Yeah...I Really Own That: Ali from The Drawing Mannequin

The one thing I love most about blogging is the amazing bloggers I have had the chance to become 'blog friends' with. It's crazy amazing how you can meet people from all across the blogosphere and create real friendships through the world wide web. 

I stumbled across Ali's blog, The Drawing Mannequin, through Linda from Trendy Teal (remember her awesome guest post about her Christmas Sweater?!). I was instantly captivated by Ali's blog, as she showcases her many talents. Not only does Ali have a flair for fashion, sharing her unique and adorable style, but is also a comedian (I often find myself laughing out loud while reading her posts), and an AMAZING artist. I feel that calling her an amazing artist does not even do her work justice, as Ali has a way of bringing her blog to life with realistic and captivating artwork that I am so glad she shares with her reader's (seriously, check it out HERE!) 

Welcome the lovely and talented "Yeah...I Really Own That" guest blogger for January...

Ali from The Drawing Mannequin

 "Well, hey there, people of Ashley's blog! My name is Ali Hval, and I'm from the land of The Drawing Mannequin. Before I start talking all fancy-like, I must thank Ashley for letting me reign over her blog with my almighty powers on this fabulous day. She's a lovely lady, she is, and I'm so glad to have met such a sweet soul as herself on this big ole blogosphere. 

When Ashley contacted me to do this post, I had a few things in mind: some clear platform heels (aka stripper heels) I purchased for a specific beauty walk that I was coerced into doing in the 11th grade, versus this authentic kilt that was my mom's in the 80s.  Fearing a negative lash toward my non-existant reputation on the internet, I chose the kilt.  It's a strange piece to style, this kilt is.  It has to be buckled on from two ends, and I'm actually wearing it backwards so that the pleats are in the front... Plus, it's kinda itchy.  But hey, that doesn't mean it can't be fabulous, too!  Who says you can't wear a kilt as an every day sort of thing?  Maybe the Scottish police, but they can't catch me in America, land of the free.  I'd like to see you try, you Scottie cops.

I chose to keep this outfit rather simple with sheer tights and a ruffly cream top that is quite reminiscent of fancy writers who sit in castles and scrawl words on parchment with quill and ink.  Then, I added these Jeffrey Campbell shoes which I received for Christmas.  I didn't feel the need to accessorize too much since the kilt is already quite the statement piece in itself, as is the busy, ruffly top.  I'm pretty crazy, but I can't make things too crazy.  I hope I've managed to prove that yes, even Scottish formalwear can be something that one can wear on a daily basis.  Can't believe my mom even owned one of these... Crazy lady, right?"