Boots? Did someone say BOOTS??

If there is one thing that rivals my love for SCARVES, it would have to be boots. I collect them in every shape and size...from shoeties to over the knee boots (which, since I am tall ACTUALLY hit under my knee...but I digress...). I get giddy when the fall weather is turning crisp for mainly one reason: my boots get to show their pretty little faces again!!!
Okay, here is why I think boots are awesome.

~Comfort. The shaft of the boot hugs your calves, making them very easy to walk in. Even boots with a heel have great support from their height. A lot of boots nowdays are made with a platform under the toe, so even if you have a 4 inch heel, it feels like just 2.5. They really are focused on comfort with boots, and I fully appreciate style WITH comfort. Here are a pair that are totally classy fab, with a bit of a platform in the toe for comfort:

~Variety. Every shape, height, and style is IN. I love that! Here is one of my fave booties right now:

~Detail. You can totally find a pair of boots that are unique, detailed, and just right for YOU! I am loving the added comfy sweater top on the first boots...AND the darling lace up on the back of the second. Either would totally be my go-to-boots for everyday style!

All that being said, I don't mean to tease you with putting pictures up of these cute boots. SO...I will try my hardest to get them into Ali J Boutique!!! Keep watching my Facebook for when they arrive...and come in quick to make sure your size is still available! They are going pretty fast!

Blessed,

Alison

I dream of Jeans!!!

I am a jean fanatic. Just ask my sister- as she is the recipient of a load of them each year that I have cycled through. I love finding new brands, new styles, new flattering cuts. In the past, I have been a fan of Gap, Banana Republic, Express, Silver, Lucky, BKE, Hudson, Miss Me, Levis, and off boutique brands to name just a few... I am an equal opportunity denim officianado!

I think my obsession began when in one summer I grew three inches, requiring me to seek out longer inseams and cute shapes that weren't too old for my age. It was tough for a while there! It seemed as if the unique styles were made in just the "regular" inseams. I remedied this by becoming my own designer for a while. I would take the bottoms off old jeans, and literally sew on length to the ones I liked. I was a master at pulling out the hem as well. That worked for a while in college, when I went through a mix n match, casual stage. But then I wanted to get into a more long and lean look. So I searched. And searched. And I got Lucky. As in Lucky brand jeans :) They were fabulously long, but PRICEY for a college student for sure! I worked my weekend job for a whole month to buy three pair. But it was heaven!

As I have gotten older- I have been able to find more styles and brands. I think companies are realizing they can sell the long lengths well and don't need to put a three digit number on the price tag. So, here are my faves right now (yep, they are in my store, I am so glad I get to sell what I like!):

What makes these jeans extra fabulous is that they are what I call a perfect cross between jeggings and denim...they have a great stretch! BUT...are ya ready? They KEEP their SHAPE!! Hallelujah, let me hear it! No baggy buns, stretched out waist, etc. They are genious let me tell ya. And just as much as I like finding a deal, I like giving it. So they are around $50 a pair, You're Welcome. :P

If you want a deal, come on in and try three pairs of jeans on and you will receive 10% off a pair. Just mention this blog post and we will hook ya up.

Blessed,

Color!!!

Hello Ali J Boutique fans, I am Stacie the Ali J color {Mixmaster}. I have always been driven by color; I think it plays an integral part in our daily lives. I believe that color can help inspire, alter moods, and even change our perspective.

~Think about how your memories are alive with color and how some of your favorite things are tied to your own color pallet.~

I have an art background so I am constantly creating new color combinations and breaking the neutral boundaries. My newest favorite neutral is grey; it can be used with an assortment of colors and comes in an abundance of shades. I like to find one good neutral and then go to each end of the color spectrum with some of the other pieces. Try mixing chartreuse and a charcoal grey with rich teal. The richness of the colors will just make your ensemble come alive!

Each women needs to find her own colors that work for her and then play with different combinations that will just enhance her features. I have very fair skin with a lot of pink tones in it, so to counter that I like to wear a lot of cool blues and greens that enhance my eyes and the rose of my cheeks. If you need help finding colors that work for you or want to mix up a new color combination please STOP IN and we would be GLAD TO HELP.

Ali J Boutique

Friday and Saturday, 9-5

15 Main Street South

New London, MN

Numbers

In all honesty...I LOVE TO HELP GALS FIND THEIR PERSONAL GOD GRANTED STYLE! What to do I mean by that? I mean God created us all unique. Different. And just right. We have our own preferences, tendencies, comfort levels, aka {STYLE}. This new blog is the place we (Anna, Stacie, and I) will try and help you find your sweet spot with your style.

Topic today: Numbers.

I have to start with a quote from Joyce Meyer: "You gotta learn to take what you got and do the best with it. If you can improve it, improve it but if you can't, learn to love it."

That being said, are you ok with your numbers? It is something I have been thinking a lot about since opening the store. I have 5 lines of denim, and each run differently. Therefore, when I am helping a gal pick out jeans to try on, she may have to grab an 8 in one line, and a 14 in another. It is just the nature of the industry. But, these numbers throw gals. It is probably a huge marketing scheme for some of the labels, but the jeans that run larger sell more. Hmmm.... Why do ladies care what number is on the inside of the label? Nobody else sees it! I couldn't guess what one gal is to the next, because we are all SO DIFFERENT!!

So there is the issue. Focusing on a number. We have to get to the point where we use the number as a guideline to grab a piece of clothing off a rack, but NEVER use it as a measure of our worth. NEVER again feel better about yourself, or worse, because of the size you pulled on that morning. Be healthy for your shape, yes, but never put yourself down. If you are getting healthy, putting yourself down will NOT help you reach your goal anyway!

I am 5'10. I am 155 pounds. I am a size M/L on top, 8-12 on bottom, depending on the brand. Those are my stats- they don't define me. These numbers do: I am a wife to 1. I am a mom of 4. I am a daughter of 6. I am a sister to 5. And ultimately, I serve 1 God.

Embrace the numbers that count. Really truly count.

Blessed,

This Blog Has a NEW LOOK!! She feels so stylish and sassy!! There are some wonderful changes coming her way, as Stacie and Anna, two wonderful gals who help out at Ali J Boutique storefront will be guest bloggers! Here is how I would describe these fab gals:

Stacie:

~Color master extraordinaire (she can blend, match, and smash colors together to make the perfect complete ensemble...her blogs on this topic are a MUST READ!)

~Encourager and Uplifter (if you are having a blue day, she can put your whole attitude into perspective!!)

~Busy, busy bee (She will work, work, work until the job is done...but better yet- she works SMART!!)

~Organization (this is an understatement...leave her alone in a room and it will be completely sorted, sifted, and clean by the time you turn around)

Anna:

~Funky, daring, and visionary style (looking through new bracelets to get in....Anna, "Is that a sloth?? How awesome- to have a SLOTH wrapped around my wrist!!")

~Compassionate and Empathetic (this girl is the one to come to for prayer and understanding...she is wise beyond her years)

~Anal (ok- don't like that word, but I COMPLETELY admire the trait!! There is a place for everything, and everything in it's place...)

~Visionary (we share a similar love for boutique spaces and everything it stands for...taking your time shopping in a unique, beautiful environment with unique, beautiful products)

I am so excited to post more on here now- just needed a little "boost" and off we go! Oh, and as for me, I LOVE fashion, style, accessorizing, etc. So I will be more than happy to share the tips and tricks I live by.

Blessed,