Ashley

In the vault

SHEER DAISY

July 4, 2015 5 Comments

In honor of the 4th of July, I thought it was only right that I recreate an outfit that I wore on last year’s Independence Day. Though I would use many different adjectives to describe my personal style, I would be lying if I said “casual” isn’t one of the main ones; and I think this look supports that. While I do love a good heel most of the time, summer days to me scream, “white sneakers, comfort, and cool.” I have also recently become on board with the backpack trend and I must say, I’m loving it! They’re so simple and convenient, and depending on style can definitely add some interest to your look. Overall this look is pretty simple, which is why I decided to incorporate as many textures as I could. I think the sheer fabric against the chambray and leather all work nicely to create a cohesive ensemble. Just thinking about this day a year ago makes me want to light up the grill and chow down on a juicy burger lol. So what’s your favorite summer trend? Enjoy your holiday!

Outfit Details & links:

Top: Urban Outfitters

Bralet: Free People

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Leather Converse: Urban Outfitters

Backpack: Topshop

In the vault

SLIP ON

June 29, 2015 7 Comments

Last year the slip dress trend was huge, so I decided to reach in my closet and style something in honor of it. Not only are slip dresses completely appropriate for the summer heat, they also serve as a good excuse to bring some sexiness to the outside world with a piece that resembles something reserved for the bedroom. Knowing that I love a good contrast, I decided to pair a leather jacket against the dainty, lace trimmed dress. For shoes, I chose to go with minimal, single- strap mules that I felt added to the casual nature of the look. In my opinion, summer is the hardest season to dress for because most of the time when the heat is scorching, it’s much easier to opt for no clothes at all. For us girls though, it’s pieces like the slip dress that come in and save the day! They take no effort to throw on and still look put together while maintaining plenty of ventilation through the thin fabric. Also, I don’t know about you, but I personally think slip dresses look a little nicer than the typical tank and shorts. I’ll be stocking up on these this summer for sure!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jacket- Urban Outfitters

Dress- Urban Outfitters

Heels- Topshop

In the vault

MENSWEAR MOMENT

June 22, 2015 11 Comments

Fashion, like many other forms of art expression, can be very fluid and ambiguous especially when it comes to gender. Though I tend to dress more feminine on a day-to-day basis and accentuate a softer, and sometimes sexier side, every now and then I like to challenge myself to style something more rigid and structured. For this menswear inspired look, I decided to pair a stark white button up shirt with medium wash boyfriend jeans and loafers. I find that for menswear, it is best to keep the overall look simple with pieces that have subtle yet striking details. Though this look goes against my norm, I made sure to keep my signature present with an open back detail and my favorite leather tote. I personally think it’s important to stray from the usual way of doing things from time to time in order to promote creativity and keep your ideas fresh. So take a chance and step out of your comfort zone, I dare you! 🙂

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Asos

Jeans- Forever 21

Loafers- Zara

Tote- Baggu

In the vault

MILITANT REBEL

June 16, 2015 8 Comments

Though I am the furthest thing from a “tomboy,” it’s safe to say that I definitely have an edgy side that I don’t mind expressing through my outfits. While I do find satisfaction in getting glammed up and partaking in other girly primping activities, there’s something about rugged and less refined pieces that really light a fire inside me. They tend to bring out a “don’t mess with me” kind of attitude that really makes me feel like I can do anything and no one better get in my way. For this look, I decided to use this vintage Marine jacket (stolen from my father from his Marine days) to add some grittiness to this look. In my opinion, bodycon dresses can sometimes be a little too sexy for daytime especially when paired with heels, so I almost always carry an extra layer of outerwear to throw on and tone things down while also making the look more casual. With such a bold print, accessories can definitely be left minimal and heels are optional. I challenge you to forgo the the glam for a day and let your inner rebel out. Girly is cute but edgy is way more fun! 😉

Outfit Details:

Jacket- Vintage

Dress- Urban Outfitters

Heels- Zara

In the vault

BOLD N’ BACKLESS

June 10, 2015 92 Comments

I am a full supporter of pretty much any piece of clothing with an open back detail. Aside from the fact that I personally believe that the back is the sexiest part of a woman’s body to show off in fashion, I also love the bit of mystery that comes along with it. The idea of being able to walk into a room and appear completely covered, only to then turn around and BAM! An unexpected showstopper is what I like to call it, and that was the exact thought process when styling this outfit. This ensemble presents itself very conservative and preppy from the front while the open back detail of the top adds that hint of edginess that no outfit of mine would be complete without. I also thought the horizontal stripes in the top and the textured lines in the skirt made for a seamless transition. For the rest of the look I kept the shoes minimal by throwing on a low pair of heels with a wide ankle strap and my favorite statement necklace. Another fun fact about me is that I have no problem mixing metals when it comes to accessorizing. Because I am not a huge jewelry wearer as it is, I never saw it as an issue. Some may see this as a “fashion don’t” but it hasn’t stopped me yet! Lol. Do you have any unconventional fashion habits or is it just me?

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Urban Outfitters

Skirt- H&M

Shoes- Online

Necklace- Urban Outfitters

Bracelet- Nordstrom

In the vault

BLUE NOTE

June 5, 2015 10 Comments

I think it’s safe to say that I may actually have a leather jacket in every color; and to be honest, I really don’t see this as an issue. As my personal style began to formulate, I realized that there were always two key pieces that I gravitated to when putting together any outfit: outerwear and shoes. For me, both of these pieces are where I make most of my statements, especially since I’m not the biggest accessories girl. To me, this look is the perfect example of how to add a pop of personality & elevate a simple look with one item. Leather jackets are known for adding a bit of edge but when worn in different colors, can also bring a softer element. When creating an outfit, the loudest pieces don’t always have to be used. Sometimes, subtle differences like the two textures in this dress, can still add to an interesting eye-catching ensemble. Are you willing to be daring?

Outfit Details & Links:

Jacket- Wilson’s Leather

Dress- J. Brand

Heels- Shoemint

Bag- Dooney & Bourke

In the vault

LUCITE LOVE

June 1, 2015 9 Comments

Ok, I’ll admit it. Any opportunity I get to wear boyfriend jeans and heels I take full advantage of, sue me! I don’t know what it is about this combo but it is truly one of my favorites. It could be the drastic contrast of the two pieces or just the fact that I am obsessed with heels and will literally throw them on with any and everything. Regardless, heels can elevate any look even on your most casual of days. For this ensemble I opted for a light salmon pair of distressed jeans to add a pop of color for the season, and finished the look off with some multicolored lucite heels to add a bold statement. Because the bottom half of this outfit was so intense, I kept the top half extremely simple while still adding a bit of interest with the cut out tank and faux leather biker vest to match the edginess of the jeans. With this look accessories can definitely be left minimal. I challenge you to try switching things up and reach for some heels even on those more relaxed days. Casual doesn’t always have to equal flats you know! 😉

Outfit Details & Links:

Vest- similar here

Top- Zara

Jeans- Urban Outfiters

Heels- Miista

In the vault

ROMPIN AROUND

May 27, 2015 13 Comments

As the temperatures are becoming higher and more consistent, my focus has been on creating looks that are easy and breathable while still looking put together. The best solution? ROMPERS. Like jumpsuits, rompers are the quintessential piece when you are in a rush or simply don’t feel like putting much effort into your look (even if it looks like you did). This particular romper was perfect because of it’s light fabric and contrasting colors which made it look even more like separate pieces. Want to spice it up a little? Throw on some statement jewelry and a nice pair of heels or sandals and you’re good to go! What I love even more about rompers are their versatility in different environments. They can go from the workplace, to dinner, and even a night out with a simple swap of accessories. I’m pretty sure rompers will be my go-to piece this summer. What’s yours???

Outfit Details & Links

Romper- Topshop

Necklace- Urban Outfitters

Shoes- Free People

In the vault

CHAMBRAY SOIREE

May 22, 2015 13 Comments

In the past few years, the classic chambray fabric has really made a huge statement in the fashion world and I honestly don’t think it’s going anywhere any time soon. For those like me who love denim, chambray is a great alternative for achieving the same type of style without burning up in the spring and summer months. Also, because it is a lighter, more breathable fabric it can help one maintain a softer more relaxed look. Another staple trend we see as the weather heats up are prints. I am definitely a fan of prints but I am typically most drawn to, and most likely to wear pieces with patterns that contain some element of black in them; so these trousers were perfect! I just love how vibrant, tailored, and versatile they are; definitely a piece that can go from day to night. Though the pants were certainly the focal point of this outfit, I felt that the halter neck silhouette and texture of the top made for an interesting and complimentary pair. Now who’s ready for summer?! 😀

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Zara

Trousers- Topshop

Heels- Asos

Sunglasses- Ferragamo

In the vault

NEUTRAL VIBE

May 18, 2015 15 Comments

I don’t know what it is but there’s something about a shapeless, sack-like dress that I just love! Maybe it’s the fact that it looks so effortless, or the fun challenge it is to pair up your best accessories to complete the look. Whatever it is, theses types of dresses are always a staple for me during the warmer months. I love this one in particular because of the soft taupe coloring (that works well against any skin tone) and the breathable, yet well constructed material. When styling this look, I was debating on whether I should throw in a piece for a pop of color, but I’m honestly glad I didn’t. I think the look has a nice subtle chic vibe about it, especially with the use of the earth tones. Dresses like these are perfect for those casual days when you don’t want to make too much of a statement with your look but still want to draw in some attention with your accessories. I like that each accessory works well together while still maintaining it’s individual style and not overpowering the look. That’s the best part about fashion! You can take a western-style hat, pair it with some retro inspired heels, and a rustic tote and create a look all your own. The amount of creativity you can have with fashion is endless so take advantage and experiment! Figure hugging dresses are cool, but give one like this a try; the comfort alone makes it all worth it. 🙂

Outfit Details & Links:

Hat- Free People

Dress- Zara

Sandals- Zara

Necklace- Zara

Bag- Fossil