AVE Styles' Newest Addition

Say hi to the newest addition to AVE Styles, Miss Elle. My husband and I are completely smitten and couldn't be more proud. I plan to share her birth story and all of our fun since we've been home from the hospital. But for now, I'm soaking up precious newborn moments with my little girl and will talk fashion a little later.

I have some friends of mine that will be sharing some awesome stuff in the meantime.

xoxo,

Alex

Fall Picks by Petit Joy Vintage

I thought it would be fun to have some of my stylish friends share their fall picks and favorite trends while I'm away falling more and more in love with Elle.

So, today my friend Shelly from Petit Joy Vintage is sharing with you some of her fall shopping picks. She is a lover of all things vintage and owns a vintage clothing shop on Etsy. She is brilliant at home DIY projects, hair tutorials and regularly posts awesome outfits on her blog, so make sure to check it out!

I love fall. Actually I think it is safe to say that it is my favorite time of year. Not only does it mean that I don't break into a sweat as soon as I walk out the door, but it also means fall fashion. All of the layers and deep colors. During the summer it is more about simplicity, ease, and making a statement using minimal things. However, in the fall season, it's more rich and complex and there are more pieces, patterns, and textures to play around with. This isn't to say that it is any more difficult to pick out an outfit, just simply that you have got more options to have fun with. Since vintage is what I do and what I know, I decided to put together my fall picks using modern pieces with a vintage twist. - Shelly

1. Burgundy Cardigan from J.Crew. It is basic, yet versatile and can be worn in multiple ways.

2. Mosaic Blouse from Modcloth. This is more of a statement piece, but gives you a lot of options with color and it is simple enough in shape to also work in multiple ways and silhouettes.

3. Tangerine Mini Skirt from TopShop. I just love this. The front, scalloped pleat sold me right away.

4. William Tote Bag by Shana Luther. Because a girl has gotta have a good-looking bag to get her from fall to spring.

5. Polka Dot Stockings from American Apparel. I think socks are a very underrated accessory. They come in so many colors and patterns these days and can really add something unexpected to your outfit, not to mention just keeping those legs warm!

6. Black Velvet Loafers from Lulu's. I had to add these because I am obsessed with loafers at the moment. Sleek, comfortable, and classic.

7. The Sartorialist: Closer by Scott Schuman. Everyone should own his books. This is the second one to come from him (which is out this month actually) and they really capture the fashion of our generation from all over the world. It is an inspiration go-to for me if I am ever feeling uninspired with my wardrobe and the photographs are just beautiful.

Diet Coke + CFDA + Target = Fashion Dream

How crazy would it be to win $10,000.00, have Zac Posen, Cynthia Rowley and L'Wren Scott choose your design and then have it manufactured and sold in Targets across the nation?! What a dream come true? Well, it happened to one lucky guy named Gustavo Alonso. This is the winning design of the Diet Coke CFDA Young Designer Challenge in honor of the Diet Coke can's new makeover.

I must say that I really want that t-shirt AND I really want that coat dress.

Seriously, that has to be a dream come true for a young 25 year old artist. Check out the video below to see the famous designers give kudos to the winner.

Two weeks ago, you had the chance to use Pinterest to enter to win a trip to New York Fashion week. And today, we're still celebrating the pretty new look of Diet Coke by giving away more 12 packs of the tasting beverage.

To win, just tell me what you think of the Diet Coke can makeover? In or out?

Fall Shoes

Having size 10 narrow, flat feet makes shoe shopping a drag most of the time, but that doesn't stop me from ogling all of the new fall shoe collections. I especially have a secret love affair with boots. Ankle boots, calf length boots, over-the-knee boots...I love them and have them all. And, I want more...Here are my picks for fall footwear. Some are just dreams and others, well, may wind up in my closet soon.

 

Which ones are your favorites?

If you want to keep up with my latest shoe crushes, make sure to follow me on Pinterest.

Embellished Shoulders

2011 Toronto International Film Festival - Butter Screening - By Lionel Hahn
2011 Toronto International Film Festival - Butter Screening - By Lionel Hahn

Trend alert! BEEP! BEEP!

When you think to accessorize a part of your body usually wrists, neck, fingers and occasionally the ankles come to mind. Well, add your shoulders into the mix this fall by embellishing them with studs, leather and jewels.

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Yep, yep! Now when you give someone the cold shoulder it'll be stylish. haha! (Yes, I AM that corny in real life).

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