Glittering Gold

This is the outfit I wore out to our date night last Friday.  We decided to have a nice but lower key dinner so I didn't want to get too fancy.  I thought a cute crop top/full skirt combo would be suitable for our first meal alone together in months.  Of course, I had to add my new favorite heels.  I hadn't even broke them in yet and my feet were just fine all night.  Everything from my outfit to the dinner ended up being perfect.  Hopefully I won't have to wait another few months to do it again!

Flock Together: Happy Valley

Happy Monday!  I've posted a new outfit over on Flock Together today, make sure to click HERE and check it out!

xoxo

Ashley

Makeup: Products for long lasting makeup

Summer may be on its way out but the heat is here to stay.  We have little to no humidity but those rising temperatures definitely mess with my makeup.  On especially hot days I like to make sure I use the right products before I start my routine.  Here are my picks for a flawless long lasting face!

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer-  I put a pea sized portion of this primer on after I moisturize but before I put on my foundation.  It's a great way to get that smooth canvas so you can build on a "flawless" face.  It's also oil free so it doesn't clog my pores.  I've used other primers that actually cause breakouts!  I don't use this everyday, but it's great for a long day when you don't have time to be concerned with touch ups.

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base-  This stuff is magic!  Unlike the foundation primer, I use this every single day.  I love wearing eye shadow but I hate those weird creases you get after a few hours of wear.  This shadow base works all day and can stand even the hottest of days.

Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer-  This primer is the only way I can properly wear lipstick.  It keeps the color nice and vibrant and prevents awful feathering.  Ultimate plus: it makes your regular lipstick kiss proof!

What do you use to beat the heat and humidity?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Disappear Here

Sorry about the Bernie explosion on my blog lately.  I was saving most of these pictures for later in September to space them out, but I've had zero time to get out and take some new photos.  I've had lots of appointments and Bianca's sprouting her seventh tooth so I'm barely clinging to a normal posting schedule.  I'm glad I have a nice "nest egg" of photos though.  I guess that's the point when you can't get yourself out and take some new ones!

Nothing Like A Saturday Night

Don't let the title fool you, my Saturday nights aren't much of an event these days.  I still wake up at six in the morning and go to bed between ten and eleven at night.  Really, the only difference is I see my husband all day and we usually do some sort of outing together.  This past weekend was busier than most, almost to the point where it feels like you didn't have time to actually enjoy it.  I really can't complain about having a social life as a parent, but I still feel like I could've benefited from a little extra couch time with Kevin :).

Forever Changing

I got this skirt at the Pinup Girl Clothing yard sale a couple of months ago and this is the first time I've worn it.  While I was really excited to put it on, I realized that it's now a little too big for my waist!  I've never felt both really happy and absolutely crushed at the same time.  I have a mini pile of dresses that need to be taken in but I'm scared to get them altered.  Is that weird?  I feel like something is going to go wrong and someone is going to ruin my perfect wardrobe.  I realize I have some odd issues but I also see that my wardrobe needs to fit my body.  I've had more than a few great recommendations so I'm crossing my fingers that my experience with the tailor goes well!

What's On My Radar: Current Loves

I can honestly say that is the first month I've done some considerable shopping since Bianca was born.  Since my pre-baby body is back (for the most part) I've felt more comfortable with buying clothes that will actually fit properly.  Here are a few things that have been on my list this month.  Most are still there, but some have been purchased ;).

Unique Vintage Finds:
Have you ever shopped at Unique Vintage?  They've been around forever and I love their vast amount of pretty dresses.  I've actually purchased more than a few formal dresses and even a couple costumes from them.

1950s Style Yellow Floral Dolores Swing Dress

I'm extremely drawn to yellow yet I only have one or two yellow dresses in my wardrobe.  This gorgeous dress would solve that!

Nude Vintage Open Toe Butterfly Mary Jane Pumps

How cute are these?  I love the color and the cute butterfly detail.

Navy & White Polka Dot Sue Swing Dress

I don't have any dresses with sleeves (it's not really needed here) but I love the look.  This dress is a happy medium.  I think the neckline is really pretty too.

Cream Peep Toe Dezi Wedge Sandals

Wedges are my new favorite style of shoe.  They're fancier than a flat but they're also wearable for everyday life.  The scalloped detail adds a subtle yet feminine touch.

Betsey Johnson finds:
Betsey is one of my favorite designers, hands down.  While I really miss being able to play dress up in her stores, I'm glad she at least has a website!

Floral Cutout Dress

This is a great dress for everyday wear or date night.  The bodice is so pretty!

Charm Popcorn Topper Evening Clutch

This clutch can work in so many situations but it also has a cute kitschy feel.  I really need a white clutch too!

Cake Ballet Flats in Silver

Scalloped glitter flats?  Yes please!  They also come in two other colors in case you're obsessed like me.


Modcloth finds:
I don't think I need to even talk about Modcloth here.  I've been shopping with them for over six years and they always have something I "need".

Promoting Elegance Dress in Bubbles

Pink, stripes, and a cute bow belt.  I think this hit all the things I love!

Saturday Sojourn Skirt

You can never have enough polka dot skirts in your closet!  Since I only have one, this is a great excuse to add this one in :).

Flawless Friday Tights

Tights with a back seam are SO pretty.  And, like the last skirt, it has polka dots.  Sold!

Academia Ahoy Blazer

I love the look of blazers but never actually buy them.  I think it's about time to add a proper nautical blazer to my closet!


What's on your wishlist this month?

xoxo

Ashley

Baby Blue

Do you ever put weird restrictions on your style?  I've had it in my head for ages that halter tops were not for me.  When I think of a halter style, I usually associate it with cleavage.  I'm not really one to show that off!  While I've always loved the style of this Hell Bunny dress, I immediately ruled it out because of the top.  I happened to find it heavily discounted and I was really conflicted about purchasing it.  I figured I would give it a shot since it was pretty much half off.  I'm so glad I did, I truly love this dress!

Seven Months

I know she's only seven months old but I feel like she's a completely different baby.  Last month she was barely crawling.  This month she's jetting all over the place!  There are bite marks on pretty much every piece of furniture in our house.  A mobile teething baby is a lot like having a puppy: So destructive!



Her weight has gone up considerably.  She was teetering on the second percentile at her four month doctor's appointment.  Her most recent appointment she was up to the ninth!  I know it's still pretty low, but any improvement is a win in my book.



She now eats three solid meals a day with breast feedings in between and at night.  She's such a good eater!  I make my own organic baby food which is cheaper but very time consuming.  If I'm not with Bianca I'm making her food, cleaning the food processor, freezing or defrosting her food, or cleaning up her food mess.  I've always looked forward to less breast feedings but I never realized how time consuming it was.



This is less about Bianca but very related to having a baby.  If you don't know, hair loss is a very big side effect postpartum.  I started losing my hair when Bianca was about three months old.  It was coming out in chunks!  While it's definitely slowed down, I still find my hair everywhere.  Luckily I don't have any bald spots but my hair is at about half its fullness.  I did start growing new hair though.  There are baby hairs all over my head!  It feels really spiky and weird but I'm happy it's coming back.



When it comes to sleeping, she's back in my bed.  I felt guilty about this for awhile but I've definitely made peace with it now.  Bianca is our only child and I want to enjoy her at this age.  We all sleep better when she's with us (except for the occasional slap in the face) and I feel comforted when she's right there.  Kevin put her in her crib last week and I seriously couldn't sleep.  I just kept checking the video monitor until she woke up at about one in the morning.  There will come a day when she'll think I'm uncool and won't want to hang out with me so I'm enjoying the days when I'm her everything :).



xoxo

Ashley

Hey, Sailor!

Yep, I'm that kind of mom.  I like to match our outfits... Pretty much all the time.  At this point in her life she doesn't have a preference (or a choice) so I'm taking advantage for as long as I can.  I've always been crazy for nautical prints and both of our closets are stuffed with them.  I wouldn't put you through it, but I could definitely start a matching mommy/baby series.  I think I'll just keep that craziness off the internets for now :).

Inspiration: Summer Outfits

 It's been way too long since I've featured some of my favorite bloggers and their outfits.  I especially love seeing outfit posts in summer.  As someone who leans towards modest clothing, it always helps to see what others are wearing to beat the heat without everything on display.  Here are a few of my favorite outfits this season:

Serli of Le Soleil Chic

Serli looks so cute in her emerald Luck Be A Lady dress in emerald.  I love the cut of this dress and it flatters her figure so perfectly.  She also has the perfect accessories!

Olivia of Her Name Was Celebration

Olivia is young but has such a mature sense of style.  I feel like she is wiser beyond her years in many aspects :).  I have some serious skirt envy over here!  I think the addition of the knot tied printed shirt dresses it down and makes it the perfect summer outfit.

Suzanne of Suzanne Carillo Style Files

I don't wear many pencil skirts but Suzanne's outfit makes me want to get some more!  I love how this romantic silhouette is dressed down for daytime.  The print of the skirt is dreamy too :).

Becca of Super Style Me

I live in crop tops and skirts in summer.  Becca's nautical version of my favorite outfit has been stuck in my head ever since she posted it!  Unlike myself, she does a great job accessorizing her outfits.

Lisa of Lala Faux Bois

I complain about the heat a lot but Lisa lives in Phoenix so I should probably shut up.  Her outfits are always fun, interesting, and desert friendly.  Plus, she looks super cute in hats!!!

What blogger inspires you?  Do you have a staple summer outfit?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Desert Rose

If you've been following my blog for some time, you will know that I'm not much of a lipstick person.  I love the idea of it, but the actual wear is such a pain to me.  I usually stick with a tinted gloss or a rosy pink creme lipstick at most.  That is, until I put this dress on.  Something about it made we want to dust off my YSL red lipstick and work it!  I don't use the word "sexy" very often but I was definitely feeling it today.