Ashley

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Patchwork Patterns

November 12, 2015 No Comments

The patchwork trend has always been a popular design when mixing and matching different prints and/or textures, but this year in particular it seemed to really take off. I first started seeing the patchwork design become increasingly popular in regards to the 70’s trend, mostly on suede mini skirts. Since then though, brands and retailers have been using the pattern on various types of garments and including many different fabrics such as wool, leather, and even fur. So far, I haven’t grown tired of it yet and personally think that there is a patchwork piece out there for everyone no matter what your style is, so go find it! (Don’t forget to click on the images to shop the products below.)

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LEATHER+KNIT

November 9, 2015 4 Comments

Ok guys, I have a confession to make. I think I might be (faux) leather OBSESSED! Leather has always been one of my go-to fabrics when the temperatures begin to drop but this season my love for it has reached an all-time high and I simply just can’t get enough. I have to literally stop myself from ripping every leather item off the racks and running to the register with it, sad I know. For this look, being that it consisted of three statement leather pieces, I had to strategically assemble it so that it was not overwhelming. In my opinion, a good way to successfully wear items of the same fabric at once is to make sure that the pieces are spread apart and/or differ in color. I attempted to practice both methods in creating this ensemble. Because it was a warmer fall day, I was able to use my bare legs as a barrier between the green leather mini and the leather ankle boots (tights or fun socks could also be added on cooler days). I also added a light grey men’s turtleneck (thanks Dad) to brighten up the look as well as separate the leather texture of the backpack against the other pieces. This look was simple, chic, and comfortable; an all-around fashionable win if you ask me! Unfortunately, I don’t know how I’m going to get past my leather addiction but the first stage is acceptance…..right? 😉

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Calvin Klein (via Dad)

Skirt- Zara

Boots- Topshop

Backpack- Topshop

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Neck-Tie Blouses

November 5, 2015 No Comments

As a kid, blouses and other “dress shirts” seemed to be one of the items of clothing I hated to wear most; funny how things drastically change with time. Neck-tie blouses have been a huge trend within themselves, as well as with the 70’s trend, and have been popping up in pretty much all high street fashion retail stores. I love them because they serve an easy way to add more dimension and interest to a look without having to pile on the accessories. Tops like these basically do the work for you and are full of variety depending on how you chose to tie them. There are endless possibilities with neck-tie blouses and they are another chic piece that every fashionista needs! (Don’t forget to click the images to shop the items shows!)

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SHOPPER CHIC

November 4, 2015 1 Comment

When getting dressed, while I am a lover of intricate outfits, I sometimes forget that basic pieces can also be just as chic. On the days where it seems almost impossible to find something to wear, a simple t-shirt can be a lifesaver. For this look I decided to pair an over-sized, mesh detail slogan tee, with leather biker trousers for a relaxed, yet edgy look. While this ensemble could easily be worn with flats, booties, or sneakers, I chose to add a little more detail with these iridescent single-strap heeled sandals. Throw on a nice fall coat, and you automatically look put together and effortless with hardly any time or energy wasted. For me, looks like these are pretty much my weekend uniform. Whether you are running errands, shopping around, or meeting friends for brunch you can never quite go wrong with this look. I think the key is to choose pieces that are simple but have subtle, eye catching details. Don’t forget, it IS possible to be comfortable and make a statement, so give it a try!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- Topshop

T-shirt- Missguided

Pants- Urban Outfitters- Similar Here

Heels- Zara

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Combined Shoes

October 29, 2015 1 Comment

As someone who is a lover of mixing and matching different textures when putting together outfits, this trend is right up my alley! Combined shoes of all styles have been popping up in almost every trendy retail store and pretty much every major designer from Dior to Tom Ford has a version. Aside from outerwear, I think adding dual textured shoes is the best way to add some interest to your outfit especially when facing the colder temperatures. So what do you think about this trend? I personally can’t get enough! 🙂 (Reminder: You can click the images to shop the shoes below!)

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TAUPE TONES

October 28, 2015 5 Comments

This autumn season there has been one color that I have been utterly obsessed with, TAUPE! I have never quite appreciated all of the amazing qualities about this tone, but lately, it has been making a constant appearance in my outfits. I personally love this color because it allows for so much versatility (considering it goes with EVERYTHING) without being too harsh. As it gets colder we tend to wear darker shades, and for me, it has become a great alternative to black while still being neutral. From my previous “thirsty Thursday” post, I gave examples of a few leather pieces I have been lusting over, so when I finally purchased these taupe culottes I HAD to build a look around them. I also took this as an opportunity to challenge myself by creating a monochrome look using similar shades and to my surprise I loved how it came out! Since I was essentially using one color palette, I decided to play around with textures. While the leather pants made for a great base, I thought it would also be cool to add a textured funnel neck top and a fur scarf. The fur piece definitely tied the look together for me and added a little extra glam as well. 😉 Taupe has definitely become a statement color in my wardrobe and I look forward to creating new outfits with it as the season continues.

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Zara

Culottes- Zara

Heels- Asos

Scarf- Online

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GOTH GLAM

October 23, 2015 6 Comments

Another one of my favorite fall trends is dark lips. So for me, it was only right that I build a look around them. After applying such a bold lip color I decided to stick with the “dark” theme and intertwine another trend, GOTH. The gothic look is one that has been popping up all over runways as a tribute to the culture for a few years now. Celebrities like Rihanna and Rita Ora wear the look often and seem to be in full support of it; so I finally decided to take a stab at it myself. Naturally, it would be obvious to include a lot of black pieces, and I did, but I also chose to soften the look by wearing a tunic with navy and white stripes. By doing this, it broke up the harshness of the leather jacket, shorts, and thigh high boots. Tall boots are a fall essential because you can get away with showing a little skin while also staying warm as the temperatures drop. Looks like these can also be modified for winter with a quick addition of tights and a heavier coat. So how do you like the look? I personally think it’s one that I will continue to experiment with, in the following months. Try it for yourself and let me know what you think! Until next time. 😀

Outfit Details & Links:

Tunic- Zara

Turtleneck- NY & Co.

Shorts- Urban Outfitters

Boots- Aldo

Jacket- Urban Outfitters

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Leather Bottoms

October 22, 2015 1 Comment

When it comes to fall/winter fashion, it can sometimes be a daunting task to balance keeping warm and still looking put-together. While layering is the most obvious solution, it also helps to deal with heavier fabrics. Leather is definitely one of those go-to textures in the cooler seasons and many stores like Zara and Asos carry a wide selection of pieces that work perfectly to keep you cozy and on trend. Here a few of my favorite leather bottoms I will be rocking this season! (Don’t forget to click the images to shop the items below!)

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DENIM FLARES

October 19, 2015 48 Comments

One of the reasons why I love fashion so much is because it allows for freedom of expression and an overall fun, confidence boosting experience. Yet with that being said, still, “the fashion gods that be” try to attach rules and regulations; but we all know rules are meant to be broken 😉 . For a long time one of the major fashion DON’TS was denim-on-denim. Currently though, it is a trend that is highly celebrated and much less despised…if done correctly of course. In my opinion, the key to successfully executing an all denim look is pairing together pieces that provide enough of a contrast in color, so as not to look like the dreaded “Canadian tuxedo.” I wanted the focal point of this 70’s inspired western look to be my dark wash flare jeans. In order to compliment the warm tones associated with the fall and keep the retro vibe, I used my Mom’s suede embellished headband as a scarf and my tan block heels for height. I must admit, I am quite pleased with this trendy look and look forward to more mildly cool days so that I can continue to provide some fall fashion inspiration!

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- Urban Outfitters

Jeans- Express

Heels- Zara

Scarf- Vintage

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AUTUMN FEELS

October 13, 2015 8 Comments

FINALLY!!! My favorite season has arrived in all of its glory! I’m not quite sure what it is about the fall that gets me so excited but it is a constant reoccurrence every year. From the leather jackets, to the chunky knits, and rich colors, I don’t see what not to love! On this particular day, the weather was absolutely perfect. It was just breezy enough to layer up and still walk around with a hot beverage without breaking a sweat. During the cooler months I tend to stick to more neutral colors and tones so breaking out staple pieces like my leather leggings and trench coat was a no-brainer. In my efforts to make this a “smart” look, I decided to put my layering skills to use by pairing my sleeveless long hemmed button up with an ombré sweatshirt, which matched perfectly with my grey metal-tip flats. With the final touches of a simple necklace and small cross-body bag, I was on my way. Whether it’s for the fashion or the pumpkin spice lattes, I can’t get enough of this time of year. Enjoy!

Outfit Details & Links:

Coat- Massimo Dutti

Sweatshirt- Zara

Button-up- Zara

Leggings- Zara

Flats- Zara

Necklace- Zara