Ashley

In the vault

ELEVATED CASUAL!

April 30, 2023 No Comments

I know what you’re thinking, “more denim?!” Well truth be told, it’s not a phase. I’ve always been a denim girl and quite frankly during the transitional seasons (i.e. Spring & Fall), in my humble opinion, it’s one of the most durable textiles. Aside from being trendy at the moment, it’s also versatile, easy to layer, and can be dressed up or down! Believe it or not, I did actually take a look at my wardrobe to see what I was missing before settling on this outfit. It’s no secret that I have a pretty sizable collection of jeans, and my skirt selection has definitely grown in the last year as well. Casual dresses however, seemed to be where I was lacking so I quickly scoured the internet to find a style that would serve as a solid base. Though more often than not I will opt for a heel, having the option to wear a flat shoe is absolutely something I take into consideration when bringing new pieces into my closet. That being said, this dark-washed strapless frock was unlike anything I already owned and thus fit the bill perfectly! Another void I noticed was short jackets. Outside of blazers and leather/moto designs, most of my outerwear is long, which once again serves as a slight issue when getting dressed as the temperatures continue to rise. Not going to lie, I was fully influenced by one of my favorite content creators to buy this bomber; but also, is it not incredible?! I absolutely loved the exaggerated take on the classic varsity jacket. The oversized drop shoulder unexpectedly brought a “fashion” element to an otherwise sporty and understated item. Because of the bulk on top, having a sleeker garment underneath helped to keep the ensemble streamlined and not too voluminous overall. Based on the color palette I was working with, I chose to keep my accessories fairly light and minimal. Though I could’ve easily paired this with a crisp white sneaker (and most likely will in the future), I really wanted to show some juxtaposition so a nude lace-up heel was the final choice. I complimented my shoes with a small crossbody bag which featured other light shades, gold hardware, and pop of neon for added interest. Lastly, I threw on my favorite “indoor-outdoor” sunnies some eye-catching jewelry and voila! In the grand scheme of things, nothing about these items are particularly extravagant or “ground-breaking,” but it just goes to show that a few subtle details here and there can easily take your look from basic to elevated. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In the vault

DENIM DARLING!

April 20, 2023 No Comments

I think we all know by now that most “trends” are not original. Almost everything has been done before, and eventually they all come back around in some form or capacity with each new decade. That said, some textiles are absolute classics that will return every year without fail; one of my all time favorites being, denim. For as long as I’ve been shopping on my own, I’ve always maintained a sizeable collection of jeans but this year, like the cargo trend, it seems to have exploded in a way that even I have been shocked by. Forget the Canadian tuxedo, head-to-toe denim looks including bags, shoes, and even jewelry can be seen all over the concrete runways and the fashion girlies are living for it! Again, because I’ve always been a lover of this fabric and already had many pieces in my wardrobe that fit the bill, it was just a matter of deciding which garments I actually wanted to bring out. To no surprise however, I did manage to add a few new items to my closet starting with this cropped jacket. As soon as I saw it, I was instantly brought back to my carefree middle school days where I had a very similar one that I was completely obsessed with. The overall shape and construction really sold me, especially when it came to the oversized relaxed fit and added shoulder pads. Because the wash was slightly off from my bottoms, I wanted to break it up in a chic yet effortless way. Personally, I believe that everyone should freshen up their basics each Spring/Summer season as they end up being the most worn and versatile throughout the year. I was really attempting to channel that 90’s “cool-girl” aesthetic, so when I came across these cut-out ribbed tanks, I knew they would be perfect; so much so that I got them in white and black. With the ensemble nearly complete I just had to pull together the right accessories to compliment my fit. Have you ever seen an item that you loved, but took your time on buying to the point where it sold out and you just assumed it would be restocked, but then NEVER was??? Well, that was my exact situation with these slingback heels and after months of obsessing and regretting having passed them up in the moment, I was finally able to find them in my size via consignment and did not make that mistake twice! Because of the hardware on my shoes, a silver chainmail bag and my favorite chunky earrings were the obvious choice. I finished off the look with a pair of sunnies (as per usual), and could not have felt more comfortable and confident! Have you noticed an increase in the amount of denim you’ve been purchasing lately? Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In the vault

CARGO CRAZE!

April 13, 2023 No Comments

Unless you’ve truly been living under a rock, or have absolutely no interest in keeping up with fashion trends, it’s been nearly impossible to avoid the explosion that cargos have had over the last year. From runways to retailers, it seems like every brand has produced their own take on this utilitarian style, and have found ways to incorporate it into every type of garment you could possibly think of. While initially only trousers came to mind, the “cargo-inspo” has since merged into denim, skirts, vests, jackets, corsets, jumpsuits, dresses, boots, and even bags! So naturally, it was only a matter of time before I found a piece (or two) that peaked my interest and fit my wardrobe needs. As soon as I saw this set I was immediately intrigued and knew that as long as the quality was up to par, I would not hesitate to bring it home! I loved the overall design of the co-ord, as well as the distinct contrast of the black zippers that really gave an added pop of interest and edge. I also appreciated the versatility knowing that I could easily pair both pieces with other items in my closet if I didn’t want to wear the entire set (though it does look amazing as a whole). To further play up the darker accents, as well as account for the inconsistent temperatures, I chose to layer it with a long-sleeved knit turtleneck. Whoever invented this concept was truly a genius because functionality aside, it also doesn’t take away from showing the best parts of the ensemble! To tie everything together, I chose to complete the outfit with minimal accessories including my favorite sunnies, lace-up heeled sandals, and a bag that mimicked the hardware on the top and pants. A few final touches of silver jewelry were the icing on the cake, and I was quite pleased with the end result. Especially now that we’re finally getting back into the warmer months, it feels great to get excited about expressing myself through clothing again without having to worry about coordinating a piece of outerwear so I don’t freeze. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In ASM Shop

NYFW F/W23!

March 9, 2023 No Comments

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In the vault

WINTER WINE!

February 8, 2023 No Comments

We’ve discussed my love of monochrome outfits on several occasions and the ease that it brings to getting dressed, but I think some people still forget that this does not only apply to white, black, or neutrals. Regardless of the hue, assembling an entire look from the same color family will always appear chic and elevated. One of my favorite purchases from Paris was this gorgeous patent-like midi skirt in the most deep & rich wine shade. Despite being beyond excited to add it to my wardrobe, by the time I got home, I was honestly struggling with how to style it. Because the pigment was so bold, I knew I wanted it to be the focal point of my ensemble; but it was also tricky not to pair it with other pieces that would make the look appear oversaturated. Finally, a lightbulb went off and I realized that one of my favorite handbags, and a sweater that I barely wear, were almost a perfect match! At this point, the foundation of the outfit was officially laid. My next steps had to be thought out very carefully because I do not currently own any burgundy outwear or footwear. That said, I decided to take my usual approach when dealing with a fairly dark color palette and use other contrasting garments & accessories to brighten it up! It’s been awhile since I pulled out this off-white faux leather puffer jacket, so I used this as my opportunity! To tie this in, I added a pair of sunglasses and earrings which both featured pearl accents. My eyewear also had some tan elements which I used to compliment my two-toned boots for an extra “subtle” statement. Overall, I was quite pleased with how this styling came together despite the extra thought it may have taken. Remember to have fun with your fashions and know that while some days may be harder than others to get dressed, as long as you focus on the pieces you love and what feels most authentic to you, the final product will always be one you can be proud of! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

SLEEK & SIMPLE!

January 29, 2023 No Comments

Believe it or not, this was my first official photoshoot of 2023 and surprisingly it came with a lot more anxiety than expected. I am approaching my 8th year of blogging and despite having done it for so long, after the holiday reset plus taking nearly a month off, I seemed to be second guessing myself more than ever. Though I am comfortable in my style and how I showcase it, for whatever reason it took me a bit longer to get back in the swing of things this time around. That said, with NYFW quickly approaching I knew I couldn’t stay in that mindset for too long as there are many exciting looks I have (and have yet) to plan for! I purchased this jumpsuit towards the end of last year and instantly fell in love from the moment I tried it on. Cargos have been a huge trend, which appear to be here to stay, so I was thrilled to be able to experiment with them via this garment. Because of the current temperatures, I knew layering would be a must and though I had quite a few options to choose from, I decided to keep it sleek and simple with a sleeveless bodysuit in a similar shade. Since I was now working with a fairly dark monochrome base, I chose to lighten up the ensemble with my outerwear and bag choice. My collection of coats has definitely grown over the years and while it may seem excessive to some, in my humble opinion, they all serve a different purpose, mood, and style. Since my overall look was casual, I opted for a relaxed fitting taupe number which still provided a cozy yet effortless statement. For footwear, a classic sock bootie seemed like the best option, however I made sure to incorporate some playfulness with a bold geometric shaped cross-body. Lastly, to tie in the gold hardware, I threw on an abstract hoop earring and my favorite chic rectangular sunnies. I understand this may not be the most complex outfit, but I believe that is the beauty of minimalism and the subtle impact it can provide. I’m interested to see the direction my expression through clothing takes in 2023 and I hope you’ll enjoy what is to come! Until next time!

In the vault

BACK TO WORK!

January 9, 2023 No Comments

After taking a week off to get my head and game plan together for 2023, I was ready to come back with my first blog post of the year! It’s so crazy to see how our styles continue to evolve over time and though I don’t notice any drastic changes, the theme of quality over quantity remains the standard. I’m at a point where I don’t mind spending a little more on a piece if it means that it will hold a place in my wardrobe for years to come. I had been eyeing this sweater for a few months and as soon as the Black Friday sales came around, I knew that was my chance to make it mine! To be completely honest, knitwear is something that I have no shortage of; that said, this one seemed “different.” The shape, construction, and contrast stitching really intrigued me; and from the first time I tried it on, I knew I had made the right decision. When it comes to trends, the denim midi/maxi skirt is here to stay! Again, being an individual that also has no shortage of denim in her arsenal, I had to be strategic. I knew I wanted to try it out, but I didn’t want to purchase anything too similar to what I already owned. After carefully surveying my closet and many returns/exchanges later, I finally settled on this dark-wash garment. Though I was unsure at first, I have actually grown to love the minimal design and streamline fit. At this point, I was ready to tie everything together and ended up making a last minute decision which completely worked out in my favor (if I do say so myself, LOL)! Of course, I could’ve easily anchored this ensemble with a black boot but I remembered another footwear option I had recently seen and loved, but was unfortunately already sold out online. Cowboy boots have also been trending, and for a long time I didn’t think they had a place in my collection; that was, until I found a pair that had all of the elements I was looking for. So long story short, the evening before my shoot I ran into the city to try them on and instantly knew they were the missing link to complete my look! Typically, I try to create outfits that are more coordinated and less “matchy” but for some reason, I wasn’t bothered by the monochrome color palette I was working with. For accessories I kept it simple with a white geometric shoulder bag and baseball cap which totally brought me back to my college fashion era. Lastly, in efforts to add a bit of juxtaposition to the overall casual vibe, I threw on a fully embellished statement earring and a red lip for a slight pop of color. I am more than happy to be back in the swing of things and hope you are just as excited to see what this new year has in store! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS!

December 31, 2022 No Comments

Another year has come to an end and what a whirlwind it has been! It’s so surreal whenever we get to this point because it’s the only time we truly have a sense of “reset” and starting anew. Personally, while I’m trying to focus on gratitude overall, I also want to take account of everything that did not serve me over the last 365 days. All of the negative thoughts, habits, routines and even people who have no place in the next chapter of my story will be left here in this moment. As I get older, it’s important for me to prioritize healing, growth, and working the plans I’ve made to create the life that I rightfully deserve; and I hope you do the same! I’ve mentioned previously that the Fall and Winter holiday seasons are my favorite, and unfortunately it seems as though they keep flying by faster than the last. Because of that, my enthusiasm towards the festivities was slightly underwhelming and I feel like it reflected in my approach to styling my ensembles. That being said, there was no shortage of sparkle and shine which is really all that matters, right?! I had been on the hunt for a sequin top and actually purchased one but sadly, I was not in love with it. To my surprise, about two weeks later I stumbled upon another one during the Black Friday sales and though it was still a bit more than what I had initially paid for the first option, it was well worth it! The quality and construction of the sequins were infinitely better as well as the gunmetal color which made it more edgy and luxe in my opinion than the typical high-shine silver. In efforts to keep the rest of the look understated, I reached into my closet for a patent mini skirt and layered it with some fishnet tights for added texture and interest. I completed the outfit with a few more “vintage” wardrobe staples, including my pvc slingback heels and houndstooth coat which I honestly do not get enough wear out of! A black leather top-handle bag and signature red lip were all I needed to tie everything together and be ready for an at home or out on the town NYE celebration! I’m leaving 2022 filled with love, light, and optimism for an incredibly abundant 2023. See you there!

In the vault

XMAS 2022!

December 25, 2022 No Comments

WOW! We’ve made it to yet another holiday season and I couldn’t be more grateful and blessed to be where I am in this moment. Of course, not everything went according to plan, but the fact remains that everything happened the way it was supposed to and all I can do is appreciate how far I’ve come. While Christmas is my favorite holiday and I like to partake in as many festivities as possible, it’s also a time of much needed reflection and introspection. With less than a week until 2023, it’s all about strategizing and planning how to make the most out of the new year while striving for bigger and better all around. On a lighter note, I did obtain quite a few standout wardrobe additions in 2022 and showcasing them was an absolute must! Two of my favorite brands did a highly anticipated collaboration and I refused to let it pass me by without making at least a few pieces mine. While this bold fringe dress is honestly a bit out of my comfort zone, I knew that I would regret not picking it up so I did what needed to be done! These thigh-high patent boots were also a recent purchase and one that has truly exceeded my expectations. I’ve been weighing my Winter footwear options for quite some time and though I had already ordered a similar pair during the Black Friday sales, I immediately shipped them back as soon as I received these beauties. Everything from the fit and heel structure to the overall quality had me sold, and with NYFW right around the corner I knew they’d be worth the investment! Because we are still in the midst of the festive season I had to throw in some sparkle and opted for a black embellished earring to compliment my shoes and bag covered in the most beautiful rhinestones. Lastly, I completed the ensemble with a sleek pair of sunnies and was more than happy to paint the town RED! I hope you all are enjoying the time spent with your loved ones and are making lasting memories that you’ll cherish for as long as possible. Until next time!

In the vault

TRENCH TIME!

November 18, 2022 No Comments

As expected, the mildly cool temperatures were short lived and the forecast seems to be dropping rapidly by the day. That said, it still hasn’t stopped me from attempting to get as much wear out of my coats as possible. I believe I mentioned in a previous blog post how important it is to shop at least one season ahead. Aside from just being overly prepared and not left to scramble for the most coveted pieces at that very moment, it also allows you to get the full use out of your items for the timeframe they were intended for. I scored this trench coat (ON SALE) towards the end of the Summer and while it did feel a bit strange shopping for outerwear at the time, it couldn’t have been a more perfect decision. Upon receiving it, I instantly fell in love with the color, length, and oversized relaxed fit that gave an effortless edge to anything I paired it with. Despite already planning to keep my ensemble fairly casual, I still wanted to add some interest with a variety of textures. Another recent wardrobe addition was this black corset that was also a must-have at first glance. Bustier tops have been absolutely everywhere over the last few years and the trend does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. For a bit of added warmth, I layered it with a sheer turtleneck and my vision was nearly complete! I chose to ground the look with some light-wash denim and a sleek sock bootie (I’ll always take the extra height, LOL). While I was pleased with the outfit overall, I still felt like there was room for a few more eye catching elements. In efforts to not go too far outside of the color palette, I decided to incorporate a pony hair cow-print bag and some green acetate frames for a subtle punch of color. Though the year is quickly coming to an end, the looks won’t be slowing down whatsoever! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!