Ashley

In the vault

MINI ME

August 24, 2016 2 Comments

It honestly took me a while to take interest in the mini skirt trend. I’m not sure if it was because my last memories of that garment were being layered over leggings in the early 2000’s (a trend that for the record I NEVER participated in) or if I just wasn’t comfortable styling them. Either way, I have since gotten over it all and my skirt collection has been rapidly growing. It all started last fall, when suede and leather minis were popping up everywhere and seemed to match perfectly with my favorite pair of thigh high boots. Ever since then I was hooked and my obsession began. The skirt I styled for this look is actually my first non-leather mini. I was initially attracted to its bright colors and intricate stitching. I knew it would be a great garment for the warmer months and also useful as a transitional piece going into fall. Because this was the focal point of the ensemble, I kept the other elements pretty simple. I could have really gone with any color shirt, but I slightly stepped outside of my comfort zone and opted for a powder blue button up rather than the classic white. To tie in the dark background color of the skirt, I accessorized with my black minimal heels, a small cross-body bag, and a thick choker necklace. This chic look was perfect because while it is eye catching, it is also simple enough to put together for those sweltering days when even getting dressed is a hassle. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- H&M

Skirt- Zara

Heels- NastyGal

Choker- Urban Outfitters

Bag- Forever 21

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PRINTED DRESSES

August 18, 2016 1 Comment

Lately, I have really taken a liking to flouncy, printed dresses. While they do sometimes remind me of garments my grandmother may have once owned, there is something about their delicate nature and bold statements that really intrigue me. Below are a few pieces that have caught my eye recently. Don’t forget to click the images for direct links to purchase. Happy shopping!

In the vault

FLOAT ON

August 17, 2016 2 Comments

This post is sooooo long overdue, but I’m quite thrilled to finally be back in the groove of things! To be honesty floaty, and what I like to call “grandma dresses” really aren’t my usual style, but this season I have really taken a liking to them! This dress in particular stood out to me because of its daintiness, as well as the super feminine details such as the cold shoulder and open back. Needless to say, the moment I saw that it was on sale, it was MINE! Initially, I wanted to style this garment with some minimal heels and really play up the “girly” vibe. Yet, being the lover of contrast that I am, I decided to go in a different direction and instead throw on my chunky “birkenstock-esque” sandals. I much preferred this look with the flat shoes because it added an element of coolness that in my opinion was needed. In efforts to keep the emphasis on the dress, I accessorized very slightly with simple silver band rings and my aviator sunglasses. I definitely feel like this piece was beyond worth the money and who knows, it may be the start of a new style evolution for me. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see; until next time! 🙂

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Zara

Sandals- Forever 21

Sunglasses- Similar

Rings- Primark

In ASM Shop

CHOKERS

August 11, 2016 No Comments

A lot of the popular trends that have been popping up on runways and in retailers everywhere stem from the 90’s era. From slip dresses, crop tops, metallics, and brown lipstick, the influence from that decade is at an all time high. Yet, the biggest trend of them all is everyone’s (including myself) new favorite piece of jewelry, the choker necklace. Personally, I love the variety of these pieces and how they can elevate any outfit no matter how minimal or intricate. Please see below for the chokers that have recently caught my eye. (Don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks!)

In ASM Shop

SUMMER SANDALS

August 4, 2016 No Comments

There’s no better way to accentuate a fresh pedicure in the summer than with an eye catching pair of sandals! The days of basic flip flops are long gone as statement sandals have become one of the most popular accessories when it comes to the warmer months. Take a look at some of the sandals I’ve rounded up below and don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks. Happy shopping!

In ASM Shop

COVER UPS

July 28, 2016 No Comments

Since I am currently on vacation, I thought it would be quite fitting to make this post about the garment I will be lounging in majority of the time. I love the versatility of cover-ups and how they can easily turn a basic bathing suit into a full ensemble with a light layer and some cute sandals. Check out my picks below and don’t forget to click the images for direct links to the retailer! Happy shopping!

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N.O.I.R.

July 21, 2016 No Comments

Once you go black……….well, you know how it goes. LOL. In all seriousness though, I don’t think there is a more classic, staple, and ever forgiving shade than the darkest of them all. Whether you are struggling to style an outfit of the day, or simply want to have an edgy goth moment, one can never go wrong with an all black ensemble. (Don’t forget to click the images to shop my picks!) Happy shopping!

In the vault

BACK 2 BLACK

July 19, 2016 1 Comment

While I am fully aware that we are in the heat of the summer months (no pun intended), that doesn’t mean I can’t bring it back to the basics; right?! While bright colors, florals, and other trends are known to be go-tos for the summer, an all black ensemble is something that I personally believe never fails to work for any occasion all year round. I recently purchased these black pleated culottes, and instantly knew that they would be a piece I would feature. The movement and chic detail they provide to a variety of outfits, whether for work or running around the city, has already allowed me to get my money’s worth. To contrast with the loose fabric, I decided to pair the trousers with a lace bralet I’ve had for a few years now. Pleats and lace are two textures that I find myself pairing together quite often, and I still have yet to be disappointed in the outcome! In order to give a sophisticated suit-like effect, I threw on my longline blazer as an extra layer to provide more dimension and cohesiveness to the ensemble. I finished off the look with my black minimal heeled sandals and my Prada sunnies that beautifully complimented the neutral color scheme of this look. All in all, you can never go wrong with all black in my book, but tell me what you think! Do you dare to wear dark, or do you prefer to stick with the usual trends? Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Blazer- Urban Outfitters

Bralet- Zara

Culottes- Zara

Heels- Asos

Sunglasses- Prada

In ASM Shop

ROUGE

July 14, 2016 No Comments

The color “red” has really made a vibrant statement in fashion this season. While it is one of my favorite colors, I never really found myself experimenting with it in my personal wardrobe until recently. To me, red is such a confident and bold shade and I love that it brings that energy to any ensemble or individual daring enough to rock it. Below are some of the pieces that have caught my eye. Happy shopping! (Don’t forget to click the images for direct links to shop the items!)

In the vault

RED HOT

July 12, 2016 3 Comments

What initially drew me to this jumpsuit was by far the vibrant tomato color. I’ve seen this hue quite frequently this season and while I try not to make a habit of letting trends dictate my wardrobe, I don’t mind playing into them if I find a piece that I genuinely love. This tailored showstopper is so eye-catching that minimal accessories are all that is needed. From the illusion layering to the peek-a-boo cross back, I couldn’t have been happier with this garment. It’s rare that you find a piece with so many elements that still work together uniformly, without overpowering the item. I chose nude as my accessory color, since I didn’t want to style anything that would take away from the seamless flow of the ensemble. My love for jumpsuits is continuing to grow, almost as rapidly as my collection itself. I mean seriously, what other piece of clothing can bring sophistication, chic-ness, comfort, and ease all in one look? You can’t beat it, nor should you try! Until next time! 🙂

Outfit Details & Links:

Jumpsuit- Zara

Heels- Zara

Bag- Zara