A Styled Mind
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Ashley

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In the vault

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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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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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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NYFW F/W ’25!

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This NYFW season was all about shopping my closet and not taking my looks too seriously. I wanted to showcase an authentic yet elevated version of my personal style, and I feel like I achieved just that! Shoppable links are listed below, and I’d love to hear which look and/or piece was your fave! Until next time!

DAY 1: WICKED WONDER

DAY 2: POP OF PINK

DAY 3: THE BLUES

DAY 4: SUEDE SEASON

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BELOW FREEZING!

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If you reside in the Northeast, you might agree when I say that January may arguably be one of the most difficult months to dress for. In addition to the freezing temperatures, there seems to be a lull within the stores and online retailers as the new-in Winter items are nearly out of stock, and it’s too soon to start rolling out Spring collections. As I stated towards the end of 2024, these add to my list of reasons why I will continue to shop my closet! Subsequently, with each season the voids become smaller and smaller to the point where if I do decide to purchase something, I need to make room for it by letting go of an existing item. I’m also starting to feel complete with the wardrobe I currently have, and love coming up with new ways to style my favorite pieces. Though this outfit was shot last year, it was one of the first days that gave a true glimpse of the frigid temperatures that were to come; and while I did have on a few layers, they didn’t stand a chance against the harsh winds. Believe it or not, only two things from this ensemble were actually recent buys. Towards the end of Summer, I was invited to a presentation where I first laid eyes on this deep plum coat and literally stalked the website until it was finally available for sale. Being a collector of outerwear, and despite having a few long wool coats already, I was able to justify this purchase due to the fact that the cut, color, and weight varied significantly from the others. Another thing I love about my current fashion archive is how much the pieces I own, and gravitate towards, always seem to compliment each other. It’s no secret that I am a lover of Earth tones and denim, so I rarely find it hard to mix and match even when integrating new elements. This patterned mesh top is still in heavy rotation (2 years later), and I simply could not pass on the opportunity to bring it out one more time. These jorts have also been a worthwhile investment, and always seem to elevate any look with a hint of tomboy edge. For a bit more dimension, I used black as my accent shade and played with different textures to allow each section of the outfit to shine in a seamless yet coordinated way. East-west bags are still very much on trend so I did not hesitate to style this beauty and incorporate my everyday silver jewelry to match it’s hardware. The final touch was a pair of old-faithful sunnies, and I was more than ready for a brisk stroll through the city streets! NYFW is right around the corner and while I’m still unsure of how much I’ll be participating, I have no doubt that I will be shopping less and experimenting more with the gems I already own. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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A DECADE!

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First blog post of 2025 and I must say, I’m feeling a wide range of emotions. For starters, this will be my 10th year since I’ve created my brand, “A Styled Mind,” and what a journey it’s been! Countless photos, videos, fashion weeks, and consistent writing has all lead me to this point. Though I’m not sure I could’ve predicted where I’d be, and still feel like I have a ways to go, I am beyond grateful for how much I’ve grown and the gradual elevation that’s come with each year. After a decade, I’m definitely looking forward to refreshing my platforms in a variety of ways while staying true to my core love of fashion, continuing to share personal style tips, and providing encouragement to build a wardrobe that makes you look and feel your absolute best! This was actually the last outfit I shot before the holidays and like the previous one, I was determined to pull majority of the items from my closet. Being a fashion content creator, it’s no secret that I am shopping more than the average person. That said, there are still times when I feel like I have “nothing to wear,” and that is a mindset I am aiming to diminish this year. Not saying that I plan to give up shopping entirely, but I want to put forth the effort to get more use out of the pieces I already own while challenging myself to create new looks and rework those I’ve previously worn. I am slightly ashamed to say that this blazer dress had been sitting in my closet for at least 3 years with the tags still on. For whatever reason, I either forgot about it or the opportunity to showcase it never came up; that is, until now. I was honestly debating rocking this embellished frock on it’s own with a pair of sheer tights, but I figured, “why not step further outside of my comfort zone?!” I also remembered I had this metallic pleated maxi skirt, and despite absolutely hating the first ensemble I created with it, I decided to give it another try. To my surprise, the layering created a chic and sophisticated take on “occasion dressing,” while still maintaining modern and playful elements. Since I chose to ground the look with a classic patent pump, I added a bit of edge with some sleek black sunnies, and finished it off with a minimal box clutch featuring silver hardware. As I enter this next chapter, I’m excited to expand and push the limits of my capabilities both personally and professionally. At the end of the day, we can either be our harshest critics or our biggest cheerleaders, and I’m choosing to make strides that I can reflect on and be proud of. Thank you for your continued support and I can’t wait to see what is yet to come. Happy New Year!

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WINTER WONDERLAND!

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For some, while it is meant to be a time of rest and enjoyment, the holiday season can be an overwhelming period of stress. Attempting to connect with everyone special in your life, finish up last minute work projects before the end of the year, and of course shop for gifts, it’s easy to miss out on what truly matters most. That being said, this still happens to be one of my favorite times of year and though I honestly feel spread thinner than usual, I am eternally grateful that I am still standing. To make things easier on myself, I made it a point to shop my closet for most, if not all, of my upcoming festive functions. The pressure to constantly showcase new pieces is something that I’ve chosen to let go of in 2024, while taking a much more realistic approach of styling and re-styling the items in my wardrobe that I love most! Personally, I don’t think there’s anything more synonymous with the holidays than “glitz and glam,” and while I do love to take part when the occasion calls for it, I’m also a big fan of an understated “cool-girl” ensemble that leans slightly more unexpected. This long cozy cream coat is one of my absolute favorites in terms of outerwear, and easily set the tone for the rest of the outfit. I decided to keep things fairly monochrome by adding a thin turtleneck and embellished cardigan for a seamless layered effect. To break up the lighter tones on top, I grounded the look with what have probably become my most worn pair of jeans. Choosing to forego any elements of black to really play up the “Winter wonderland” vibes, I instead opted for silver as my accent color. It’s no secret that I appreciate a minimal heeled sandal, but I’m definitely looking forward to expanding my collection of closed-toe heels in the new year! These metallic beauties never fail to bring an essence of chicness to any look, and they perfectly coordinated with the rest of my accessories. Whether you’re leaning towards keeping it casual, or dressing to the nines, I hope you have a lovely holiday embracing old traditions or creating new ones that will last a lifetime! Only one more post to come before 2025, see you soon!

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KNITS + PLEATS!

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Have you ever had a piece on your wish list that you absolutely loved, but took FOREVER to buy?? Well, that was basically the case with me and this chunky off-the-shoulder knit. I’ve known for about two years that it would be an incredible addition to my wardrobe and seamlessly compliment my existing pieces, but for whatever reason I dragged my feet, watched it go in and out of stock, and on pre-order, until I finally pulled the trigger. To be honest, it was definitely worth the wait and everything I imagined it would be and more! Talk about the epitome of cozy, this sweater is beyond soft and the way it drapes on the body provides the perfect amount of effortlessness to any look! Since my top was rather oversized, I decided to add some juxtaposition with a pleated mini skirt. Grey and brown were two of the colors I highlighted in my Fall video series this year, and pairing them together made for a gorgeous combination! From this point I could’ve played it safe and stuck to black accessories, but I really wanted to push the envelope and bring a bit more playfulness to the ensemble. I threw on some sheer tights which seemed seasonally appropriate, and opted for a deep burgundy slingback heel for an unexpected pop of interest. I thoroughly enjoyed the color-blocking of these autumnal shades, and the way they each brought an element intrigue to the outfit without clashing. As if things couldn’t get any spicier, I grabbed a snake print top-handle bag to really take things to the next level; and somehow, it worked! I completed the look with silver jewelry and my rimless frames to match the hardware on my shoes, and could not have been happier with the outcome! I’ve always been a fan of mixing causal styles with more feminine details, and combined with a subtle layer of edge… *chefs kiss.* Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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