolted into Coach to visit the item that I want SO freaking bad. I was sweating by the time I left the store, because I was about thisclose to just saying "eff it" and buying this bag. What bag? Oh, let me share with you all what I am swooning over...

{1.} 'Poppy Patent With Flower Highlight'-Coach

I cannot explain WHY I love this bag so much. I just do. It is not my typical style (or even close to it) but I dream about this purse. It would so be hanging on my arm if it wasn't $448.00. Le sigh. I may still buy it...I am debating at the moment. I will keep you all updated!

xoxo

must have monday {8.}...

Since last weeks 'Must Have Monday' had a theme, I figured I would theme it up again this week. I love t-shirts. I mean who doesn't love a nice comfy tee? I basically spent all four years of college living in band shirts and jeans, and I live my weekends in them now. So, I decided to go check out the mecca of hilarious shirts, also known as Snorg Tees. Enjoy...

{1.} 'Mexican Standoff T-Shirt'-Snorg TeesThis shirt is so freaking cute. I got to play 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' at work the other day. Are you jealous? Well, go get a degree in psychology and you too can play games with little kids at work. It was pretty legit. And I will admit that when I lost to an 8 year old, I was a little bitter. Super cute shirt that is only $19.95. That is what I like to call a steal my friends.

{2.} 'Moustaches Make Everything Better T-Shirt'-Snorg Tees

This shirt makes me think of my bffs Lauren and Ashton. They have a love for all things moustache related, which I share. Basically if you don't agree that if you add a moustache to something it gets 100 times better...well then I just don't know what to tell you. This shirt is also a steal at $19.95.

{3.} 'Stay Classy San Diego T-Shirt'-Snorg Tees I love this shirt. It makes me think of 'Weatherman' which is a completely stupid, but hilarious, movie. Stay classy and buy this shirt. I mean what is better than a yellow tee, with the BEST state in the United States, and a martini with an olive on it? Yeah. That is correct. Not a thing. Once again, this shirt is only $19.95. Hmm...Snorg I am sensing a trend in your pricing.

{4.} 'It's a Satchel T-Shirt'-Snorg TeesIf you are wondering if I bought this shirt...I did. This shirt also reminds me of my bffs Lauren and Ashton. We have a shared love for 'The Hangover'. That movie is the most hilarious thing I have ever seen, and Lauren, Ashton, and myself quote it in emails daily. We are a wolf-pack. Amen. It was only $19.95!

{5.} 'That's What She Said T-Shirt'-Snorg Tees If I have to explain why I love this shirt, then you are obviously new to this blog. We all know that I have a deep love for all things twss related. Seriously. If you go to the top left corner of my blog and type 'that's what she said' in the search box all will be revealed *ahem*. Once again...only $19.95 for this lovely. I must admit that if this shirt came in a not so fug blue I would have purchased it.

Just a little side note, I am wearing my new favorite 'Cupcakes Make Everything Better' shirt that Lauren and Ashton gifted me. So basically this post is about how much I love shirts and Lar and Ash. The end.

Oh wait! Not quite the end, more along the lines of almost the end. If you all have any places YOU go to find cute tees please share in the comments section! I am always looking for my next fix. Now it is really the end.

xoxo

must have monday {7.}...

This post will be the second time that I have dedicated an entire 'Must Have Monday' to my new obsession with shoes. I have always been a strictly comfort gal when it comes to footwear. If it hurt my feet, it was not going to happen. I lived in Vans slip ons (which I still red puffy heart), flip-flops, and occasionally Uggs. Does life get much more comfy? I think not. However, lately I have been going through a fashion transformation. I don't know what it is all about, but I am way stepping out of my comfort zone. I am continuing to embrace my height and not really caring that a lot of my shoes these days put me close to 6 feet tall. As I was perusing the interwebs for some new wedges (i love heels...but wedges are more comfortable when I am running around like crazy at work) I was SO excited to see some old styles that are becoming trendy again! Enjoy the retro shoe porn ladies....(and fellas)...

{1.} 'Jeffrey Campbell Foxy Navy Canvas Platform Heels'-Lulu'sI have a picture of my lovely Mama wearing shoes almost exactly like these. This was back in the 70's...the time of some of the most killer shoes around. Why o' why did my mother NOT save any of her old shoes? Why o' why do I have gigantic feet, compared to her itty bitty size 6 feet. Le sigh. Anywho I want these so bad. The platform toe is 1.75" tall, and the heel is a ginormous 5" tall. I would be a giant, but a fierce giant at that. These retail for $118 over at Lulu's.

{2.} 'Pros and Contrast Heel'-ModclothWhy does ModCloth have the most adorable shoes ever? Why are they always sold out whenever I find some that I really, really want to buy? I mean they are probably saving me from myself, but come on ModCloth! Pull your life together and stock your inventory! These shoes are perfect for a day at the office. I would feel so chic walking the halls in these lovelies. Plus, they come in my all time favorite color combo, black and white. They are classic. These beauties are ONLY $54.99 at ModCloth! Hurry up and buy them!

{3.} 'Honey Pie Wedge'-ModCloth
I die. I freaking die. I really need these shoes in my life. They are so fun, so cute, so retro, so foxy. These shoes are so far out of my normal style, but that is what this post is all about! I am branching out. I really want to branch out with these shoes. I am trying really hard to be (and stay) on a budget, but these shoes might make me break the rules. They are $115.99 over at ModCloth. I am going to try to fight the urge to order them. I will keep you updated with how I do with that little goal. Stay tuned...

{4.} 'It's a Jungle Out There'-ModCloth

These shoes I would never have gone for, because one has to be pretty damn fierce to rock these. A few months ago Ashton emailed me a picture of these and I fell in loooove. I told her it was her fashionista duty to purchase them. She did. She also brought them with her on our trip to Flo-rida and I tried them on (it is awesome we wear the same size shoe) I have been dreaming of them ever since. They fit like a glove and are SO edgy and fun. I want them in my closet...actually on my feet. These are only $42.99 at ModCloth. That my friends, is what I call a steal!

{5.} 'Almond & Indigo Heels'-AnthropologieRemember how I mentioned a few shoes ago that I am trying to stay on a budget? Well, when one is on a budget they MUST stay away from Anthropologie. I have been doing so...until today. That is when I happened upon these retro gems of shoe glory! I am normally not a fan of wearing a lot of brown, but these shoes make me want to wear nothing but clothing that matches these heels. I would wear them every single day for the rest of my life (why yes I do tend to exaggerate). I will NOT be buying these shoes. Why? Because they are $388 over at Anthro. One day...one day...

Now that I have shared my current shoe loves, share yours! What shoe trends are you feeling? Where do YOU shop for shoes? I am always open to new sites/stores to look at! Share away in the comments section my fellow fashionistas. Also, Ashton can I just have your leopard shoes? The end.

xoxo

must have monday {6.}...

One trend that I am all about right now is the ginormous chunky rings. They pretty much own my heart...even if they are intense and can sometimes get in the way. I am starting quite the collection and I am loving it! Basically this post is to woo all of you over to the dark side! So far my huge ring collection consists of these gems...

{part of ring wearing awesomeness is having fierce painted nails. love this polish. love this color.}

xoxo

must have monday {5.}...

It is time for me to start my week off with a whole lot of swooning. I have finally decided to own the fact that I am slightly tall. I am about 5'8", and while that isn't gigantic, it is still a bit above average for women. This fact has always kept me feeling uncomfortable in heels or any shoe with height. But, whatever. I am loving my height as of late, and have been rocking some super cute/super tall wedges. I looooove them so bad. Guess what the theme is for this Must Have Monday? Yep...shoes. Enjoy the shoe porn my friends.

{1.} 'Detective'-Naughty Monkey

Why hello super foxy wedge boots, would you like to come and live in my closet? I think you would. I am really feeling wedges this season, in a big way. I also am needing some boots in my life. These are too freaking cute. Wedge? Check! Boots? Check! Heather Gray? Check! Only $99.95 through Zappos? Check! These babies are true freaking love.

{2.} 'Ruby, Do Ya Know Wedge'-ModCloth

These are too cute for words. Are they a little 'much'? Probably, but they scream fun to me. They are perfect to spice up a bland work look, or to go out and dance in, or to wear on a weekend outing. I adore these because, to me, they can dress up or dress down any outfit. These are a little wild for my taste, but I am working on branching out with my fashion. These are only $37.99 at ModCloth!

{3.} 'Classic TV Heels'-Anthropologie

I am not even sure I have the words to express how freaking adorable these heels are! I want them. Okay, I actually NEED them. It is not a want, it is more of a spiritual need to have these lovelies sitting in my closet. My oh my Anthro, you have done it again! These retail for $138.00, and yes I will be checking on them every single day so I can pounce on them the moment they go on sale.

{4.} 'Easy Rider Boots'-Anthropologie

While most of these shoes are all about the height, these obviously are not. I mean has anyone ever tried to wear heels every day of the week? Yeah, no. My poor feet would hate me. These boots are cute and badass all at the same time. They look so comfy! These bad boys are over at Anthropologie for $378.00, that means that they will not be mine now or probably ever.

{5.} 'Plum Wedge'-L.A.M.B

Once more we end up with gray! I am swooning over all things gray for some strange reason. These are to freaking die for. These are 4 1/2 inches tall...which is intense, but I still want them. These babies are over at Zappos for $275.00, which is far too rich for my blood. Someone go and buy them now.

Now that I have shared my must haves with you all, share yours with me! What shoe trend are you loving this season? Do you rock the wedges? Are you a strictly flats girl? Does anyone want to buy all these for me? If so I will be your very best friend. The end.

xoxo

must have monday {4.}...

So, yesterday was my birthday. I am officially 25...which is super close to 30. Anywho, my wonderful mother gifted me with a Nook! At first I was super skeptical about e-readers. I wanted nothing to do with a Kindle or a Nook, but then I heard more and more about them and of course I had to have one.

I basically love it. Will I give up buying actual books? Never. Will I take The Nookster with me everywhere? You best believe I will. And yes, I did name it 'The Nookster'. This little contraption is A.Maz.Ing. It is for sure a must have item.

The front:I photographed The Nookster in my favorite reading corner. How cute and happy does he look in his new home? Please note the ADORABLE Jonathan Adler cover that I purchased to safely carry The Nookster in. It is presh.

The Inside:Once again I adore my happy little Nook case. It has pockets and a place to store my ID/debit card. Oh how I love thee.

The Back:I am in looooove. My mom is a excellent gift giver. Pat yourself on the back mother, you did good! My first e-book purchase was 'Bright Lights, Big Ass' by Jen Lancaster. If you haven't read her books...get right with God and run out to purchase them. They are laugh out loud hilarious.

Do yourself a favor and gift yourself with a Nook...or ask for one for Christmas/your birthday. You will NOT regret it.

Also, I moved my mom's shop from Big Cartel over to Etsy this weekend. It is a more user friendly site. Please, go and check out The Mama Made Shoppe!

xoxo

must have monday {3.}...

It is Monday, which means while you are reading this I am sitting at my desk, buried under a stack of paperwork trying to catch up. It also means that it is time for me to swoon over all things pretty that I will consider spending my paycheck on. On we go...

{1.} 'Multi-Task Set'-Anthropologie

Okay, so it may seem a little odd to be posting items such as this for the world to see, but it isn't like we don't all wear underwear...so just deal. How cute and comfy does this little set look? I honestly like to sleep in the littlest amount of clothes humanly possible. This would be perfect for comfy sleepwear. Plus I adore the purple. This lovely item hails from the mothership also known as Anthropologie. It sells for $80.00 bucks.

{2.} 'Just Around The Block Coat'-ModCloth

Die. Dying. Dead. Oh em gee this freaking coat was made for ME. I love coats so much, I am obsessed with gray and black houndstooth, I love the belted look, and the scarf-like neckline slays me. Me likey. I want this in a really bad way. It is from ModCloth and retails for $229.99 bones.

{3.} 'Thundershowers Felt Bib Necklace'-Fable & Lore

This is SO cute. I love this statement necklace. It would totally liven up a really simple top. You all MUST go check out this Etsy shoppe because all of her items are adorable. This bib necklace is currently on sale for only $26.00.

{4.} 'Leather Floral Blossoms'-Leather Blossoms

This is another super cute Etsy shoppe find. I love the floral headband, I especially love that the flowers are made of leather, which means they should be more durable than a fabric. The only thing I don't love about this headband? The creepy mannequin models that the seller uses. This beauty will set you back $40.00 bucks.

{5.} 'Mr. Schuster'-Glee

Wait. What? How did this get here?! Oh well he is always on my must have lists. I would wear him all day everyday...*ahem*. How much does he retail for? Well pretty sure he is priceless. I am going to go an re-watch the 'Toxic' cover from last weeks episode. I want to be his hat. Word.

Happy Monday everyone! What is currently on YOUR 'Must Have' list? Please share!

xoxo

must have monday {2.}...

Last week I started a new blog feature, 'Must Have Monday'. I loved doing it and y'all seemed to enjoy it as well, so I am thinking it will be a regular thing. When I have set themes to blog about, it keeps me going. I would love it if you all did you very own 'Must Have Monday' post and linked to it in the comments section. I mean...it is WAY more fun to swoon over things when others swoon right along with you. This post has a theme, all of my must have items are very feminine and pretty. Swoon with me folks...

{1.} 'Reina de la Fiesta Dress'-ModCloth

This dress is SO frilly and feminine. It is not something I would normally wear, I am not big on dresses in the first place, but there is just something about it that I l-o-v-e. I adore the combination of the girly frills and masculine colors. Why am I wanting this dress? Well, I am working on becoming a #skinnybitch who can rock a dress like this, plus I have a bff wedding to attend this winter. Is this LarCentric approved? This dress can be found on Modcloth for only $89.99!

{2.} 'Urban Cowgirl Bag'-ModCloth

This bag is not just a want; it is more of a spiritual need. I am very into heather gray at the moment. Plus, I love ginorm purses. I love how this can go from handbag to satchel in just a switch of the handles. I neeeed it. This bag sells for $72.99 over at ModCloth.

{3.} 'Black Polka Dots Pleated Skirt'-Prototype Design Once again this lovely vintage-y skirt is not my typical style, but there is just something about it. It could be super cute with just the right funky top and shoes. This skirt is only $36. 50! I am thinking I need this because it would be perfect to wear when I have to go to court with my clients. So, really...it is for the sake of my career...right? Right...

{4.} 'Summer Mum Ring'-Liz HutnikI have recently become obsessed with huge crazy rings. This ring is super cute, all the rings in this Etsy store are adorable AND affordable. I am SO ordering one, I mean it is only $11 with FREE shipping. Please, love them with me.

{5.} 'Gray Picture'-Chuan ShuoThis is so cute. I pretty much belt my tops every single day. I have become a belting fanatic. How cute would this be with some tights, cute shoes, and a fabulous belt around the waist? Yep. That is correct. Tres freaking cute. This can be found on Etsy and is $63.00.

Are you all going to do your own must have posts? Is there anything on here that you love? Or hate? Please do share! Also, over the weekend I guest blogged on Lauren's blog. Check it out.

xoxo