Ashley

In the vault

CAMO VIBES!

April 6, 2022 No Comments

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!

In the vault

RED ALERT!

March 31, 2022 No Comments

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!

In the vault

ELEVATED BASICS!

March 24, 2022 No Comments

I’ve always loved the essence of subtlety when it comes to my personal style, and I think the pieces I gravitate towards reflect that. For whatever reason, with me, it has always been more about the fit, texture, or intricate details rather than how flashy a garment is overall. I think this may also be why the items I selected for this ensemble intrigued me so much. For the most part, the majority of my shopping takes place during transitional periods between seasons, and it was no different as I refreshed my wardrobe for Spring! When I came across this shirt I was immediately attracted to the beautiful shade of blue, as well as how chic the deconstructed design was on such a traditional piece. The composition allowed for a relaxed and airy fit throughout the shoulders, while the nipped in waist offered a gorgeous silhouette that made this not-so-simple button down one to be remembered. I decided to pair my top with another structured showstopper and can we say, “match made in heaven?!” I fell in love with these croc embossed faux leather trousers towards the end of last year, and when I saw that they had finally gone on sale, I knew I had to make them mine! The tailoring and voluminous shape of the pant really elevated this look in a way that was so unexpectedly perfect, I barely needed any accessories at all! In most cases, I have no qualms with letting the clothing speak for itself, however this outfit deserved a few more accents that could make it even more special. I had been anxiously waiting to style this metallic beaded bag, and could not have picked a better moment! To complete the look I added some silver framed sunnies and matching jewelry to keep everything consistent. Lastly, for footwear, I added a black pair of lucite heels which grounded the outfit seamlessly without taking away from any of the other standout pieces. I am thrilled with how every element complimented each other, and cannot wait to wear this out and about! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

SPRING NEUTRALS!

March 17, 2022 No Comments

Spring is just about here and I couldn’t be more excited to refresh my wardrobe and get back to showcasing some of my favorite new-in pieces! After doing a ton of shopping last month and getting inspired by all of the designers who presented collections during New York, Milan, and Paris fashion week, I was having a hard time trying to figure out which looks I wanted to style first! In my opinion, this ensemble was the best choice to kick off the season as the garments are literally embossed with a quilted floral pattern; I mean, what could be more perfect?! That said, I also wanted to give one final nod to neutrals before we get hit with a full blast of saturation from all of the color-rich trends that seem to be flooding the in-store and online retailers. When I first saw this co-ord set, I was instantly intrigued and knew it would make for a subtle yet eye-catching statement. With 50% of the outfit already established, all I had to do was figure out how I wanted to layer and accessorize to complete my vision. I recently purchased this cropped white shirt, that I already know will soon become a staple in my closet. I love that the shoulder pads allow the top to maintain it’s structure while also adding an elevated twist to a classic everyday piece. Because I was working with a fairly light color palette overall, I had to be very strategic and mindful of my contrasting elements. In efforts to provide a bit of balance to offset the mini skirt, I threw on my tall leather boots in a beige tone which added a casual juxtaposition to the more feminine details. I completed the styling by adding a gorgeous wine-colored bag for a pop of color and a pair of sharp cat eye frames with a tortoise design. I truly enjoyed this look and it definitely has me ready for longer days, warmer temperatures, and the beauty of seeing everything in bloom! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

SUIT YOURSELF!

February 2, 2022 1 Comment

As we navigate through the final months of Winter, I find myself experimenting with alternative layering methods in efforts to stay warm while looking chic. I also think I’ve finally gotten to a point where I’m ready to put away most of my sweater dresses and chunkier knits for the time being. That said, weather appropriate dressing is still my focus and crucial to surviving the season. I’ve always been a huge fan of trousers and had an appreciation for classic tailoring. Suiting is great because you can easily look put together whether pairing the garments as a set or wearing them individually. I had been waiting for the perfect moment to style this abstract marble knit and when I recently came across this dark chocolate suit, I knew it would be a match made in heaven! Various shades of green have also been extremely popular over the last few years so having the opportunity to compliment them with this ensemble was very exciting. For the most part, the work was already done for me, which is the beauty of styling co-ords. Since the palette I was working with, aside from my top, was fairly dark I wanted to highlight all of the sage tones and incorporated a mini bag to do so. Streaks of gold also seemed to run through the pattern, so I made sure to accent that with my jewelry choices and a bold pair of twisted hoops appeared to be the best option. Lastly, I completed the outfit with cool-toned brown frames and sleek black sock boots for a slightly understated contrast. Sometimes the best looks are those that come together with the least amount of stress and this was no exception. Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

In the vault

MELLOW IN YELLOW!

January 27, 2022 No Comments

Two themes have stayed consistent throughout my Winter wardrobe and that has been bold color and knits. I mentioned in my previous blog post that there is a beauty in this pairing as it truly allows all of the texture and details to shine through, which enhances the look overall. Sweater dresses are definitely my crutch when it comes to the colder months, because no matter how many I add to my collection, I can always find room for one more. Excuses aside, I must say, this one was vastly different from the various neutral hues I currently have in my wardrobe. The vibrancy, intricate pattern, and fringe hem that gave this frock the most amazing movement, sold me from the very beginning! Because this piece was such a statement on it’s own, I knew that allowing it to remain the focal point of the ensemble would be an easy task. To avoid giving “bumble bee chic,” I opted to use brown as my contrasting shade instead of black. There are certain items that really end up solidifying themselves as staples and this coat is no exception! I’ve had it for quite a few years now and it has without a doubt lived up to the hype in every way. With every season I find a place for it and it has yet to disappoint. In my opinion, another tell of a good buy is how well it compliments the new additions to your closet year after year. I’ve been loving these chocolate croc-embossed boots since the day they were delivered to me and I absolutely adored how they grounded the outfit with a subtle edge. For accessories, I was super excited to break out my new frames which were a treat to myself after a successful 2021. To emphasize the hardware on them, I grabbed a few gold jewelry pieces and was beyond pleased with how everything came together. Another simple, yet effective styling for the books! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

In the vault

IN LIVING COLOR!

January 21, 2022 No Comments

This is probably the first Winter season that I have made a conscious effort not to allow the freezing temperatures and gloomy days to affect my mood and as a result, my wardrobe. Now don’t get me wrong, I thrive when it comes to styling black and/or neutral pieces. However, this year, I wanted to challenge myself to allow some bolder colors to have their moment to shine; who said we had to wait for Spring anyway??? To my surprise, many retailers appear to be on the same wavelength as I’ve been seeing TONS of bright hues flooding the shelves and websites lately. Personally, I love seeing the juxtaposition of highly saturated garments in cold-weather fabrics. It’s just something about it that makes dressing for slightly unfavorable weather conditions that much more exciting! During this particular online shopping session, I was instantly drawn to the most gorgeous lilac knitted vest and vibrant fuchsia trousers. While to some, this pairing could be a bit much, for me it was the perfect combination. Because the top was more on the pastel side, it didn’t compete with the vividness of the pants and instead allowed them to be the focal point of the ensemble. I really didn’t want to weigh the look down, so I knew there would be no room for darker shades. Instead, I chose to lean on beige and cream tones to seamlessly tie everything together. Another thing I love about working with lighter colors during the colder months is that you get the opportunity so see all of the intricate details within the textures. To incorporate that cozy essence, I opted for a cropped shearling jacket and completed the outfit with a more rugged croc-embossed boot for a slight contrast. Lastly, I accessorized with a pair of pearlescent chandelier earrings and tan oversized sunnies. In my opinion, this look couldn’t have turned out better and it’s one I definitely plan to recreate very soon! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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A FRESH START!

January 7, 2022 1 Comment

Kicking off the year with an easy yet effective ensemble! In my opinion, having a good sense of fashion isn’t only about being knowledgeable of the history and picking the right clothing, but having the foresight to see how you can repurpose it in a variety of ways to create more than one look. On this particular shopping trip, I was honestly having trouble selecting pieces that I actually loved. So after picking up and putting down a few garments, I made one final lap around the store and immediately stopped in my tracks when I saw this cardigan; which I somehow managed to overlook more than once. Initially it struck me as a somewhat vintage-inspired item that didn’t really mesh well with my personal style. That said, after some quick thinking, a multitude of ideas began to flood my mind. While I am a fan of the over-sized trend, I do think that at times in can become hard to decipher what looks intentional versus just too big. In this case however, it worked to my advantage because I chose to size up and wear this long-line knit as a dress. Being that the “frock” was now the focal point of my outfit, I knew it wouldn’t take much effort to find other complimentary pieces. To truly emphasize the cream shade and further highlight the stark contrast, I layered a thin black turtleneck underneath and grabbed my favorite thigh high leather boots. My accessories were also a no-brainer, considering I really wanted to compliment the gold button detailing. Thus, I incorporated matching jewelry and a bag that featured similar metallic hardware. As a final touch, I threw on some large aviator sunnies and a bold red lip which gave a nod to the more classic elements. Since we are in the midst of Winter, of course this outfit can also be paired with tights as well as an overcoat and/or scarf for added warmth! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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GOODBYE 2021!

December 30, 2021 No Comments

We made it friends! Another year down, and I couldn’t be happier with how far we’ve come. Despite the uncertainties, setbacks, and struggles along the way, there was also a tremendous amount of growth, reflection, and lessons learned. I am beyond excited to step into 2022 with the same goals, but a slightly updated perspective. I am challenging myself to recognize and appreciate every win no matter how small, while continuing to create content that I am proud of. I decided to close out this chapter with a more understated New Year’s Eve ensemble. Unfortunately, the majority of us are still limiting contact with large groups and though the celebrations will continue, there will be quite a few modifications in place. Personally, I’m planning to stay home which is why I thought this was a fitting outfit for my casual festivities. Though I experimented with quite a few bold colors over the last 12 months, a monochrome black look will always have a permanent place in my heart. During a last minute shopping run, I was able to find this sparkly tube top and a satin midi skirt, which to my surprise, I didn’t already have in my wardrobe. Though purchasing new items is essentially a part of my job, I will always encourage recycling the pieces in your closet to fully get your cost per wear as well as increase sustainability. That being said, I completed the look with some of my favorite staples that I’ve shown on several occasions. Aside from the oversized blazer which I’ve only had for a few months, all of my accessories are oldies but goodies! My chandelier earrings, chain mail bag, and rhinestone heeled sandals have yet to let me down or clash with my ever-evolving style. Lastly, for added holiday drama, I grabbed a pair of minimal sunnies and threw on a bold red lip. Effortlessly chic is exactly how I want to move on from 2021 and I’d have to say, I think I succeeded! Comment below your favorite featured item and I’ll see you in the new year!

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‘TIS THE SEASON!

December 23, 2021 1 Comment

Another year has flown by and now that we’re just days away from Christmas, I can honestly say that my sense of gratitude is at an all time high. As a society, we have endured so much over the last 24 months and though tomorrow is always uncertain, I feel incredibly blessed that I am able to do a bit of celebrating with my family and friends this year. On to more lighthearted topics, I am also extremely proud of myself for getting my gift shopping done early and not waiting until the very last minute. This is unfortunately something I typically do which in a weird way adds to the excitement of the holidays. However, this season, I wanted to take a different approach and get it out of the way so that I could focus on the things that matter most. TIME. We all know the saying, “time flies when you’re having fun,” but we’ve also learned that during the moments that aren’t the most pleasant, it seems to move just as quickly. Appreciating loved ones while enjoying the moments spent together are what should be cherished in this life and never taken for granted. Whether I’m looking for presents or not, I’ll forever make the effort to run around the city and browse different stores mainly to see the decorative window displays and festive garnishing. That said, it was only right that I close out 2021 with at least one shoot in a mall setting. The lights, trees, and music made for an absolutely magical backdrop, and I was quite pleased with the overall outcome. I had recently purchased this bright green cut-out knit which I thought would be the perfect piece for any casual holiday gatherings that I might attend. To mimic the wrap detail on my top, I paired it with light-washed denim featuring a similar asymmetric button closure. For outerwear, I grabbed an old multicolored faux fur coat that I’ve had in my collection for nearly a decade! I take pride in being able to re-wear and style pieces in my wardrobe that I frankly forgot about, while giving them a new life in a more contemporary way. I finished off the ensemble with a pair of metallic heels and silver jewelry for some additional sparkle. Realistically, despite a possible change in footwear, I would absolutely wear this outfit while partaking in any of the merry activities this season has to offer. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time! Happy Holidays!!!