Ashley

In the vault

NYFW

February 13, 2018 1 Comment

***All featured items will be linked back to the post in which they were originally styled.***

DAY ONE:

It’s so crazy how even though I try to mentally prepare for New York Fashion Week, it always has a way of sneaking up on me. This season, I have to admit that I was VERY last minute in confirming events, organizing my schedule, and planning my looks– actually, I had no clue what I was wearing until the morning of (lol). One of the most challenging parts about fashion week in February, is figuring out the balance of showing off your look while still trying to remain as warm as possible. That being said, there are definitely some people that throw caution to the wind and just grin and bear it in the name of fashion; however, I am not one of those people. As this happened to be the coldest day I’d be out and about, I knew I couldn’t go wrong with layers. The foundation of my look was simple, with a thin cream colored turtleneck and my favorite pair of straight-legged denim. From there, I continued to add to the ensemble by adding a checked blazer and my white booties. As this was pretty warm toned overall, my footwear definitely helped add the bit of contrast I was looking for. Finally, I finished off the look with a vintage reversible suede and fur coat given to me by my mother, a pair of gold circle-framed sunnies, and my ring handle bag. I absolutely loved the outcome of this look and how all of the pieces complimented each other in the chicest of ways!

Top- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/switch-up/

Blazer- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/smart-choice/

Jeans- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/galentine/

Boots- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/60s-chic/

Coat- Vintage

Bag- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/if-the-suit-fits/

Sunglasses-NYS Collection

DAY TWO:

The next day, I was happy to see that the forecast predicted warmer temperatures; unfortunately, rain was also to be expected. While this look had less visible layers, I knew that if I styled them correctly I could get away with not wearing a coat and being fairly warm. I was actually baking at certain parts of the day, but it was definitely worth it as the night wore on. Underneath this chunky knit was a fitted tank top, as well as a thin long-sleeved bodysuit for extra insulation. I chose to pair this vibrant sweater with a multi-colored tweed skirt for an interesting mix of texture, and used leather accents with my accessories to add structure and edge. Though also planned on a whim, this look was quite the success in my book and one I would definitely sport again in the future.

Sweater- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/holiday-celebrate/

Skirt- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/tweed-tales/

Boots- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/teddy-cran/

Bag- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/galentine/

Earrings- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/tweed-tales/

DAY THREE:

My third look of the week was the hardest to come up with because the weather was horrible throughout the entire day. I played into the gloomy vibes and ended up styling a fairly dark look, however there were some statement pieces and layering that I absolutely loved (as with both of my previous looks). These 70’s style plaid trousers were love at first sight, and have continued to remain a staple in my Fall/Winter wardrobe rotation. To offset the bottom half of the look, I paired a lace top with an off-the-shoulder- white button down which gave an eye-catching illusion effect to the overall look. I then draped my suede and shearling coat across my shoulders and completed the look with black booties and my leather tote. Despite there not being any sun, there’s something about NYFW that allows you the pass to wear sunglasses in any and every scenario no matter what what the conditions are. I kind of liked taking a more lax approach to this year’s NYFW as it kept me on my toes and also allowed me to fully take in each moment as it occurred organically. I may do a few more events this season but for the most part, it’s a wrap for me until September. Until next time!

Coat- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/shearling-denim/

Lace Top- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/holiday-edge/

Button Down- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/summer-vibes/

Trousers- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/plaid-affair/

Boots- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/mustard-mini/

Sunglasses- http://astyledmind.com/the-vault/safari-chic/

Tote- BAGGU

In ASM Shop

DATE NIGHT

February 8, 2018 No Comments

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I figured I’d gather a few items that I would personally wear whether out with the girls or on a date with that special someone. Though I tried to incorporate the classic red and pink garments, I don’t think it’s always necessary to wear themed colors for every holiday. Click the images to shop my picks and let me know in the comments whether you plan to go casual or formal for the upcoming day of love. Until next time!

In the vault

GALENTINE

February 6, 2018 No Comments

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, I figured I’d use this as an opportunity to pull out the newest bright pink item in my wardrobe. I was utterly shocked when I saw this vibrant magenta suit online during the holidays, and though I didn’t end up wearing it for NYE as planned, I knew it would come in handy sooner or later. Though I love the suit as a whole, I wanted to do something different; and because I haven’t styled denim in awhile I figured this would be a good excuse. These straight-legged jeans have quickly become one of my favorite pairs of denim to date! Recently, I found myself struggling to find a non-distressed pair of jeans in my wardrobe which ultimately led to my search to find these beauties. The cut and style of these trousers really make them a chic piece that will remain a timeless staple in my closet for seasons to come. Another new piece I wanted to showcase with this ensemble, was this amazing cross-body bag. As much as it was genuinely love at first sight, I was a bit hesitant to make the purchase as I have so many black bags already. That being said, after minimal convincing, I knew it was a piece that I needed and its eye-catching details elevated this look to perfection! Since I chose to wear the blazer as a top, I paired it with a dainty lace bralet for a bit of added texture. Finally, I finished off the look with a pair of leather sling-backs which beautifully emphasized the raw hem detail of the denim. All in all, this is absolutely a look I would wear whether out with the girls or on a date with that special someone. Comment below your plans for this year’s lovers holiday, and let me know your favorite piece from my look. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Blazer- H&M

Bralet- Topshop

Jeans- Mango

Heels- Topshop

Bag- Rebecca Minkoff

In Collabs

ASM X SUDIO

January 30, 2018 1 Comment

Each year, as I continue to grow as an individual and a brand, I like to showcase the new facets of my life and have it reflect in the content I create. This year more than ever, I’m trying to maintain a firm grasp on my goals, block out the noise, and stay focused. One thing that has definitely helped me to do that, was incorporating a gym regimen into my weekly routine. I don’t think a lot of people realize how important exercise is to not just your body, but your mind as well. Though true, I’d be lying if I said it was always easy forcing myself into the gym especially during days when I feel the most exhausted. For me, music is a huge necessity when exercising as it really allows me to get lost in the moment and forget any ounce of lingering stress, even if it is just for an hour or so. I am so grateful that I was offered the opportunity to collaborate with a brand that creates premium quality headphones for every scenario life has to offer. Sudio is a Swedish brand, whose main objective is to provide studio quality sound through various styles of earphones made for any occasion. As a resident of NYC, I find myself reaching for my earbuds most often while on the train, in the gym, or those late nights in my apartment went I don’t want to disturb my roommates. Luckily, their sleek styles and practical construction, allow for an overall experience of high quality technology as well as an elegant accessory for your day to day style. I thought it would be cool to switch things up by pairing my new Regent headphones with an active wear ensemble as it is something I have never done, and because fitness is slowly but surely becoming a consistent part of my life. I loved how the gold accents brought out the detail in my leggings, and the wireless design allowed them to be easily functional with no hassle when taking them on and off. I chose the classic black because to me, they were the most timeless and can be paired with anything whether at the gym, or on the go. Sudio was also generous enough to provide me with a 15% off coupon code: ASTYLEDMIND, that is valid forever on all of their products and add-ons. Please let me know in the comments below if you’re interested in seeing more lifestyle posts in addition to the style blogs we all know and love. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Heaphones- Sudio

Jacket- Champion

Sports Bra- Calvin Klein

Leggings- Calvin Klein

Sneakers- Nike

In ASM Shop

TEDDY COATS

January 25, 2018 No Comments

As a lover of texture, I knew it was only a matter of time before I got my hands on the ever-so-popular “teddy coat.” While I’ve seen this outerwear piece most often worn in neutral shades, there are a variety of styles that retailers everywhere are designing and releasing into the wardrobes of fashionistas worldwide. I’ve rounded up a few options that have caught my eye recently, so don’t forget to click the images for direct links to shop my picks! Let me know what you think of this trend in the comments below and whether you feel it will last or be over by next season. Until next time!

In the vault

TEDDY-CRAN

January 23, 2018 2 Comments

Teddy coats have really taken the fashion world by storm during the Winter months. Though this isn’t the newest trend, it seems that versions of this style of outerwear have become increasingly popular and a staple in the wardrobes of most “fashionistas.” As with most trends, I took my time and waited to see if this was something I felt that I “needed” while considering which design would be best for my personal style. Traditionally, I’ve seen these coats most worn in neutral tones being either tan or beige. That being said, when I came across this cranberry colored option, I was instantly intrigued. There was something about the richness of the hue that really drew me in and made this a “must-have” piece. As we all know, maintaining warmth is the most important thing during this time of year (especially when you live in the Northeast), and because of that a lot of times your ensemble can become hidden underneath a multitude of layers. For this reason, I think its important to develop a collection of statement outwear pieces that are stylish as well as practical. Because I’ve been styling a lot trousers lately, I knew I wanted to switch things up with either a dress or skirt, and to my surprise it wasn’t that hard to find. This plaid printed dress was perfect because it was neutral enough to not take the focus off of the coat, but still eye-catching and on trend. As it’s still January, I knew better than to wear this frock alone; however I also didn’t want to pair it with a turtleneck because to me, it was the obvious choice. After weighing my options, I finally settled on an over-sized cream colored hoodie to layer it with. In my opinion, this really elevated the look in the most casual way. I loved the juxtaposition of the relaxed sweatshirt against the more fitted and feminine dress. To finish off the look, I threw on my new slouchy over-the-knee leather boots. I absolutely love these because I feel like they give a cool edge to the typical thigh-highs while still remaining sexy and sleek. Overall, I was very much pleased with how this look turned out. It also caused me to me reminisce on my private school days and how I would’ve liked to style my uniform then if given the choice. Comment below your favorite piece of Winter outerwear and whether or not you’re a fan of teddy coats. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Topshop

Hoodie- Topshop

Coat- Zara

Boots- Zara

In ASM Shop

CABLE KNITS

January 19, 2018 No Comments

It’s so crazy how personal style evolves and grows– where at 15 you can totally hate an item and at 25 adore it. For me, cable knits and chunky sweaters (among many others) were one of those pieces I had to “grow into,” to say the least. I feel like when we’re young the idea of layers and overall warmth seem “uncool” where as now, I can’t even leave the house without being completely buttoned up. That said, cable knits have definitely become a staple in my Fall/Winter wardrobe and I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites below. With so many colors and styles to choose from it’s no wonder my collection is continuously expanding each year. Comment below an item you’ve grown to love as you’ve gotten older and don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks. Until next time!

In the vault

60’S CHIC

January 17, 2018 No Comments

With so many trends rotating in and out each season, I find it intriguing to sometimes do a bit of research to really appreciate and get a sense of the decade in which they came from. While the 90’s continues to be a major source of inspiration, other eras are also getting called upon for their iconic styles. White booties have become increasingly popular and are a direct nod to the “go-go boots” of the mid to late 60’s. As per usual, I didn’t jump on this trend immediately as I wasn’t sure if it was something that I could authentically pull off. That said, after months of seeing variations of these shoes strut down every street and runway, I finally found a pair that worked for me! Though minimal, these boots are definitely still a statement piece so I wanted to make sure that I paired them with a look that was the perfect combination of simple yet fun. Winter florals are another trend that don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, so once I saw these bold printed trousers I knew they’d be a nice asset to my wardrobe. It was almost like a match made in heaven as both the pants and booties contained elements inspired by decades past. Since the bottom portion of this look was already quite eye-catching, I decided to add a modern twist by throwing on an oatmeal colored cable knit. As we all know it is still Winter, so any opportunity I have to throw on a chunky sweater will be gladly taken! I really liked the overall balance of this look and finished it off with my navy monogram cross-body bag to highlight the base color of the slacks. All in all, I loved how this look turned out and I already feel like 2018 is off to a great stylish start. Let me know in the comments what was your favorite decade of fashion. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Sweater- H&M

Trousers- Zara

Boots- Topshop

Bag- GiGi New York

Earrings- & Other Stories

In ASM Shop

STATEMENT EARRINGS

January 11, 2018 1 Comment

There are so many ways to elevate an outfit and this season statement earrings have been a huge trend. As a girl who typically keeps her accessories to a minimum, it took me a while to step outside of my comfort zone but eventually I gave in and have since become quite a fan! Whether your outfit is simple or over the top, adding a statement earring can always add an extra layer of pizzazz to any ensemble. Below I’ve rounded up a few bold jewelry pieces that have caught my eye lately. Don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks and let me know in the comments how you feel about this ear-candy trend. Until next time!

In the vault

SHOWSTOPPER

January 9, 2018 2 Comments

I love this look because it’s a true representation of how I intend my 2018 to be: bold, bright, and all about business (with a little bit of fun sprinkled in of course, lol). This was an extremely fitting outfit to kick off the New Year as I actually did wear this on January 1st to a social event I attended. As I get older, I’m definitely learning to appreciate the value of a classic suit. In my opinion, it provides a sense of empowerment and sophistication that I don’t seem to find with any other pieces. I feel like in the past, suits were always associated with people who were boring or “stiff,” but lately I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the playfulness of the more non-traditional coordinates that experiment with various colors, textures, and patterns. Due to the harsh weather conditions we’ve been experiencing in NYC, I didn’t see myself doing that much for New Year’s weekend. That being said, I still wanted to secure a few looks just in case and this metallic number ended up being the perfect option! As we know, the holiday season is all about the glitz and though I wanted to be appropriately festive and stand out just as much, I wasn’t in the mood to freeze in a skimpy dress that I would probably never wear again. Though I opted to go the more “tailored” route in this silver ensemble, I still felt as though my look was sophisticated, chic, and eye-catching to say the least. Because the suit itself was clearly the “showstopper,” I decided to keep it simple with black accessories. I found an old leather cami which served as a modest and minimal layering piece for underneath my blazer and threw on the most comfortable heeled sandals I own. Its’s rare that I shoot looks with bags these days, but I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to showcase my new clutch which also doubles as a lipstick case and was definitely one of my favorite Christmas gifts this year! Lastly, for a final touch of glam, I added a pair of black and silver chandelier earrings which tied all the elements of this look together beautifully. Recently I’ve become more fond of these boss-like looks, and definitely plan to incorporate more of them into my style in 2018. Here’s to an amazing year of great health, style, and success; until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Suit Jacket- Topshop

Suit Trousers- Topshop

Top- Nasty Gal

Heels- Michael Kors

Clutch- Dior

Earrings- Aldo