The Way to Tailgate Fashionably

We all enjoy the social aspect of tailgating as much as getting hyped to cheer on our favorite football team on Saturday or NFL Sunday.  We have to dress the part. You can't just fit in with friends, you want to impress those die-hard fans - the ones that second guess why you are even there, if you don't even know one member of the team.

First, be sure to scan the rooster. Learn a few key players on the team and not just their QB. Not to mention, check the team's score from last week and the upcoming week's opponent - you'll be good to go for small talk. Check out Jenny's Ditch the Dress, Grab a Jersey its the perfect place for that helpful sport informaiton.

Now that you have the logo down, you can dress the part with these 5 tips for tailgating attire.  Be Game Day ready just like blogger Lauren Wise and her tips for tailgating outfits, along with these helpful few.

1. Wear team apparel, but make sure they are playing 

Pick a side, any side. Doesn't matter which team you’re cheering for as long as it’s one of the two on the field. It’s irritating when people wear apparel to a game when that team isn’t playing. If you don’t own any appropriate gear, then show your support with team colors. You may not have any branded shirts, but I am sure you can find one of the two colors of the team in your wardrobe. You can find inexpensive shirts at T.J. Maxx, Old Navy, or simply borrow from a friend!

2. We've got layers! How about you?

We all enjoy rallying in shorts and a t-shirt, while the sun shines on us as we cheer in the stands of the stadium. However, before you know it, you'll be cheering in the snow. The weather can be as unpredictable as the game and if it heads into overtime you may be there as the temperature drops. Always bring a sweater, hoodie, or jacket just in case Mother Weather isn't happy with the game. Not to mention gloves and hat of your team to keep warm.

3. Penalty at the tailgate, woman in heels

Please ladies, however chic your outfit may be heels won't help it at a tailgate. By no means should heels be worn at a football game or tailgate, these activities take part on grass which is not a friend to stilettos. As you wobbly like a new-born giraffe through the grass or dirt road, no one is going to be impressed with your outfit if you can't walk. The best go-to is tennis shoes or causal slips on. However not the new pair you just bought this week.

As the games cool down, suit up with your knee-high boots. Check out Old Navy if you need boots, search online first to see what they have is different from the one located nearest you.

4. Holding, fashionably

You need somewhere to put all your things right? Well why not make your outfit with the perfect bag for a sporting event. Pick a bag that may be the color of the team you are cheering for or that compliments the team's colors. Wristels or cross-bodies are perfect, it adds a touch of style to the outfit and provides extra space to carry around all your essentials for the day. No need to carry around an oversized purse to be stolen or carry items you don't need. Old Navy again is the perfect place to pick a bag for the fun-filled weekend!

5. It's a marathon, not a sprint

It's great to see school pride, but remember tailgates are hours long and so is the game. You won't be comfortable the whole day in an overly spirited outfit or body paint for hours, not to mention cold. Choose an outfit that you can wear for over 12 hours in, rain or shine. Pace yourself throughout the day, it's a long day of activities so make sure you and your outfit are ready for the day. Eat breakfast, wear sunglasses, and have some fun supporting your team!

Enjoy tailgating, who are you going to cheer on this weekend? Share a tip or two if you have one!

When in Rio.

Just around the corner the leaves will be falling and every girl will be Instagraming her pumpkin spice latte, until then I’ll reminisce to warmer weather atop Sugarloaf Mountain.

I wanted to get back to blogging and start with sharing this incredible experience I had this summer. Traveling to Rio de Janerio was one of my favorite and challenging experiences I have had and I am thankful for every minute. To share this adventure with friends and family was a dream come true, especially to celebrate my sister’s wedding.

Although it is winter there right now, you wouldn’t have guessed it. It’s as warm as it would be here in the States. The beaches are beautiful, the people are beautiful, the nature is beautiful – it is all beautiful and I can’t wait to be back. Not to mention the fashion. 

As a fashion blogger, I paid attention to street style and window displays. The ladies love to channel the ocean’s deep blue-greens in a breezy belted number. I stumbled upon a few new boutiques I must visit once I get back such as Gilson Martin for all the latest hot Brazilian accessories and Oh, Boy! for my winter wardrobe. As for the street style, symmetry is overrated; showcase boldly striped or printed full-length dress. The Brazilians are no strangers to showing skin, but why should they be? These people love and take care of their bodies, whether its running on the beaches, volleyball, or the endless games of soccer – they know how to stay in shape.

I wish for everyone to have the opportunity to travel to Rio or somewhere new. Go to places you want to but aren’t the top five on your traveling list. I want you to push number 8 or 9 to the top, because trust me it will be worth it. Never was Rio #1, but after napping on Ipanema beach, vising Christ the Redeemer, or strolling through the Botanical Garden, Jardim Botanico, I have the wanderlust bug and I just need to explore more of what Rio has to offer. I am blessed to have tried new foods, make new friends, and slowly but surely learn a new language, which I said I wouldn’t of experienced if I didn’t have the opportunity to.

“Everywhere here is on fire get up and join in the fun. Dance with a stranger, romance and danger magic could happen for real in Rio” 

The morning view

The streets of Ipanema Beach 

The one & only, Christ

One of the view up to Sugarloaf Mountain 

Wedding details

Beautiful Jardim Botanico

Ipanema Beach, yes please

Until next time...

xo - Ali

These are a few of my favorite things...Minneapolis

While waiting for countless hours during my delayed flight back to Ohio, I began thinking about what to write in the upcoming blog post. I knew I wanted to write about my trip, but what?  I needed to share with you all how quaint Minneapolis is. I wanted to share even if you are never able to visit (although you should) some of my favorite things and places you must stop when visiting this friendly city.

The twin city has much more to offer than just Target headquarters, Twins baseball, and Mall of America. Although all the locals told me I MUST come back in the spring/summer to truly see Minne in her prime, I found winter wasn’t the worst time to take in what the city has to offer. Thankfully, the Minneapolis Skywalk System allows you to move from building to building within the city without stepping a foot outdoors, which is perfect for those frigid days.

Until the flowers bloom and the temperature rises, if you are visiting when there is still snow on the ground you can always visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which is just as beautiful during the winter as the summer, which is located on the grounds of the Walker Art Center. The center focuses on the visual, performing, and media arts of our time.

If you are hunger, Minneapolis is your city. I am not food expertise, but I sure did want to try everything new I could fit on my plate from Bar La Grassa to St. Paul’s Cossetta; you’ll never go hungry in the twin cities. Not to mention every pastry shop is to die for, you’ll gain a few pounds but its well worth it. Just walk off your meal around the Mall of America. You can shop til you drop with 3 floors worth of shopping from Madewell to BCBGeneration the mall has everything you need for a new wardrobe, not to mention the roll coaster in the middle.

If malls aren’t your thing, take a walk around the lakes around the city from Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, to Lake of the Isles all the views are breathtaking. However, it’s a little too cold for lakes this time of the year so I suggest check out the Mill City Museum, which thankfully is also a farmer’s market in the spring. If museums are of no interest, a show at the  Guthrie Theater would be perfect, just in time to see A Midsummers Night's Dream this winter to get ready for the summer nights in the city.

All I know is I can’t wait to go back! 

Glitz & Gold

It’s Friday and I hope you aren’t staying inside all weekend. It’s time to take off your layers of comfy clothes and put on an attractive dress and go out for a night out-on-the-town.

The black and gold combination looks good not just in winter but right into spring, whenever that may show up here in the Midwest.

Don’t think people aren’t looking at your little black dress and gold jewelry under that fabulous coat. The gold jewelry can spice up any plain black dress or black jeans. From the polished dress to even the modest look, gold will be the perfect accessory for a night out.

The hottest piece to have would be a gold chain necklace, perfect for parties or evening events. You can wear your bareback black dress with a gold chain necklace and style that even to the pub. If you want something more conservative, such as a black sweater dress, you can wear gold bracelets, as look as you keep it conservative; don’t go overboard.

It’s not just gold accessories you can wear, but gold embellishments can be found on the dress, such as the beautiful details on my H&M dress, on high heels, waist belts, and even the clutch. All you need is the right tips to create a clear vision of what looks best with your black outfit you already have & have fun with it!

XO

Ali 

Dress: H&M

Jewlery: Charlotte Russe

Shoes: Aldo

Winter Blues

Who’s ready for some bold color?! After a long winter here in Ohio, I am so looking forward to bringing color back into my life.

Winter isn’t the most pleasant of season, but why should dressing for it be as dull? Instead of braving the cold in your typical black uniform, why not introduce some warmer tones into your look? Improve with an orange, red, or yellow to bring a warm ray of sunshine to a lackluster wardrobe.

To brighten up your winter wardrobe try an oversized coat, like the one I am bundling in today. It’s a bold blue, which you can purchase at Old Navy, it adds a pop of color to my otherwise gray wardrobe.

I am not telling you to go out on the town or to the office in a head-to-toe bright attire, but you should never let a gloomy day stop you from wearing that bright, playful wardrobe you want whether it’s that orange cardigan or red heels.

- XO-

Ali

Jacket: Old Navy

Sweater: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: Ann Taylor Loft

Boots: Macy's

Hat: H&M