Pep in that Holiday Step!!

Till next time Christmas, It's been solid. 

Now that the holidays have come and said their happiest goodbyes, some of us (not I, mother goose) may find ourselves in a post-celebration slump. For me, that means laying around in my favorite holiday dresses and beanies looking painfully lost, stuffing my face with leftover macaroons, and drowning myself in a playlist entitled, "post-apocolyptic make-out session", whilst trying to focus on the ever-so-fashionable life of Grace herself, and just downright doing nothing productive towards my outfit choices. It's a sad reality. Now, your probably asking yourself...

 how can I style that simple dress that I've been finding myself going back to everyday as you try and look springy as it pours ice outside? 

Have no fear, I'm here, darlings! I come bearing a few of my favorite ways to style something as simple as a plain red dress that I will undoubtedly be prancing around the city in with some strappy sandals and a fedora this spring, and style it up for the winter months. I'm all about a few things this season, beanies and head wraps, mixing prints, and layers, layers, layers!!! Because, you can never have enough to keep you cute and keep you happy through the cold and  post-holiday weight gain, because let's be realistic, while we all will be hitting the gym this next week, let's just embrace our new found pooches until bathing suit season comes around, shall we?

Outfit #1-Aztec, meet aztec, and oh look, more aztec!

Outfit #2- When school girl Blair Waldorf meets Pirate Jane!

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Outfit 1-

Red Dress- Free People

Aztec Print Cardigan- UO

Chambray Shirt- American Eagle

Turban- FP

Moto Boots- Dolce Vita

Outfit 2-

Red Dress- Free People

Striped Shirt- FP

Beanie- FP

Pyramid Necklace- F21

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From the bottom of my heart I hope all of you had a glorious holiday season! 

My resolution for the new year is to blog even more and keep my promise to keep on keeping on with my busy school and work schedule, but I promise I will! From Northern VA, to all of you where ever you are, let's get ready for a even more kick-ass 2013!

Have an amazing new years, my lovelies.

<3

PRABAL GURUNG x TARGET COLLABORATION

BIG NEWS, FASHIONISTAS! 

Luxury designer, Prabal Gurung (pronounced Prub-ble Ger-rung) who also happened to be a guest speaker this weekend at Teen Vogue Fashion U in New York City has officially announced his clothing and accessories collaboration with Target! All us fashionistas on a budget can now take a big sigh of relief as price points will range from $19.99-$199.00, does it get much better? I think not. The collection will debut in Target stores around the country on February 10, so get your credit cards ready, polish your comfiest mob rushing flats, and prepare for an influx of modern glamour and beauty to take over everyone's favorite, Tarjay, in stores very soon!

Prabal Gurung (@prabalgurung) with Teen Vogue's Fashion Director, Gloria Baume at his seminar with over 500 aspiring fashion editors, designers, stylists, and fashion industry professionals. 

Look at you, working that brown carpet, sir. Looking good!

Here are a few of my favorite looks from his current and previous collections so you can really get a taste for the perfection that will finally be available to his wider, very much awe-struck audience come this winter, just in time for the warmer, brighter months!

Spring 2013 RTW Collection:

Vivid metallics, a new age of menswear, and the perfect amount of ruffles.

Resort 2013 Collection:

Bright, bold colors, geometric radiance, and structural elegance at its best. 

WHO IS READY, NOW? Can I get an AMEN to the fashion gods?

Now, I'm curious, what are your opinions on these type of so called "fast brands" in stores such as J. Crew, Target, and H&M? Do you think it's almost a rite of passage for younger designers? Or do you think they should stick to their typical craft?

Comment and Let me know!

Check out Prabal Gurung: prabalgurung.com // @prabalgurung // facebook.com/prabalgurung

xxx

(Teen Vogue Fashion U Photos taken from Zimbio.com, right here)

(Prabal Gurung Collection Photo taken from Vogue.com, right here & here)

TEEN VOGUE FASHION U: DAY #1

I could NOT keep those darn paps off me today at Teen Vogue's very own Fashion University held at Hudson Theatre and TV's Conde Nast office. It was a day filled with a million fashion-obsessed girls who all share the dream of making it in the industry, long lines, stampedes of teenage fashionistas sprinting to get the best seats (I'm not even exaggerating, I fell three times), amazing industry influentials, and lots and lots of industry talk. Let's just say it was an amazing first day, and I can't wait to go back tomorrow! Let's just say I was photographed, gifted some amazing freebies, and was told I look like Leandra Medine! It was just as amazing, if not more, than it sounds. This experience really reassured me that moving to New York City to pursue fashion is the best decision I could have ever made towards moving closer and closer to my ambitions and career goals. Three cheers (mock-tails of course!) to Teen Vogue for putting on such a great day of events and making all of the fashion-obsessed boys and girls from across the country that our dreams are well within reach. We salute you. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my oxblood-red, glitterized heart.  

Demi Lovato's November 2012 Cover! I really loved her spread and how naturally and effortlessly she was shot, it was a vintage-urban feel that left me mesmerized. Have you picked up your copy? After today I now have three! Time to get- Inspiration boarding!

The legend herself, Vogue's creative Director, Grace Coddington, literally graced us with her presence this morning and told all her worshippers all about how she got started in the industry and shared some of her amazing work in Vogue. She truly is extraordinary. I cannot wait to read her new book, Grace: A Memoir, when it gets delivered to my doorstep just next month! Have you pre-ordered your copy yet? You can right here. Trust me, this is a must read. She is so inquisitive and classic, it was an honor to be in her presence this morning, it almost didn't feel real. 

Meet my newly blonde bff, Ms Erika Bearman aka Oscar PR Girl! Her talk was my favorite seminar of the year, and I got a front row view of her true radiance and beauty! She was mesmerizing to listen to, and I hope to meet her again. Who else can rock a velvet maxi like her? Exactly, no one can. 

Even fashionistas have to eat every now and then (unless your me, because I never STOP eating!) But for lunch today I went for a chicken salad sandwich with dried cranberries and celery and a refreshing passion tea! So yum, so so yum! Can I get another?

Last seminar of the day was with the amazing Teen Vogue Editorial team! Do I even have to explain? They are so MAJOR and today really just reminded me why I am where I am, that my dreams aren't as far away as I may think, and that I can do what I love with a whole lot of ambition and initiative.

THE OUTFIT

Today I woke up and thought: Let's mix every possible texture in my closet and mix it all together to a mess of an outfit that I just so happen to be in love with...

Basically for this day long fashion crazed, fun-filled day I went with a look that is one I feel really defines my personal style and my personality. Which is perfection because when you're surrounded by fashion influentials and fellow fashionistas from across the country it's good to show that you have a strong point of view, and in my case a bright, fun, yet chic aesthetic when it comes to fashion. Here I really was channeling my inner Man Repeller with this furry, almost obnoxiously loud teal and yellow palette combination. Because who doesn't love a good ruffle and nice shag? So the look is really prep girl meets motorcycle gang, and I'm kind of obsessed. A good lace can make you feel so girly and chic, yet throw in some leather and chains, and you can really call yourself a package deal. Vroom Vroom. As you've probably noticed I was not rocking THE MESSY BUN this sunny afternoon (GASP!) and I actually took the time to tame the beast atop my head, 2 hours, and 5 different cremes later. This is a special treat for you new readers, yes, Alex does in fact put in some hairy effort, but only on rare occasions. I figured Teen Vogue deserved this honor, because it truly is just that an honor. You may now bow down to my horse mane, and chant that the bun makes an exclusive return TVFU Day #2!

Teal Shag Sweater- H&M, Similar here!

Neon Ruffle Bib- H&M, Similar here!

Vintage Sheer Lace Dress- ALICE by Temperley, similar here!

 Leather Moto Boots- H&M, Similar here!

Check out all things TEEN VOGUE FASHION U on Teen Vogue's website!

xxx

LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!

Ten-Hut! How's everyone's Thursday? Thanking the Lord tomorrow is Friday? ME TOO! Today's outfit was really inspired by the image of a funky cadet ready to take on the world (or you know, school, drama, bugs, whatever!) and lead her troops down the runway. Fall is finally in the air here in the city, YAYAYAYAY and you know what that means (aside from pumpkin spice lattes and leather jackets?) SWEATERS, SWEATERS, SWEATERS...LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS! Fall, we salute you. Life has really been moving fast lately and I feel like I am constantly running around from class, to work, to club meetings, and back, but I'll tell you, I kinda like it. Being busy is the best state to be because it makes everything even more exciting. Speaking of running around, I recently landed an internship with an amazingly chic clothing brand, ADDISON (aka The Addison Story) and I think I've fallen in love with working there, and you know their clothes are a plus too. How necessary is this sweater dress? It's warm, and cozy, and makes me feel all fuzzy inside. Don't you just love that feeling?  Oh! and before I forget, these pictures were shot by my amazingly talented roommate, Victoria D'Esposito, check out her rants right here! She's quite entertaining. Till next time, lovelies!

This was a shot taken as I was practicing "popping" my foot for my dream kiss in the rain with James Franco. Ok, we can all go on with our lives now. 

Alien invasion up in the N-Y-C, ya feel me?

This is possible the raddest little pumpkin i've ever held. Too bad it wouldn't fit in my purse... you can't win em all, can you?

Sweater Dress- ADDISON, check out The Addison Story, here!

Air Force Military Jacket- Thanks daddy <3

Leather Leggings- Necessary Clothing

Aztec Print Wedges- Jeffery Campbell, available here!

Rings- "Thanks mom!"

Insta/Twitter: @ayyorivera

Facebook: Facebook.com/Themessy-bun

Tumblr: Themessy-bun.tumblr.com

CHAMBRAY CHIC

So sorry for the delay in posting any updates for the past week, I caught the flu bug that was been jumping around school lately and have been chained and shackled to my bed, being force-fed tylenol and green tea. It's been rough. Any who... after I returned home from the mall I decided to snap a few pics of my very casual saturday wear, where I picked up a great denim chambray button up. I'm not usually one to really be drawn to the cow-girl-esque kinda vibe but I'll admit I love the structured, heavy fit of the fabric and just how effortlessly it adds a fresh and californian-breath of fresh air instead of the typical cardigan layering. Plus, for some reason it reminds me of the typical summer day, feeling serene and carefree as the wind whips your hair around and the sun warms your face under oversized ray bans. Me gusta. Me gusta mucho. 

CHAMBRAY BUTTON UP- AE

LACE TANK- TJ MAXX

HIGH WAISTED JEANS- UO

FLATS- DOLCE VITA

xoxo, Alexandra Victoria

GLITTER & CORDUROY.

Excuse my incapability to open my eyelids any wider, it was quite sunny out. :)

Oh, Sky... Quit making me laugh. Shame on you, clouds, shame on you. 

These photos were taken of one of my best friends, Luke Hartman, and myself for our school yearbook. We got voted "Best Dressed" for our Senior Class, pretty cool right? I was actually really excited to take these photos cause I mean it's not every day we get to pose like cheese balls, while having to "stare deeply into each other's eyes" Teehee. Yes, that picture does not and will not appear on here, but it did made me giggle. This guy above is one of my biggest cheerleaders and voices in my ear of encouragement and assurance whenever it comes to putting outfits together. We have very different tastes most days but we have learned to just accept what ever crazy thing the other comes across. I love him for that, and I'm glad I got to post about him so early in my blog's adolescence because he is undeniably amazing. Watch out for him in the near future as he is an aspiring fashion journalist and will sure in the very near future be an renowned editor. Look out world, Luke and I are comin' for you! 

This outfit was inspired by an urge of an equestrian meets glitterini-bohemian kind-of feeling. I knew some of these pictures I would be showing my kids in the (not so near) future as we flipped through my high school days, and so I knew I had to embody the core of what I believe my personal style truly is: an airy, free feeling mixed with a few edgier pieces, and finally a dash of avant-garde beauty. By that last ingredient I mean the ultra-fabulous glitter flatforms that I cam across for a cheap steal! Not only are they super comfortable but they give me an extra four-inches, I mean what's better than that? 

LACE TOP- FREE PEOPLE

DENIM VEST- FOREVER 21

RIDING PANTS- H&M

GLITTER FLATFORMS- FOREVER 21

All photos taken by the incredibly talented photographer, Erin Williams. 

xoxo, Alexandra Victoria

G.I. JANE MEETS GYPSY-DEAN

A little personalization…

Just look past my chipped finger nails… tehehe.

Studs are a girl's best friend.

I have quite a lot of hair…

JACKET- VINTAGE US AIR FORCE OF MY FATHER

DRESS- FOREVER 21

SCARF- THRIFTED

STUDDED FLATS- DOLCE VITA

RINGS & BRACELETS: COMBINATION OF MY DIYS & MOTHER'S JEWELRY BOX

This look was inspired as I was looking through old pictures of my daddy and I came across one of him wearing this exact jacket in as he was alongside one of his airplanes preparing for Vietnam. I wanted to incorporate a classic military-chic piece with my modern obsession with glitter and metallic, alongside some studded flats. I have received multiple comments today of the origin of the Air Force jacket hanging in all the wrong (but oh so right) places, as it is about three sizes too big. These questions almost entirely consisted of, where'd she get that? Well, today felt special because I know this piece is one of a kind, embodying the heroism and strength of the man I love more than anyone each day. This piece is a statement of my personal love for Army Green and the spirit of the past, a connection to my father. What could be better on a not-so-typical monday morning? 

xoxo, Alexandra Victoria