Ashley

In the vault

CHAPTER ONE!

January 1, 2024 No Comments

A new beginning. A fresh start. Regardless of how you choose to view it, we’ve been given another opportunity to make the most of the time we have on this planet. Despite what you failed to accomplish or what has yet to happen, the first of the year represents an overall reset as well as a chance to write a new chapter in this book called “life.” I chose to enter 2024 with a mindset of peace and gratitude from the comfort of my own home. With everything going on in the world, I wasn’t feeling very celebratory and like many, I felt reluctant going out when I still have so much work to do to get to where I ultimately want to be. That said, as a fashion and style content creator the festive looks still had to be captured! Had I gone out, I would’ve most likely pulled from my closet (surprising I know) and kept the overall vibe comfortable yet chic. The last time I wore this white feather-trimmed blazer was during my first trip to Paris in 2022, and it has always remained a special piece in my wardrobe. Thanks to one of my brand partners, I was also kindly gifted these sequin trousers which seemed like the most fitting garment for the occasion. Because I was working with two rather bold items, I wanted to keep my accessories fairly minimal with a metallic heeled sandal and my usual jewelry; though I did spice it up with a rhinestone and pearl necklace, which perfectly accentuated the plunging neckline. I wanted to keep this post short and sweet, but as far as the new year goes, the theme is: temporary sacrifice, for long-term success. Of course I still plan to sprinkle in some fun along the way, but I really want to push myself to focus on the things I can control while putting in the work to create the life I deserve. Comment below if this resonates with you and how you’re planning to walk into day 1 of 365. We got this!

In the vault

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

December 28, 2023 No Comments

As we reflect on these last few days of 2023, a lot of us find ourselves moving through a wave of emotions. All of the “shoulda, woulda, coulda’s,” potential disappointment regarding the things we didn’t accomplish, and maybe even a bit of regret for some of the decisions we ultimately made. All in all, I think it’s important to feel all of it so that we can hopefully move into a space of acceptance and contentment as we step into the year ahead; we deserve it. Now with that being said, the shopping season is still in full swing! While we may have gotten our gift giving out of the way, the post Xmas sales have just begun and honestly, it’s not a bad time to see if there’s any last minute pieces you can check off your wish-list for a discounted price! Over the last 2 months, I’ve noticed a void in my wardrobe that has kept me vigilantly on the hunt for a floor-grazing, black, oversized, double-breasted wool coat. Though this seems like a pretty common garment to come across especially during the colder months, there are SO many options from tons of brands, each having their own subtle differences, that made this quest harder than expected. Unexpectedly however, I happened to be scrolling through IG and one of my favorite influencers had actually partnered with the brand and was modeling this piece for the collection that was dropping that same day! So after rushing to the website and refreshing my browser all morning, waiting for the item to be available for purchase, I finally secured the outerwear staple I had been craving! Even prior to receiving it, my vision was to layer it over more feminine pieces to play up the juxtaposition of the menswear structure. JPG has been having quite a moment with all of the “body illusion” dresses this year and before I jumped on the trend, I wanted to take my time and wait for something that I could truly see being a quality addition to my wardrobe. Because of the bold print, I knew I would most likely opt for something neutral and I finally found the perfect frock! I didn’t even realize how sparkly the metallic stripes would be until I saw it in person, and the contrast of the brown panels really made the design come to life! I kept my accessories simple while highlighting the silver accents with my jewelry and clutch. Despite my NYE plans looking fairly relaxed thus far, this is definitely an outfit I would wear if I planned to go out; would you??? Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

HOLLY JOLLY!

December 22, 2023 No Comments

I can’t believe we’re at the end of yet another year! With Christmas right around the corner, the only thing I’m focused on is maintaining my peace, while staying present and grateful this festive season. This year, I began a new video series showcasing my weekly office outfits over on Instagram and this one actually made the cut! Though I did opt for different footwear (specifically, boots) when I initially wore this ensemble, it made quite the statement at this year’s holiday party! Red has been one of the main standout colors of 2023, so it was only right that I share my own interpretation when the occasion presented itself. A great benefit to wearing vibrant hues is that they are so eye-catching, your outfit will always look elevated regardless of how simple it actually is. To take it a step further, a bold monochrome pairing adds a streamlined chicness no matter how bright or muted the color palette. So long story short, all it took was a mock neck sweater and satin midi skirt to create a seemingly well thought out look. Now, of course I couldn’t just stop there! In efforts to stay on theme, I knew from the start that I’d be accenting the crimson tones with elements of silver. Starting with my shoes, these demure closed toe heels have been an absolute staple in my wardrobe from the moment I bought them! They provide just enough interest and shine, while still remaining subtle enough to compliment a variety of styles whether formal or casual. In preparation for all of the upcoming festivities, I found myself wanting to update some of my costume jewelry pieces; and from the moment I saw these earrings, I was sold! In all honesty, though I did love them, I couldn’t help but feel like maybe the “shoulder-grazers” were a bit too much; but there was only one way to find out. After receiving them in the mail and trying them on with a few of my closet favorites, I knew I had made the right decision and could not have been more pleased with how this look turned out! As a final touch I added my everyday rings, a beaded bag to match, and was fully ready for a merry evening with family, friends, or even coworkers! Comment below if/where you’d wear this outfit, along with your favorite featured item. Until next time!

In the vault

AUTUMNAL ACCENTS!

November 22, 2023 No Comments

Denim. Shearling. Tortoise. Leather.

All standout elements that come to mind when I think about the pieces that I want to reflect and highlight my Fall/Winter style. Regardless of how my wardrobe continues to evolve, they always remain a constant with each passing season. I can absolutely admit that my skirt collection has grown exponentially, and while that may be overkill for some, I can appreciate the varying details and uniqueness they bring to each ensemble. For this particular cut-out design, I was immediately intrigued by the voluminous shape the garment held and even more sold on the movement it created with every step. Neutral tones always seem to be a match made in heaven with the autumnal months, and I fully embraced them with this styling session. I decided to throw on a tan ribbed asymmetric bodysuit as my base layer, and further built upon the texture with a cropped cream shearling jacket. Because the overall color palette was fairly light at this point, I chose to ground the look with a rich chocolate croc-embossed pair of boots. As far as accessories go, I kept things fun and coordinated with a beige-hued crossbody featuring abstract drawings by Jean Michel Basquiat and geometric sunnies that perfectly matched the buttons on my top. In efforts to keep the hardware accents consistent, I completed the outfit with chunky gold hoops, dainty rings, and was finally ready for whatever this crisp Fall day had to offer! While it is my favorite season, it seems to be getting shorter with every year so I always feel rushed to wear the items that can stand alone before I’m forced to cover them with much heavier coats. Comment below one piece you’ve been consistently reaching to style this season, as well as your favorite featured item! Until next time!

In the vault

J’ADORE PARIS!

November 17, 2023 No Comments

I have now been to Paris twice, and with each visit my love for the city of lights continues to grow. To be honest, though I enjoyed my trip this past September, I came back feeling quite “thrown off.” My routine was out of sync, I felt depleted creatively, and overall just completely and utterly uninspired. That said, I decided to give myself grace and time to get back into the groove. I went back to filming my weekly office outfits, and slowly but surely began to feel like myself again! From my last blog shoot to now, we have since entered a new season so I wanted to style a look that fully captured where I was in the present moment– and what better way than with a sweatshirt showcasing the last place that brought me so much joy?! I had been eyeing this piece for well over a year now and I’m still baffled that it took me this long to finally pull the trigger. When it comes to the Fall/Winter seasons, I feel like there’s two types of people: ones that lean towards the camel/warm tones and those who prefer the grey/cool tones. I am absolutely the latter. As much as I love those hues on others, if I have to choose between two coats, a neutral taupe is going to win over a rich caramel every single time. I’d say this is most likely because I tend to ground the majority of my outfits with some element of black, and whenever I ‘ve tried to incorporate a warmer brown shade into my wardrobe it hardly gets worn. So with that bit of insight, I pretty much knew exactly how I was going to assemble this look. Though they were slightly different shades, I thought the color of my top and pleated mini skirt were close enough that I could use this an an opportunity for a monochrome foundation ( we also know I LOVE a co-ord set moment). In efforts to play into the “collegiate” trend and give a nod to my private school uniform days, I also decided to layer with a long-sleeved poplin bodysuit, which perfectly complimented the stark white lettering. For juxtaposition purposes, I thought a chunky knee-high boot would add a bit of grit to the ensemble and offset the preppy feel. Lastly, I threw on my olive vinyl trench to complete the styling and was beyond satisfied with the outcome! I kept my accessories sleek with classic square frames and a leather bag featuring silver hardware that effortlessly coordinated with my staple everyday jewelry. In my opinion, this was the perfect introduction back into blogging and I’m excited to finish out the year strong with some holiday looks and much needed festive content. Until next time!

In the vault

WAISTCOAT WOMAN!

August 28, 2023 No Comments

My favorite time of year is quickly approaching, and as we begin refreshing our wardrobes in preparation for the upcoming seasons, there have been quite a few pieces on my radar lately. While the classic staples (leather, knits, outerwear, etc) will forever be reoccurring, I’ve really been enjoying the emphasis on tailoring. I have always been a “trouser girl,” but as I’ve grown in my style evolution, I’ve also accumulated an assortment of blazers as well as full suits; waistcoats however, have become a new and exciting challenge! I’m used to seeing them styled by effortlessly chic women in the Summer, usually in all white or lighter neutral tones, while jet-setting through Europe (a total vibe, I know). Though I could admire and appreciate the aesthetic, I wasn’t sure how practical it was for my everyday life. That said, I recently stumbled upon this khaki version and was instantly intrigued! For starters, the contrasting buttons were fully within my comfort zone as I tend to ground the majority of my looks with some kind of black accessory. In addition to that, I thought about the versatility and how the color as well as the layering potential ensured my cost per wear even as we move into the colder months. Considering I won’t have too many more opportunities to wear this set as is, I decided to keep it easy-breezy and give a nod to the minimalist fashion girlies across the globe. In all honesty I actually forgot to bring my sunglasses in the midst of a hectic morning, so luckily I had the boldest necklace I own which never fails to make the perfect eye-catching statement. I opted for my go-to top handle bag and heeled sandals to complete the ensemble and could not have been more pleased with the outcome. If you haven’t already, this is the time to begin going through your closet and seeing what garments can be transitioned into Fall/Winter and which will be tucked away until next year. Who’s ready for pumpkin spice?!! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

LA ROSA!

August 3, 2023 1 Comment

For the most part I feel like my style this Summer has remained fairly neutral, but that doesn’t mean I still don’t enjoy a burst of vibrancy every now and then. As we continue into the later months of the season, I tend to gravitate towards effortlessness and ease when it comes to styling my outfits. Between the intense heat and subtle longing for Fall, whatever ensemble requires the least amount of thought is usually what I opt for. I had seen this slip dress on Instagram months ago, and was immediately obsessed! The overall rose print, contrast of colors, and lace-up details captured every stylistic genre from feminine and romantic to whimsical and contemporary. Knowing this piece would be the star of the show, keeping my accessories tame was a no-brainer. Surprisingly, I chose to take the juxtaposition a step further by selecting a flat platform sandal instead of a heel. In no way did this frock lack in eye-catching ability, so choosing the more comfortable route seemed like a perfectly sufficient way to ground the look. Because of the black elements incorporated into the abstract design, I did not hesitate to grab my favorite round sunnies and top handle bag which I have consistently featured time and time again. I think this outfit also proves that if you strive to build an elevated wardrobe with quality garments, no matter what you pair together, there will always be a level of interest and a sense of effort. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

ROSETTE ROMANCE!

July 28, 2023 No Comments

To trend or not to trend, that is the question! When it comes to items that seemingly become popular “overnight,” especially within the fashion world, there can be an increased pressure to fully dive-in and indulge. Over the years however, I’ve found that acting on impulse usually results in regret and a little extra thought can go a long way. When it comes to trendy pieces, I try to ask myself 3 questions: “Is this a need or a want? Does this truly represent my personal style? Will I still wear this after the hype dies down?” Now don’t get me wrong, not every decision needs to be this deep or require this much analysis but it can be a starting point. How we represent ourselves through clothing should be fun, experimental, and ever-evolving. That said, if you’re interested in trying something slightly outside of your comfort zone, finding a dupe at a lower price point could be a better alternative until you decide if it’s worth the full commitment. When I saw the explosion of the rosette applique, I went through the same process. I was definitely intrigued, but I wasn’t sure if this detail was really “me” or how much I’d actually wear it in the long run. Thus, I decided to wait it out and in the interim started knocking off other pieces from my wish list that I had been wanting for some time. I don’t need to rehash my love of denim, but I spotted this mini skirt last Summer and unfortunately it sold out before I could get my hands on it. The same was the case with this oversized ivory blazer, so when I saw them both restocked I jumped at the opportunity to finally make them mine. Knowing my intention was to pair these garments together, I just needed the missing link to bring my vision to life! As soon as I saw this textured swimsuit (yes, it’s a swimsuit LOL), I knew it would be perfect and it absolutely lived up to my expectations! With my ensemble nearly complete all there was left to do was accessorize. Since my color palette was fairly neutral, I chose to incorporate a striking pop of green with my footwear and a structured navy bag that had subtle neon piping to match. To compliment the hardware, I added some gold jewelry and my newest rimless frames that I’m utterly obsessed with! In my opinion, this look could not have come together better and I will be styling it again before the season ends. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

PINSTRIPED PALETTE!

July 21, 2023 1 Comment

As we move into the hottest months of the Summer, getting dressed can sometimes feel like a chore especially when staying cool is top priority. Personally, this is when I rely most on classic simple pieces; most notably, shirt dresses. Whether a white poplin or a blue pinstriped option, shirt dresses are one of the easiest garments to style when you want to look “put-together” with minimal effort. As soon as I saw this particular frock I was intrigued because though rather plain, it still had subtle details that made it a bit more elevated; ie: the elasticized cuffed sleeves and high-low hem. I’ve always said that the beauty of dresses is that as soon as you throw it on, your ensemble is nearly complete! From this point, all I had left to do was accessorize and opted for a few new editions that I’ve recently incorporated into my wardrobe. As a heel-lover, a lot of times it can be difficult to find designs that are practical for all-day wear. Thus, my search began for the perfect platforms and I can honestly say, the mission was a success! These lace-up beauties gave me all the height I could ask for, while still being extremely comfortable for those long days running around the city. To play off of the black and neutral color palette of my shoes, I decided to grab one of my most worn top-handle bags as well as a sleek pair of sunnies that make me feel incredibly chic every time I put them on. As I final touch, I added a bit of sparkle with some gold jewelry accents and was ready for everything from brunch with the girls, to a weekend in the Hamptons! When it comes to my Summer aesthetic, effortless eye-catching fashion will always reign supreme! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

MIXED METALS!

July 9, 2023 No Comments

I’m sure it’s safe to assume that we all have our preferences when it comes to fashion: items that we love and others that we swear we’ll never be caught dead in; for me personally, white jeans are that thing. I’m not sure if it’s the high maintenance aspect, or that fact that I’ve seen them worn in some incredibly unflattering ways, but either way I cannot stand them. That said, this season I was really on the hunt for a piece that had a similar aesthetic & versatility but was also different enough to make me feel confident while wearing it. I’ve had my fair share of linen pants and trousers but I was determined to find something a bit more casual. After doing some online investigation, it finally hit me; a denim maxi skirt! I’ve been utterly obsessed with this trend since last year and though I have collected quite a few thus far, they’ve all been various shades of blue/black so there was still a void in my wardrobe. Another recent purchase was this monochrome graphic mesh tee which instantly intrigued me as an elevated take on a traditional closet staple. When it comes to accessories, I’ve been enjoying updating my collection with more eye-catching pieces and quickly realized that I was in need of a red bag. However, after narrowing down my options based on what was in my price range and actually in stock, it didn’t take me long to find the cutest leather shoulder bag featuring both silver and gold hardware. Despite it being the perfect size to hold my essentials, I also loved that regardless of my jewelry, it would never clash due to the mixed metal accents. Lastly, I chose to keep it simple while finishing off the ensemble with black heeled wrap sandals and a pair of classic cat-eye sunnies. Comment below your favorite featured item, as well as one garment in general that you would never wear. Until next time!