A Styled Mind
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Ashley

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In the vault

10 YEARS OF ASM!

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Friday, March 20th, 2015 I finally worked up the courage to launch the first iteration of my blog, A Styled Mind. From the moment I moved to NYC and began building my social circles, the main question I always faced was, “What do you do?” After about 90-days of this repetitive conversation and my peers explaining that “what I did” could not be defined by my 9-5, I knew I had to put something else in motion. My love of style and writing was something that I always held dear throughout my college career, and though I initially considered being a stylist, creating my own brand seemed more tangible and less reliant on the relationships with others. As my mind began to wonder when, where, and how I could start, I began journaling constantly. I would go to work and bounce ideas off of my coworkers, while getting their opinions on names, logos, as well as gain insight to their own interests and what they would like to see. Finally, once I had gathered enough “field research,” it was time to pick a date! In all honesty, I’m not sure if any of this would’ve gone as smooth without the help of my dear friend Alvin, may he rest in peace. Despite being employed by the same company at the time, he played a pivotal role in building out the foundation of my website and shooting my photography for about the first year, FOR FREE. I remember being absolutely delirious after a full day of work, writing my first 3 blog posts to launch, and staying in the office until nearly 10pm getting everything live; but we did, and I couldn’t have done it without him.

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I had absolutely no clue what I was getting myself into, or what this journey would bring. What I did know, was that on the first day of Spring in 2015, I had made the decision to follow my passion for as far as it would take me! To my surprise, I was able to use this platform as a creative outlet all while balancing a corporate job, creating content for some of my favorite brands, and finding a community of like-minded creators, some of which have become real-life friends! I have never taken an extended break, and while I don’t know if the pressure to post will continue to haunt me, I think at this point it’s worth a try. I know that this is far from the end, and I still have SO many more ideas with regards to expanding the ASM brand. However, at this very moment, I just want to focus on this milestone while being extremely gratfeul and proud of how much I’ve been able to accomplish over the last decade. I may not be where I thought, but I’ve gained so much from where I started. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your consistent support, encouragement, likes, shares, and follows over the years.

This is not the end…until next time!

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In the vault

NYFW F/W ’25!

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This NYFW season was all about shopping my closet and not taking my looks too seriously. I wanted to showcase an authentic yet elevated version of my personal style, and I feel like I achieved just that! Shoppable links are listed below, and I’d love to hear which look and/or piece was your fave! Until next time!

DAY 1: WICKED WONDER

DAY 2: POP OF PINK

DAY 3: THE BLUES

DAY 4: SUEDE SEASON

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In the vault

BELOW FREEZING!

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If you reside in the Northeast, you might agree when I say that January may arguably be one of the most difficult months to dress for. In addition to the freezing temperatures, there seems to be a lull within the stores and online retailers as the new-in Winter items are nearly out of stock, and it’s too soon to start rolling out Spring collections. As I stated towards the end of 2024, these add to my list of reasons why I will continue to shop my closet! Subsequently, with each season the voids become smaller and smaller to the point where if I do decide to purchase something, I need to make room for it by letting go of an existing item. I’m also starting to feel complete with the wardrobe I currently have, and love coming up with new ways to style my favorite pieces. Though this outfit was shot last year, it was one of the first days that gave a true glimpse of the frigid temperatures that were to come; and while I did have on a few layers, they didn’t stand a chance against the harsh winds. Believe it or not, only two things from this ensemble were actually recent buys. Towards the end of Summer, I was invited to a presentation where I first laid eyes on this deep plum coat and literally stalked the website until it was finally available for sale. Being a collector of outerwear, and despite having a few long wool coats already, I was able to justify this purchase due to the fact that the cut, color, and weight varied significantly from the others. Another thing I love about my current fashion archive is how much the pieces I own, and gravitate towards, always seem to compliment each other. It’s no secret that I am a lover of Earth tones and denim, so I rarely find it hard to mix and match even when integrating new elements. This patterned mesh top is still in heavy rotation (2 years later), and I simply could not pass on the opportunity to bring it out one more time. These jorts have also been a worthwhile investment, and always seem to elevate any look with a hint of tomboy edge. For a bit more dimension, I used black as my accent shade and played with different textures to allow each section of the outfit to shine in a seamless yet coordinated way. East-west bags are still very much on trend so I did not hesitate to style this beauty and incorporate my everyday silver jewelry to match it’s hardware. The final touch was a pair of old-faithful sunnies, and I was more than ready for a brisk stroll through the city streets! NYFW is right around the corner and while I’m still unsure of how much I’ll be participating, I have no doubt that I will be shopping less and experimenting more with the gems I already own. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

A DECADE!

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First blog post of 2025 and I must say, I’m feeling a wide range of emotions. For starters, this will be my 10th year since I’ve created my brand, “A Styled Mind,” and what a journey it’s been! Countless photos, videos, fashion weeks, and consistent writing has all lead me to this point. Though I’m not sure I could’ve predicted where I’d be, and still feel like I have a ways to go, I am beyond grateful for how much I’ve grown and the gradual elevation that’s come with each year. After a decade, I’m definitely looking forward to refreshing my platforms in a variety of ways while staying true to my core love of fashion, continuing to share personal style tips, and providing encouragement to build a wardrobe that makes you look and feel your absolute best! This was actually the last outfit I shot before the holidays and like the previous one, I was determined to pull majority of the items from my closet. Being a fashion content creator, it’s no secret that I am shopping more than the average person. That said, there are still times when I feel like I have “nothing to wear,” and that is a mindset I am aiming to diminish this year. Not saying that I plan to give up shopping entirely, but I want to put forth the effort to get more use out of the pieces I already own while challenging myself to create new looks and rework those I’ve previously worn. I am slightly ashamed to say that this blazer dress had been sitting in my closet for at least 3 years with the tags still on. For whatever reason, I either forgot about it or the opportunity to showcase it never came up; that is, until now. I was honestly debating rocking this embellished frock on it’s own with a pair of sheer tights, but I figured, “why not step further outside of my comfort zone?!” I also remembered I had this metallic pleated maxi skirt, and despite absolutely hating the first ensemble I created with it, I decided to give it another try. To my surprise, the layering created a chic and sophisticated take on “occasion dressing,” while still maintaining modern and playful elements. Since I chose to ground the look with a classic patent pump, I added a bit of edge with some sleek black sunnies, and finished it off with a minimal box clutch featuring silver hardware. As I enter this next chapter, I’m excited to expand and push the limits of my capabilities both personally and professionally. At the end of the day, we can either be our harshest critics or our biggest cheerleaders, and I’m choosing to make strides that I can reflect on and be proud of. Thank you for your continued support and I can’t wait to see what is yet to come. Happy New Year!

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In the vault

WINTER WONDERLAND!

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For some, while it is meant to be a time of rest and enjoyment, the holiday season can be an overwhelming period of stress. Attempting to connect with everyone special in your life, finish up last minute work projects before the end of the year, and of course shop for gifts, it’s easy to miss out on what truly matters most. That being said, this still happens to be one of my favorite times of year and though I honestly feel spread thinner than usual, I am eternally grateful that I am still standing. To make things easier on myself, I made it a point to shop my closet for most, if not all, of my upcoming festive functions. The pressure to constantly showcase new pieces is something that I’ve chosen to let go of in 2024, while taking a much more realistic approach of styling and re-styling the items in my wardrobe that I love most! Personally, I don’t think there’s anything more synonymous with the holidays than “glitz and glam,” and while I do love to take part when the occasion calls for it, I’m also a big fan of an understated “cool-girl” ensemble that leans slightly more unexpected. This long cozy cream coat is one of my absolute favorites in terms of outerwear, and easily set the tone for the rest of the outfit. I decided to keep things fairly monochrome by adding a thin turtleneck and embellished cardigan for a seamless layered effect. To break up the lighter tones on top, I grounded the look with what have probably become my most worn pair of jeans. Choosing to forego any elements of black to really play up the “Winter wonderland” vibes, I instead opted for silver as my accent color. It’s no secret that I appreciate a minimal heeled sandal, but I’m definitely looking forward to expanding my collection of closed-toe heels in the new year! These metallic beauties never fail to bring an essence of chicness to any look, and they perfectly coordinated with the rest of my accessories. Whether you’re leaning towards keeping it casual, or dressing to the nines, I hope you have a lovely holiday embracing old traditions or creating new ones that will last a lifetime! Only one more post to come before 2025, see you soon!

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In the vault

KNITS + PLEATS!

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Have you ever had a piece on your wish list that you absolutely loved, but took FOREVER to buy?? Well, that was basically the case with me and this chunky off-the-shoulder knit. I’ve known for about two years that it would be an incredible addition to my wardrobe and seamlessly compliment my existing pieces, but for whatever reason I dragged my feet, watched it go in and out of stock, and on pre-order, until I finally pulled the trigger. To be honest, it was definitely worth the wait and everything I imagined it would be and more! Talk about the epitome of cozy, this sweater is beyond soft and the way it drapes on the body provides the perfect amount of effortlessness to any look! Since my top was rather oversized, I decided to add some juxtaposition with a pleated mini skirt. Grey and brown were two of the colors I highlighted in my Fall video series this year, and pairing them together made for a gorgeous combination! From this point I could’ve played it safe and stuck to black accessories, but I really wanted to push the envelope and bring a bit more playfulness to the ensemble. I threw on some sheer tights which seemed seasonally appropriate, and opted for a deep burgundy slingback heel for an unexpected pop of interest. I thoroughly enjoyed the color-blocking of these autumnal shades, and the way they each brought an element intrigue to the outfit without clashing. As if things couldn’t get any spicier, I grabbed a snake print top-handle bag to really take things to the next level; and somehow, it worked! I completed the look with silver jewelry and my rimless frames to match the hardware on my shoes, and could not have been happier with the outcome! I’ve always been a fan of mixing causal styles with more feminine details, and combined with a subtle layer of edge… *chefs kiss.* Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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In the vault

TAILOR-MADE!

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No matter how much my style evolves year after year, there are two things that will undoubtedly remain a constant, my love of suiting and Earth tones. As a self-proclaimed “Fall baby,” there’s just something about Autumnal shades such as brown, olive, & burgundy that will forever have me in a chokehold no matter how many times I try to switch things up & step outside of my comfort zone. Currently, I would characterize my shopping style as, “love it, or leave it;” there literally is no in between. So when I saw this dark khaki suit on a fellow content creator back in February during fashion week, I knew for a fact I had to make it mine! Everything from the color, fabric, silhouette, and structure was absolute perfection; and from the moment I tried it on, I knew I had made the right decision. There’s truly nothing better than feeling confident in what you’re wearing, and chic tailoring will do it for me every single time! I wanted to keep the look effortless while adding a slight bit of edge, so as a rather unexpected choice, I decided to ground the look with a minimal snake print heeled sandal. To be honest, aside from my footwear, I planned to go with all black accessories. Fortunately however, the piece I intended to wear had not come in time so I was forced to quickly switch gears, and I’m so happy I did! This distressed bag has instantly become a new wardrobe favorite, and I absolutely loved the juxtaposition of its casual design against such refined garments. To match the hardware, I opted for silver jewelry and a sleek pair of sunnies to bring it all together. If I had to come up with a fool-proof style formula, more than likely it would always involve a suit. Whether day or night, worn casually or in a formal setting, it’s one of the most versatile, classic, and empowering styles of dress, which is why it has stood the test of time for both men and women for centuries! Comment below your favorite featured items and until next time!

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AUBERGINE AUTUMN!

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While Fall is by far my favorite season for getting dressed, there is an undeniable strategy that is required to ensure comfort throughout the entire day. Unlike Summer and Winter where the temperatures remain fairly consistent, September through December (at least in the Northeast) can come with drastic weather changes by the hour. In efforts to combat this, having a wardrobe stocked with transitional pieces and mastering the art of layering is imperative! This particular day was relatively warm, but I still wanted to make sure I was prepared for any unexpected surprises. Frankly at this point, outerwear is a non-negotiable for me. Regardless of what the forecast predicts, all of my outfits from this point on will be styled with some variation of a jacket, and luckily for me, I have plenty of options to choose from! For whatever reason, burgundy has been having a huge moment this year, despite always being one of the most popular shades throughout the autumnal months. What I didn’t expect however, was the resurgence of this gorgeous deep plum color, and I am absolutely here for it! Because I wanted this satin maxi skirt to be the focal point of my ensemble, I planned to keep my coordinating garments rather neutral. That said, I also wanted the outfit to remain balanced and not too heavy with the abundance of darker tones. So while I did incorporate a sleeveless black knitted turtleneck, bag, and heeled sandals, I chose to brighten it up with a cropped cargo trench and nude sunnies. Personally, I love a look that mixes textures, structure, and fabrics in the most eye-catching yet subtle way. I felt ready for anything in this outfit, and there definitely will be more bold aubergine pieces to come this season and as we move into the new year! Comment below your favorite featured items and until next time!

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In the vault

SHADES OF GREY!

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Grey is often associated with gloom, sadness, indecisiveness, hopelessness and many more “not so positive” adjectives; and while true, has also been a shade that I’ve gravitated towards more than ever this season…(should I be concerned?!). Jokes aside, I never thought so many of my favorite pieces would come in this color, but I’ve chosen to see the sunshine through fog and wear them proudly! Drop-waist maxi dresses have been another huge trend this Summer and while I was determined to find one that suited me, I knew it had to be specific to my personal style. Because these frocks lean quite feminine, and as lover of juxtaposition, I knew that color choice would be crucial for long-term wearability. Black always seemed too harsh given the amount of material on the garment, and any other hue I came across felt too restrictive to a particular time of year. Finally, thanks to an Instagram ad, I stumbled upon the most ideal option for me! The overall construction, fit, and quality were everything I had been looking for and more! As a woman on the shorter side, I loved how elongated it made me appear and the the open back detail served as the perfect balance of casual and flirty. Given the voluminous nature of the dress, I knew it could handle being paired with an oversized bag (another trend to look out for!). I’ve had this leather woven tote for a couple years now and whether being used as a travel carry-on or catch-all for my weekly errands, it never fails to make a chic, elevated statement. Since my shoes would barely be seen anyway, I opted for a minimal wedge mule featuring a structured heel for added interest. Lastly, I threw on my everyday silver rings, and a frameless pair of sunnies for a subtle 90’s flair. I want to reiterate that there is absolutely nothing wrong with experimenting with different trends. The real skill comes with how you incorporate and tailor them to your wardrobe, and THAT is what separates a trendsetter from a trend-follower. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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CAPRIS PLEASE!

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I cannot believe we’re officially heading towards the end of Summer! That being said, it’s always around this time of year when I start to feel like I’m running out of outfit options. Between the heat and no longer wanting to shop for the current season, getting dressed usually consists of remixing older items and attempting to configure new styling formulas that feel just as current and exciting. In all honesty, I was one of the people who swore they would not be jumping on the capris trend. When it came to mid-length trousers, I was fully content with the resurrection of the bermuda short/jort and wasn’t really interested in experimenting any further. However, when I had the opportunity to try out this plain black pair, my mind instantly changed! Despite seeing how many other creators styled them, I didn’t think they would look as chic on me– I was wrong. In addition to the overall comfort and ease, when paired with a heel, they also provided a slightly retro aesthetic that was definitely missing from my wardrobe. Of all the popular closet staples, I think the one garment most of us have in common is the white button-up. Whether a structured poplin or flowy linen, this piece has stood the test of time for decades (maybe even centuries) and I truly don’t think it will ever be “out” of fashion. I’ve had this shirt for a few years now and for something so simple, I feel amazing every time I wear it. It’s the perfect amount of oversized and due to the relaxed fabric, seems to drape perfectly no matter how I style it. To really drive home the “effortless vibe,” I created a tie detail in the front for some added interest. Because my foundation was so basic, having eye-catching accessories was a must! I remembered wearing this scarf the exact same way while on vacation in 2021 and I literally haven’t reached for it since. In efforts to switch things up, instead of highlighting the pink tones in the abstract print like I did back then, I decided to coordinate with a tiny green top-handle bag. I wanted to keep the ensemble fairly streamlined so I opted for one of my favorite, and surprisingly most comfortable, heeled sandals. I layered a bunch of gold jewelry to match the hardware on my shoes, and completed the outfit with an oversized pair of sunnies as well. Truthfully speaking, I felt great in this look and couldn’t have been more proud of how it came together! Is this a trend you have, or are willing to try? Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

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