Unveiling The Curtains Of My Past

As I peeked at the dreamy, descending sun through the gated window at the top of the looming clock tower at UC Berkeley, the sun peeked at me through its own cover, of light misty clouds. It stretched across the land from the edges of every mountain, every waving tree, to the tips of every brilliantly designed building, casting a shadow upon the hidden dark places beyond my eye’s horizon, kind of like Simba’s beloved kingdom in Lion King.

I watched the sunlight float around, searching for its next victim, and when it settled upon my welcoming face, I breathed in the beauty of it all; the chill, refreshing air, the spectacular land that spread out before me, and the nostalgia for the time not so long ago, where I walked daily on the campus grounds below me. I remembered the familiar contradiction between the busy drone of students rushing to classes, and the peaceful hum of equally rushing creek waters, and leaves rustling in the air. I remembered the sense of belonging, that sense of being a part of something so powerful like knowledge. I remembered the way the bells would chime delicately at every hour, sending a signal of vivacity rushing through me. As I stood on the top of the clock tower, one and a half years later, at the campus I so deeply connected to; at a different place, with a different purpose, and a different perspective, the bells pealed again, and I looked around for the last time, smiling at the world I once called my own.

Feathered Dreams

Feathered Dreams by aliyahn featuring black patent leather heels

Sleeveless dress / Lipsy lightweight jacket, $47 / Yves Saint Laurent black patent leather heels / Giuseppe Zanotti leather shoulder bag / Scarve, $11

Forever Young

Forever Young by aliyahn featuring a vintage pink dress

Free People vintage pink dress / Sequin dress, $96 / Elie Saab strappy heel sandals / Jimmy Choo / Lancôme / Tom Ford nail polish / Bridal Sash- Wedding Sash in Dusty Rose, Rose, Champagne and Gold-...

The Art in the Girl

The Art in the Girl by aliyahn featuring wet seal

Rare London party dress, $67 / John Lewis long sleeve top, $62 / Giuseppe Zanotti platform booties / Wet Seal / Black hair accessory, $16 / Lip makeup, $38 / Johnny Loves Rosie hair accessory, $10 / Rockett St George Harvey Branches Wall Sticker – Black, $78

Mrs. Mad Hatter

Mrs. Mad Hatter by aliyahn featuring a leather clutch

Forever Unique black and white prom dress, $240 / Flat shoes / Alexander Wang leather clutch, $690 / Tarina Tarantino / Warby Parker eyewear / NARS Cosmetics lip makeup, $28

Style Icon: Miss Peacock

It flashes in my mind like it was yesterday; the thick heavy clouds hanging 

over my window and splashing rain onto the unsuspecting glass, the dimmed lights, 

the irresistible buttery smell of the most unhealthy snack ever to have existed,

 the hungry and restless siblings, and of course, our only cure to boredom, 

my favorite board game, Clue. Somehow the way the world always seemed

 so hushed on those dark, rainy days seemed to heighten the intrigue and suspense 

that bubbled inside me from this game of detective delight, where nothing is certain, 

and nobody is your friend.

 Something I've learned over the years is that mystery is beautiful. It keeps us
 guarded, protected, and it constantly allows the people around us to long to
speak with us more and more, enveloped in excitement and interest. Maybe this is
 why I loved the character Miss Peacock so much, and always wanted her
game piece to be mine. I love how her deep, bold eyes are veiled ever so
slightly by a delicate piece of cloth. Not only that, but I loved the way she's
 always dressed so elegantly, with dark polished blue, and pretty little feathers. 

I created a way to embody Miss Peacock in your everyday wear; substitute her elaborate feathered headpiece for a hat or a pair of earrings that incorporate all the right elements like lace, feathers, ribbon. Spark the mystery by mixing a little edgy with the sophistication, with your blacks and your suedes. Don't forget though, Miss Peacock is all about that blue! I loved this top from Mango, because it's so darling and cocktail, but reveals no secrets. Now all we need to do is  hope our stylin' inspiration lady's secrets don't involve a murder weapon!

One fine evening, I.... by aliyahn featuring lace up bootsMango long sleeve blouse, $67 / Black skinny jeans / Lace up boots / Oasis suede clutch, $50 / River Island drop earrings, $9.38 / LK Designs leather jewelry, $120 / Top hat, $21 / VINTAGE TRUNK | casegoods & tables | FLEA 

| Jayson Home & Garden

<3 Aliyah

Must Haves: Leather Gloves

Oh how I love unpredictable weather.(Sarcasm.) One moment, you're all bundled up in this warm jacket and boots as you watch your breath come out in tiny little clouds, the next you're walking around carrying 100 pounds-- that very same jacket slung over your arms, screaming to take those socks off, and your face flushed pink from the bright sun. 

To avoid this situation, I like to find pieces of clothing that are warm enough to protect you from the relentless wind, but light enough to carry around with you when the sun wins that hide and seek game, and takes the place of your jacket in keeping you warm, too warm! My favorite; gloves. They keep your fingers all cozy, but are so cute and tiny, you can stuff 'em in your purse when it gets too hot. Only problem is gloves make me feel a little silly sometimes, they can be so childlike. This is where leather gloves come into place. They're beautiful, sophisticated, and leather is definitely one of those quality things that really does the job. 

Shiny leather gloves. Love how they're open in the front, I can even do my nails! The  dress is gorgeous too by the way, keeping the ruffles on one shoulder gives them more emphasis.

Muse Diaries: Painted flowers

As if the natural, delightful color of flowers isn't good enough, someone had to go and experiment their art skills on this poor thing. Regardless, this flower is impeccably unique and gorgeous! The ruffled folds make for the coolest, most interesting petals I have ever seen.

For the record, I did not find these flowers and go and dress up to take the picture. The flowers and I must have had a "great minds think alike" slash "strangers destined to meet" moment, because when I woke up that morning, I just knew I had to wear my Urban Outfitters dress with the pastel purple and ridges, just like the flower probably woke up that morning thinking, "I'm going to be a strong, vibrant, purple thing today." (Okay, not really, but play with me and my imagination here for a second.)

Take Home Idea: Since this flower and I were so meant to be, I figured there had to be something to learn from it. Well, this flower inspired me to never be afraid of adding a little extra to your outfits, the way the color was added to this flower, no matter how nice it already is. You can sew on feathers to your cardigan, or pin an elaborate brooch on your blouse. You can even paint on beads for your purse. I would definitely use this flower and pin it onto a cream sweater or onto a solid colored headband. It's a good way to have a little fun, put your own special touch to your wardrobe, and change things up so you're not wearing the same old outfit. Find your own muse, and make art wherever you go! More DIY ideas to come, stay excited! 

Style Icon: Coco Chanel Accessories

Ladies and Gentleman, welcome my dear friend. She's beautiful, she's classy, she's sophisticated, she's the Chanel purse! ......... No applause? Okay, I suppose that was a little corny, but you get my drift. Coco Chanel's designs are amazing. The purses are soft, sweet, simple yet elegant, and have the most darling, delicate accents, like the uniquely woven leather and chain handle, the lovely crosshatches, and the sleek, straightforward, gold emblem. The best thing about a Chanel purse, is that it dresses you up without making you look gaudy. It never goes out of style. And to tell you the truth, it is like a best friend; that one accessory you can wear everywhere you go. Chanel's accessories speak volumes of confidence, innocence and excellence. Keep them for years, and never let go. 

 

 Have a fabulous day, readers!
Love,
Aliyah

Photo Source:  Pinterest.com, primary sources, not available

Confessions of Shoe-A-Holic 1

Okay, so I am obsessed with shoes. I'll be walking around the mall, absolutely zero shopping bags in my hands, feeling all proud of myself, when all of a sudden, I hear these gorgeous velvet blue flats screaming "take me, take me" from the corner of my ear, and next thing I know I'm waltzing around in front of the mirror in my room with the shoes on, already planning the next outfit I'm going to wear them with. 

When it comes to cute shoes, I become one of those whiny little brats like Victoria in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory; "I want it, I want it now." It doesn't matter if these are five inches too high, or one inch too tight so that they squeeze the edges of my toes, I want those shoes, and I want them now. Most of the time, I hear voice of reason from the people who care for the well being of my poor feet, but at least the shoes end up in the figment of my imagination. A girl can never have too many shoes, and a girl can never have too many dreams. I once saw a character in a book  say she wishes she were a caterpillar, so she'd have an excuse to wear more shoes at once. Let's pretend for a second. Here are some shoes I'd wear together if I were a caterpillar. 

Photo Source: 1)NA 2) Christian Loboutin 3)n/A 4)bhldn 5)N/A

Seasonspiration: Springtime!

Hey pretty people, spring is here! This is one of my many posts about Spring art. I truly think this season is one of the most inspirational; art is everywhere, the way the flowers bloom in vibrant hues that splash together, and how the sun sets a warm golden glow upon us. Everything is bright, fresh, and so full of life and beauty. Here are a few outfits I absolutely love that can help us suit the mood and be as vivacious as Spring. Don't be afraid to pair two unlikely colors together. Careful though, you don't want it to be too tacky. Here's a few ideas of colors that work well together:

Remember to tie in your colors with an accessory or at least one thing that complements both. Purse with both colors like above, or a neutral like the photo below.

Christian Siliano, Fashion Week Spring 2012. RTW

Photo Source: From top, Urban minx, Left- Pinterest.com, Right- riches for rag , nymag 

Pattern me over: Stripes

Who doesn't love stripes? They're cute, versatile, and flatter any body or personality. Stripes can be thick, thin, different colors, squiggly or straight, casual, or dressy. It all depends on your tastes and preferences. 

I suppose I can answer that question. I used to hate stripes. I thought they were boyish, (I'm such a girly girl, sigh) and the lines used to blur into each other and make me dizzy, that is, until I got "prism" glasses to fix this little problem.(If you don't know what these are, look em up.) Who knew? 

Anyway, then I started to find stripe dresses that flared out at the bottom, striped tops with ruffles, and cute buttons. Then I made a 360 degree turn in my opinion. You guessed it, I love them! I was reading an article today about how stripes are making a grand entrance into the fashion world this Spring. Well, since stripes are so in, I thought I might share my favorite striped shirt. 

Pattern clashes suck, we all know that. Yet floral and stripe go so well together! I think it's the blue color in both the stripes and the floral part that ties it in. Also, the floral part flares out, while the stripe part is tight fitting. This contrast makes it okay. Imagine if both parts were just one on top of the other and tight all around, with nothing to separate them? Picture this in your head. Yuck, right? 

Some other striped styles I found that I may be wearing this year. 

Photo Source: From top, Me, - La vie petite blog, chic chic bling blog, N/A

Movie Review Style Guide: Play With Fire! (Not Literally)

Everyone loves a beautiful movie; the suspenseful or thoughtful story line, the heart wrenching actors and actresses, the beyond cool technical effects. Yet how many of us actually pay close attention to the detailing of the clothes? To some people, its just a tiny little background essential, like the water that drips from the fountain behind the main character. However, there are many of us fashion lovers, including me who look at the amazing stylistic elements that go into the wonderfully constructed designs and outfits worn by the actors and actresses. Well, here's my outlet. Let's talk style.

For those of you who haven't watched the new movie everyone is raving about, The Hunger Games, based on the action packed novel by Suzanne Collins, please go watch it. It's the first movie I have ever watched that is comparable to its book, and its exciting in every way. Not to mention the gorgeous, interesting outfits the characters wear! 

(Photo 1- Foxface) Lace and Aqua. What a refreshing mix! Not to mention, I love the texture of the skirt part. Cinderell-y meets teenage party girl. Nice. 

Photo 2 (To the Left) My absolute favorite. Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire. This dress is stunning! It mimics the cross between a mermaid's gown, with its scaly ruffles that sweep the floor, and a red hot chili pepper, well, because its... red. And hot. Who knew that net material could be so elegant? I love how its just lightly brushing her arm and peeking up on the top a little bit. It's like an accessory, better than any necklace in my opinion! 

All this glamour inspired me to find a red dress on my own! It's nothing compared to Katniss' dress, but it's pretty and affordable (somewhat.) Available on Macys.com Pretty red dress, ugly shoes.

 A lot of girls are afraid to wear red, because its such a daring and "out there" color. Don't be! It's okay to stand out once in awhile. Find a part of Katniss' dress that you like and look for a dress that has this characteristic. Maybe you're modest,and don't want to bare too much skin or curves in a dress. Copy Katniss' elegance by finding a floor length dress, one that is loose fitting and flowy. You don't have to flaunt to look hot, and Katniss proves it. Or, if you like the design of the dress, but think long dresses are too old fashioned, go ahead and find a cute and short red dress that has layers of crinkled cloth at the top instead, or is made out of the net like the piece at her shoulder. Simple could also work. Find a dress with a pretty little bow at the top, or a plain one shouldered piece. See how easy it is to copy someone's beautiful look and outfit without losing your own voice and style? Bring the fire, girls! 

Photo 3 (To the Right)- Reference for "how to look tomboyish and tough without looking like an actual boy." 

I love how the tight fit of the jacket and sleeves puts emphasis on the slightly puffed shoulders. So Queenish! Plus, the hairstyle is the type where your mouth opens wide in awe when you look at it. Gape worthy. I suck at hair, but somebody please do this, and tell me how it turned out? :)  

Picture 4-Random Couple from the futuristic world, Capitol. 

Picture 5- Effie Trinket 

The above two pictures show us the futuristic theme in the book so clearly! Looks like years from now, nobody will be afraid to display their true colors!! I adore it. I like to take risks with my outfits, as long as it still looks well put together and has a theme, like the fancy black and gold royalty color combo in picture 4, and the peacock theme in picture 5, in which all the colors blend together like a peacock itself. It's outrageous, but so fun and uplifting. There's a mix of  bright, daring colors from lime green to turquoise, sharp shapes like the bow in above picture 4, and Effie's puffy protruding sleeves in picture 5, and overall elaborate hairstyles and colorful makeup. From wearing a tie made out of roses to wearing loads of fabric such as an array of flowers that probably add up to the size of your head, these creative, innovative and unconventional outfits are likely to surprise you, wow you, and maybe impress you. Would you be ready for the future? All I  know is that if my ancestors are anything like me, they will be. Three thousand something, here they come! 

P.s. Anyone reminded slightly of Alice and Wonderland?

P.P.S. Please note that you if you are deathly afraid of change and "weirdness," not to worry, there's something for everyone. Notice that in picture 4 above, the couple is wearing traditional 50's classic outfits, like a simple cocktail dress, gloves and a tie, just with a modern twist of shapes. Perfect way of dressing in a new and refreshing way, without being a traitor to your old style. You can take this advice in anything you wear! Wear a classic purple blouse with a heavy beaded necklace, or your favorite cardigan with colored jeans. 

Now go watch this movie again. Appreciate the fashion. Again. Remember, make the Hunger Games your inspiration, and the odds will most definitely be in your favor. 

Be safe, don't burn up too much now! 

Love, Aliyah 

Photo source: hunger games movie gallery

Pearly Little Passion

So excited for my first post! I felt pearls would be an appropriate beginning, seeing as they make for the most classic, elegant, and sophisticated accessories possible. They seem so precious and pure, as though the greatest amount of dirt could not taint and destroy their glow. They're sweet and simple, but one drape of a pearl necklace could dress up an entire outfit, and transform it from a night out on the town dress into formal evening wear for a dinner. Pearls are a must have; always keep them at hand when you want to feel feminine and classy, or pretend you're a socialite from the Victorian Era. (Confession; I do this. Hey, don't judge,a girl can dream!)

Anyway, the pearls go so well with this gorgeous blouse!The softness of the pink complements the gentleness of the pearls. So, so pretty. Oh, and I adore lace. Lace and pearls. Victorian film waiting to happen. Also love the way there are layers of necklace. That is a must do! Don't overdo it though, remember less is more, and you don't want to mix two powerful things together-- a bright green dress and a pearl necklace both have bold statements to make, so you don't want layer upon layer of necklace with such a vibrant color.

Go girly and have fun! Sweet dreams.

-Aliyah