A Styled Mind
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Ashley

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In the vault

FUCHSIA FIERCE!

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I think the time has finally come for me to acknowledge that I may just be a “pink” girl. For so long I refused to admit that I was a fan of the color but now, as I look at my wardrobe and see the variety of shades that I have incorporated, I can no longer live in denial (LOL). Specifically, I have noticed a trend of hot pink/fuchsia constantly recurring whether it be in the form of tops, bags, skirts, and even shoes! I recently purchased this cropped cardigan and truthfully, I can’t really pinpoint what drew me to it but for whatever reason I was intrigued enough to make it mine! Upon receiving it however, I instantly fell in the love with the quality, fit, and overall vibrancy that made it a standout piece in the most effortless way. Referencing 90’s style has remained at the forefront of fashion for the last few seasons and being that I was only a kid during those golden years, I greatly appreciate having the opportunity to express my own interpretation when creating various ensembles. Because this sweater packed such a punch, I knew I wanted to keep the rest of the look casual while still adding a bit of playfulness and chic elements. To offset the saturation, I grabbed the lightest pair of bleached jeans I currently own, to avoid giving a “color-blocked” feel. Instead, I chose to incorporate the contrasting blue shade with my accessories and still gave a nod to classic denim but on a much smaller scale. My bag and lace-up heeled sandals complimented each other perfectly and I was more than happy with how the outfit was coming along! Finally, in efforts to highlight the the shiny silver button details, I made sure my jewelry and sunnies had the same reflective qualities to seamlessly tie everything together. As the weather gets warmer and the pieces I choose become simpler, I still like to ensure that I always make an impact with my attire in one way or another. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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SOFT TONES!

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As the weather heats up, the more effortless my style becomes and with that, the more I gravitate towards my go-to “uniform.” While some may perceive me as quite “girly,” 90% of the time I’m actually in jeans/trousers. For me, especially when it comes to how I put looks together, I typically feel most comfortable with the top half of my ensemble making the statement while keeping the bottom on the more casual side. I purchased black pants in a similar design last year and when I saw that another brand offered them in beige, I knew they would make for another great closet staple! Unlike the previous pair, these were insanely long but I still managed to make it work for the photoshoot. After doing a bit more browsing online, I saw that the same brand also sold a chic open-back knit polo in a muted green shade. Once I received both items, it was clear that they were essentially meant to be worn together because of how well the garments complimented each other. The softness of the tones and slightly cropped hem of the top seamlessly grazed the high-waisted trouser and couldn’t have been more perfect! Because of the color palette I was working with, I immediately knew that black would be too harsh of a contrast. Instead, I opted for brown accessories which allowed for a more understated juxtaposition. After deciding on my footwear and sunnies, instead of incorporating a matching bag, I figured a white option would be a better suited choice in terms of adding interest and highlighting the unique fold-over detail. Lastly I threw on a few pieces of gold jewelry and was ready for my close up! Outfits like this show that you don’t need the flashiest pieces to stand out. Just a few unexpected design elements can really make your look one to be remembered without overwhelming the onlooker. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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CARAMEL CO-ORD!

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Quality over quantity; ALWAYS. As I’ve begun tailoring my wardrobe to more contemporary styles, this statement rings true more than ever! While I would previously focus on and shop for pieces that peaked my interest in the current moment, I now make it a point to only purchase items that I absolutely love and most importantly ones that will last. In preparation for a store’s grand opening, I was kindly granted the opportunity to select a look from the brand to keep and wear for the celebratory evening. Without even looking at the price tags, I was quickly drawn to this leather co-ord in the most gorgeous caramel shade. The supple texture and intricate stitching had me sold from the beginning, but the seamless fit was easily the icing on the cake! I loved the chic yet modern vibe that these garments displayed and I felt comfortable knowing that they resonated so well with my personal style. Since my ensemble was already nearly complete, it was really just a matter of deciding what my contrasting color would be. Though I initially pulled a cream colored tank to tie everything together during my fitting, I ultimately chose to go with all black, mainly to showcase a new closet addition I’m currently obsessed with. I had been on the hunt for this short-sleeved turtleneck for months and had placed at least 3-5 orders which to my disappointment were all canceled due to inventory issues. Finally however, after much continued persistance, I was able to secure the piece that had literally been haunting me for far too long. For accessories I went with a few of my classic most-worn favorites including heeled sandals, sunnies, and a cross-body bag featuring gold hardware that I opted to carry as a top handle. I finished the outfit with simple jewelry and was left feeling like a complete boss! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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CARGO CHIC!

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There are certain items in my wardrobe that will always remain a staple regardless of the trends or how they evolve throughout each season; and for me, denim will always be a constant. For as long as I can remember I’ve had a large collection of jeans and though I’ve gotten rid of the pairs that no long suit my personal style, I’d be willing to bet I still have more than the average person. Whether skinny or straight, distressed or embellished, I can always find an excuse to add a new style and these cargos were the perfect addition! Cargo pants are typically associated with a more utilitarian lifestyle where function is the main priority, hence the multiple enlarged pockets. That being said, they have become quite popular within the fashion community lately, and despite their original intended use, have been a mainstream success especially with regard to “streetstyle.” Since I’m partial to lighter washes in general, from the moment I saw these trousers I knew I had to have them and in no way was I disappointed with my choice! Another recent purchase I made was this cropped white knit featuring contrasting buttons and bell sleeves. Like the pants, the fit and quality were a complete dream and the pieces were instantly a match made in style heaven! Though this ensemble was on the simpler side, the subtle details seamlessly flowed together to create a complimentary foundation. For accessories, I wanted to emphasize more of the darker elements without weighing down the entire look. To do this, I threw on the most minimal heeled sandals I own and a small crossbody bag with a black trimmed guitar strap. This really helped to balance the outfit overall, and allowed for a nice juxtaposition against the lighter hues. Finally, to play off of the gold hardware, I added my favorite oversized sunnies and jewelry to match! This type of effortless styling comes so naturally to me and I can’t wait to showcase even more versatility throughout the Spring and Summer months! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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TRENCH & TROUSERS!

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As my style evolves, I find myself not only integrating new pieces but also replacing older ones that have served their purpose and/or need to be updated in terms of quality. I had recently been on the hunt for a new faux leather trench that could fulfill my “90’s matrix” fantasy and for whatever reason, I was having trouble finding one that truly spoke to me. That said, it only took one coffee shop date in SOHO to finally find exactly what I was looking for! In my opinion, that’s one of the most amazing things about living in/near a major city; the inspiration! Whether it be art, music, food, or fashion there is so much you can absorb from the moment you leave your door, and that’s something I’ll always appreciate. Luckily it didn’t take long to receive the coat and despite a few minor sizing issues, I was more than satisfied with my purchase! To be honest, I’ve gotten a few pieces in the mail over the last few months (and even last year) that I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to style. For this ensemble however, I’d say it was one of the most low maintenance yet impactful looks I’ve ever put together. Lately, I’ve really been into minimal tops with interesting details, and this knit was no different! I’ve had plenty of crop tops in this style but the overall chunkiness and cut-outs completely sold me, and I knew I had to have it! At this point I was committed to the monochrome theme, and realized I still hadn’t worn this unique pair of wide-legged trousers that have been in my wardrobe for quite some time. What I loved most about the design was the “fold-over” element which made the pants that much more intriguing, while also breaking up the various shades of black. Finally, for footwear, I decided to incorporate a bit of playfulness and ground the outfit with some acid green metallic mules which I could not be more obsessed with! Since I already had so much going on, I decided to forego a bag and complete the look with sleek sunnies and simple stud earrings. Everything about this styling exceeded my expectations and I will definitely be rocking it again sooner than later! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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SLIP SEASON!

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While I love the transitional temperatures that Spring and Fall bring, I honestly believe that they can be slightly more challenging to dress for. A lot of times there is a constant battle between being under or over dressed, especially when the forecast fluctuates throughout the day. To remedy this problem, I like to split up my ensembles by base and layers. For example, if I feel like styling a lighter foundational garment, I’ll opt for heavier outerwear and a more substantial shoe (and vice versa). This way, there is always an element of balance within the outfit which will hopefully avoid being too hot/cold; which is the exact formula I used when styling this look! I was initially hesitant about purchasing this dress as my first thought was, “too dressy and not practical.” After receiving it however, I quickly changed my tune and realized that it was an incredibly versatile piece that could easily be dressed up or down. I’ve been fully embracing the green trend so it was no surprise that this frock caught my eye to begin with. However, the overall quality and cut-out detailing is what absolutely sold me and made it a keeper! I didn’t mind sticking with a darker palette this go round and, instead of overcomplicating things, decided black would be my contrasting shade. This also gave me an opportunity to incorporate another recent buy I had been waiting for the perfect moment to pull out of my closet. Cardigans have made quite the comeback and while I do have some bolder options, this little cropped number filled a void in my wardrobe that I didn’t even know I was missing. The boxy shape and relaxed fit really worked to bring an effortlessly casual vibe to the outfit that made it feel more suitable for every day. For footwear, I threw on my favorite knee-high boots which I have gotten well over my cost per wear out of! Lastly, I chose to stick with the same color story by adding a gorgeous crossbody bag featuring gold hardware. After throwing on a few jewelry pieces and a pair of sunnies, I was more than satisfied with how this look turned out! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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MONOGRAM MOOD!

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A lot of times it’s hard to get the most use out of garments that are specifically purchased for the season we are currently in. To be honest, majority of the items showcased in this ensemble were bought around Black Friday 2021 and sadly, I’m just now reaching for them. Brown, though extremely trendy, can often be associated with the Fall/Winter months. Knowing this, I was torn between styling them now or waiting until it got cold again but luckily, my excitement got the better of me! In efforts to reflect the “Spring vibes” as much as possible, I knew that my footwear and layering pieces would be crucial. Starting from the bottom, it definitely helped that my trousers though leather also featured cut-out details which really spoke to the warm weather we are slowly beginning to experience. Because I knew that my outerwear was going to be a chunkier monogram cardigan with similar tones, I opted for a stark white cropped tank to break up the chocolate and add an element of brightness to create some much needed dimension. My strappy heeled sandals were the obvious choice as they matched my pants perfectly, and did not weigh the outfit down like a boot or other closed-toe option would. Finally, the accessory I struggled with most had to be, THE BAG! It was tricky because I knew I didn’t want to pair something that was another dark shade, and was also trying to avoid clashing with my sweater’s print. I almost overlooked this cross-body entirely because I frankly thought it would be “too much.” However, after seeing the way everything came together, I couldn’t have made a better choice! I loved how the orange in the illustration helped to highlight the colors in my outwear, which I had hardly noticed prior. To coordinate with the metal accents, I threw on my favorite gold jewelry, some sunnies which helped to complete the monchrome aesthetic, and was ready to roll! Funny enough, I almost scrapped this look entirely and I’m relieved to say I’m so glad I didn’t! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

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NEON MOMENTS!

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At this point, I think it’s safe to say that every shade of green is trending! Each and every season, from olive to kelly, this color has been at the forefront of style and it doesn’t appear to be leaving our sight (or wardrobes) any time soon! As I was preparing to update my closet with a few new pieces for Spring, I knew I wanted a bright blazer that I could use to create some show-stopping colorful outfits. To no surprise, it wasn’t very hard to find and when I saw that there was also a matching cropped shirt I swiftly added both to my cart! That being said, I was a bit caught off guard when I actually received the items. For some reason, in my head, I had imagined a more pastel tone. So when I was hit with such vibrancy upon opening the package, I wasn’t sure if I’d actually be willing to make it work. After a bit of playing around however and pairing the garments with a few things I already owned, I was sold! To offset the intense saturation, I realized that aligning the pieces with a darker wash of denim offered the perfect juxtaposition of textures while adding a casual element. To highlight the gold buttons on my skirt in the most non-competing way, I leaned on my accessories which all had hints of the metal accent as well as some of my favorite rings and earrings. Nude definitely seemed like the most fitting contrast for my heels and sunnies as it kept the look “daytime fresh” and lighthearted without taking anything away from the boldness overall. To complete the ensemble, I introduced a beaded chartreuse bag for a subtle color-block moment which I really think took the styling over the top in the best possible way. To me, this outfit screams “Summertime brunch” and I know for a fact that I’ll be wearing it in the upcoming months! Comment below your favorite featured item and/or if this is something you would personally wear. Until next time!

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CAMO VIBES!

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As the evolution of my style continues, I’m still making it a point to have fun and not take my choices too seriously. Being the fan of contrast and juxtaposition that I am, those themes always tend to present themselves in my looks regardless of the types of ensembles I’m creating. Upon a recent shopping trip to actually make a return, I was doing one last browse around the store when these camo printed cargos caught my eye. To be honest, this is definitely not a motif that is a staple in my wardrobe yet for some reason, I was instantly drawn to them and knew I could make them work. While my first thought was to dress them up with some kind of heeded sandal (which I’m sure I’ll still do in the future), I wanted to tap into more of a causal vibe and emphasize the grunginess they are typically associated with. Of course I still had to put my own “ASM” twist on the outfit, so in efforts to elevate the look I paired the trousers with a rhinestone encrusted t-shirt which added a slightly glamorous, feminine essence. Since it still hasn’t been warm enough to completely leave the outerwear layers behind, I took this as an opportunity to incorporate my newest wool-blend blazer. I wasn’t sure if I’d get any wear out of this piece before the next Fall/Winter seasons, but the light icy grey shade somehow still worked to provide balance within the color palette and not take away from the overall relaxed fit. To complete the styling, I threw on my black and white dunks which really gave the outfit that street-style flare and a handbag in the infamous “Bottega green” for a subtle nod to the trend. Some small frames and a few silver rings served as the icing on the cake and I was ready for any and everything! I’m sure I’ll have a lot of “favorite fashion moments” this year, but I’m already claiming this as one of them. Don’t forget to click the images in the carousel to shop all of the featured items and until next time!

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RED ALERT!

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Now THIS is an “all-star fit” if I’ve ever seen one! To me, that classifies any ensemble where every single item is a standout showstopper. Typically I choose one focal piece and continue building the look around it, but this particular day I just couldn’t hold back! As I’ve stated previously, I was quite inspired by the runways I saw in person and digitally around the world during February’s fashion month and thus, a lot of shopping came from it! I’ve also always said that while red is a color that I love, it’s not one that I tend to wear often; but to my surprise, it’s been finding it’s way into my wardrobe more and more. I saw this bold knit on another fashion blogger and knew that if it was within reach (and budget) I had to make it mine. Coincidentally at this time, Farfetch was having an incredible sale so I was able to get this top as well as a few other garments for a reasonably discounted price. Though I was a bit unsure of the overall fit, I was pleasantly surprised once I received it and happy it had lived up to my expectations. As far as the jeans go, I had been contemplating these for over a month, questioning whether they were “too trendy” or just “too much.” That said, after much debate and consultation with friends, I finally took the plunge and proceeded to check out my cart. This pairing turned out to be absolute perfection as the synergy between the rounded cutouts on both pieces really helped to create a seamless coordination without either item competing. Because I already had so much going on in terms of eye-catching details, I knew that I would keep my accessories tame but of course, still fun. To ground the look in the chicest way, I opted for my black puffy heeled sandals which somehow also mimicked the spherical trend I had going throughout the outfit. Simply, I tied everything together with a black bag and sunnies accompanied by silver jewelry pieces to match the hardware and highlight the rhinestones that adorned my denim. This styling is definitely not one for the meek, but if you’re feeling daring and would like to recreate it using any (or all) of the items shown, feel free to use my code: FFASHLEY15 for 15% off valid through 4/21 on Farfetch.com. Until next time!

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