Ashley

In the vault

CITY CHIC

September 12, 2015 5 Comments

To some, living in a major city can be highly overwhelming. Its extremely fast paced, and if you’re not running for a taxi, the subway, or to your next meeting…you’re probably a tourist. LOL. But all jokes aside, while I do understand how hectic it can be for some, I love every ounce of it. There’s never a dull moment or a shortage of places to go and I personally feel like I learn something new almost every day. To compliment the “on-the-go” theme I had planned for this look, I decided to keep the outfit simple and stick with a flat shoe. By now, we should all know that even my most simplest looks have a little edge and this ensemble was no different! I pulled a very dramatic high/low chiffon blouse from my closet and paired it with some destroyed denim cut-offs that I’ve had for ages! Then, to add a different texture I went with some snake print slip-on flats and a statement necklace to finish off the look. As I’ve said before, you don’t always need the boldest colors or patterns to stand out. In my opinion, it’s the tiny elements and nuances that make for an eye-catching and memorable look. While prancing around the city that never sleeps comfort and style are always at the top of my list. A wise person once told me, “If you’re bored in New York City, maybe you’re just boring.” Until next time guys! 🙂

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Urban Outfitters

Shorts- Urban Oufitters

Shoes- Zara

Necklace- Urban Oufitters

In the vault

LADY IN LACE

September 5, 2015 6 Comments

In my opinion, the best way to execute a simple ensemble is to play with different textures and fabrics. I’m sure we all have heard of the “LBD” and love them, but who says they have to be boring? This particular dress has lasted me a few years and still gets tons of compliments and attention whenever I wear it. Yes, it’s simple and black but the lace trim definitely provides a soft elegance that is beautiful, especially when caught in a nice summer breeze. Whether in the office, shopping around town, or for a romantic date dresses like these are totally multi-purpose and fashionable. To coincide with the simplicity of the look, I decided to style my hair in a low messy bun and add a red lip for a pop of color. Lace up heeled sandals have been huge this season and a trend that I’m absolutely obsessed with, so throwing them on with this look was a no-brainer and a perfect finishing touch. I challenge every fashionista to embrace their LBDs but gravitate to some with a little more pizazz; make a statement!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Urban Outfitters

Heels- Topshop

In the vault

SO-LONG SUMMER

August 25, 2015 5 Comments

Outfit Details & Links:

Jumpsuit- Urban Outfitters

Hat- Free People

Shoes-Zara

With only a few weeks left of summer, I figured I was running out of opportunities to bring out my bold floral prints so I decided to take advantage. This cut out jumpsuit is a piece I’ve had for a couple of years now and it still never fails to make a statement and remain one of my favorite summer items. As far as comfort and ease, this piece takes the cake by far and requires hardly any effort at all when it comes to styling. The look was definitely inspired by festival fashion with a hint of western elements as well. Though many accessories are not needed to complete this look due to such an “in your face” pattern, I still decided to add my black wide brimmed hat for a little extra personality and fun. While I am excited for cooler temperatures that may require me to throw on a leather jacket, there is something about summer fashion that I will miss as well. I guess this post is an ode to the flowy garments and cut outs that will soon be fading to the back of my closet until next year. Goodbye summer, hello fall.

In the vault

AFTER-SCHOOLGIRL

August 15, 2015 5 Comments

This was probably the first shoot I’ve done in which the vision was almost completely dictated by the location. As soon as we decided on the playground, the ensemble took on a whole new life of it’s own. It brought me back to the many years I spent in private school with those stark white collared shirts, and plaid skirts (of course they were much longer back then) and how we would always try our best to make our uniforms as flattering and unique as possible. Needless to say, we weren’t that successful but those years definitely helped shape who I am today and had its fun moments. For this look I wanted to focus on the subtle details of the pieces, such as the double hem of the top and the intricate stitching on the leather mini. To add a little fun and movement to the look, I threw on a pair of fringe heeled sandals and enjoyed the moment. As I’m sure the kids and their parents looked at me like I was crazy, I had a blast reliving a moment of my childhood, in a much more fashionable way of course! 😉

Outfit Details:

Top- Zara

Skirt- Zara

Heels- Zara

Watch- DKNY

In styling

Clarise

August 12, 2015 6 Comments

For my first styling segment I decided to keep it pretty simple but fun with a casual look that was inspired by both the 70’s decade, since that has been one of the biggest trends this season, and bohemian-chic. Luckily, my beautiful friend Clarise was more than willing to be my model and had a nice selection of clothes to choose from. From the moment I saw this dress in her closet I instantly had my vision. I decided to make the frock the focal point of the look and just build around it with accessories. Since the dress was printed, I chose a black wide-brimmed hat and gladiator sandals to prevent clashing but still keep the look eye-catching and fashionable. For a pop of color, at the last minute, I also added a red backpack that seemed to tie everything together and compliment the dress pattern perfectly. Overall I’d say this shoot was a success! 😀

Aside from the pulling of the ensemble, I also tapped into another interest of mine which is makeup. Because this was a daytime look, I chose to keep the makeup pretty neutral with bronzy eyes and cheeks, finished off with a neutral brown lip. For hair, I thought it would be fitting to keep it sleek and straight because it is the most adaptable and I wasn’t sure what accessories I would be selecting until the day of. As a whole, I think that the hair and makeup worked seamlessly for the look. I am definitely pleased with my work for my first documented styling shoot and thankful to my friend for participating in this experience. Stay tuned for more to come!

In the vault

DENIM DAYS

August 6, 2015 18 Comments

If I had to choose my favorite fabrics, denim would definitely be in my top three. Why, you may ask? In my opinion, it is the perfect fabric because it is structured enough to almost always have you looking put together, and neutral enough to go with almost anything; in other words, an all-around winning situation. On this particular day, I decided to style this denim, oversized, long-line button up shirt as dress for a relaxed feminine vibe while I took a stroll around the streets of Harlem. Looks like these are perfect for running errands, meeting with friends, or simply hanging out around the city. As far as simplicity and comfort, I really don’t think you can go wrong with a denim dress and a cute pair of flats. I recently took to the stores to purchase a few more pairs to add to my collection and spice up my more casual ensembles. “Simple Summer.” I think that’s the motto I’m going to live by for the rest of the season. Wait, who am I kidding, I’m way too indecisive! Lol. Tell me what you prefer, bright and bold summer looks or more toned down outfits. Enjoy!:D

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Zara

Shoes- Zara

Sunglasses- Ferragamo

Bag- Dooney & Bourke

In the vault

FALL FEVER

July 31, 2015 17 Comments

In my last post, I ended with discussing my brewing feelings of excitement for the fall. So in order to somewhat satisfy that craving, I decided to style a look that incorporated more of a “fall-like” color palette. I felt that the warm neutral tone and knit texture of the top really added a vibe quite reminiscent to that of the fall. In all honesty though, this day was brutally hot but in my mind it was a beautiful 65 degrees. To get away from the sun, we decided to shoot at the New York public library where we could hide in the shade that the amazing architecture provided. There were so many amazing moments to be captured around every corner and we didn’t even make it inside! In order to avoid passing out in the summer heat, I decided to keep it cool in a pair of striped, loose flowing trousers and heeled sandals. I’m starting to think that I may have an undercover obsession with printed trousers……I don’t see the problem. Since we were at a location that is known for promoting intelligence and education, I also decided to finish the look off with my new frames to add more of a collegiate vibe to the look. Do you think they helped me blend in? Lol. For me, putting together different looks and scouting locations goes hand in hand. My main goal is to be able to tell stories with my outfits while finding new sites in the process. To all of you who have been on this journey with me from the beginning (a mere 4 months ago) I hope you are still enjoying it and loving the new creativity I try to bring with each post.

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Zara

Trousers- Zara

Heels- Asos

Clutch- Urban Outfitters

Glasses- Versace

In the vault

BACK 2 BASICS

July 24, 2015 10 Comments

As we approach the middle of summer and the temperatures continue to rise, getting dressed begins to become more of a hassle than a luxury. In my opinion, the best way to cope with the heat during this time of year, and stay as cool as possible with your wardrobe, is to keep it simple; and what better way to do that than with a basic t-shirt dress and sneakers. Now don’t get me wrong, I know I chose a black dress with leather accents but it’s a lot cooler than it looks! LOL. The dual textures on the dress paired with the high- top, hidden wedge sneakers bring forth a sports luxe vibe that any fashionista can rock. I feel super edgy in looks like these and never hesitate to reach for them whenever I get the chance. In all honesty though, I’m really excited to whip out my fall fashion and see what exciting new trends are to come within the next few months; but for now I will continue to enjoy the heat while we have it. Let me know how you’re keeping cool. B)

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Urban Outfitters

Sneakers- Urban Outfitters

Necklace- Urban Outfitters

In the vault

SPORTY SPICE

July 17, 2015 8 Comments

In efforts to maintain my casual style this summer, I definitely think I’ve become a huge fan of the sporty chic look. Though the NBA was not my main inspiration behind this outfit, it appears that the paired pieces in this ensemble could definitely spark up some familiarity. I love this look because it is the definition of effortless for me. I really did not have to do much styling because in my opinion, the items spoke for themselves. The loose fitting knit tank brought an element of interest to the look in that it is a fabric not usually associated with the summer, while the shorts had their own surprise with the embellished details along the side seams. As per usual, I added heels for the fun of it and my single strap mules seemed to fit the relaxed vibe perfectly. To complete the look, I threw on my leather 5-panel cap to tie everything together and add some edge. This look may not be for everyone, but it totally works for me! 🙂

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- H&M

Shorts- H&M

Mules- Topshop

Hat- Urban Outfitters

In the vault

CONTEMPORARY CULOTTES

July 9, 2015 17 Comments

If you haven’t heard the term “culotte” at least once in the last 6 months, it is quite possible that you may be residing under a rock. Though used to describe many different types of garments throughout history, currently the term is used in reference to a style of trousers, usually cropped, with extremely wide flared legs. They come in a variety of styles and fabrics and have without a doubt taken the fashion world by storm lately. In efforts to slowly ease myself into the bold trend, I decided to start with a jumpsuit version. For starters, they require less effort to style and who doesn’t love a good jumpsuit?! The silhouette of the garment as well as the vibrant color made for an easily eye catching look that was perfect for the season. To keep the focus on the jumpsuit, I chose to complete the look with strappy nude heeled sandals. So tell me your thoughts on this trend. Love it, hate it?

Outfit Details & Links:

Jumpsuit- Topshop

Heels- Zara