Ashley

In the vault

CONCRETE ROSE

February 7, 2019 1 Comment

I’m not sure what has gotten into me lately, but blush tones have really been tickling my fancy more than ever before. That being said, due to a certain hallmark holiday also creeping up on us, I’ve decided to embrace the feminine hues this month as it seems rather fitting. While my V-day plans are still to be determined, I wanted to try styling a couple looks that conveyed the romantic feel of the 14th, without being entirely predictable. So in efforts to put my own spin on things, it was inevitable that some form of contrast had to come into play. During my shopping trip I was met with the misfortune of being faced with every vibrant red and pink garment imaginable; and while this may have made the task easier for some, I was beginning to get concerned that I would have to leave empty handed. On my last lap around the store however, I noticed a slightly muted mauve toned slip dress that was honestly right up my alley! The gorgeous color paired with the elegant draping of the frock, instantly convinced me that I was moving in the right direction. However, because it was such a dainty piece, I knew I wanted to layer it with a few items that would give it a bit more structure and add some casual elements. After more hours of over-thinking and weighing my style options, I decided to take an understated approach and simply use a crisp white t-shirt as my base. On top of that, I decided to take the plunge and purchase a shearling jacket I had been eyeing for about a month now, and I couldn’t be more obsessed! The cut and shape of this stunning piece of outerwear is unlike anything else I own and can easily take me into the upcoming Spring months. Because the majority of this ensemble consisted of softer tones, I decided to add my grey suede thigh high boots for some added warmth and color richness. To complete the look, I thought it would be fun to give a nod to my 2015 self and throw on an embellished choker. This necklace alone, with its eye-catching rhinestones and overlapping black tie laces, really helped marry both of the edgy and girly components that made up this look. Let me know in the comments your favorite piece from this outfit and where/if you would wear it to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jacket- & Other Stories

T-shirt- Topshop

Dress- Topshop

Boots- Marc Fisher

Necklace- Asos

In ASM Shop

PUFFER JACKETS

February 3, 2019 No Comments

Finding new ways to make a statement with your outfit especially during the Winter season can be quite challenging, and that’s why generally my shoe choices and outerwear tend to become the focal point. Puffer jackets have always been a practical street style essential, but lately they’ve been popping up on everyone’s “must-haves” list. Below I’ve rounded up a few styles that I would totally wear to look stylish while facing the harsh winds and below freezing temperatures. Don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks & until next time!

In the vault

BOILER BABE

January 31, 2019 1 Comment

As if I wasn’t obsessed with jumpsuits enough, a new variation has surfaced which has in turn revamped my excitement and need to further add to my collection. Recently, “boiler suits” have become the new trendiest item in street-style, perfect for giving off all the effortlessly cool vibes we all know and love. The only difference I’ve seen between this garment and other statement one-pieces, is the casual and relaxed fit coupled with a somewhat utilitarian structure. That being said, they are just as easy to style and are perfect for those on the go days when outfit preparation is not feasible. Because pieces like this are essentially an all-in-one outfit, I was faced with the challenge of creating a look that was slightly more interesting than just throwing it on straight from the hanger. To solve this issue, I immediately knew that layering would be my best bet. Though reaching for a turtleneck was my first instinct, I decided to try a different style of top that would still highlight the suit’s design. It didn’t take long before my attention was captured by a neutral colored knit, accented with a zip closure along the neck. Believe it or not, this is my first sweater in this style and I couldn’t help but get a sense of the 70’s after putting it on. To add a bit more texture, I decided to showcase my new booties in a bold muti-colored snake print. I love these shoes because aside from being complete head turners, they can literally go with anything due to the burgundy, cream, blue, and grey tones throughout the pattern. At this point, while my look was nearly complete, I still felt like something was missing. Outwear isn’t something I feature often on my blog, but due to the severe temperatures we’ve been facing lately, I felt it was absolutely necessary. I’ve been on the hunt for a shorter puffer jacket this season and just when I thought I had missed my chance, I stumbled upon this heather grey beauty! Aside from the color, the overall cut, fabric, and style perfectly aligned with the theme of this ensemble in the most practical yet chic way. Let me know in the comments your favorite piece(s) from this look and what staple items you’ve been reaching for to brave this 2019 Winter. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Topshop

Jumpsuit- Topshop

Jacket- Mango

Boots- Jeffrey Campbell

In ASM Shop

CREAM BOOTS

January 27, 2019 No Comments

White boots have been a major trend for the past few seasons and while I am a fan, sometimes the starkness of the contrast can come off a bit harsh for certain looks. Luckily, there’s a new alternative that I’ve grown to love just as much! Cream or neutral toned footwear can serve the same purpose of brightening up any ensemble, but in a slightly more subtle way. I also feel like they are a lot more complimentary of other colors and versatile, whether you’re styling a monochromatic look or something more vibrant. Check out the options I’ve rounded up below and don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks! Also comment below if you’re a fan of this trend and how you would wear it. Until next time!

In the vault

SALMON SERIES

January 24, 2019 2 Comments

In the spirit of taking on new challenges in 2019, I ended up styling a look that I honestly shocked myself with. While it wasn’t the garments that were outside of my comfort zone, but the COLOR that truly made me think twice about a few of my life choices (dramatic I know). If anyone knows me, it’s no secret that I’m not a “pink” type of chick. That being said, coming up with new ways to wear the same black, white, and grey pieces during the Winter season can get a bit stale. I’ve had this salmon colored ribbed turtleneck for quite some time and simply thought of it as another basic piece to layer with when I wanted to add a pop of color to my ensemble. During a recent shopping trip however, I stumbled upon this plaid midi-skirt with a variety of similar shades, in addition to stripes of blush, and white. I couldn’t help but pick it up, as it was definitely striking, but I wasn’t exactly sure if it was “me.” After doing a few more laps and even leaving the store, I eventually decided to commit to the rosy garment hoping all would work out. It wasn’t until I got home and began rummaging through my drawers that I saw the outfit coming together right before my eyes! In all honesty, I thought it was a risky move to pair the skirt with a top of essentially the same tone, but the monochromatic lover in me was all for it! By this point I was sold on the vision and decided to play off of the plaid pattern further by incorporating my cream calf boots, which I had been itching to style for what has felt like decades! The shoes definitely gave a nod to the chicness of the 60’s and helped tie everything together in the most perfect way. Lastly, I wanted to add a bag as a final touch; however, because I was working with a fairly light color palette, I didn’t want anything that would appear too harsh. As a compromise, I decided on a brown bucket bag with crocodile embossed leather. To compliment the silver accents, I threw on my favorite pair of geometric earrings and was ready to go! Comment below your favorite garment from this look and how you keep your Winter style fun and fresh. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Zara

Skirt- Mango

Boots- Zara

Bag- Zara

Earrings- & Other Stories

In ASM Shop

ESSENTIAL SNEAKERS

January 21, 2019 No Comments

Though I am probably the farthest thing from a “sneaker head,” that doesn’t mean that I don’t have a small collection of go-to’s that never seem to fail me. Below I’ve rounded up the 4 pairs of kicks that I rotate on a fairly regular basis when I’m looking to add some laid back casual, and cool elements to my ensemble. Let me know in the comments one of your favorite pairs that I might not have mentioned, and don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks. Until next time!

In the vault

JUST DO IT!

January 16, 2019 No Comments

As a girl who’s never really been a sneaker wearer, it’s interesting to me that as of late, they’ve been capturing my attention in a new way. While I don’t see myself jumping on the bandwagon entirely, I definitely see my collection growing and a new personal excitement developing with it. That being said, before I got too carried away, I wanted to make sure that my closet was equipped with the classic “staples”– and for me, that was everything either black or white. Because of my love for contrast, I typically don’t shy away from what some would consider “odd pairings,” and this look was no different. Dresses (and skirts) styled with sneakers, for me, are just one of those classic combinations that I don’t think I’ll ever stop wearing. The juxtaposition of femininity against more casual and edgy pieces has always intrigued me and also served as a lane that I’ve always felt comfortable in. I actually bought these kicks as a Christmas gift to myself and knew that they would quickly make their way to my blog; I just didn’t know when, or with what look. After doing some post-holiday sale shopping, I stumbled across a tomato colored satin dress with buttons down the front. Initially I picked it up and thought about leaving it in the store, but for some reason I kept going back to it and eventually decided to make the purchase. Because of the white and black design on the snaps of the frock I knew immediately that it would coordinate well with my sneakers, but the look still felt incomplete and not necessarily reflective of the Winter season. After a bit more deliberation and what I thought were successful shopping trips, I ended up just finishing off the look with items from my own wardrobe. I had been on the hunt for red and plaid scarf that slightly resembled wrapping paper since the temperatures started to drop in 2018, and because I’ve been wearing it almost every day since, it seemed like the perfect accessory to convey the cozy vibes I was looking for. I didn’t end up loving the initial outerwear garment that I had bought for this ensemble, but to my surprise I dug up an old college biker jacket that meshed perfectly! It’s always funny to me that the looks I have the least faith in, always seem to come together seamlessly despite my mini panic attacks in the moment. Comment below your favorite choice of footwear and your go-to way to style it. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Mango

Jacket- Members Only

Scarf- Zara

Socks- Nike

Sneakers- Nike

In ASM Shop

CUT OUT KNITS

January 11, 2019 No Comments

It’s no secret that we’re knee deep into sweater weather, but does that doesn’t mean we have to wear boring ones! I’ve been loving the cut-out trend that’s been circulating lately and it’s really inspired me to add some non-conventional tops to my wardrobe in efforts to really spice things up this season. Below I’ve rounded up a few knitwear showstoppers that are bound to make a statement in any room. Don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks and until next time!

In the vault

CUTOUTS + PRINTS

January 9, 2019 1 Comment

Happy New Year! Does anyone else feel like the holidays just completely flew by?! Every year we spend so much time planning, decorating, and preparing for the last week of the year and within the blink of an eye its over. That being said, with every new year comes new goals, challenges, and hurdles to overcome and I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m excited and more motivated than ever! Last year wasn’t the easiest for me and there were a lot of times where I felt stagnant; but I have put that behind me and am ready to push forward into 2019 full throttle! While I am so grateful to be in a position where I can give to others during the holiday season, I definitely use this time to treat myself a bit as well. I actually saw this sweater on a fellow blogger and she rocked it so well, I was instantly sold and knew I had to make it a part of my wardrobe. I mentioned last year that I’ve really been gravitating towards turtlenecks this season, so the cutout detail was a nice touch to differentiate it from my ever-growing collection. As with most black garments however, the options to pair them with other items are endless so I really had to give some thought to the direction I wanted to go in. Per usual, I followed my normal routine and browsed the shops until I found a piece that struck me; and boy, did it! These snake printed leather trousers are EV-ER-Y-THING!!! On top of being the only pair left in the store that just so happened to be in my size, they were also 50% off– can someone say, “meant to be?!” In my opinion, these trousers are definitely one of those statement pieces that you keep for decades so you can look back on and remember the style of that particular time. Now, with two pieces that I was absolutely in love with, it was time to finish up the look with a few accessories; and to my surprise, I found them in my very own closet! After recently moving and discovering a few items that I haven’t worn in awhile, I stumbled upon some old favorites including these silver cap toe pumps. I really loved how they brought out the grey and blue tones in the pant design, while also brightening up the look overall. Lastly, I grabbed a belt bag that I purchased last year and decided to wear it on my shoulder which really gave a throwback 90’s vibe to the ensemble. I am beyond pleased with how this look turned out and am ready to take on this year in the chicest way possible! Let me know in the comments your favorite piece(s) from this look, as well as any trends or styles you’d like me to try styling! Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- ASTR

Pants- & Other Stories

Heels- Zara

Bag- Zara

In ASM Shop

NYE LOOKS!

December 28, 2018 No Comments

With only a few days left until we ring in the new year, I thought I’d round up a few festive ensembles perfect for any NYE celebratory occasion! Whether your event in conservative, risque, casual or completely over the top, it’s not too late to find a look that will have you looking and feeling your best as we enter 2019! I tried to find a variety of options, so don’t forget to click the images below to shop my picks! See you next year! <3