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

Friday, December 19, 2025

McCallister

Selkie The McCallister Cupid Dress Southern California Belle
 
Can you believe it? We are almost finished with 2025! The year has been *something* but overall I've really enjoyed the memories I've made with my family and the opportunities I've had as a creator. It's probably the main reason why I haven't had as much time to post here! While it's been a little quieter, I'm still happy to update this blog with my favorite outfits and this Selkie dress has a special place in my heart. I wore it for our 2025 holiday cards and decided to snap a few solo shots for this post. If you read my last blog, this is the exact same dress but in a holiday themed plaid print.

Selkie The McCallister Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The McCallister Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The McCallister Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The McCallister Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The McCallister Cupid Dress Southern California Belle
Dress- Selkie

As I've mentioned before, the Cupid dress from Selkie is probably my favorite style they offer. Although you can't wear a bra underneath (due to the corset back) I feel like the bodice is extremely supportive. In the Bats version of this dress I took a medium, which I now realize was a mistake. I'm wearing my usual size small in this version and it fits so much better! I ended up getting the small in the Bats too because I was swimming in the medium. I also decided not to bustle the sides of the dress to show you what it looks like unpinned. I think I like the bustled option better but I love that it has a bit of versatility. Unfortunately, this dress is currently sold out but they make it in many colors and prints. I can't decide if that's a good thing or not (definitely not for my wallet).

I'm planning on one more post for the year but in case it doesn't work out, I want to say happy holidays! I know this year was tough for so many of us and I'm just glad that you're here and that we get to connect in this very small but very meaningful way. Sending you the best for the rest of the year and for 2026!

xoxo

Ashley

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Sky Full of Bats

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle
 
Now that I've mourned the passing of Halloween this year I can focus on other things: mostly spooky inspired things. Selkie recently dropped this Bats and the Bees print so of course I had to grab something to add to my collection. This is my first Cupid dress from them but certainly not my last. I feel like an absolute princess!

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle
Dress- Selkie
Hat- old
Bracelet- Forever 21

The Cupid dress has so many stunning features that I don't know where to start! The bodice is a true corset with boning and a lace up back. The bust features underwire and bust cups (not my favorite) and the skirt is voluminous with the option to bustle it. I'm currently wearing it bustled but it looks beautiful on its own.

What I love: The print is my favorite print Selkie has ever offered. It's feminine but also spooky so it speaks right to my soul. I love the corset bodice. I'm not wearing anything underneath and I feel gorgeous and comfortable. I will also buy everything with a basque waist because it's always flattering on me. I truly love so many things about this dress and hope to add more to my closet soon!

What I'm not loving: As I mentioned earlier, the bust cups. I know that every body is different and unfortunately, I have to size up to get my bust to fit into cups. I'm a straightforward size small in Selkie but I sized up to a medium for this one. I kinda wish I hadn't because I can completely close the corset back and it still feels big. I'm also not a big fan of the gold lace trim but I can live with that.

You can find many different pieces in this print and lots of other Cupid dresses on the Selkie website now. What version of the Cupid dress should I grab next?

xoxo

Ashley
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...