Trendsetters: Ashley Grondel and Kristen Laidlaw, Publishers of The Allure Avenue style and fashion blog
Your personal style?
Kristen: A little bit of everything, I would say.
Ashley: A blend between classic and trendy. I like focusing on cuts, patterns, textures and colors. I would rather be overdressed than underdressed.
Complete: I know it’s fall when ...
Kristen: I know it’s fall when … you can smell cinnamon candles! Mmmm! I can’t get enough of them!
Ashley: I know it’s fall when all of my clothes start to get a little bit tighter! I love fall because there is so much yummy food and family around that you forget about diets and exercising. Luckily, it’s easy to hide. That’s the beauty of layering your clothes!
What is the one thing every woman needs for fall?
Kristen: Boots and comfy sweaters! I can’t choose. They’re both a must.
Ashley: One thing? That’s tough. I would have to say a good pair of wedged boots. Boots are super versatile and if you find the right pair, they can go well with a casual outfit as well as a dressy one.
What fall trends are you excited about?
Kristen: Definitely booties, leather, warm-color clothing and deep brown eye makeup!
Have any personal styling tricks?
Kristen: Please don’t make the colors match-y match-y! Mix it up!
Ashley: Don’t be afraid to try something new. I draw my inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, Instagram or even people I see on the street. If you see a style you like and you are afraid that you may not be able to pull it off, give it a try anyway! You may surprise yourself!
Do you have any seasonal rituals for transitioning from summer to fall?
Kristen: Definitely make sure to try and keep your tan. Tan is always hot!
Ashley: Yes! I pack up all of my summer clothes and replace them with my fall essentials. Switching your clothes out for different seasons makes it much faster and easier to get ready in the morning. And we all could use a little more time in the mornings.
Where you get your best finds?
Kristen: I love T.J. Maxx, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie and Sephora. I think it’s safe to say Sephora is my happy place!
Ashley: I love DownEast. This little shop in Boca Park has their own brand of clothing as well as discounted brands such as Free People, Anthropologie, True Religion and Hudson.
What do you think is the most difficult thing for most women to shop for, and how do you make it easier?
Kristen: I think everyone has a hard time with different clothing items depending on their body type, but my main thing is just get your size. No matter what the size says, get what fits and makes you feel comfortable. Size is not everything, ladies!
Ashley: Just about every woman has a hard time swimsuit shopping. This is still a hard process for me, I must admit. Could the lighting get any worse in those dressing rooms? I mean, come on. When I was about 14, I had a lady who I looked up to tell me something that I’ll never forget. She said, “Ashley, you can care as much as you want about what you look like while you are getting ready. But once you’re finished, just have fun and don’t give it a second thought.” This was exactly what I needed to hear then, and it still helps me today. You can’t live your life always wondering whether “this outfit makes you look fat.” Where is the fun in that?! Find a swimsuit you like, and go live your life!
Do you prefer to follow trends or march to the beat of your own drummer?
Kristen: If I feel like my body type can look good in the trend, heck yes, I’ll rock it!
Ashley: A little bit of both. Trends are always good to keep things fresh, but let’s be honest — not all of them are the bee’s knees. I like to pick and choose which trends to try, but I will wear a pair of jeans even if they are “last season” if I still like them.
Scary movies or happy endings?
Kristen: Happy endings. They’re the best!
Ashley: Happy endings, for sure. Plus the clothing is always better in a happy ending than in a gory, blood-soaked scene!
Catch their blog at theallureavenue.com.
FIVE THINGS WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
1. Free People Jacquard vegan moto jacket, $168, Free People in the Fashion Show Mall
2. Miss Dior Le Parfum, $90, Sephora in the Grand Canal Shoppes in the Venetian, Town Square and the Forum Shops at Caesars
3. Perricone MC No Foundation foundation, $55, Neiman Marcus in the Fashion Show Mall, neimanmarcus.com
4. Frye Melissa Harness extended calf riding boot, $398, Neiman Marcus in the Fashion Show Mall
5. Urban Decay Naked3 eye shadow palette, $54, Sephora in the Grand Canal Shoppes in the Venetian, Town Square and the Forum Shops at Caesars