Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Deadly Nightshade

La Femme En Noir Nightshade Underpinning Dress Southern California Belle
 
Well, it's about that time where I put away my black clothes with sleeves and bring out my black clothes without sleeves. Summer lasts a full 8-10 months here so I have many sleeveless black dresses *but* none quite compare to the Nightshade Underpinning dress from La Femme En Noir. This is a brand new style for them and let me tell you, they really hit it out of the park with this one!

La Femme En Noir Nightshade Underpinning Dress Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Nightshade Underpinning Dress Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Cottage Witch Cauldron Crossbody Bag Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Nightshade Underpinning Dress Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Nightshade Underpinning Dress Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Nightshade Underpinning Dress Southern California Belle
Shoes- YRU
Bracelet and ring- Disturbia

The Nightshade Underpinning dress is made from a really light and breathable bamboo cotton. I was definitely expecting something heavier and was pleasantly surprised. It's the perfect weight for warmer weather. The bodice of the dress has boning all the way around and the closure is a row of hook and eyes down the front. It actually feels like a corset! When I put it on I decided to skip wearing a bra and it was extremely supportive. I will wear anything that lets me leave my bra at home! The dress has a drop waist and the skirt has hidden pockets and a ruffled hem. I love that this dress can easily be layered with a blouse underneath for a completely different (and warmer) look.

I'm wearing a size small and it was the perfect size. I definitely wouldn't size down because of the corset bodice and if you have a big bust you'll need the room! You can buy this dress in sizes XS-5X on the La Femme En Noir website now.

xoxo

Ashley

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Spring Harvest

Lively Ghosts Ivoire Dress Lively Ghosts Gingerbread Corset Southern California Belle
 
You would think someone who enjoys autumn as much as I do wouldn't care much for spring. It's actually one of my favorite times of the year. Spring always arrives early here, so the warm weather (sometimes too warm) arrived weeks ago. The mountains are green, the sun is shining and I'm ready to forget my responsibilities and live in nature forever. This outfit from Lively Ghosts felt like the perfect pairing on my outing to *literally* touch grass.

Lively Ghosts Ivoire Dress Lively Ghosts Gingerbread Corset Southern California Belle

Lively Ghosts Ivoire Dress Lively Ghosts Gingerbread Corset Southern California Belle

Lively Ghosts Ivoire Dress Lively Ghosts Gingerbread Corset Southern California Belle

Lively Ghosts Ivoire Dress Lively Ghosts Gingerbread Corset Southern California Belle

Lively Ghosts Ivoire Dress Lively Ghosts Gingerbread Corset Southern California Belle

Lively Ghosts Ivoire Dress Lively Ghosts Gingerbread Corset Southern California Belle

Lively Ghosts Ivoire Dress Lively Ghosts Gingerbread Corset Southern California Belle
Dress- c/o Lively Ghosts (use code SCB10 for a discount)
Corset- c/o Lively Ghosts (use code SCB10 for a discount)
Necklace- Disturbia

The Ivoire dress is a classic cottagecore dress in a cream color. It's made from a light cotton/spandex fabric so it's breathable and a little stretchy. The buttons on the bodice are non functional (my bust is thankful for that) so there's a back zippered closure. Also, it has pockets! I paired the Gingerbread corset on top for a little bit color. I own almost every one of Lively Ghosts corsets, I love them so much!

You can shop both these pieces at Lively Ghosts right now in sizes XS-5X. Make sure to use code SCB10 for a discount on your order!

xoxo

Ashley

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Indigo

Harvey's Woven Petite Tote in Indigo Southern California Belle
 
It's finally starting to feel a bit like spring and I am ready! The blooming flowers, the longer days and the lack of sleeves. I can appreciate what every season brings (except summer, she's the worst). Harvey's recently released some classic pieces this season that really got my attention. They feature solid colors in fan favorite styles. While I've mostly carried their colorful and/or novelty themed bags, the classics have a special place in my heart. This rich indigo color was perfect for my "it's technically still winter but feels like spring" outfit.

Harvey's Woven Petite Tote in Indigo Southern California Belle

Harvey's Woven Petite Tote in Indigo Southern California Belle

Harvey's Woven Petite Tote in Indigo Southern California Belle

Harvey's Satchel in Indigo Southern California Belle

Harvey's Satchel in Indigo Southern California Belle

Harvey's Satchel in Indigo Southern California Belle

Harvey's Satchel in Indigo Southern California Belle

Harvey's Satchel in Indigo Southern California Belle
Dress- Amazon
Satchel- c/o Harvey's
Petite tote- c/o Harvey's

I'm carrying the satchel and the petite tote and honestly, it's hard to pick a favorite. The satchel is a great size for everyday wear. Big enough to keep all my stuff but not so big that I can't find anything. The petite tote has room for the essentials but is definitely a statement/going out bag. Both have the woven seatbelt pattern which is my *favorite*. I love all the woven styles! Of course, both have inner pockets and a top zippered closure but the petite tote also comes with a shoulder strap that you can attach if you'd like. I'm glad I don't have to pick a favorite because they both live with me now!

You can shop the Harvey's classics on their website HERE where you can find these styles and more in black, melon and taupe.

xoxo

Ashley

Monday, January 19, 2026

Novella

La Femme En Noir Novella Maxi Dress in Cottage Witch Toile Print Southern California Belle
 
Hello 2026! This year marks *15 years* writing here on my blog and honestly, I'm glad I've kept it up for this long. I know blogging is kind of a lost form of media but I enjoy keeping track of my life on here. I figured I would kick off this year with one of my all time favorite dresses: the Novella dress from La Femme En Noir. She looks fancy but she's incredibly comfortable. I guess she's kinda like me!

La Femme En Noir Novella Maxi Dress in Cottage Witch Toile Print Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Novella Maxi Dress in Cottage Witch Toile Print Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Novella Maxi Dress in Cottage Witch Toile Print Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Novella Maxi Dress in Cottage Witch Toile Print Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Novella Maxi Dress in Cottage Witch Toile Print Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Novella Maxi Dress in Cottage Witch Toile Print Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Novella Maxi Dress in Cottage Witch Toile Print Southern California Belle
Hair bow- handmade

The Novella is a maxi dress that's made from a butter soft and stretchy material. It's honestly like wearing the softest t-shirt, it's so easy to wear. It features a square neckline, adjustable straps, a pointed waist, a perfectly draped full skirt with a fun slit and a back zippered closure. I'm wearing my usual size small and it's a great fit. I know the fabric stretches but I don't recommend sizing down as that could alter the beautiful, spooky print. I've paired it with my favorite faux leather jacket from Vixen by Micheline Pitt (which is closing this year so make sure to grab one!) and had to top the whole look with my cauldron purse. It's giving cottage-witch-core and I'm not mad about it!

You can find the Novella in this print and a beautiful spooky floral on the website now in sizes XS-5X.

xoxo

Ashley

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Merry Birthday

Blackwood Castle The Alice Top Southern California Belle
 
Merry Christmas! Or if you're also born on the 25th, happy birthday to you! Being a Christmas baby is weird but I also know that my birthday gets a little extra love from those closest to me. It might be a pity move but you know, I love it haha! Bianca and I wanted to take cute photos before a massive storm hit us here right before Christmas. We had such a wonderful time walking around historic buildings, visiting barn animals and talking to the staff. We used to do this a lot before she was in school and it had me nostalgic for that time when she was a little baby. I'm just glad that our special one on one time is still cherished by the both of us.

Blackwood Castle The Alice Top Southern California Belle

Blackwood Castle The Alice Top Southern California Belle

Blackwood Castle The Alice Top Southern California Belle

Blackwood Castle The Alice Top Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Cauldron Purse Southern California Belle

Blackwood Castle The Alice Top Southern California Belle

Blackwood Castle The Alice Top Southern California Belle
Hat- old
Necklace- Disturbia

Bianca's Dress- c/o Ivy City Co.

I don't wear pants on the blog very often but these were too good to keep secret! I love a high rise wide leg pant and these are absolute perfection. The spooky print got my attention and the great yet comfy fit was the cherry on top. They have deep side pockets, back pockets and an elastic back waist. I'm always a fan of an elastic back because that means they'll fit my backside *and* my waist. I'm comfortably wearing a size small. I had to pair it with one of my favorite pieces: the Alice top from Blackwood Castle. This top is so versatile (I've worn it a few times on this blog) and gets so much wear. Plus, I love supporting them because they are an incredible small business.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season! I'm ready to see what's in store for 2026 and I can't wait to share little pieces of those times here.

xoxo

Ashley

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