Ashley

In Collabs

ASM X JEFF WAN

February 1, 2021 No Comments

When it comes to deciding on brands to collaborate with, my process is fairly simple. I tend to ask myself the same 2 questions: “do I have a history with this company?” and, “does this brand have a product that I would actually wear/use in real life?” If everything checks out, it’s usually full steam ahead. After being contacted by the Jeff Wan team, which I was already familiar with, I quickly jumped at the opportunity! Aside from the unique take on accessories with the iconic “lunch box” shape, the quality and craftsmanship is truly unmatched. After filling out a quick survey and listing my top 3 selections, I was thrilled to receive the style that was at the top of my list! As soon as I saw it on the website, it instantly became my favorite. When it comes to styling, I love the color blue because although it can be vibrant, it can also pair with so many things in the way that a neutral shade does. In addition to that, I loved the graphic design that adorned this piece truly making it a showstopper from every angle! Coincidentally, I had been scouring the internet in search of the perfect pair of two-tone jeans. I’ve recently mentioned this popular trend and because I am personally a fan, I wanted to make sure I had something in my closet aside from footwear that fit the bill! This could not have been a more perfect match, as the shades of blue in the denim seamlessly highlighted the varying hues on the bag. In efforts to desaturate the look, I chose to incorporate a cream-colored cut out knit and coordinating cowboy boots. Surprisingly, the hardest part was trying to figure out which piece of outerwear I wanted to complete this ensemble. Because we are still in the midst of Winter, I am challenging myself to continue showcasing more practical outfits that can be worn in this very moment. Once I settled on my plush brown teddy coat, I threw on the largest pair of sunglasses I own and was just about done. As a final touch, I added gold abstract hoops to accent the hardware on my bag and was ready to step out in style! I absolutely loved how this look turned out, especially when it came to the balance of warm and cool tones. I know for a fact that this bag will be in heavy rotation especially as we make our way into the Spring and Summer seasons! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Bag- Jeff Wan

Boots- & Other Stories

Sunglasses- DEZI

In the vault

PUFFER POWER!

January 27, 2021 No Comments

I’m not sure if it’s just me, but January always feels like the longest month EVER! Between the freezing temperatures, early sunsets, and the fact that we’re still quarantined for the most part, it has definitely been a struggle trying to find the motivation to create content or even get dressed for that matter. Either way the show must go on and despite not doing too much shopping, I have still found a few items recently that have been exciting new additions to my wardrobe. Surprisingly, I actually purchased these trousers last Summer and have been dying to style them! The asymmetric fastening detail, is a trend that I’ve seen growing increasingly popular and I am personally a huge fan. Perhaps this could be a bit unusual for some, but I find it to add a subtle interest to any outfit. Another trend that has seemed to resurface is “two-tone” or color-blocking. I’ve seen this featured in denim, footwear, and most recently, knitwear. This particular mock-neck top instantly caught my eye while online shopping, and I knew I had to have it! The baby blue and cream combination provided an unexpected pop of color while still remaining neutral enough to be paired with almost anything. Since I was working with cool tones for the most part, I really wanted to keep the overall vibe of the ensemble “ski-lodge chic.” To further capture this essence I decided to reach for my cream puffer jacket, which in all honesty I do not wear nearly enough. Finally to tie everything together, I added my blackest shades and newest leather sock boots to match the exposed button on my trousers. Though this was a fairly simple look, I enjoyed incorporating a touch of color to elevate my Winter mood. Comment below if you tend to gravitate towards brighter hues during this time of year, or if you’re all about the darker shades and neutrals. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jacket- Asos

Top- & Other Stories

Pants- Zara

Boots- & Other Stories

In ASM Shop

FRINGE PIECES!

January 20, 2021 No Comments

Fringe, though not a new detail, has definitely become a more trendy accent on almost every type of garment recently. From jackets and coats, tops, shoes, bags and more, this chic characteristic does not appear to be making its exit in fashion any time soon! I’ve rounded up a few pieces below that I’ve personally had my eye on lately! Don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks and until next time!

In Collabs

2021 FIT! (ft. Adidas)

January 18, 2021 No Comments

Like most people, I too enjoy viewing the new year as a fresh start to set goals, create healthier habits, and challenge myself for the better. When it comes to fitness, this is something that has remained a constant in my life for quite some time now; not just for the physical benefits, but the mental as well. 2020 was an extremely trying year full of uncomfortable adjustments and uncertainties, but I can wholeheartedly say that maintaining some form of active routine definitely helped me get through it. That being said, as I get back into my wellness regimen, the timing could not have been more perfect for this Adidas collaboration. What truly resonated with me, was the fact that this line was co-created with actor, Zoe Saldana, to meet the needs of the “modern woman.” Thanks to quarantine, finding reasons to get dressed has become much more of a task so having stylish activewear that can be worn for a variety of purposes is key! It was also touching to know that as another woman of color, Ms. Saldana wanted to use this collection to celebrate underrepresented communities and give a voice to the unheard; which unfortunately have been negatively impacted by this pandemic the most. Though new information seems to be rolling out daily, I find it comforting to focus on the variables that I can control within my own life. Sustaining positive practices like exercising has kept me focused and emotionally strong while continuing to take on 2021 day by day. Upon receiving the pieces, I was instantly intrigued by the bold color scheme and vibrant prints. For me, though most of my workout gear is fairly neutral, I find that brighter garments definitely provide an energy that keeps me motivated to get up and get in the zone. Aside from that, the fit was flattering and the material used was soft yet supportive. The sneakers, though light in weight, provided an incredible cushion that made engaging in high impact movements completely stress-free! I would absolutely look into adding more pieces from the line into my wardrobe and am even more excited to tackle my fitness goals for this year. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In the vault

COLOR-BLOCK CHIC!

January 14, 2021 No Comments

Happy 2021! I feel like every Winter/holiday season, I end up accumulating one specific item without even intending to. This time, there happened to be 2 different items; candles and boots. Statement boots to be exact. In the process of moving, I definitely got rid of a lot of clothing and shoes, however there wasn’t anything in particular that I was trying to replace. That said, between the Black Friday and pre-Christmas sales, I kept seeing different styles of boots that were unlike anything I already owned and I just couldn’t help myself! I already know what you’re thinking, “It’s a pandemic, there’s nowhere to go!” While this may be true for the time being, I certainly plan to get my cost per wear out of these new wardrobe additions as soon as the world resumes some sense of normalcy. One of the first pairs I ordered was a knee-high, color blocked style. Initially, I was partial to the cream and beige color way, but after some consideration and assessing what I already owned, I figured I would give the tan and black a try. After receiving them, I was still a bit skeptical as they are slightly out of my comfort zone, but after styling them with a few different looks I was sold! Because the boots made such a statement, I knew I wanted to pair them with an all black outfit and I had the perfect pieces in mind! My Christmas gift to myself this year was simply a black coat. I’m honestly not sure how I survived this long without one, but I was thrilled when I received this chic fringe number. Since I knew I wanted my footwear to be on full display, I opted for an understated baby-doll frock, despite the frigid temperatures. (Sidenote: For practicality, I would 100% wear this ensemble with sheer black tights!) I buttoned the dress completely for a more sophisticated flair, and decided to compliment the outfit with gold jewelry. As final touch, I grabbed my new crossbody bag featuring chain-link detailing and was on my way! Despite the striking details, I felt like this monochrome look was extremely smart and timeless. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- All Saints

Dress- Zara

Boots- Looks Like Summer

Bag- & Other Stories

Earrings- Simone the Label

Necklace- & Other Stories

In the vault

REFLECT & RELEASE!

December 30, 2020 No Comments

As we approach the final days of 2020, and reflect on what was probably one of the most unpredictable years in history, I’m sure most of us are looking to the future with a sigh of relief. Whether you stayed at home and just tried to survive another day, start a business venture, or adjust to some of the unfortunate realities that came with this pandemic, making it this far has been an accomplishment in itself. Though many of us have not been focused on dressing up, I personally know how much my appearance affects my mood. Over the last few weeks I have tried to come up with looks that include subtle festive elements, even if the celebrations will be taking place from the comfort of your own home. For this final ensemble, I wanted to bring out some classic sparkle and shine! I recently saw these metallic trousers and knew I had to somehow incorporate them into my New Year’s Eve outfits. The smooth texture and high-waisted fit definitely made them a showstopper that could easily be dressed up or down. I also recently purchased what appeared to be another classic white shirt but to my surprise it was even better! This elevated take on the traditional button-up staple, was something I’ve never seen before. Because it was actually a bodysuit, it allowed for a seamless and formal fit that could be tucked into a variety of bottoms without the bulkiness of extra material. Though I was loving the direction this ensemble was taking, I needed to add pieces that made it a bit more sassy and less “office party.” I was set on bringing some heeled sandals to the mix, but didn’t want to weigh the look down with a black pair. Instead, I continued with the metallic theme and reached for a silver shoe that still remains one of my favorites to this day! For a more glamorous touch, I also included my coveted diamante earrings which I have consistently worn for at least the last 3 years. Though I probably won’t have much use for this final piece as I do not have any plans to go out, I figured a wool coat would be a weather appropriate addition and the perfect garment to complete this outfit. Now all you have to do is apply your favorite red lip, grab a dazzling bag, and you’re good to go! Comment below your favorite featured item and if you’re planning to dress up for NYE or just save it for next year. See you in 2021!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- Mango

Shirt Bodysuit- Zara

Trousers- Express

Heels- Zara

Earrings- Mango

In the vault

FESTIVE FRINGE!

December 24, 2020 No Comments

When I think of fringe, the first thing that usually comes to mind is Western-inspired styles and motifs. Lately I’ve been seeing this detail adorning a variety of garments such as leather and suede jackets, flannel shirts, and even boots! Though this particular feature has not come up frequently in my own wardrobe, I unintentionally decided to give it a try. As most of us are well aware, “shackets” have probably become the most popular piece bought this year. I never jump on the trend bandwagon immediately, but instead make a note of it and wait to see if I come across an item that aligns with my style. To be honest, I had seen quite a few of these garments in color ways and patterns that I liked but for some reason I was still hesitant to pull the trigger; that is, until recently. During an impromptu mall trip, I stumbled across this plaid over-shirt and knew I had to have it. Unlike the others I had seen, the fringe accents really stood out to me and I instantly thought of the dimension and movement it would add to any ensemble I paired it with. Because this was now the standout piece to my look, I wanted to compliment it with simple items that would easily coordinate without taking away from it’s glory. I’ve recently been accumulating a lot more thin knits for layering and I may actually be obsessed! These turtlenecks are one of the easiest things for me to style this time of year, and I probably wear them at least 3 times a week. I’ve also really been into neutral colors like mink an beige, so when I found one in that color, I knew it would be a perfect match with my new outerwear addition. Since the top half of my outfit was already pretty eye-catching, I chose to ground the bottom half with an old pair of faux leather paper bag waist shorts and my OTK (over-the-knee) boots. As a final touch, to compliment the silver studs on my belt, I grabbed my favorite clutch and some simple earrings for a bit of sparkle. I would absolutely consider this a more casual holiday look especially for those (which should be most of us) celebrating this year’s festivities from home. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Shacket- H&M

Turtleneck- Zara

Shorts- (similar)

Boots- Zara (similar)

Frames- Asos

Clutch- Dior

In ASM Shop

VESTS!

December 23, 2020 No Comments

To be honest, while I do not personally own many vests, I do see their value as a wardrobe staple. Whether layering in the midst of frigid temperatures or on those days where a full jacket it not necessary, these pieces serve as versatile garments that can add tons of interest and dimension to any look! Don’t forget to click the images below for direct links to my picks and until next time!

In the vault

BLUE CHRISTMAS!

December 18, 2020 No Comments

Christmas is right around the corner and time is not slowing down by any means! Though things are looking quite different for a lot of us this year, I have personally tried my best to maintain a sense of normalcy and do everything I can to get myself in the spirit. Despite all of the changes, hardships, and restrictions overall, I cannot ignore all of the things I have to be grateful for. This year, because so many of us will be spending the holidays from the comfort of our own homes, I wanted to create festive looks that were both comfortable and a bit casual. I have been a fan of sweater dresses for quite some time and I have no doubt that they will remain a closet staple for years to come. Especially in the colder months, they are probably the most effective garment for looking put-together with minimal effort. I recently purchased this grey frock and was instantly pleased with the softness of the fabric, fit, and classic fitted turtleneck style. With such a simple piece to anchor the overall ensemble, I knew I could play up the accessories to really convey those celebratory, holiday vibes. Since I’ve recently moved, I have stumbled across a lot of items in my closet that I forgot I even owned; to my surprise, this faux fur vest was one of them! I remember getting it at least 3 years ago from a consignment shop and absolutely falling in love! The ombre black and white color scheme and texture truly made this a chic showstopper that I knew would be perfect to elevate my look. With nearly 75% of my outfit complete, I knew that accessories would be the icing on this Christmas cake! While rummaging through my old statement jewelry collection, I found this gorgeous silver necklace fully composed of rhinestones and layered chains. This was absolutely the piece I needed to complete my Winter glam look, and to finish it off, I added my favorite croc embossed leather booties. Whether planning to stay at home or traveling to celebrate with loved ones, this is absolutely an outfit I would wear to ring in the festivities. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Fur Vest- Michael Kors

Dress- Express

Boots- Asos

Bag- Zara

Necklace- (similar)

In the vault

HOODIE SEASON!

December 9, 2020 No Comments

While I absolutely love dressing up for any occasion, especially the holidays, I wanted to style a few more casual options for this year’s festivities considering most celebrations will be small at-home gatherings. Though I haven’t really stocked up on tons of loungewear during the pandemic, I have added a few new sweat suits to my collection. This one in particular is by far the most “formal” due to its neoprene fabric which makes it much more substantial and structured than my cotton options. When it comes to my personal style, one of my favorite things to do is pair casual and dressier items together. Whether it be a band t-shirt, denim, or an old pair of sneakers, this juxtaposition is always one that I tend to gravitate towards. For me, it was a no-brainer that I’d be styling this basic co-ord with a sleek pair of heels. I had actually purchased these satin beauties about 2 years ago for NYE and they still bring me joy every time I wear them! Despite being extremely comfortable, the bow detail across the toe strap always incorporates a cute feminine touch. Once I had these items styled I knew I would need a few more pieces to complete this look. I had recently purchased a new coat for the season which featured an abstract hounds-tooth print. In my opinion, this was the perfect outer layer for the ensemble because it made a classic yet bold statement, against the other black garments. For additional texture, I dusted off and threw on an old quilted chain link bag. I always love bringing new life to items in my closet that I may have forgotten about or took a break from wearing. Lastly, to top off the holiday vibes, I added a bright red lip and was ready to celebrate from the comfort of my own home! Comment below if despite the restrictions you still plan to get fully glam, or if you’re choosing to tone it down this year due to the current circumstances. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- NA-KD

Hoodie- & Other Stories

Sweatpants- & Other Stories

Heels- Mango

Bag- Zara