It's in the family

I come from a loud, big Greek family. We are the total stereotype with generation after generation of the same names. We have the Nick's and Nicole's, and there have been three generations of the name "Alex" except Alexander was turned into Alexandra when I came along. ;) We roast the lamb every Easter, my yiayia totally had plastic covered furniture throughout her house and did I say we're loud?

My cousins are like my brothers and sisters, and my cousin Steph and I are two peas in a pod. We may be six years apart, but we both have loved dance and fashion since we could talk. The rest of my family members are SERIOUS athletes - that kind of skipped me.

Steph definitely got the tall beauty genes in the family - growing to be 5'9" and drop dead gorgeous. So gorgeous that she has been a signed model since she was 16. Yesterday she shot me a note telling me she was on the front page of RueLala.com modeling Sachin & Babi, and today you can see her modeling Betsey Johnson. (If you've never heard of RueLaLa, go sign up and tell them I sent you (alexandra@avestyles.com). It's just as good as GILT, and they sell men's, women's, travel and home decor!)

One day us Vailas girls are going to do a shoot together! Until then I can't wait to see what Steph does next!

Golden Bits

Gold has made its way back onto the fashion scene stronger than ever. It's so strong that home interiors have also embraced it once again as well. I love it because gold looks WAY better on olive skin than silver. WAY better! haha! I'm ready to jump head first and buy a gold dress or top, but if you're hesitant to love this metallic start with bits and pieces.

Check out my shiny little finds...

Items: ZARA gold top, Marcia Moran Gold studs, Hammered 7 Band Gold Stacking Set, Stella & Dot Pegasus Necklace, Gold french manicure, ASOS ballerina flats, Bando gold scarf

Phoenix Epilepsy Walk

Fashion is an industry that I love to be a part of, but something that means more to my heart are the relationships in my life. This blog is my place to share my passions, and something, or rather someone, that I fell in love with over three years ago is my adorable niece, Claire. She's the most beautiful little girl full of all of the sweetest smiles, chatter and joy. Claire and I have an addiction to Nick Jr. and the Disney channel. We also love the beats of Justin Timberlake and Beyonce. Claire always wears cute outfits, and I credit my sister-in-law, Nicky, with her taste.

But Claire also faces more challenges than the average three year old because at five months old she was diagnosed with epilepsy. I didn't know anything about epilepsy until she was born, and something that I quickly learned was that there is NO CURE for it. There are many drugs on the market prescribed in hopes that they will help seizures subside, but there is still no cure because the brain is SO incredibly complex scientists still know very little about it.

The average person is untrained in how to help someone who experiences a silent seizure, and many treat those who battle with this disorder differently - lacking compassion and respect.

So, to make a difference and fight alongside Claire, I'm participating in the Phoenix Epilepsy Walk put on by the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona, which is an organization that CAN help make a difference as long as they have the proper funding.

I would LOVE to have you walk along with me! We can talk fashion and all things style while we make a difference in people's lives including Claire's. Sounds like a perfect combination if you ask me. =) This is a non-competitive walk on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 8:00AM to 9:30AM at Steele Indian School Park (300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012). You can register with Team Claire Bear by clicking here.

And most importantly you can donate to the Epilepsy Foundation by clicking here.

Pink Slip Style

Last Thursday I attended an event presented by GAP and Pink Slip Style. I'm sure you have heard of the famous, timeless store GAP, but if you haven't heard of Pink Slip Style, listen up! Ginger Murphy and Casey Hagarty were once fashion reporters for The Arizona Republic, and now they have started their own blog! These two Phoenix dwelling fashionistas are so incredibly sweet and have awesome style advice to share. You can never have too much, right?

Well, they teamed up with the GAP at the Scottsdale Quarter and styled any customers that walked through the doors. They served champagne and yummy food to enjoy while we shopped. AND...GAP offered 40% off of ALL women's sale plus 25% all full priced items. I scored a cute belt, flats and some jeans for Ryan.

You can check out their blog to see pictures of the event. Below, is one of me sportin' my new favorite boots and the best shopping deal to date. They are Jeffrey Campbell boots that I got at Last Chance for $15.99, originally retailing over $200.00.

Outfit: Anthropologie scarf, Banana Republic chambray shirt, Theory shorts, Urban Outfitters tights, and Jeffrey Campbell over-the-knee boots

I also hung out with this dynamic duo and my good friend Melissa Goldman from The Agency AZ last night at the God Save My Shoes screening.

We decided to start a little dance party in the middle of the museum. =) (Click to see more photos of that event).

Outfit: French Connection striped dress; J.Crew black blazer.

Photos by Pink Slip Style

I'm Blushing

Teal and bordeaux have been called the colors of the season, but something I'm finding a bit interesting is that the color blush is still hanging around from the summer. I love this pretty soft color, and I know it will continue to be a part of spring. Brights are going to remain hot in the new year, so you may want to invest in this color to calm your eyes.

High Style Fancy, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Dorothy Perkins, Sarvanas