A Styled Mind
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Ashley

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In the vault

TRENCH TALES!

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I truly don’t think I could ever live in a climate that didn’t afford me the opportunity to fully indulge in a variety of outerwear. Sure, it can be brutally cold at times, when leaving the house under any circumstances feels like torture, but it can also be an act of rebellion—that despite Mother Nature’s efforts, style will always prevail! This particular trench had been on my radar for about two years now, and though I was intrigued, it wasn’t until I actually had an opportunity to try it on that I was immediately sold. Knowing myself, I’m very particular when it comes to this type of outerwear. Because it’s such a traditional style of coat and I tend to lean more modern/contemporary, if the color, fit, length, and structure are not to my liking, it can easily collect dust in the back of my closet after one season; trust me, I’ve been there. When contemplating my purchase, I knew I didn’t want black, but something that was still neutral enough to coordinate with the majority of pieces in my wardrobe without feeling too seasonally specific. After much deliberation, I decided on the chocolate brown option and couldn’t have been more pleased. Another recent addition was this knit mini dress featuring an exaggerated wrap detail, which ultimately ended up serving as the perfect base layer. I didn’t want the look to get too “matchy,” so I grounded the ensemble with a burgundy heel, adding a subtle color-blocking effect. Lastly, I opted for sleek accessories and silver jewelry that seamlessly accentuated the cool tones in my outfit. Not too bad for the first look of 2026, if I do say so myself! Style-wise, I’m not sure if there will be any major transitions or shifts outside of what I typically gravitate towards, but as usual, I’m looking forward to another expansive year showcasing more effortless aesthetics with maximum impact. Until next time!

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FOREVER WARDROBE!

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Let me be honest with you, gone are the days of me randomly going into stores and just buying whatever cute item catches my eye. I now keep a running list of “closet voids,” and/or wants, so that I can steer clear of reckless spending and give myself time to process if the piece is actually worth it. In efforts to build my forever wardrobe, this new way of shopping has left me with fewer regrets and a greater appreciation for the coveted garments I’ve acquired. I’ve been on the hunt for a leather midi skirt for nearly two years, which doesn’t seem like a difficult task, but I really wanted something that had a bit of interest and wasn’t the typical A-line silhouette. Upon scrolling through social media, I happened to see this piece on another creator, and after doing some screenshotting and Google investigation, I was able to locate it for a discounted price and swiftly make it mine! The skirt was everything I had hoped for, and after some slight alterations, I was ready to put my styling skills to the test! As the temperatures continue to rapidly drop, I also wanted to refresh some of my thinner turtlenecks for layering. This soft blue option was one of four tops I added to my collection this season, and I loved the juxtaposition against the supple black leather. To keep the look streamlined, I grounded it with a simple patent pump and added a grey bomber jacket for extra dimension and texture. Finally, I tied everything together with a snake print bag and silver jewelry to match the hardware throughout. In my humble opinion, this ensemble incorporated all of the feminine, chic, edgy, and cool vibes that I usually strive for when getting dressed. This outfit has definitely landed itself in my top five for the year, and I look forward to rewearing it as soon as the proper occasion arises. Comment below your favorite featured item, and until next time!

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INDIGO INSTINCTS!

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I try not to hold myself to concrete rules when it comes to my style because it’s ever-changing, and just when I think I have it down to a science, I stumble across a piece that makes me rethink everything. In this instance, I’m referring to casual daytime dresses. I’ve pretty much sworn them off, as I find myself more comfortable in skirts and prefer the versatility of separates. That said, as I was browsing the internet for inspiration to update my autumnal wardrobe a few months ago, I came across this dark indigo asymmetric dress. What intrigued me most was the origami-like silhouette and the effortless way that it draped, despite its denim composition. To be honest, I didn’t initially pull the trigger and wasn’t sold until I saw it on someone else during fashion week. At that moment, I realized my initial interest was justified, and I quickly began thinking of all the scenarios that would be fitting for this frock. By the time it finally arrived at my residence, I already knew the ensemble I would be pulling together. As much as I love these brown croc-embossed boots, I still don’t feel like I wear them as often as I should; however, fall is definitely the season where they get the most shine! Playing off of that rich warmth, I grabbed an oversized pair of tortoise sunnies, featuring a slightly tinted orange lens, that really helped to highlight the illustrations on my bag. I finished off the look with some gold jewelry and couldn’t have been more pleased. Sometimes I feel like dresses are a “cheat code” because the entire outfit is basically already assembled for you, but I’m starting to embrace them more as a challenge to showcase my individuality and statement accessories. Skirts and trousers will forever be my comfort zone, but I didn’t mind this subtle change of pace. Comment below your favorite featured item, and until next time!

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JEWEL TONES!

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There’s truly nothing like the richness of fall shades. Regardless of the time of day, the sun appears to add a warm filter over every scene, and the crisp air instantly has me reaching for my coziest pieces. To be honest, I’ve been doing a bit of shopping lately, and though I typically steer towards more timeless items, I managed to find some unique gems that I just couldn’t pass up! To start, these navy, skirt-draped trousers were an absolute must-have. Despite still working in an office setting, I have a lot of flexibility when it comes to how I express myself through my wardrobe, and it’s no secret that I’m a sucker for classic garments with a modern twist. Another autumnal favorite of mine would have to be knitwear. I was on a mission to refresh and replace some of my thin, layerable turtlenecks for the season when I stumbled upon this grey top featuring a brown collar. Once again, it was just too “me” not to immediately check out, and the neutral color-blocking was all the reassurance I needed in terms of earning my cost per wear. I’ve really been leaning into the chocolate hues this year and was able to fill a necessary void in my closet when I found these peep-toe heels. The overall design and sculptural twist added a quirky playfulness that I don’t usually get to express with my footwear during the colder months, so I was delighted to make them mine (especially since I got them on sale, lol). It’s rare that I style an ensemble without an element of black, but I was intrigued by the highly saturated palette I was working with and wanted to stay within that realm. I included another hint of mocha with my sunnies and, for an unexpected pop of color, grabbed my favorite Bordeaux bag, which always seems to provide the extra bit of interest I’m looking for. All in all, this outfit came together perfectly, and each piece seamlessly complemented the next even better than I could’ve imagined. Comment below your favorite featured item, and until next time!

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PRINTED PLAID!

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When it comes to Fall, there are certain textiles and fabrics that immediately come to mind: suede, leather, shearling, cashmere, and so many others. That being said, in addition to those, there’s also a variety of prints that deserve their time to shine as well, including argyle, houndstooth, and one of my personal favorites, plaid. I’ve already begun turning over my wardrobe, and to no surprise, there are quite a few flannels and mohair checkered scarves I’ve had my eye on this season. This shirt in particular has been on my wish list for almost two years, and after much patience, I finally decided to make it mine. I was able to justify my cost per wear given the neutral color palette, as well as the overall design and construction, which was unlike anything else I had seen on the market. The shoulder pads and origami-like shape really made this piece a standout, and I absolutely loved the elevated take on such a casual closet staple. In an effort to keep the relaxed vibe consistent throughout, I paired it with my favorite distressed jeans and a lace-up heeled sandal, featuring a statement chain-link heel. I tend to naturally gravitate towards cooler tones, so silver is typically my hardware of choice; however, given the chunky gold accent on my footwear, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to play up the mixed-metal trend. Luckily, I am the proud owner of a clutch and sunglasses that feature both, and were the perfect accessories to pull this ensemble together. I am undeniably living for “sweater-weather” and am beyond excited to showcase more of what I’ve accumulated before it gets too cold, and the primary focus will be my outerwear. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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WHITE NOISE!

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As we quickly approach the end of Summer and embark on a new season, I figured it was only right to go out wearing the color allegedly “banned” after Labor Day Weekend. While I personally do not follow most fashion rules, I still thought I’d find a bit of humor in the do’s and don’ts that some people still live by. One trend that has really shaped my wardrobe during these hotter months has been monochrome looks and co-ord sets. Being a suit lover, I’m never opposed to a two-piece moment, and they have really come in handy on the days where the only objective has been to stay as cool (literally and figuratively) as possible. Balloon, or “genie pants” have also been causing quite the stir, and though I was intrigued, I wanted to give myself time to wait and see if there was a pair that actually spoke to me enough to take the plunge. In my opinion, one of the easiest ways to try out something trendy- especially if you’re unsure of how to style it- is through a matching set; that way, you’ll always have something to pair it with! As it was my first time wearing this ensemble, I chose to keep things pretty straightforward and style both pieces together. With such a pristine base layer there were many directions I could’ve gone in, but as we know, an element of juxtaposition always takes the cake! Adding my favorite distressed bag instantly brought the edginess I desire when it comes to majority of the outfits that I create. In efforts to increase the level of contrast, I figured why not throw on a pearl necklace to bring in some femininity and glamour, to an otherwise fairly casual look. Lastly, I opted for a simple thong mule featuring a silver heel, and black cat-eye sunnies for a chic yet effortless touch. I was very pleased with how this outfit turned out, but like most of us fashion girlies (and guys) I’m more than ready for sweaters, boots, and layers! Comment below your favorite featured item(s) and until next time!

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MIN-TEE!

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Versatility and juxtaposition are two words that always seem to come up when describing my personal style. In life, and while getting dressed, having a sense of balance is very important to me; and though I’m not afraid to step outside of my comfort zone occasionally, my “outfit formulas” tend to stay pretty consistent. As I’ve been building out my Summer wardrobe this season, I stumbled across this washed grey t-shirt that had somewhat of an hourglass shape built in by design. If I were to take a look through my closet over the years, graphic tees have been a staple for quite some time, and this elevated take on such a classic piece definitely had me intrigued. Now I could’ve easily paired this with some jeans and called it a day, but I wanted to go a more unexpected route–per usual, lol. In efforts to shop intentionally, while also getting my cost per wear from the clothes I already own, I completed the ensemble with my favorite silver mini and red heeled sandals. While the skirt allowed for a pop of interest and added some texture, my footwear highlighted the text on my top in the most seamless, yet coordinated way. I think it’s safe to say, any look that brings a feminine approach to casual (and at times slightly masculine) pieces or elements, is right up my alley! My love for oversized shirts, baggy trousers, denim, and suiting is just as loud as my affinity for high heels, a fresh set of nails, and applying my makeup. Silver jewelry was the obvious choice, and to keep things less matchy-matchy, I opted for a small black top-handle bag. After throwing on my rimless sunnies, I was fully feeling my 2000’s IT-girl fantasy, ready to show up to TRL and countdown my favorite music videos–you just had to be there! As I continue to evolve throughout my style journey, I look forward to investing in pieces that not only tell a story of where I was in that moment, but also grow with me into future chapters of my life. Comment your favorite featured item(s) below and until next time!

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In the vault

PITCH BLACK!

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My name is Ashley, and my favorite color is black. No matter how much I try to experiment with other hues, especially during the warmer months, my foundational pieces and what I gravitate towards most will always remain the darkest shade on the spectrum. In the midst of continuing to build my “elevated capsule wardrobe,” there were quite a few items that fit into this category on my 2025 wishlist. I had been eyeing this cardigan for well over a year, and while there was nothing necessarily groundbreaking about it, the overall quality, fit, and versatility created by the snap-button closures was something I finally decided to pull the trigger on– despite it being on pre-order for months! Another item that was consistently in and out of stock was this bubble-hem mini skirt. This trend really made a huge impact going into 2024 and has since maintained it’s appeal while being used as a design code for a multitude of brands and retailers. Living in the Northeast, this is a garment that can easily transcend seasons, and I look forward to styling it with heavier layers as time goes on. Though I was keeping my ensemble monochrome for the most part, I still wanted to add touches of interest with a variety of textures and eye-catching elements. I am well aware that these shoes are not for everyone, but personally speaking, I was an instant fan. My only hesitation was trying to figure out which style fit me best, but as soon as the slingbacks were released, I was sold! While I could’ve easily thrown on a black bag, I decided to go the more unexpected route with a cool-toned distressed option that I’ve surprisingly found goes with nearly everything in my closet! It’s no secret that I’m definitely more of a silver than a gold girl, so in efforts to match the hardware throughout the outfit, I threw on a chunky pair of earrings along with my new favorite frames featuring embellished rhinestone details. I love how minimal this look appears at first glance, but in actuality each piece makes such a statement on it’s own and collectively. Comment below which item was your favorite and until next time!

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In the vault

SUMMER STAPLES!

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There are certain pieces, that regardless of whatever else is trending, will always be essential for that particular season. I took some time off to reset for the majority of Spring, and during that period, I was also able to refresh my wardrobe with some items that have literally been on my wish-list for years! Starting with the base, these jeans have haunted me (in the best possible way) since the moment I saw them on one of my favorite content creators in 2023! If you’ve followed my style journey, it’s no secret that denim has been a foundational textile in my closet for decades at this point. Since I’ve begun shopping for my own clothes, I’ve worked very hard to curate a collection that fulfills my most basic every day needs, to my more formal or “statement-making” moments. Needless to say, I am thrilled to finally own these beauties and look forward to all of the ensembles I can create with them. If we’re talking Summer staples, it would be impossible to leave out another fave of mine, linen! While I don’t own nearly as much as some of the other fabrics, when I do reach for it, it’s a comforting reminder that the temperatures are high and the days are long. I stumbled upon this cropped jacket and immediately knew I had to have it! The overall structure, sculpted curved sleeves, and open sides made for the most effortlessly chic design and easily another one of my best purchases of 2025 thus far. To keep things light, I accessorized with barely-there strappy heeled sandals and a shoulder bag which really made the logo on my pants pop! From the same brand, I also pulled the trigger and ordered these mixed metal aviator sunnies that have been living rent free in my mind since the start of 2024. All in all, I think this outfit came together perfectly and I’m happy to say that I am feeling reinspired with fashion, and back to having fun with getting dressed! Comment your favorite piece below and until next time!!

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10 YEARS OF ASM!

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Friday, March 20th, 2015 I finally worked up the courage to launch the first iteration of my blog, A Styled Mind. From the moment I moved to NYC and began building my social circles, the main question I always faced was, “What do you do?” After about 90-days of this repetitive conversation and my peers explaining that “what I did” could not be defined by my 9-5, I knew I had to put something else in motion. My love of style and writing was something that I always held dear throughout my college career, and though I initially considered being a stylist, creating my own brand seemed more tangible and less reliant on the relationships with others. As my mind began to wonder when, where, and how I could start, I began journaling constantly. I would go to work and bounce ideas off of my coworkers, while getting their opinions on names, logos, as well as gain insight to their own interests and what they would like to see. Finally, once I had gathered enough “field research,” it was time to pick a date! In all honesty, I’m not sure if any of this would’ve gone as smooth without the help of my dear friend Alvin, may he rest in peace. Despite being employed by the same company at the time, he played a pivotal role in building out the foundation of my website and shooting my photography for about the first year, FOR FREE. I remember being absolutely delirious after a full day of work, writing my first 3 blog posts to launch, and staying in the office until nearly 10pm getting everything live; but we did, and I couldn’t have done it without him.

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I had absolutely no clue what I was getting myself into, or what this journey would bring. What I did know, was that on the first day of Spring in 2015, I had made the decision to follow my passion for as far as it would take me! To my surprise, I was able to use this platform as a creative outlet all while balancing a corporate job, creating content for some of my favorite brands, and finding a community of like-minded creators, some of which have become real-life friends! I have never taken an extended break, and while I don’t know if the pressure to post will continue to haunt me, I think at this point it’s worth a try. I know that this is far from the end, and I still have SO many more ideas with regards to expanding the ASM brand. However, at this very moment, I just want to focus on this milestone while being extremely gratfeul and proud of how much I’ve been able to accomplish over the last decade. I may not be where I thought, but I’ve gained so much from where I started. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your consistent support, encouragement, likes, shares, and follows over the years.

This is not the end…until next time!

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