Another You

 Thanks to Katherine and Jessica I've been inspired to take my outfit photos in places other than around my apartment.  It's awkward and weird when you haul your tripod and take pictures on the street with others just staring.  For some reason I feel like it would be less daunting if I had a photographer but I don't even know how to rationalize that.  I think it's the nagging fear that someone is just going to run by and steal my camera.  That situation has played in my head more times than I'd like to admit!  But despite my crazy thoughts, I've worked up the courage to take these solo mini adventures for my outfit photos.

Staying the Course

Happy Sunday!  I consider this weekend "the calm before the storm" because from now until July I'm going to be crazy busy over the weekends.  That's not even factoring the idea of moving into our house which hopefully (fingers crossed!), should be in a few weeks.  Short sales take longer than normal ones and there are many things to factor in that are both boring and hard to understand.  So instead of trying to explain that craziness I'll show you my new polka dot dress instead.

Makeup Review: Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Cream

I've probably featured one too many pink hued lip glosses on my blog.  But to be honest, that's pretty much the only color I wear.  If it isn't a nude lip, it's always a pink one.  So when I made my monthly trip to Sephora I discovered this wonderful new pink cream by Buxom.  Their Big &Healthy Lip Cream isn't super glossy and has no shimmer whatsoever.  It's just a heavy pigmented color with a tingly finish which keeps your lips perfectly pouty.

I'm wearing the Pink Lady hue which is what they call an "electric pink".  It's really bright and there's no need to wear lipstick underneath.  I normally bring a chap stick, lip stick, and lip gloss when I go out.  This lip cream pretty much covers them all!  I find that especially convenient when I'm bringing a really small clutch with me.
There are also six other shades (including a really pretty red) and you can get one of your own for nineteen dollars.  Considering you don't have to wear lip stick with it I think it's a wonderful deal!
Do you have any new beauty finds?  What's your favorite gloss of the moment?  Let me know!   Oh, and I also wanted to point out that I did change my hair.  I went purple on the roots that ombres to pink.  It took a whole afternoon (and evening) but I think I got it perfect!
xoxo
Ashley
P.S. I added some more items to my store!  Check it out HERE!

Flock Together: My Heart is Smitten

Hi there!  Today I'm blogging over at Flock Together where I'm remixing a gorgeous heart printed dress from Jenna of Smitten.  If you didn't already know, she's one of our newest members and a long time style inspiration for me.  You can only guess how excited I am!  Make sure to check out the full post HERE!

Skipping Stones

 Well, I did it.  I finally got myself a tulle skirt (or two).  After many searches for the perfect one, I found this gem on Ebay for ten dollars.  How could I go wrong?  Since it came from China it took a good month to get here but it was completely worth the wait.  Maybe I'm a little crazy but I'm dying to wear this skirt over my bikini in summer.  I'm not big on shorts so this seems like a perfect cover up!

Love in the Air

This weekend has been so busy yet so fun.  I had my monthly meetup with my three best girlfriends (us older women can only plan for once a month!) and went to two birthday parties.  There are so many wonderful events in the near future that it's both exciting and exhausting.  Baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, and bachelorette parties.  I feel like it's all happening at once!  What I'm most excited about is my brother's wedding.  He won't be getting married until May of 2014 but we are already putting this wedding in order.  I have been selected as a bridesmaid and their photographer for the save the dates.  I had the chance to take those pictures yesterday and I'm excited to share those with you sometime soon.

Landing on the Sun

   In theory I'm pretty excited for summer.  I love just throwing on a dress and getting on with the day.  But let's be real, summer out here is super hot and dreadful!  By the time the summer months get here I'll be wishing for spring yet again.  While I may just have to wear one layer (and tights at night) over a dress in spring, it's days like this that make me anticipate the warmer months.  

Inspiration: Nails

 In theory, I love doing my nails.  In actuality, it rarely happens.  Not only does it take so much time from my day (drying my nails seems to take forever) but I work with my hands for a living.  So when I scrub into several surgeries a day it's hard to keep newly painted nails looking fresh for longer than a few hours.  That doesn't mean I don't obsess about other blogger's nails!  I admire how some of you ladies take so much time and talent to make your nails look so perfectly pretty.  Here are a few of those talented ladies:

Sandipa of Pushing Polish

I've been following Sandipa's nail blog for quite some time and every post is better than the last!  Her nails are always perfect and she always finds the cutest color and pattern combinations.  Not only does she have a knack for manicures, but if you follow her on Instagram you will also notice how incredibly stylish she is.  She should have a style blog too!

Erica of Sweets and Hearts

Every time I meet up with Erica her nails are always perfect and pretty.  She recently posted her Easter nails and added her own little twist by using a caviar finish.  They look like cupcake sprinkles and are really making me hungry :)

Katherine of Of Corgis and Cocktails

I can't get enough of Katherine's outfit details, and that includes her nails.  My personal favorite is her fox nails.  I seriously wish I had the patience to do something like this!  To see other imaginative nail art just enter "nails" into her search engine on her blog.  I spent a good ten minutes admiring her artwork.

Chantal of Pony Chops

If you've never read Chantal's blog before then you're in for a treat!  She is a beautifully talented artist and it definitely translates onto her nails.  She also has some great nail tutorials if you're interested in trying to do her designs yourself.

Just seeing these wonderful ladies all together really inspires me to step up my nail game!  Do you have a favorite nail blogger?  I'm always looking for a new read :)

xoxo

Ashley

Where the Heart is

This weekend has been nothing but exciting!  Kevin and I found a home that we could both really see ourselves growing into.  Although we live in a wonderful area of Los Angeles that has the perfect amount of city life, ultimately we are looking to move back to the suburbs.  If I haven't mentioned it already, we are ready to start a family and we want to make sure our one day baby grows up in a home.  Especially one with a white picket fence, a vintage street lamp, and a porch swing.  And this house has it all!

Inspiration: Hair

I have to admit, I'm kind of a hair fanatic.  I'm always changing the color, growing it out, chopping it off.  Bangs?  No bangs?  It's kind of a long standing joke at work because I'm known for never keeping a style for too long.  Some people still call me "blondie".  Guys, I haven't had blonde hair in years!  Anyway, I'm always on the hunt for something new and here are a few girls whose hair is pretty much to die for!  I was going to say "dye" for, but I don't even think I'm that corny!  But I posted it anyway so I guess I am :)

Kaylah of The Dainty Squid

Since I've been crazy about colors lately (I'm thinking violet is my next color adventure) I've had total hair envy thanks to Kaylah.  She always has these bright vibrant hues and she mixes colors together to get something truly unique.


Elana of Room 334

I have always loved Elana's hair.  The way she curls it is pretty much perfect and I love her color.  It also looks so healthy, I'm jealous!


Crissy of CANDYPOW

Another beautiful girl with a love for changing her hair up!  I'll admit I've looked through her hair archives more than a few times.  She's changed her hair to pretty much every color in the rainbow!  The best part?  That's all her natural hair!


Mary of Fashion Birds

In my opinion, Mary had the best ombre color.  While she may not be rocking it anymore, her ombre was always my favorite!


Jamie of Petite Panoply

Blue eyes and red hair has always been my favorite color combination!  Jamie is such a cutie and I love her fun hairstyle.  I've told her before that she belongs on the set of Mad Men!

There are so many bloggers with gorgeous hair so I know I missed more than a few of you.  Who inspires you?  And how do you find your next hair color/style?  I'd love to hear your feedback in the comments below :)

xoxo

Ashley

Wind it Down

 I can't help but post all my spring outfits.  While I wear color pretty much every season, spring is really the time to show it off.  I've had this dress for quite some time but waited until now to showcase it on the blog.  It's easily one of my favorites!  Who doesn't love chevron print and a deep V detail in the back?  It's also really light so it's a great dress for summer too.  Which, by the way, is going to come early this year.  It's already in the 80's here!

What's on my radar: Current Loves

Since spring is such a focus right now, I decided to dedicate this edition of Current Loves to floral prints.  I think they're feminine and really liven up an outfit.  Even if you're not into bold prints, you can always add a pop of print to your outfit with a cute floral accessory.  So, here are my spring floral picks:

Ruche Visions of Grandeur Dress

I love the colors of this floral MM Couture dress.  They're bright and cheery and the ruffled detail on the sleeves is the right amount of cuteness.         Urban Outfitters Flower Crown

Especially with Coachella around the corner (anyone going?), flower crowns have been all the rage lately.  I love this particular crown because daises are one of my favorite flowers.  Simple and cute yet it makes a statement :)         Modcloth Neighborly Love Skirt
I'm a sucker for a good circle skirt and this one is at the top of my list!  I love the pastel green color and I really want to pair it with a pale pink top and my leopard print oxfords.       Melasha Cat Floral Bracelets
These bracelets are the perfect touch of spring to your ensemble.  They're so dainty and sweet and I love that they're handmade.         Pink Basis Floral Wedges   I love these wedges!  I've actually been looking for them (they're sold out in white!) for some time.  I think it's the perfect amount of print to a more subtle outfit.

  What are your favorite floral pieces?  And how are you wearing them for spring?  I'd love to hear what you think!  And if you'd like me to feature a specific trend in the future, let me know :)
xoxo
Ashley

Plan it on Chiffon

  Layering is not really my forte, but when I received this skirt from Kristian I instantly felt challenged to do so.  I love the layered look of chiffon but hadn't found the right combination of pieces in my closet.  This tiered top has been hiding among other forgotten clothes because it never really looks right on me. It just so happens that this skirt was the missing piece for my perfect chiffon getup.  Thanks Kristian!

Sinking Sailor

It's kind of odd but I rarely make my way over to the beach.  It's a pretty short drive from home, there are plenty of beaches to choose from, but I'm not much of a beach (or swimsuit) person.  I especially hate sand, but when you have the luxury of a boardwalk it makes enjoying the beach a little easier.  Santa Monica pier is a little "touristy" but when you have tourists with you it's kind of perfect.  There's a ferris wheel, a roller coaster, tons of shops and street performers.  We had the opportunity to enjoy it all and I felt a little nostalgic walking down a pier I frequented as a child.

Flock Together: Lovely Lavender

It's that time again!  I'm blogging over at Flock Together today, this time I had the chance to style Hannah of the Braided Bandit's pastel purple dress.  This is definitely one of my favorite swaps and I've been waiting to show you this remix ♥