Fashionably Living with Alysson from Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication

Good Morning!  Please welcome Alysson from the charming fashion/lifestyle blog Simplicity Is The Ultimate Sophistication.  This stylish strength and conditioning coach at Liberty University blogs, because she loves sharing her thoughts about fashion, current trends, home decor, DIY, recipes & just the in’s and out’s of her life.  Alysson is passionate and creative and everyday on her blog readers experience her genuine spirit!  She is a talented fashionista that allowed Fashionably Living to take a sneak peak into her world! Enjoy!

XO,

Rachel Ashley

FL: What was the inspiration behind your blog Simplicity Is The Ultimate Sophistication?

Alysson: I started blogging on and off when I was in college, but hadn’t ever made a huge commitment to it.  Last year, I just decided I was going to commit to a year of blogging on a regular basis to just see where it went.  I’ve LOVED every minute of it.  I have met some amazing women through blogging and am shocked at how friendly and willing to help they have been.  I’d have to describe my inspiration for my blog as my “inner girly”.  {lol}  I work as a college strength and conditioning coach…which puts me in workout clothes EVERY SINGLE DAY.  Most people are jealous when they hear that, but I promise you all, it gets OLD.  I stare at all my pretty clothes most days of the week, so I take my weekends & dress up to let out my girly.  I’ve been an athlete basically all my life, but let’s be honest…I have a major girly side.  This is my outlet.  I enjoy sharing my passion with other women, in hope to inspire them to be confident and find their inner girly as well.

FL: Where do you turn for daily inspiration?

Alysson: I am inspired from so many things all around me.  First, I’d have to say my own closet.  I love just going in there and playing dress up!  Second, would probably be from some of my favorite stores {jcrew, madewell, anthro, H&M}.  I love looking at the ideas and combinations they come up with.  It’s fun to then go to my own closet and see how I can recreate the look.  Third, I am so inspired by my blogger girlfriends!  I love seeing what they have to share with me as their reader.  That’s what we’re all here for right?!

FL: You also share amazing recipes on your blog! Do you have a go to dish, or a favorite holiday dish?

Alysson: I’m actually new to the cooking & baking thing!  I have a close girlfriend who came to me asking to go on the adventure with her in learning some new recipes.  I gladly agreed!  As I’m not married yet {soon}, I should probably practice my cooking skills to keep the hungry mans belly full!  My go to dish would have to be a crock pot meal.  I absolutely LOVE that invention.  My favorite meal so far in the crock pot is a simple chicken dish {4 breast, cream of chicken, cream of mushroom soup, 1 pack of dry Italian dressing mix & 1 block low fat cream cheese}.  Goes great with veggies and some brown rice. YUM!  As far as baking, what woman doesn’t like a little chocolate in her life.  My favorite so far has probably been the Oreo Balls.  They are so simple & just the right amount of sweet…if you only eat one of course.

FL: How would you describe your personal style and home decor? Do you think they reveal part of your personality?

Alysson: I absolutely think the way a women decorates her home reveals a little bit about her.  A woman’s home is her canvas, a way to express herself.  I tend to love classic, simple & a clean feel.  I’ve currently been working on revamping my bedroom, and am going with a crisp light gray on the wall & combining that with a lot of white, and just a few pops of color.  I love different textures.  I want my room to feel calm, romantic & relaxing.

FL: Do you have a favorite room in your home? Why?

Alysson: Since I live with 3 other girls, I’d have to say the living room is my favorite room because it’s where we all come and spend time together.  We are all very close & get along very well so it’s very enjoyable to all be together.  There are lots of stories shared, jokes told & quality time spent in our living room.

FL: Where can you usually be found on a Saturday afternoon?

Alysson: I love Saturdays!  It’s the day I take to make the rounds to all my favorite places in town {thrift stores, estate shops, Jcrew, Michaels, TJ Maxx}.  You can probably guess that I am out and about on a Saturday afternoon. If I’m not out and about, I’m probably home working on a DIY project.  Another huge hobby of mine!  Lastly, my girlfriends and I love to stop in at out favorite local Mexican restaurant for some chips & salsa!  All of these things combine for the perfect Saturday afternoon!

FL: Can you share your favorite inspirational quote or Bible verse with us?

Alysson: Oh this one this is a tough one!  I have so many favorite Bible verses.  If I have to choose just one, I’ll go with Psalm 37:4 “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” ok, ok, I can’t just share one…here are a few others I just love: Psalm 9:10 “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”  & Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”.  Each of these verses plays a huge part in my life & all carry big significance from a time in my life.

FL: Are you a girl that plans her outfits out carefully the night before or do you dress quickly in the morning basing your outfit on your mood?

Alysson: I’d have to say I’m more of a throw together type of girl.  I don’t go into huge planning or laying out.  I do keep a folder on my computer of outfits I’ve found and want to recreate.  I refer to that sometimes if I’m not feeling inspired.

FL: What winter trends are you currently coveting?

Alysson: Winter trends..hmm..so many!  I am in love with the equipment blouse either tucked into a cute pair of minnie pants & boots OR flowy under a blazer with jeans. I also love a big over-sized chunky sweater!  Perfect for the cold weather.  I love the gingham tops layered with a sweater.  Sequins and sparkle are fun, but I normally don’t buy things that I need to take out insurance on for fear of ruining it in one wear, so I don’t own a ton of those pieces.  I do love that look of a sequin top layered over a chambray shirt…so feminine and beautiful.  A more rugged trend I love is the leather skirt!  I wanted one so badly when the fall started, but NO WAY would I pay the price for a leather skirt.  Well, on one of my thrift shop rounds I found the perfect pencil genuine leather skirt for $3.50. {yes, I’m serious!}  Needed an alteration on length, but it’s now perfect!