Ashley

In the vault

SPORTY SPICE

July 17, 2015 8 Comments

In efforts to maintain my casual style this summer, I definitely think I’ve become a huge fan of the sporty chic look. Though the NBA was not my main inspiration behind this outfit, it appears that the paired pieces in this ensemble could definitely spark up some familiarity. I love this look because it is the definition of effortless for me. I really did not have to do much styling because in my opinion, the items spoke for themselves. The loose fitting knit tank brought an element of interest to the look in that it is a fabric not usually associated with the summer, while the shorts had their own surprise with the embellished details along the side seams. As per usual, I added heels for the fun of it and my single strap mules seemed to fit the relaxed vibe perfectly. To complete the look, I threw on my leather 5-panel cap to tie everything together and add some edge. This look may not be for everyone, but it totally works for me! 🙂

Outfit Details & Links:

Top- H&M

Shorts- H&M

Mules- Topshop

Hat- Urban Outfitters

In the vault

CONTEMPORARY CULOTTES

July 9, 2015 17 Comments

If you haven’t heard the term “culotte” at least once in the last 6 months, it is quite possible that you may be residing under a rock. Though used to describe many different types of garments throughout history, currently the term is used in reference to a style of trousers, usually cropped, with extremely wide flared legs. They come in a variety of styles and fabrics and have without a doubt taken the fashion world by storm lately. In efforts to slowly ease myself into the bold trend, I decided to start with a jumpsuit version. For starters, they require less effort to style and who doesn’t love a good jumpsuit?! The silhouette of the garment as well as the vibrant color made for an easily eye catching look that was perfect for the season. To keep the focus on the jumpsuit, I chose to complete the look with strappy nude heeled sandals. So tell me your thoughts on this trend. Love it, hate it?

Outfit Details & Links:

Jumpsuit- Topshop

Heels- Zara

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