Ashley

In the vault

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

December 18, 2019 1 Comment

When I first started planning my holiday outfits, the main thing I had in mind was versatility. This is probably one of the most social times of the year and with that comes tons of themed parties hosted by a multitude of individuals we encounter on a regular basis. That being said, a look for a night out on the town with the girls, may not be appropriate for the family Christmas party with grandma. Therefore, I ended up with a small series of festive garments that covered events with family, friends, and even coworkers. Stay tuned for the rest that are to come, but for now let’s focus on this cozy, yet chic ensemble perfect for any “relative hosted” gatherings. For this outfit, my plan of action was to start from the bottom up. I had been on the hunt for a pair of brown, croc embossed boots all season! Unfortunately, though they didn’t make it in time for Thanksgiving, I knew I still had to style them before the year was over. What ended up being tricky for me, was the overall color palette. Because I was already starting with such a warm-toned statement accessory, I needed to find a way to incorporate holiday feels into this look instead of just the usual autumnal shades. Just when I was beginning to feel defeated, I happened to stumble upon this sparkly frock featuring a knotted detail and bat-winged sleeves. To my surprise, this dress ended up being the perfect addition to the ensemble, despite the fact that its colors were not traditionally “holiday themed.” I loved that it featured a very feminine silhouette that complimented my boots yet was still festive thanks to the metallic effect of the fabric. In efforts to stay weather appropriate, I couldn’t resist layering a thin dark grey turtleneck underneath for added dimension and most importantly, warmth. To play off the shimmery accents, I chose gold as my metal of choice and added a belt to further cinch my waist as well as a matching ring handle bag. I was beyond pleased with how this look came together, and it definitely put me in the festive mod I felt like I had been missing up until this point. Comment below your favorite part about spending the holidays with family and until next time!

Oufit Details & Links:

Dress- Nordstrom

Turtleneck- Forever 21

Boots- Sam Edelman

Bag- Nordstrom

Belt- Mango

In the vault

ICY BLUES

November 27, 2019 No Comments

It’s officially “coat season” and at this point, my only goal is to balance a level of comfort, warmth, and style. It’s always so funny to me, how every year it seems like cold-weather pieces hit retailers entirely too soon, but before we know it we’re in the midst of Winter still complaining about not having the gloves, scarf, or outerwear we wanted. This year however, I was determined to just go for it; and though at the time I felt like it was too early to be purchasing a coat, I’m so glad I did! I had been eyeing this blue plaid number for at least 3 weeks before pulling the trigger. Aside from it being eye-catching due to the bold color alone, what really sold me was the overall fit! It’s very easy for long wool coats with belted closures to fall into that “bathrobe-esqe” category, especially when they’re over-sized. On the contrary, this piece was constructed beautifully and executed a level of tailoring that truly shined through as soon as I put it on. As this coat was the focal piece, I wanted to layer more neutral items underneath that would only enhance it in a complimentary way. Since there were black accents in the plaid design, I chose to use that shade as well as white for an overall contrasting color palette. I had been gifted this off the shoulder frock during the Summer and decided to use it as an anchor for the rest of the ensemble. From there, I paired it with a striped turtleneck for added warmth and dimension. Lastly, for footwear, it was no-brainer to throw on my slouchy OTK leather boots and silver accessories for a bit of shine. The fact that we have roughly a month left until 2020 really has prompted me to exist in a state of reflection and gratitude. I am thankful for how far I’ve come, where I am currently, and where I’m going despite the hardships that may arise along the way. Comment below your favorite piece from this look and what you are most grateful for. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat: & Other Stories

Sweater: Zara

Dress: Eggie

Boots: Zara

In ASM Shop

THANKSGIVING LOOKS!

November 25, 2019 No Comments

There are two types of people in this world when it comes to gathering for the holidays. Those who throw on the comfiest thing they own to lounge in, and those who buy an entire outfit just to sit on the couch and take photos while waiting for the festivities to begin; can you guess which category I fall into? Nonetheless, regardless of where you fit in, I’ve decided to round up a few pieces that I could certainly see myself rocking this turkey day! Whether you’re with friends, family, or a mixture of the two, have an amazing holiday and cherish these moments while you can. Don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks and until next time!

In the vault

HIKE ON!

November 21, 2019 1 Comment

I’ve really been getting a kick out of these casual looks lately. There’s something about the simplicity of an outfit that really has its benefits. Aside from being timeless, build-able, and extremely easily to style, what’s not to love?! Personally, when I’m styling a seemingly basic ensemble, it’s usually because I’m either unsure of what to wear on that particular day, or I just really want the quality and details of the garments to speak for themselves. It should be obvious that these hiking boots were definitely the star of the show! Over the last few years I’ve basically been averaging a new pair every Fall/Winter season, and as soon as I laid eyes on these beauties, I knew they were necessary for my collection. Aside from being insanely versatile due to the neutral color palette, I loved the chunky construction and pop of orange for added interest. From there, the rest of the outfit came together pretty effortlessly. Within the same week, I had also purchased this tan, mock-neck sweater which came in the most beautiful cool-toned shade I had ever seen. Initially, I was torn because I was considering pairing this with a skirt or dress of some sort, but in the end, I kept it basic with a pair of lightly distressed black jeans. There’s something that really brings back thoughts of my youth whenever I wear a pair of denim with slits along the knees; most likely because I used to attempt to recreate this trend during my DIY days (sorry Mom, lol). With my look nearly complete, I wanted to make sure to include a few more elements that would elevate the outfit overall while still capturing the essence of the season. I happened to stumble upon a quaint flower shop and purchased an interesting stalk of textured flowers that perfectly aligned with the hues in my outfit. For a final chic touch, I grabbed my cat-eye tortoise frames, some delicate gold jewelry, and was ready for a brisk stroll on a sunny Autumn day. As the temperatures continue to drop, I truly begin to appreciate and pay more attention to the textures and fabrics that I bring into my closet. Afterall, tis’ the season to be cozy!

Outfit Details & Links:

Sweater- & Other Stories

Jeans- William Rast

Boots- & Other Stories

Sunglasses- Asos

Jewelry- Burd Life

In ASM Shop

WINTER ESSENTIALS

November 18, 2019 No Comments

Though a lot of the same trends pop up year after year, I don’t think there’s any problem with freshening up on the seasonal pieces we love! That being said, I’ve rounded up a few of my personal Winter essentials with a bit of a twist. Faux fur coats don’t appear to be going anywhere, but why not switch things up with a bold shade or color-blocked version for added interest. Similarly, the snakeskin boot was definitely a favorite over the last couple years, but how about a croc-print for my daring fashionistas out there? In regards to more classic items, you can never go wrong with a neutral wool scarf and leather trousers for a timeless, chic look. Let me know what you think of my picks in the comments and don’t forget to click the images to shop directly. Until next time!

In the vault

BLUE STEEL

November 15, 2019 1 Comment

I always find it funny how things tend to fall into place when you least expect it. After taking a brief hiatus for a much-needed vacation, I’m finally back to posting the remainder of my Fall content before we dive head first into Winter and holiday looks. I’ve had this plaid dress for quite a few months now and knew it would be the perfect layering piece for an autumnal ensemble, but I wasn’t exactly sure what to pair it with. Of course, a turtleneck of any kind would’ve been a safe option, but I wanted to try something a bit quirkier. The silhouette of this frock, though quite form fitting, was also very much giving me “pin-up” vibes, reminiscent of the 50’s and 60’s. Because of my willingness to further accentuate this style, I went out on a limb and decided to try layering this plaid piece over a dark floral button up featuring balloon sleeves. Though I was quite unsure of this outfit at first, it quickly grew on me and I fully embraced the bold, yet playful style. In my opinion, print mixing is one of those trends that really require trial and effort to perfect. At the end of the day, the goal is for both pieces to coordinate in a way that appears effortless and unexpected at the same time. While I was off to a good start, I knew that it was the accessories that were going to complete this look and tie everything together. Because orange is such a staple color for this time of year as well as the main accent shade in my shirt, I figured I would highlight that with a few wardrobe additions. I’ve had these sock booties for quite some time and always feel like they give a nice pop of color without being overbearing. Luckily for me, I had also recently purchased an over-sized pair of frames with the same color lenses for my recent trip; and they couldn’t have been more perfect to conclude my styling. Last but certainly not least, my favorite item had to be this incredible bright blue car we stumbled upon during my shoot! It was literally fate the way everything turned out, and I was thrilled at how well both my outfit and the vintage automobile complimented each other! It’s unplanned moments like this that truly keep me excited about creating content, as I never know what gems I’ll find along the way. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Who What Wear

Dress- Eggie

Boots- Zara

Sunglasses- Asos

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In the vault

SEASONAL SWITCH

October 23, 2019 No Comments

The time has come where the crisp Fall air seems to be here to stay and honestly, I’m ready for it! Over the last couple weeks, I’ve slowly been pulling my outerwear from the back of the closet and incorporating heavier garments into my daily looks. I’ve worked with the Eggie brand quite a bit this year, so when I was asked to select a few pieces from their latest collection I didn’t hesitate. My favorite item which stood out to me the most was this over-sized vegan leather coat. I constantly reference the 90’s when it comes to some of my style inspiration and this particular piece completely fit the mold. The cut, trench-like structure, and fabric reminded me so much of the jackets my Mom used to wear and I knew I had to have it! As far as transitional looks go, I really wanted to keep this one simple and essentially highlight a capsule collection of pieces that I feel every person should own and keep in heavy rotation this season. When it comes to the basics, a turtleneck and a good mid-wash pair of jeans can be the foundation for a variety of looks and take you through 3 out of the 4 seasons, if you reside in the northeast. Since I decided to focus on the simplicity and chicness of each garment I knew that accessories and shoes would play a major role in tying this ensemble together. For footwear, I chose to recycle an older pair of heeled sandals that I still absolutely love and seemed to compliment the wash of the denim perfectly. I was also quite pleased with how the navy metallic finish stood out and popped against the other darker pieces. For jewelry I decided to go with all silver to really accentuate my statement clutch and keep everything sleek and uniform. I’m sure I’ve said this before, but in my opinion, simplicity is truly underrated. An outfit like this one can take you from the office, to happy hour, dinner with the family, or even just shopping on a random afternoon. As imperative as I think it is to cultivate your style and identity, I think it’s just as important to appreciate those go-to classic pieces that will keep you looking fashionable for decades to come. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jacket- Eggie

Sleeveless Turtleneck- Eggie

Jeans- William Rast

Heels- DKNY

Watch & Bracelets- Daniel Wellington

In Collabs

OKTOBERFEST (ft. WHO WHAT WEAR)

October 18, 2019 No Comments

Autumn is my favorite season for a variety of reasons; my birthday, the lack of humidity, holidays, warm color tones, and layering are just a few. To kick off the season, I figured what better way than with the world’s trendiest vegetable (or fruit?), PUMPKIN. For the last 4 years I’ve missed out on making it to an actual pumpkin patch, and while I still haven’t completed this mission just yet, I made do with what I was able to stumble upon in NYC. This outdoor restaurant display was actually perfect for highlighting the vibrant colors in my dress, as well as still bringing additional dimension to the shoot overall with the leaves and wood accents. From the moment I saw this mock-neck frock, I knew it had all the seasonal qualities that represented this time of year and I couldn’t wait to style it. Obviously as this is a bold printed garment, I wanted to keep the focus of the look centered around it. That said, while it could’ve easily made a statement alone, I wanted to accentuate it further with a few other accessories. The first piece I added was a brown suede belt with gold hardware. Aside from defining my waist, it instantly made the orange hues pop. To keep my metals cohesive, it was a no-brainer to stack my rings and reach for my twisted hoops for a bit of edge and glam. I hadn’t worn these circle frames in quite some time, which really made me appreciate the gems in my very own closet that I tend to forget about. For shoes, I wanted to tie the look together in a subtle, yet effective way. I chose a black pair of transparent sling-backs, featuring a lucite heel for an unexpected twist. Though I honestly could’ve thrown on any pair of OTK boots and called it a day, I really wanted to play up the femininity as well as give a nod to the 60’s mod styles that I feel this dress was inspired by. All in all, this look definitely has me pumped for brisk afternoon walks, lattes on the go, and window displays with the most intricate decorations. Let me know in the comments your favorite part about Fall and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Who What Wear

Belt- H&M

Heels- Aldo

Jewelry- & Other Stories

In the vault

OFF-WHITE

October 2, 2019 1 Comment

Of all the days to wear a monochrome-cream outfit, I would choose a day when it was pouring outside. As we move out of the Summer months, unfortunately the risk of unfavorable weather conditions increase. That being said, since I tend to shoot most of my looks outside, it is nice that I live in a major city where there are tons of amazing locations indoors as well, specifically for times like this. In efforts to escape the downpour, I was lucky enough to stumble upon an eccentric boutique named, “American Two Shot.” As soon as I stepped inside and saw the fusion of music, fashion, and photography, as well as a plethora of other quirky trinkets, I knew I had found the perfect spot! Coincidentally, their front display also had the same contrasting palette as my ensemble so it was a minimal match made in heaven! My look was pretty much inspired by off-duty 90’s model vibes, so I chose to style a sleek sleeveless ribbed turtleneck and wide-legged trousers in the same color. I wanted to keep it simple while also making it a point to dispel any, “no white after Labor Day” rumors. I loved how the thick black belt helped to clearly define each piece, and the silver hardware allowed me to pile on my matching accessories that I’ve literally been obsessed with lately. To be completely honest, everything I mentioned thus far was exactly how I showed up; and unfortunately, I still felt like my look was incomplete. Though I was prepared to shoot my outfit as is, I knew I would only be about 85% happy with the outcome overall. As I began to look around the shop and take in all of the details, I instantly stopped when I came across a table full of super cool and unique frames. As I began to do a scan of the styles, my eyes were drawn to a vintage-looking matte black pair featuring circle lenses. The store employees had graciously offered to let me use anything in the store to enhance my shoot, and as soon as I tried on those sunnies I knew I had found the missing link! All in all, the photo shoot ended up being successful and I was able to find a new place to shop in the process which was definitely a win-win for me! Comment below your favorite piece(s) from this look and how you feel about the “Winter white” trend. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Turtleneck- & Other Stories

Trousers- Zara

Sandals- Cole Haan

Sunglasses- Le Specs

Rings/Earrings- Silpada

In Collabs

ASM X PANTENE (WATERLESS COLLECTION)

September 26, 2019 1 Comment

This content is sponsored by Pantene. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As a girl who stays in low-maintenance protective hair styles, I was beyond excited when I got offered the opportunity to work with Pantene for a second time to try out their new Waterless Collection. As a young professional on the go, I have no shame in stating that I do not wash my hair every day. That being said, most of the time I do prefer a sleek hairstyle that I can get a few days wear out of with minimal product build up. Pantene has always focused on healthy, beautiful hair to support boldness and confidence in women. For me, what’s even more inspiring is the way they have adapted their products to suit every type of hair texture, color, and thickness. As my hair is more on the kinky/curly side, I was sent the Pantene Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam, Pantene Curl Affair Curl Reshaping Cream, and Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist. Each of these products are designed to reduce frizz while restoring volume and moisture.

When I decided to demo these products I began on freshly washed hair. As instructed, I first applied the Curl Affair Curl Reshaping Cream on fairly damp hair and let it air dry for a typical defined wash-and-go style. This product is infused with argan oil, amino acids, omega-9, Pro-Vitamin B5 and is free of alcohol, parabens and sulfates. It can also be used to reshape curls, twist, or scrunch through dry hair. For softly defined curls, apply to damp hair then diffuse or air dry.

A few days later as my hair began to expand and become fluffier, I used the Pantene Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam at my roots to minimize any unwanted oils. Since I wanted to rock my natural hair out for a day or so more, I only massaged this product near the application site and did not brush it out, though that is an option. Pantene’s Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam is a lusciously whipped sulfate-free, paraben-free, non-drying cleansing cloud that was made to dissolve oil and refresh your style!

Finally, when I was ready to pull my hair back into my signature bun, I used the Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist on my hair from mid-length to ends. Since I had already used another product on my roots, I made sure to avoid that area and simply brushed it through before adding gel for optimal sleekness. The Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist conditions your strands thanks to a blend of light-as-air hydrators that are evenly distributed in every tiny droplet in this paraben-free, sulfate-free micro-mist. To use, hold the can 6-8 inches away from your hair for ideal coverage.

My experience with these products was nothing short of a pleasant one and I definitely intend on incorporating them into my weekly hair regimen and possibly as future staples. These products have completely transformed my “non-wash” routine! The Pantene Waterless Collection definitely surprised me in terms of how I was able to extend the time in between wash days and really make my hairstyles last. The Pantene Waterless Collection can be found for a limited time at CVS for purchase and I highly recommend giving them a try; your hair will not regret it! Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Bodysuit- Zara

Jumpsuit- Eggie

Sneakers- Vans

Sunglasses- Mango

Earrings- Silpada