Holiday Gift Guide 2014

Tis the season! It's the greatest time of year! The holiday's are fast approaching once again, and it's never too early to start shopping for those on your holiday gift list. Shopping early will save you time and money, so i've put together a list to make shopping a little bit easier for the most important people in your life including mom and dad, sister and brother, girlfriend and boyfriend, friends, and even grandparents!

Whether you're on a budget or not, the places I recommend to shop are Marshalls and TJ Maxx. You can find the most unique, one-of-a-kind pieces! Whether it's clothes, accessories, home decor, etc. you're bound to find many things for everyone on your list. The best thing is that the stores carry name brands at small prices.

For mom and dad, you always want to add more thought and money to the gift. For mom, I recommend a nice handbag or wallet. Also, you can never go wrong with a piece of jewelry such as pearls or diamonds! Perfume is a nice gift as well that will make your mom feel special. For dad, opt for a nice name brand watch, cologne and/or wallet. Macy's has a great variety of gifts and the best thing about the store is that you can use coupons. These are just suggestions. At the end of the day, your parents will be grateful for anything they receive.

Untitled #19 by lagiordano featuring chrono watches

For your siblings, whether if you have a sister, brother or both, you want to give a nice thoughtful gift as well. Clothes and accessories like makeup and hats, wallets and/or perfume/cologne, are great gifts. If you're a great shopper, you can even purchase two things for them! The best part about family gifts is that you can get creative. If you're really having trouble finding the ultimate gift, you can never go wrong with gift cards.

Untitled #20 by lagiordano featuring NIKE

Now, to wow your sweetheart for the holiday's, a nice pair of concert tickets to one of their favorite sports games or concerts will make them swoon! A great cologne and perfume, jewelry, tech accessories, as well as clothes of their favorite brands are other easy options. Once again, gift cards are always fast and easy.

Untitled #20 by lagiordano featuring stud earrings

For your bestie, you don't want to go all out and splurge, but buy something thoughtful that they will cherish for the season. Cute accessories like scarfs, jewels and phone cases are just to name a few.

Untitled #21 by lagiordano featuring infinity scarves

Hope this guide created on Polyvore will help you start shopping for the holiday's!

Happy Shopping! ~ Lia Alessandra

Fall Fashion Travel Guide

It's always a great idea to get away for the weekend - especially during the fall!

This past weekend, I took a short trip to San Francisco with my family for the first time! It was so much fun! The best time to travel to San Francisco is in October where the weather is the most beautiful and typically unusual for the city. The trip consisted of three full days of outfits and accessories and carry-ons, and no check-in bags.

Fortunately, because the weather was very warm (in the 80s), I didn't have to bring heavy winter clothes. Instead of having to check-in luggage for just a three day trip, check out what I wore below for the course of the three days, without being an outfit repeater.

I suggest in order to keep your bags light, opt for lighter clothing materials, and always bring a sweater with you. You should also always bring a hat with you. Get an idea of what you'll be doing for the duration of your stay, and you can easily bring an outfit for each day.

The first stop as soon as I landed was Napa Valley. The vineyards were beyond beautiful! The trees and vines were changing colors and you can just smell the grapes in the fresh air. I chose to wear a comfy outfit for the flight, and the first day! I chose a comfortable and loose bright orange top, and light floral pants that was perfect for Napa and wine tasting. Dainty gold accessories and a pair of boots completed my look.

 

Top: Halogen (Similar Here) -- Bottoms: Jessica Simpson Floral Pants (Similar Here) -- Boots: Volcom -- Jewels: Juicy Couture Geometric Pave Necklace (Similar Here) & Kate Spade Stud Earrings

For the second day, I spent the entire day in the city. I shopped around Union Square, walked around the chic, Nob Hill, Fisherman's Warf, took a ride on the cable car and got to see the Blue Angels! It was a beautiful sunny day in the city, but a light sweater, pants and boots was just perfect! A pair of comfortable boots is always recommended if you know you'll be walking a lot.

I continued to tour the city on the last day by checking out the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks and North Beach for the Columbus Day Parade. I wore a fedora, a casual cardigan and top, with a pair of blue jean pants, with the same pair of boots I wore on the first day. This was an easy outfit to tour the city once more and for the flight back home.

Top: Nordstrom (Similar Style Here) -- Cardigan: JCrew (Similar Here) -- Pants: Ann Taylor Loft (Similar Here) -- Fedora: Marshalls (Similar Here) -- Boots: Volcom

Happy Travels!
~ Lia Alessandra

Wedding Guest Head-to-Toe Looks for Fall

Are you attending a fall wedding and don't have any idea what to wear?

I've compiled a few inspiration boards (below) to help you choose a perfect outfit!

I absolutely LOVE weddings - it's a fun day to dress up! My cousin got married last weekend, and I was trying to figure out what I was going to wear for the wedding, because the weather here in SoCal still feels like summer! After looking at the time of the ceremony/reception and type of wedding, I chose a Juicy Couture, black racerback dress, styled with big chunky gold and colorful jewels. The wedding ceremony started in the afternoon and the reception took place in the evening. You can never go wrong with a little black dress - it suited perfectly for an October wedding.

To figure out exactly what you should wear, first, figure what type of wedding it is. Black tie, garden, rustic, beach? What time of day will the wedding take place?

To help you pick an unforgettable wedding guest outfit, i've compiled inspiration boards on Polyvore, to help you figure out what you should wear for the wedding. 

For fall, it's all about the neutrals, darks and textured materials. Beauty should also compliment the outfit. For weddings, I always recommend either a dress or skirt, at any lengths that fit you best, but also depending on the style of the wedding, and time of year.

If you're attending a garden-themed wedding, you want to opt for flowy and romantic styled dresses or skirts. Skirts are definitely appropriate and I highly recommend. You're most likely in a small location, specifically in a backyard somewhere and you want to move around comfortably, especially on that dance floor! Check out these skirts from Macy's and Forever 21 that have some great skirt choices and are affordable!

Untitled #15 by lagiordano featuring a pink tank top

For a black tie wedding, I recommend a long dress, not short. A long skirt would be great too, but has to look fancy, like a sparkly and shimmery one. You want to look elegant and sophisticated. You'll find great options by BCBG.

Black Tie by lagiordano featuring purple bridesmaid dresses

Rustic chic weddings are becoming a popular theme for many weddings these days. You can be creative with whatever you wear! A skirt or dress, find something that is chic, bohemian and unique! A dress with gold accents and paired with gold jewels will complete your overall look. Free People has the perfect bohemian and girly dresses for a rustic-chic wedding.

Farm by lagiordano featuring gold earrings. Photo credits on Polyvore.

It may be fall, but beach weddings take place all year round! Instead of dressing in a bright colored dress or summer print, still opt for color, but different hues for fall. A nice dull orange and casual dress will be comfortable for the beach. Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack has endless possibilities for not just a beach wedding, but any type of style wedding!

Beach by lagiordano featuring a bangle bracelet

Hope this helps you shop for the perfect wedding guest dress!

~ Lia Alessandra