Ashley

In the vault

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS!

December 31, 2022 No Comments

Another year has come to an end and what a whirlwind it has been! It’s so surreal whenever we get to this point because it’s the only time we truly have a sense of “reset” and starting anew. Personally, while I’m trying to focus on gratitude overall, I also want to take account of everything that did not serve me over the last 365 days. All of the negative thoughts, habits, routines and even people who have no place in the next chapter of my story will be left here in this moment. As I get older, it’s important for me to prioritize healing, growth, and working the plans I’ve made to create the life that I rightfully deserve; and I hope you do the same! I’ve mentioned previously that the Fall and Winter holiday seasons are my favorite, and unfortunately it seems as though they keep flying by faster than the last. Because of that, my enthusiasm towards the festivities was slightly underwhelming and I feel like it reflected in my approach to styling my ensembles. That being said, there was no shortage of sparkle and shine which is really all that matters, right?! I had been on the hunt for a sequin top and actually purchased one but sadly, I was not in love with it. To my surprise, about two weeks later I stumbled upon another one during the Black Friday sales and though it was still a bit more than what I had initially paid for the first option, it was well worth it! The quality and construction of the sequins were infinitely better as well as the gunmetal color which made it more edgy and luxe in my opinion than the typical high-shine silver. In efforts to keep the rest of the look understated, I reached into my closet for a patent mini skirt and layered it with some fishnet tights for added texture and interest. I completed the outfit with a few more “vintage” wardrobe staples, including my pvc slingback heels and houndstooth coat which I honestly do not get enough wear out of! A black leather top-handle bag and signature red lip were all I needed to tie everything together and be ready for an at home or out on the town NYE celebration! I’m leaving 2022 filled with love, light, and optimism for an incredibly abundant 2023. See you there!

In the vault

XMAS 2022!

December 25, 2022 No Comments

WOW! We’ve made it to yet another holiday season and I couldn’t be more grateful and blessed to be where I am in this moment. Of course, not everything went according to plan, but the fact remains that everything happened the way it was supposed to and all I can do is appreciate how far I’ve come. While Christmas is my favorite holiday and I like to partake in as many festivities as possible, it’s also a time of much needed reflection and introspection. With less than a week until 2023, it’s all about strategizing and planning how to make the most out of the new year while striving for bigger and better all around. On a lighter note, I did obtain quite a few standout wardrobe additions in 2022 and showcasing them was an absolute must! Two of my favorite brands did a highly anticipated collaboration and I refused to let it pass me by without making at least a few pieces mine. While this bold fringe dress is honestly a bit out of my comfort zone, I knew that I would regret not picking it up so I did what needed to be done! These thigh-high patent boots were also a recent purchase and one that has truly exceeded my expectations. I’ve been weighing my Winter footwear options for quite some time and though I had already ordered a similar pair during the Black Friday sales, I immediately shipped them back as soon as I received these beauties. Everything from the fit and heel structure to the overall quality had me sold, and with NYFW right around the corner I knew they’d be worth the investment! Because we are still in the midst of the festive season I had to throw in some sparkle and opted for a black embellished earring to compliment my shoes and bag covered in the most beautiful rhinestones. Lastly, I completed the ensemble with a sleek pair of sunnies and was more than happy to paint the town RED! I hope you all are enjoying the time spent with your loved ones and are making lasting memories that you’ll cherish for as long as possible. Until next time!

In the vault

TRENCH TIME!

November 18, 2022 No Comments

As expected, the mildly cool temperatures were short lived and the forecast seems to be dropping rapidly by the day. That said, it still hasn’t stopped me from attempting to get as much wear out of my coats as possible. I believe I mentioned in a previous blog post how important it is to shop at least one season ahead. Aside from just being overly prepared and not left to scramble for the most coveted pieces at that very moment, it also allows you to get the full use out of your items for the timeframe they were intended for. I scored this trench coat (ON SALE) towards the end of the Summer and while it did feel a bit strange shopping for outerwear at the time, it couldn’t have been a more perfect decision. Upon receiving it, I instantly fell in love with the color, length, and oversized relaxed fit that gave an effortless edge to anything I paired it with. Despite already planning to keep my ensemble fairly casual, I still wanted to add some interest with a variety of textures. Another recent wardrobe addition was this black corset that was also a must-have at first glance. Bustier tops have been absolutely everywhere over the last few years and the trend does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. For a bit of added warmth, I layered it with a sheer turtleneck and my vision was nearly complete! I chose to ground the look with some light-wash denim and a sleek sock bootie (I’ll always take the extra height, LOL). While I was pleased with the outfit overall, I still felt like there was room for a few more eye catching elements. In efforts to not go too far outside of the color palette, I decided to incorporate a pony hair cow-print bag and some green acetate frames for a subtle punch of color. Though the year is quickly coming to an end, the looks won’t be slowing down whatsoever! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

PUMPKIN SPICE!

November 6, 2022 1 Comment

Pumpkin spice season is officially among us and I’m ready to dive in! I must say, my Fall wardrobe has me beyond excited to create tons of new content and finally enjoy the cooler temperatures (in the most stylish way possible of course)! Additionally, what I love most about some of my latest autumnal closet additions is that I really took advantage of the sales. Believe it or not, so many items were already discounted during the summer from last year, and I did not hesitate to score some absolute gems (that are still full-priced on certain websites, might I add). I’ve been waiting to finally pull this knit set out for months now and as my first blog post of the season, it could not have been a more ideal introduction! The rich, warm color of the garments accented with the perfect amount of tortoise shell buttons had me sold from the very beginning. Also, in terms of versatility, the styling options with this co-ord are endless and I definitely plan to experiment with them all! This look came together seamlessly and simultaneously allowed for a chance to showcase a few more accessories I’ve been obsessed with! To be honest, I was totally gutted when the heel broke on my chocolate croc boots from last year. That said, it allowed me to make room for a new pair that I love even more with impeccable quality! Lastly, I continued to play off of the tortoise accents with my current favorite sunnies, and a top handle box bag which I’ve had for YEARS that never seems to get old! A few pieces of gold jewelry to tie everything together and the outfit was complete! I could not be more thrilled for the crisp air, hot drinks, statement coats, and holiday activities that are quickly approaching! Comment below your favorite thing about Fall and until next time!

In the vault

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS!

September 23, 2022 No Comments

Accessories, or “outfit enhancers” were never a focal point for me or what I had ever considered a top priority when it came to styling my looks. I think because I’m such a creature of habit, for a long time having neutral shoes, bags, and essentially wearing the same jewelry daily was enough for me and I let the ensemble itself be the statement. That being said, over the last few years my perspective has definitely changed and I’ve grown to see their importance as well as find enjoyment in expanding my personal collection. Let’s start from the top, shall we?! I saw this necklace on one of my favorite fashion content creators and from that moment on, it never left my brain. The two-toned metals, chunky construction, and overall boldness constantly replayed in my head to the point where I had to at least do some research and see if it was a feasible investment. To no surprise, it was not a cheap accessory but it also wasn’t completely out of reach either. After a bit more digging, I found an online boutique that had it in stock at a pretty significant discount and saw that as a sign to pull the trigger! While I knew this piece could literally go with just about anything, whether toned down or for a more formal occasion, I still wanted to wait until I found something that really peaked my interest before showcasing it. When given the opportunity to partner with one of my favorite retailers, I stumbled upon this olive mini dress and though I didn’t get it right in that moment, the color and plunging neckline alone was enough to make me add it to my wish list. It didn’t take long before I went back for the frock and just as expected, my vision was nearly complete! From that brand collaboration also came these incredible shoes and yes, they’re wedges! Though I am a “heel girl,” this particular style is one that I was convinced I would NEVER revisit. However, as soon as I laid my eyes on these architectural beauties, I was sold and knew I needed these works of art in my wardrobe! To complete the look and tie everything together, I decided to add some texture with what is easily becoming one of my most worn bags. Lastly, I threw on some classic black rectangular frames and a red lip for an extra pop of color! I was beyond pleased with how this outfit came together and am looking forward to playing around with a lot more eye-catching accessories as we head into the Fall season. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In Collabs

ASM X REVOLVE!

August 31, 2022 1 Comment

When it comes to shopping, there’s nothing like finding a retailer that provides a “one-stop-shop” experience. From clothing, to accessories, and even health & beauty items, nothing makes me happier than having a seamless shopping experience; and that’s exactly what Revolve provides. I’ve been a consistent customer for awhile now, but things have definitely picked up over the last few years. I love that I can easily shop my favorite brands, while simultaneously being introduced to new ones along the way. They also do a great job of stocking items from a wide price point range. Whether opting for something inexpensive or splurging on a luxury good, this platform has mastered catering to a variety of fashion lovers regardless of their budget!

I was generously given the opportunity to select a few things from the website, which was perfect timing as we’re about to enter fashion month. Not going to lie, I was a bit intimidated by the amount of options I had to choose from. However, after some thorough digging and analyzing the voids in my wardrobe, I slowly but surely narrowed it down to my top picks. One of the pieces that were an instant standout, was this denim maxi skirt. Talk about serving THE DRAMA! This garment was bold, chic, and edgy all in one. I have to say though, upon looking at it and seeing how high the slit was, I was a little concerned about whether it would be “too much” for me; but that didn’t stop me from giving it a try! Upon receiving it, I definitely had to play around with the styling to see what made me the most comfortable, especially since I’m typically not a low-rise kind of girl. That said, I quickly became at ease and completely fell in love! As far as tops go, despite initially trying it on with a black option, I knew that I was pairing the matching shoe with another look and since Summer isn’t quite over yet, I didn’t mind going for a lighter color. Instead of using this as an opportunity to style it with something more toned down, I did the exact opposite and in true maximalist fashion, chose another eye-catching number that I had yet to debut. While this unique construction may be risque to some, in my opinion, it truly embodies the artistic design elements that make fashion so intriguing.

When it came to footwear, my white mules were the obvious choice (another Revolve find). For a minute I was slightly unsure about the bag, but eventually decided on an understated navy option with neon piping. Lastly, I played off of the hardware to tie in my gold jewelry and threw on some cat eye frames as a final touch! This ensemble is definitely in the running for my favorite of 2022 and I cannot wait to showcase these items in a variety of ways. Don’t forget to check out the carousel featuring my Revolve clothing favorites, as well as statement heels located at the bottom of this post! Happy shopping and leave a comment if you also own, or plan to purchase any of my recommendations. Until next time!

In the vault

POPLIN + PRINTS!

August 18, 2022 No Comments

Aside from denim and blazers, when it comes to building a capsule wardrobe, a crisp white shirt is an absolute must! Over the years my collection of poplins has continued to grow, so much so that they’ve even begun to expand and transform into a variety of styles. While the coast is still clear to wear white (just kidding, THERE ARE NO FASHION RULES!), I decided to pull out a new frock that I’ve been patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to showcase. Per usual, what I loved most about it was the contemporary take on an otherwise traditional garment. Everything from the cut-outs to the open back and lace up detailing, which gave a nod to the current corset trend, this dress literally hit all the marks when it came to eye-catching elements! While subtly there may have been a lot going on within this one piece, I still wanted to style it with other exciting items, for a bit of “razzle dazzle.” In efforts to combat the amount of skin on show, I thought it would be nice to balance the ensemble with a pair of snake print knee-high boots, which served as a slightly more impactful neutral. Lastly, I completed the outfit with a Kelly green mini bag that despite its bold hue, compliments a lot more things in my wardrobe than I would have expected upon purchasing it. For jewelry, silver was the obvious choice and my rimless frames were the icing on one extremely stylish cake! Layered with a light trench coat or oversized blazer, this could also be a great transitional look as we head into the cooler months! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In the vault

PRE-FALL PREP!

August 10, 2022 No Comments

Anyone who is even remotely into fashion, or shopping for that matter, knows that most designers are usually at least one season ahead when it comes to production. This means, that although it may still be hot outside, you will begin to see heavier pieces like knits and jackets slowly being integrated onto retailer’s websites and in stores. By this time of year, I am absolutely anticipating the Fall season and strategically buying garments that I know for a fact can be styled during the cooler months. (PRO-TIP: Start looking for key staples like leather jackets, trench coats, knitwear, etc. now because by the time you need them they’ll be sold out and/or severely marked up in price!) Being a style blogger, I am usually in the know about a lot of things regarding upcoming trends and fashion forecasts. That being said, one of my favorite things has to be learning from other creators in this space especially when it comes to new brands that I’ve never heard of or are based outside of the U.S. regions. My slip dress collection has definitely grown over the years, but this particular frock may be my favorite one to date. Aside from the rich color and smooth metallic-like finish, the double-lined fabric and seamless fit were an absolute dream! I’ve always considered these dress styles more on the casual side, but this one changed my perspective entirely and proved that they can be worn even in more formal settings. In efforts to keep it as the focal point of the ensemble, I chose an understated and slightly monochrome color palette to complete the outfit. I opted to layer with a neutral beige blazer, and contrast with a textured black handbag and mules. On this rare occasion, I chose to forego sunglasses but stuck to my usual gold jewelry as a final touch. This ensemble definitely gave me all of the autumnal feels and dare I say, ready for Summer to come to an end??? Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

CORSET CHRONICLES!

August 6, 2022 No Comments

I read a quote that said, “August is the Sunday of Summer” and I’m highly inclined to agree! As we look ahead to the upcoming seasons, I’ve been very intentional about the items that I’m choosing to add to my wardrobe to ensure they are versatile enough to withstand the inevitable temperature changes. In addition to that, I have also been preparing for an exciting Euro trip that will absolutely require some stand-out pieces… but, more to come on that later. Recently, I’ve found myself drawn to a lot of corset and bustier structured tops. I personally believe they are here to stay and will be quite the trend, especially during the transitional periods, since they’re so easy to layer over and under an array of garments. It’s no secret that this particular version was inspired by a few different designers and to my surprise, even at a fraction of the price, the quality exceeded my expectations! The double lined fabric and sweetheart neckline design kept me feeling super supported as well as comfortable, making it an instant win. As a nod to my obsession with juxtaposition and denim, I chose to pair it with yet another set of cargo-like trousers. I was immediately “influenced” when I saw these on a fellow blogger, and absolutely sold by the adjustable ankle strap that allowed for a more tapered look if desired. For footwear, I opted for my trusted sling-back pvc heels and finished off the ensemble with my go-to round black frames which tied all of the dark elements together seamlessly. Since my color palette remained neutral, the option was definitely available to add a pop of color. After giving it some thought however, I decided to balance out the edginess with a touch of glamor and grabbed my newest rhinestone bag as a final statement maker. To match, I quickly threw on some silver jewelry, and another simple yet elevated outfit was complete! I’ve always taken pride in my ability to find and style unique items that pack a punch in understated yet cool ways. Comment below your favorite featured piece and whether you’re still enjoying Summer fashion or ready to jump into more Autumnal vibes. Until next time!

In the vault

TONAL TRENDS!

July 19, 2022 No Comments

As much as I’ve been embracing bold color trends lately, Summer whites, linens, and neutrals will always be classic seasonal staples! I love the fact that my wardrobe has gotten to such a cohesive place that regardless of when or where I buy a particular item, I can always ensure it will align with a variety of things I already own. Though I am not the biggest fan of white jeans, I happened to come across this gorgeous pair of tailored wide-legged trousers and simply couldn’t pass them up! Since they were already so long and voluminous, I knew that a cropped top would be my best option to not offset the proportions of the ensemble. Despite also getting much more experimental with my dress collection, it’s no secret that statement tops will forever be a prevalent garment and favorite when it comes to my personal style. What I loved most about this specific piece was the fitted bodice and puffy sleeves that brought a touch of drama while still keeping with the light and airy vibe overall. To further accentuate this beachy theme, I knew that tonal accessories would be my only option! I didn’t want to over-complicate the look by incorporating a pop of color and anything black just felt too harsh of a contrast. I recently purchased these tan lace up heeled sandals which perfectly matched a wooden crossbody bag I’ve had for quite a few years now. In efforts to compliment the natural textures, I threw on my go-to rings and a beautiful set of gold earrings that resembled the sun and seamlessly tied all elements of the outfit together. With my oversized aviator sunnies as a final touch, I was ready for the chicest sunset soiree and dancing into the night! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!