Happy Halloween!

I'm not one to dress up for Halloween, but I went to a birthday party last weekend that called for a costume.  I basically just took items I already owned and went for a Minnie Mouse inspired look.  It's not the most creative thing I've come up with but I was comfortable and I spent no money putting it together.  I think I'd consider that a success!

Black Dahlia

I feel like now is a better time than ever to break out the black outfits!  As I've mentioned before, I don't really have much black in my wardrobe.  That doesn't mean I don't enjoy wearing it, I just don't like to do it all the time.  I wanted to build an outfit around my flower crown, which was the first one I've ever made.  I had some silk roses sitting around (they were part of a party favor from the weekend) so I decided to re-purpose them into an accessory.  They were way too pretty to go to the trash!

Caged Bird

I've had this dress for years and it's easily one of my favorites.  It's super stretchy so I wore it all throughout my pregnancy.  The fabric is surprisingly thick so it works great in cooler weather.  I even own it in pink!  I had almost forgotten about it until yesterday, when the temperatures actually dropped a bit.  I couldn't resist the opportunity to finally layer up!

What's On My Radar: Current Loves

Yes, the holidays are just around the corner.  But more importantly, my birthday is coming at the end of the year!  As usual, I have already started my wishlist because it's never too early to let everyone know what you want :).  Here are my picks this month:

Modcloth:

Dropping by for a visit dress

This Dear Creatures dress has the perfect print and feminine pleating on the skirt.  I know it's another blue dress (I have a problem), but I think it's so unique and worth adding to my closet.

Sights to Season Dress

 

I don't think I could ever have enough landscape printed dresses!  This one is perfect for the fall and would look wonderful with a bright contrasting colored cardigan.

Retro on the Metro Coat

 

I know I don't have much use for coats in southern California, but it doesn't hurt to own a really cute one on the few days I'd need it!  I think the little bows below the pockets are my favorite.

The Nicolette Dress

 

I love the new collection from Nicolette Mason!  This dress needs to be added to my closet for three reasons: pink, polka dots, and a big bow.  Her whole collection accommodates up to a size 4X which is absolutely wonderful.

Ruche:

Harlan Heels B.A.I.T. Footwear

 

I'm not a fan of a lot of B.A.I.T. styles, but these heels are gorgeous!  A mom on the go loves a cute kitten heel that's practical for everyday wear.

Mountain Slope Sweater

 

This isn't something I would normally wear, but now that Bianca is big enough to enjoy the park I need some casual wear!  The lace underlay takes this sweater from boring to feminine.

Dorothy Mustard Peep Toe Heels

 

I have a weird obsession with mustard pieces.  I own a mustard cardigan that's about eight years old and way past its prime.  I think it's time to replace it with another mustard beauty :).

A Romantic Night Lace Dress

 

I love lace.  It automatically makes me feel pretty!  Unlike my wedding dress, this is a casual take on one of my favorite looks.

Have you started planning for the holidays yet?  I'm hoping to get my shopping done before December rolls around.  Let's see if I actually get that done...

xoxo

Ashley

Three Roses

This dress, by far, is the most worn piece in my closet.  I pay extra special attention to it because it fits well, is super comfortable, and has chihuahuas printed on it.  I was actually saving this outfit for a special shoot.  I wanted to go somewhere cool and take my three boys with me, but that has been nearly impossible.  Heck, this one picture alone was tough enough!  I've never been able to take a picture with the three of them actually looking at the camera but I think that would be asking too much of a dog.  Anyway, this was the result and I'm pretty happy with it.

Bright on Schedule

It's always a good thing when I can actually get out and take pictures away from my home.  I miss the days of just feeling too embarrassed to go out and take them.  Now I need to pick my outfit, do my hair and makeup, and pack everything up while caring for a nine month old baby.  Now that the weather is finally starting to cool down, the thought of taking these little trips isn't so daunting.  Although this particular day was rough.  Just about a foot away to the left my very unhappy child was screaming at me to finish up.  I basically took these in less than five minutes and got the heck out of there!

Flock Together: Roam Free

It's that time again!  I'm over on the Flock Together blog today showing my version of Hannah's cute leopard print top.  To check out the full outfit and how the other girls styled it, click HERE!

xoxo

Ashley

Garden Sketch

I've avoided anything with buttons down the front for the past year.  When your proportions are completely off (no thanks to breastfeeding) one of two things happen.  Either the fit in the waist is perfect and it's completely gaping in the bust, or I'm swimming in the waist but the bust actually fits.  Because I buy almost all of my clothing online, it's just easier to avoid these situations all together.  Since I'm almost finished breastfeeding I've decided to revisit this adorable style.  It's still a tad small in the bust (but not terrible) and by the beginning of next year I'm sure it will fit perfectly.  It's exciting and also somewhat sad to see this period of time end.  I'm going to enjoy these last three months to the fullest!

Mount Desert Dreaming

This outfit reminds me of my pre baby days.  There are definitely parts of me that I think have changed as I've become a mother.  The most obvious one is my body.  While the weight is gone, I don't think it's the same.  Besides that, I think my style has changed a bit too.  Shorter lengths make me more uncomfortable than ever!  I've also ditched most of my super high heels for more practical flats and wedges.  There are tiny moments when I like to revisit my older style choices, which is why they should definitely be featured on my blog when I do.

Nine Months

These months keep getting shorter!  Bianca at nine months feels like such a milestone.  For one, she "talks" all the time.  In the last two weeks she went from saying a couple words on repeat to saying many different things.  She also likes to sing which is pretty much the cutest thing ever.  She's very vocal which is something she gets from me.  Let's hope that's a good thing!



She's been crawling for a little while now but keeps getting more mobile everyday.  She can get to the other side of the house in a few seconds, she's freaked me out a few times!  She can also pull herself up (not so new) but find her way down without falling.  She can also "walk" when either hanging onto our hands or clinging to a couch or table.  I can tell she's really trying to get walking, I think it won't be too long before she masters it.  I am very scared for that day!



I am no longer scared for her low weight.  Her appointment is today, but last we checked she was almost 17 pounds.  She's really chunkered up!  Any food that I put in front of her is eaten, she is not picky at all.  In addition to the pureed food I make her, she now eats little pieces of things I eat as well.  She loves bread, turkey, cheese, watermelon, potatoes, and beans.  Like I said, I have yet to give her something she doesn't like.  I'm still breastfeeding pretty frequently.  I haven't lost any production at all which is such a blessing.  If I had to give her formula I wouldn't have an issue with it, but I'm pretty proud to say she's never needed it.  I think I'm going to breastfeed until she's a year old.  I'm not looking forward to the weaning process though...



Sleeping is still an issue.  She's not even close to sleeping though the night!  She does fall asleep in her crib, which gives me a few hours alone with Kevin and a few hours without her in bed.  But she wakes at least twice to feed which means she wakes up in my bed every morning.  If I really wanted to sleep train I think I could get her off her late night feedings.  Let's be honest though, I absolutely love the bonding experience we have when we sleep together.



I kind of want to freeze this period of time with her.  She's so aware of her surroundings and she's somewhat independent but she's also very attached to me.  Like the last nine months, I know the time will fly but I'm doing my best to enjoy every little moment.  I know I'm going to miss her being this small!

xoxo

Ashley

Lots of Dots

I must admit, these pictures are about a month old.  I've been doing my best not to clog your feed with Bernie Dexter dresses so I've been scheduling them way far in advance.  I feel like she doesn't make too many black and white dresses so I'd consider this one unique.  Unfortunately, it's just slightly too tight in the bust.  I think I need to come to terms with the idea that my chest might not ever go back to my original size.  Getting rid of some of my older dresses has been pretty heartbreaking but it's a must.  I can't live in the past!

Pumpkin Patch 2014

Today we went to Lombardi Ranch, a pumpkin patch about three minutes away from our home.  Kevin and I both grew up in the same small town and we both have fond memories here when we were kids.  Obviously, we had to start our own tradition with Bianca.  This place can get ridiculously crowded in October, especially on the weekends.  Since Bianca wakes us up at 6:30 every morning, we went bright and early.  It was such a wonderful experience and a great first trip as a family.  This marks the official start to the holidays and I can't wait to share them with my little girl.

xoxo

Ashley

Radiant Ribbons

Well, my pink hair lasted about six months!  I'm actually pretty impressed that it lasted that long.  Once your hair is bleached light enough to do pastel colors the possibilities are endless.  Purple happens to be my favorite color so it was at the top of my list.  I mixed my own color here and I really love the results.  While pink was great, I felt like I couldn't wear pink clothing without feeling like it was overkill.  Expect to see lots of pink outfits in future!