Ashley

In the vault

GILDED EDGE!

May 31, 2023 No Comments

When it comes to fashion, there are two things I’ve found myself being consistently drawn to as we approach the Summer season: black garments and chunky gold accents! Not sure if this comes as a surprise, but it’s a pattern I’ve noticed and am fully embracing all 2023. Living in and around New York City my entire life, it’s no secret that black will forever be known as a “year-round” color. Despite it’s reputation for absorbing too much heat, it seems like the coolest people are the ones that can pull it off effortlessly no matter what the weather conditions are…pun intended. Personally, I also find that when I come across a piece that is a bit outside of my comfort zone, wearing it in this shade always seems more manageable and familiar; and this voluminous frock was no exception. When I initially spotted this dress, I saw it in a floral motif that while pretty, didn’t really feel like “me” and was way too girly for my liking. Luckily, to my benefit, it also came in another option and I was quick to make it mine! I absolutely loved the juxtaposition of the ultra-feminine design and the stark opaqueness of the gown which brought out an unexpected edginess that I thoroughly enjoyed! At this point, all there was left to do was accessorize and I had some exciting new wardrobe additions in mind! In efforts to mirror the lace up back detail, I grabbed these amazing sandals featuring a bold chain-link heel. To further play up the gold hardware and add another element of interest, I decided to include this lime colored bag which helped to capture the brightness of the season in a fun, yet subtle way. After adding my jewelry and a sleek pair of sunnies, I was feeling confidently chic and ready for whatever the day had in store. Are you a person who gravitates towards vivid hues or darker/netural tones in the warmer months? Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

CITY SUMMER!

May 19, 2023 1 Comment

I think I’ve mentioned recently, that I’m in a space within my shopping journey where I only want to add things to my closet that I absolutely love; and because of that, I’ve become a lot more selective with the things I buy and ultimately keep. That said, this way of thinking has also helped me to distinguish the “must-haves” vs the trendy pieces I feel like I need just because they’re all over my timeline. I’ve gone through many phases when it comes to how I’ve built my wardrobe over the years, and aside from denim, another prominent time was my “jumpsuit era.” At one point they literally became my go-to garment regardless of the setting, time of day, or occasion and I was here for it! I mean, who doesn’t love a low maintenance all-in-one piece?!? While things have since diversified overall, I was quickly reminded of my subtle obsession when I saw this piece (ironically) scrolling through the gram. As soon as I was able to pinpoint the brand, my investigative research began and I quickly found her! Everything from the light sage color (very on trend for the season), to the intricate hardware, and open back intrigued me; I was SOLD. As if things couldn’t get any better, I also found it on sale with only one left in my size so I knew it was fate! Upon receiving it I was even more in love and beyond excited to bring this ensemble to life! Though the shade is fairly muted, it’s also quite distinct so it was a bit tricky trying to figure out what accessories would be the most complimentary. Finally, I decided on a chocolate brown pair of heeled sandals and matching sunnies which I thought were the perfect accent. In efforts to highlight the contrast white stitching, I added a geometric shoulder bag for extra depth and interest. Gold jewelry was the obvious choice, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled for this effortlessly chic look. All of the elements played off of each other in the most seamless way and I personally cannot wait to wear this outfit ASAP IRL (LOL). Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

ALIEN SUPERSTAR!

May 9, 2023 No Comments

There are certain ensembles that instantly bring out an unexplainable energy as soon as you put them on, and that was definitely the case when it came to styling this look! While still being in the midst of the maxi trend, I had come across this cargo skirt a few months ago and immediately became obsessed. Aside from it being designed by one of my favorite brands at the moment, it also had the perfect balance of casual yet “fashion” elements that I absolutely loved and could easily see myself throwing on all throughout the Spring and Summer seasons. Though I was a tad bit worried about the length on me, as I’m surprisingly shorter than I appear in photos (shocking I know), I opted to give it a try and see for myself! Upon receiving the garment, I was beyond thrilled with the quality, construction, fit and overall details of this piece. From there, the rest of the styling came pretty effortlessly and it was just a matter of pulling together the right items that would complete the vision I had in my head. Because of the amount of fabric I was working with and how light it was in color, I chose to add some contrast with a dark top and heels. While I’ve had these wedge sandals for about a year now, this lace-up knit was more of a recent purchase and I was just waiting for the best opportunity to showcase it! Since it’s more on the risqué side, I really wanted to make sure that I felt comfortable wearing it in a way that was still true to my personal style. I first saw it on the ultimate fashion icon (Rihanna) which definitely peaked my interest, but I also thoroughly enjoyed the nod to the influential 90’s aesthetic. To complete the outfit, I accessorized with silver sunnies that seamlessly complimented the hardware on my skirt, and an oversized zebra clutch for some added texture and interest. Dare I say this is my most loved look of 2023 thus far?!! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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!