Alison Victoria » fashion

Feeling the LOVE

Alison — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 16:58:20 +0000

The box of chocolates from CVS isn’t going to cut it this year friends! Show your loved one’s how much you care with a heart-made gift instead! Here are a few DIY projects to switch up the ordinary and make your Valentine’s Day a little sweeter!

XOXO

Alison

Wave your white flag…. and surrender to LOVE.

Roses are predictable! HEAT things up with tropical succulents instead.

Sweet lips! A strawberry MILKSHAKE is the perfect Valentine’s Day nightcap.

Simple heart GARLAND hung with fishing line…cast it out and see what you catch.

Confucius say: “Your Valentine will love these custom FORTUNES”

White IS the new stainless!

Alison — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 16:45:19 +0000

Move over stainless, it’s time for a whiteout! Appliance trends are forever changing and I’m so happy to see white making a comeback, after all… avocado green was once a sought after color scheme for a kitchen! Although I love a stainless, it’s had a long run and with all the “crashes” under my tool belt, I’ve been wondering what’s next?

White on white on white is on fire and companies and kitchens alike are eating it up! See what is WHITE HOT right now!

XO,

Alison

1. White Enamel Fulton Pendant by Ralph Lauren

2. Legacy French Door Refrigerator by AGA

3. Chesterfield Widespread Faucet by Newport Brass

4. Carousel Microwave by Sharp

5. Ice Collection Dishwasher by Whirlpool

6. Journey Enamel on Steel Tea Kettle by Copco

7. 58 Bottle Wine Cooler by Vinotemp

8. Apron-Front Wall-Mount Kitchen Sink by Kohler

9. Legacy Gas Range by AGA

10. Porcelain Privacy Door Knob by Richeieu

Open it up!

Alison — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 17:32:24 +0000

Does your kitchen need a makeover but a full renovation is out of the budget? Adding open shelves might be the answer and it’s trending in kitchens all over the world for good reason. Open shelving makes a space look larger, they’re easy to install and are far less expensive than traditional cabinetry. It’s the perfect way to revamp your space and showcase your finest!

Check out what inspired me and where to get the look!

Xoxo,

Alison

{1} Stainless Floating Shelves by Danver Cabinet

{2} Vicksburg Floating Shelves by Houzz

{3} Market Kitchen Cart by West Elm

{4} Limhamn Stainless Steel Unit by IKEA

{5} zBoard 36-Inch Floating Shelf by Yliving

{6} Clear Floating Glass Shelve by Amazon

{7} Country Shelf by Martha Stewart Living

{8} Branch Bracket Shelving by West Elm

COLOR OF THE YEAR

Alison — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 16:42:48 +0000

With arctic climates across the country, I think we could all use a tropical infusion right about now! Thank you Pantone for selecting Radiant Orchid as the 2014 Color of the Year. A color chosen based on worldwide design trends, Radiant Orchid encourages originality and creativity and people are eating it up!

From fashionistas to interior design pros – Radiant Orchid is everywhere! Where do you see yourself using this color?

Check out some of my favorites!

Aloha,

Alison

{1} Dolce Soft Bra by Cosabella

{2} Pink Diamond Lip Gloss by Dolce & Gabbana

{3} Eco Faux Nappa Clutch by Stella McCartney

{4} London Sandal by Jimmy Choo

{5} Titanium Large Hoops by Polyvore

{6} Electric Lilac Nail Polish by Illamasqua

{7} Bel Air Mini Scoop Vase by Jonathan Adler

{8} Maybellene Finial by Hillary Thomas

{9} Radiant Orchid Tile by Fireclay Tile

{10} Overdyed All Over Purple Rug by Hayneedle

{11} Anime Transparent Armchairs by 55 Downing Street

Organize Your Holiday Decor

Alison — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 17:26:38 +0000

Are you suffering from a Christmas hangover like me? Guests are gone and the parties have wrapped but all the holiday decor remains. Needing some major organizational help, I found this fabulous blog, iheartorganizing.com. Jen has genius tips to help you manage the madness, so next year decking the halls will be a breeze!

Happy New Year!

XOXO,

Alison

Short on space? Use the back of a closet or pantry door!

Genius solution for unraveling rolls! Use small dowels and a plastic basket for ribbon storage.

For those shatter-proof items, store them in Ziplock bags and transparent containers.

Velcro strips to wrap all your cords – so simple!

Finally, protect your delicate ornaments in durable egg cartons. So easy!

Last minute gift ideas!

Alison — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 18:20:30 +0000

You’ve procrastinated long enough! Christmas Eve is tomorrow and maybe you’re stockings aren’t as full as they need to be. Not to worry – I’ve got a last minute gift guide for off the shelf treasures to make your loved ones ecstatic!

Merry Christmas lovers!

Xoxo,

Alison

#1 Hanes Premium Men’s Woven PJ Set by Target

#2 Pattern Mix Scarf by J. Crew

#3 Classic Tortoise Ray Bans by Sunglass Hut

#4 Sparklecluster Rings by Madewell

#5 GF Ferre Leather Messenger Bag by TJ Maxx

#6 Chevron Coasters by J. Crew

#7 Noir Eau De Parfum by Victorias Secret

#8 Acqua Di Parma by Saks Fifth Avenue

#9 Vintage Board Game {BINGO} by Restoration Hardware

#10 ‘Amicale Plains’ Cashmere Scarf by Nordstrom

#11 Like A Boss Mug by Urban Outfitters

#12 Serenity Silk and Lace Kimono Robe by Neiman Marcus

#13 Illume Essential Diffuser by Bloomingdales

Baby it’s cold outside! Easy tips and tricks to improve your home this winter.

Alison — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 18:00:45 +0000

Chicago can be brutal in the winter…and anyone who has lived here knows winter can last through May (save me!!)! Being that I’m fairly new to this climate, I’ve been searching for some DIY ways to save time and money around the house. Here are a few simple tips and tricks to help you out this frigid time of year.

1. Move to Hawaii!

2. Outlets and switch boxes on exterior walls have gaps that are not insulated allowing cold air into your home. To prevent it: Install fire-retardant foam gaskets behind the plates.

3. Exterior doors have a standard 1/8″ gap around them allowing even more cold air to come in! For a tight seal, apply silicone weather-stripping to the sides and top and install a silicone sweep under the bottom.

4. Add stakes along your sidewalk and driveway and the markers will help you to know where to stop shoveling.

5. Prevent falling on your a@#! Use sand on those slippery stoops and sidewalks and install tread tape for slick surfaces.

6. Get that entry winter ready! Buy an absorbent doormat and boot scraper for the outside and add a matt inside for extra protection.

Stay warm!

Xoxo,

Alison

These Boots are made for Crashing!

Alison — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 17:32:29 +0000

For those of you that have watched my show, you know how much I love my boots! This season I’m obsessed with these cropped booties. Perfect for crashing and no need to change after work! They look great with skinny jeans, leggings, tights or bare legs! From crashing to living, a cropped boot is one of my fashion staples!

Get booted up with these fabulous finds!

Xoxo,

Alison

#1 – HATTIE BOOTIE by Coach

#2 – MELBA by Jimmy Choo

#3 – RUCHED WEDGE BOOTIE by VS Collection

#4 – LAKOTA by Splendid, Shoes.com

#5 – CALICO Bayley Suede Ankle Bootie by Saks Fifth Avenue

#6 – CUFFED WEDGE BOOTIE by VS Collection

#7 – CHEEKY by Sketchers, Zappos

#8 – ZIGI SOHO Wedge by DSW

Take A Page From This Fashion Book: P.45 Boutique Chicago

Alison — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 22:24:03 +0000

Eclectic jewelry, handbags and dresses… Oh my! P.45 Boutique quickly became an essential stop for my weekend shopping binges. Right smack in the middle of Chicago’s hippest neighborhood, this Bucktown boutique opened in 1998 and effortlessly mingles fresh local designers with international must-haves. I love the understated interiors that perfectly spotlight the clothing and accessories without skimping on luxury.

Take a peek at some of their uncommon offerings.

Layers and boots… two of my favorites!

These soft, draping knits by Norwegian line Humanoid can seamlessly interchange to suit your mood.

Sometimes you want to get a little wild!

I love these leather clutches by Lizzie Fortunato Jewels. Silk lined interiors with gold accents and embroidery.

Wear them with jeans or a dress and boots and you are out the door!

Layering isn’t just for clothes! I’m loving this chunky trio of Orly Genger necklaces by Jaclyn Mayer.

Stop by if you’re in the Bucktown ‘hood and if not, make the drive! It’s worth it!