Thursday, November 11, 2010

álainn • bella

I was kindly sent this very cute dress from a new store, álainn • bella (run by a New Yorker named Megan), to style for the blog.  Its not much of a winter piece but I've styled it so it can be worn now.  I don't normally do strapless dresses because 1. I'm nervous they'll fall down and 2. They make my shoulders look even wider than they are. But this one stays up quite nicely because of an elastic that goes around the top; it is also VERY soft, the fabric is great.  It will be perfect for wearing over a bathing suit for the beach.

Anywayyyy...here are a few looks I put together with it:  (pretend my leggings are grey tights...haha)
Megan has also given me a coupon code for all you lovely readers to enjoy!  So enter code closetfashionista to receive 15% off full priced merchandise! Here are some other items from the store that I have my eyes on...maybe I'll use the code too ;)
Finally, here's a mini interview I had with Megan.

1. Why did you decide to start your store?
The decision to open the store was actually a snap decision. I wanted to be able to work for myself, and it was really the only thing I could imagine myself doing considering I am a shopaholic.

2. What do you look for in the items you stock?
Whenever I’m choosing the items for the store, I really only pick things that I personally would wear. But my style is diverse so I don’t ever intend to have all items that would be considered one type of style (i.e. Tough, feminine, etc). I try to get a good mix of classics and trends as well, but even when buying trends I try to get refined ones so the even when the trend is long gone you can still wear it. Because who wants to spend money on something that will be out in a few months time? I want my money to be well spent and I know I’m not alone in that.

3. What are your long term goals for the store?
Eventually I would like to open a brick and mortar location, ideally in NYC.

4. Who do you imagine the girl that shops at Alainn Bella is? Girly? Grungy? a Mix?
I think a mix. I don’t know too many people who are 100% style specific.

36 comments:

  1. i like some of the items you posted. ill check them out :)

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  2. You're right, a strapless can definitely be converted to fall/winter wear with layers. Megan stocks some really cute items!!

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  3. the dress is so cute! I hate dealing with strapless dresses as well, but I love your second remix!

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  4. that is a seriously versatile dress! you did such an awesome job styling it three ways!

    great interview too -

    stayfabulous,
    zarna
    www.zarnasrunway.com

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  5. I love that dress! It's so cute on you!

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  6. Loved the first look! ... You look so polished and flirty! ...

    http://blog.cessoviedo.com

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  7. I love the ways you've styled that dress - looks great!

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

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  8. Great dress, I love the way you style it, I'm going to check out the store
    <3
    http://reserveradefashion.blogspot.com

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  9. Love the dress and the cargo pants :D

    http://keeping-it-fierce.blospot.com

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  10. Super cute styling!! Looks like an awesome site, will def. check out their clothes..
    xx
    gramercyboutique.blogspot.com

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  11. You look so cute! You have great taste and I love the way you wear your leggings! They are always hard for me to pull off.

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  12. Wow great summer dress! It transitions nicely with the long sleeve shirt and leggings!

    xoxo,jaz
    fashionstatement101.blogspot.com

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  13. The dress is very cute! I like those cargo pants in the picture.

    fivetwocharm.blogspot.com/

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  14. the second combination is really interesting. love the dress :) xxx

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  15. Such a great dress. Love the first and 2nd styling. :)SarahD

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  16. I'm not usually a strapless dress person either, but that one is actually really cute. I especially like the second way you styled it, with the top underneath. That never seems to work for me; all my stuff has funny necklines. ; ) The first "classic" way is really cute too.

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  17. Cute dress, and I love the way you've styled it for winter even though it's more of a summer piece :) This line looks just lovely, I'm definitely going to be browsing it throughly. I just stumbled upon your blog and want to tell you, it's just fabulous! Stop by and visit mine if you like :)
    xox,
    Cee
    http://cocoandvera.blogspot.com

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  18. Love the dress!
    Rach
    http://www.sugarfilledcloset.com

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  19. Oooh, I love the second photo!

    xoxo

    Jessi

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  20. I'm obsessed with those cargo pants!

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  21. I adore all her collection already especially those that you wore! The second dress is so FAB! You did an excellent job matching them with that grey tights!

    Have a cheerful weekend! (:

    Sanny's Head to Heart

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  22. great mixmatch and interview dear!
    xoxo

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  23. so cool! llloooovvveee the different looks, and all the pieces you chose are so adorable!

    xoxo

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  24. love the dress on first and second pic! :)

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  25. so versatile! love the first picture..cute and classic
    xoxo

    http://www.leatherlaceblog.com/
    http://www.leatherlaceblog.com/

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  26. Love the second look.
    That outfit is warm so it can be worn in autumndays and it shows the dress which the last outfit doesnt :)

    Love,
    Sjanna from wehavebeenexpectingyou

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  27. Absolutely in love with the second dress.. the details are just gorgeous
    LOx

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  28. I like the way that you styled this dress for winter - you're great at layering!

    http://pagesixxx.blogspot.com/

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