Under the Sea

I can't even explain how happy this dress makes me!  Jackie, the genius behind Atomic Jax, takes vintage bed sheets and turns them into beauties like this.  I originally commissioned her to make me a Beauty and the Beast set (seen here) so I'm super excited for the opportunity to show you one of her new dresses!  Read all about it below!











Dress- c/o Atomic Jax
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Underskirt- Pinup Girl Clothing
Hair flower- Niccoco Creations
Earrings- SparkleLux

The structure of this dress is nothing short of amazing.  Not only is it lined and boned in the bodice, it also has adjustable straps to ensure a perfect fit.  Seriously, I can set this dress on the floor and this bodice will stand on its own.  On the interior there is a band at the waist with a hook and eye closure for a nicely nipped in waist.  The skirt is nice, light, and full and it's finished with a full back zip.  I love a dress I can step in to!  Considering I had these exact sheets when I was a kid, I'm pretty sure this dress has quickly worked its way into my favorites.  If Ariel isn't your thing, Jackie has lots of other sheet set dresses to offer and she takes custom commissions as well.  You're bound to get something you want with the perfect fit!

Today is Pinup Prom day, which means I'm both stressed and excited!  I'm spending the day getting primped for the big event.  To get an exclusive look at tonight's festivities, make sure to follow me on Instagram!

xoxo

Ashley

Enchanted Rose

It's been a crazy few days for me and honestly, I wasn't super excited about blogging.  A massive brush fire erupted in my town on Friday afternoon and completely devastated beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and even homes.  My favorite nature preserve, which I also use as landscapes for many of my outfit photos, is gone.  It's hard not to feel sadness for these things, even if my family is safe.  That, along with the terrible air quality, has kept us inside.  I'm happy to report that things are looking better and more controlled, but that could change at any minute.  Here's to hoping that the worst is over and that our hard working fire fighters will get home soon!









Dress- Pinup Girl Clothing
Shoes- Bettie Page
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Bracelet- c/o Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski

I'm going to be completely honest: this is way too much boob for me.  Pinup Girl Clothing has something for everyone and the Lydia is for the ladies who love to show cleavage!  I got this beauty at the Yard Sale with the intention of turning it into a skirt, but I figured I should blog it once before it goes in for its transformation.  I love the rose border print, it reminds me of something Belle would wear.  This dress is a size larger than I normally wear, but since it's only large in the waist (and the bodice is being removed), I wasn't too worried about it.  I can't wait to feature this piece again, once it's been altered!

Anyone here in the LA area going to Pinup Prom on Friday?  I can't wait to get all dolled up, it's my favorite summer event!  You can find all the info on Pinup Prom HERE.

xoxo

Ashley

How To Achieve A Long Lasting Red Lip

Everyone loves a classic red lip, am I right?  It's my go-to hue and appropriate for a fancy date night or trying to disguise the rest of my makeup free face.  The biggest problem I've encountered with wearing a bold red lip is getting it everywhere.  Eating, kissing my husband, child, or dogs, or just plain forgetting I have lipstick on...  I always end up looking a mess.  I've been trying to nail down the perfect routine for my favorite lip color for months and I finally have the perfect combo!  Read my step by step tutorial on how to create a long lasting red lip below:



Step1: Exfoliate
I can't stress this one enough!  You need to start with a blank canvas, and if you have dry lips like me, that doesn't come naturally.  I like to use Sugar Lip Polish from Fresh.  It uses sugar to exfoliate and hydrate your lips.  It smells amazing (and maybe tastes good too)!  You need just a small dab on your finger to get that much desired blank canvas.  While you can technically move on to step 2 from here, I like to apply a thin coat of Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment.  It gives me the extra moisture I need, especially when using a liquid lipstick.

Step 2: Prime

I like to use a primer every time I wear lipstick.  It sets the stage and locks in your lip color, whether you use a long lasting lipstick or not.  My personal favorite is Lip Insurance Lip Primer from Too Faced.  It leaves a nice, quick dry finish.  Perfect for the mom on the go!

Step 3: Line

If you're a makeup maven (aka not me) you can probably skip this step.  But I like to line my lips before adding the actual color.  Because I'm using a liquid lipstick that dries quickly, having my lips lined really helps me define the area I need to fill in and decreases the chances of having an "oops" moment.  My favorite red liner of all time is MAC Lip Pencil in Cherry.  I've been using it for many years and I have yet to find something else on the same level.  I feel like the cupid's bow is the hardest to define naturally, so I like to draw an "X" before I start lining everything else.  Because I already used primer, lining the lips can be a bit more difficult, but I prefer struggling and having those defined lines. Again, this is a personal preference.  You can prime without lining and line without priming, I just like doing both.

Step 4: Fill

Last but not least, time to finish off your look with your favorite lip color!  For this tutorial, I'm using Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Cherry Red, but you can use whatever you want.  I've almost forgotten how to use normal lipstick because I love the long lasting effects from Anastasia's Liquid Lipsticks.  Since my lips are already lined, filling them in with my color of choice is both easy and relatively mess free.  Once it dries, your perfect red hue is locked in!

Tips:

• Lines aren't perfect like you want?  Nothing a cotton precision tip can't fix!  If you work quickly, you can easily erase your mistakes with these fine tipped beauty tools.  If there is still lipstick residue, apply concealer with a brush to cover the area.  I like to use Amazing Costmetics concealer paired with their concealer brush.
• Does your color look a little dull after eating/longtime wear?  While I'd suggest removing everything and starting over to avoid feathering, applying a thin coat of chap stick can help.  I'll blot off with a napkin and then apply the lipstick again.  It works for a quick color refresh!
• Having a hard time getting your lipstick off at the end of the day?  While makeup wipes are great, they can be expensive.  I like to take a dab of coconut oil and rub it on my lips (it can be solid or liquid) and it comes off with ease!

Have any questions for me?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Lilac Atomic

Okay, who completely freaked out over Trashy Diva's new Lilac Atomic print?!  My love for mid century modern prints and anything in a purple hue have joined forces and created a monster.  A beautiful, squeal inducing monster.  I normally treat myself to one piece in every new Trashy Diva collection (if I'm a fan of the print/fabric), but I couldn't help myself this time around.  I ended up with this circle skirt and the new Debbie dress.  Since it's been ridiculously hot and I wanted to showcase a more casual outfit, I decided to blog the circle skirt first.  Read all about this beauty below!











Top- Trashy Diva
Skirt- Trashy Diva
Shoes- Pinup Girl Clothing (on sale!)
Underskirt- Pinup Girl Clothing

As much as I love the 40's inspired prints and styles, I'm a 50's girl at heart.  I love a twirl-worthy skirt!  The Lilac Atomic collection embodies all my favorite aspects of 50's fashion but in a modern stretch cotton.  The fabric is light, breathable, and provides a bit of stretch when you wear it.  The circle skirt is true to its name with no gathers or pleats.  It has a nice wide waistband and large pockets on the side.  I'm usually a 2/4 in Trashy Diva clothing but I always take a 4 in the skirts.  This skirt was no different and it fits like a dream!  I've also paired it with one of Trashy Diva's classic tops, the Trixie in black.  I love the adjustable straps and the amazing support it creates in the bust (you can go braless!), but I wish it were just a smidge longer.  It's too long to be a crop, but too short to tuck into my skirt.  These are the everyday problems a long waisted lady must deal with!

Today my mother in law is taking Bianca for some grandmother/granddaughter bonding time and I literally do not know what to do with myself.  It's been entirely too long since I've had time alone and I don't remember how to act accordingly!  I'm thinking I'll get some coffee, maybe take a walk around the lake, get my nails done?  Any suggestions?

xoxo

Ashley

Grace

Mondays don't feel as bad when you have the PERFECT dress to accompany you!  I featured Hearts and Found on a past Current Loves post and I'm excited to show you all the new goodies I received from her shop.  First up, this gorgeous black gingham Grace dress.  You can read all about it below!









Dress- c/o Hearts and Found
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Belt- From another dress

I need to express how impressed I am with all of my pieces from Hearts and Found.  This Grace dress is fully lined, has adjustable straps, and was completely made to order at an incredible price.  While they offer sizing from XS-4X, I was between sizes and there was no hesitation (or extra charge!) to make the dress to my measurements.  You can also choose the skirt length, I've chosen to have this dress fall right below my knee.  Everything is locally sourced and made in Vietnam, so it takes a few weeks to get to the states.  Considering how happy I am with the finished product, along with the fact that they offer fair wages to their employees, makes it worth the wait!  They have tons of styles with all kinds of fun fabrics for your every need.  Are you as excited about Hearts and Found as I am?  Well, from now until July 31st you can save 15% off your order with the coupon code SOUTHERNBELLE.

I had a fun and relaxing weekend with my family.  I worked Saturday, but Kevin and I had a date night on Friday and a family day on Sunday.  We officially adopted Lucy on Friday, so we took her out to the park with Bianca for some sister/sister bonding.  It truly was the perfect weekend!

xoxo

Ashley

What's On My Radar: Current Loves

Summer is in full swing and I can't top thinking about all the pretties out there for the taking!  I'm doing my best to window shop this month, but here are my picks:

Trashy Diva

1. Circle Skirt in Red Fans Print

2. Javitz Heel in Mustard

3. Debbie Dress in Lilac Atomic Print

4. Jackie Wedge in Poppy Red

5. Blanche Dress in Deco Daffodil Print

I may or may not have ordered two of these pieces in the last week...  Oops!  Trashy Diva is one of my absolute favorite brands and I enjoy both the 40's and 50's inspired collections they offer.  Lately it's been lots of great 50's stuff and I can't wait to wear them!  That Debbie dress feels like it's going to be a fast favorite!

The Dabble Studio

Wanting a brooch that only exists in your wildest dreams?  Then head on over to The Dabble Studio for the perfect custom brooch!  I love Kia, the beautiful lady behind all this gorgeous artwork (she's a Beauty and the Beast freak like me).  If you're not into brooches, she also paints necklaces, greeting cards, and prints as well.  She's the one behind my amazing Beast portrait brooch and I've commissioned her for all of my crazy artwork needs :).

Bonlook

1. Nadine in Pink Tortoise

2. Keiko in Roxy Noir

3. Skunkboy in Poesy Pink

4. Bliss in Rose Tortoise

5. Bombshell in Pink Cosmo

Confession: I've needed glasses for some time but I've never taken the plunge!  I'd only need them at night, but I want them to be perfect for my face.  Bonlook offers a "virtual try on" which really helps when you're purchasing eye wear online.  I feel like the Skunkboy might be the perfect match!

 Bernie Dexter

1. Scarlett Dress in Cherry Blossom Print

2. Paris Dress in Black Colorful Wonder Dots

3. Paris Dress in Red Damask

4. Chelsea Dress in Turquoise Kittens

5. Chloe Dress in Yellow Cherry Print

Bernie Dexter has been churning out adorable new prints almost every week!  I've indulged in some recently, but that Wonder Dots Paris dress is calling my name...

Candy Design Crea

1. Alice In Wonderland Bronze Key Necklace

2. Maleficent and Aurora Bracelet

3. Disney Princess Bracelet

4. Rapunzel and Pascal Earrings

5. Anna and Elsa Earrings

I can't get enough of these adorable Disney inspired pieces!  These handmade clay designs are one of a kind, and if you spend over $30, you can get 10% off with the code CANDY10.  I think I NEED those Rapunzel earrings!

Pinup Girl Clothing

1. "B" Brooch in Pink

2. Peasant Top in Cthulhu Print

3. Erin Swing Dress in Baby Pink

4. Ursula Shell Brooch

5. Jayne Dress in Black

As much as I love novelty prints, I've been slowly adding more solid pieces to my wardrobe.  The Erin dress is such a great staple and perfect for work.  The Jayne is a great date night little black dress.  Of course, I couldn't completely shy away from prints.  Especially when baby Cthulhu is on a Peasant Top!

What are you looking to add to your closet for the summer?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Blue Lips and Roses

This simply feels like the perfect summer outfit.  I've raved about the Pinup Girl Clothing Harley top before (you can read that here) and I just couldn't wait to get them in every color.  White is the easiest color to pair with pretty much any outfit, but there's something about this Mary Blair skirt that makes it feel like a match made in heaven.











Top- Pinup Girl Clothing
Skirt- Pinup Girl Clothing
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Earrings- SparkleLux
Bracelet- c/o Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski

During the middle of summer everything seems to wilt around me.  The intense heat, along with our crazy California drought, makes it difficult for anything to thrive.  Luckily, I have this gorgeous skirt to get my fill of beautiful blooms.  This is the newest color way of the Mary Blair Lips and Roses print and I'm loving the bright blue with the coral pink and almost mustard yellow.  It's such a beautiful combination and I can't wait to find other other ways to wear it!

I'm getting myself mentally ready to go on a bit of a shopping ban.  It seems like every company I love had a stellar spring season and my bank account is crying.  I can't deprive myself from something I love, but there's also no closet space in any of our bedrooms anymore.  I need to practice self control!  I'm going to TRY to work in 1-2 pieces a month and continue to let go of things I never wear on my closet account on Instagram.  Wish me luck!

xoxo

Ashley

Hide in the Hydrangeas

I've been dying to wear this dress again for ages!  This Bernie Dexter dream was the very dress that made me fall in love with her feminine designs.  I missed it in my size when it initially released, but I got my hands on one about two and a half years ago.  The only problem?  I had just given birth to Bianca and it wouldn't zip up!  Once I lost the baby weight I had it professionally altered from a halter dress to a convertible dress with straps.  It's been a long road, but I can finally wear this out.  It's perfect!











Dress- Bernie Dexter
Shoes- Chelsea Crew (similar)
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Belt- From another dress
Bracelet- Old
Lipstick- c/o Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Sugar Plum

This weekend was quite a whirlwind.  Friday was an unexpected date night with Kevin.  We had a nice dinner and a romantic walk to the Disney Store.  I was surprised to see their massive Beauty and the Beast section (thanks to the movie's 25th anniversary/impending live action movie) and I took advantage.  Saturday was a nice day of work, and yesterday I spent the day with my family at the pool.  Oh, I also had the pleasure of shaving Kevin's head.  He's never EVER had a shaved head so I was honored to do the deed.  It was exciting, and you know what?  He looks so good bald!  It's like I have a whole new husband, haha!

xoxo

Ashley

Delaware

My summer wardrobe is all about comfortable cottons in cute cuts.  This Delaware dress from Mata Traders hits all those requirements, but adds a little more incentive because their entire line is made by fair trade artisans in India and Nepal.  As an avid dress collector, I do my best to buy ethically.  For the most part I avoid fast fashion, but when a company like Mata Traders gives you an exact idea who made your dress and where, it makes it an easy task.











Dress- c/o Mata Traders
Shoes- Chase & Chloe (similar)
Hat- Jeanne Simmons (similar)
Lipstick- c/o Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Candy Apple

I love how light and airy this dress is.  The cotton is soft but stiff enough to maintain its shape.  The wide waistband creates a nice hourglass shape and the full skirt is complete with side pockets.  Of course, my favorite feature is the full back zipper.  It makes a world of difference when you can step into your dress and go!  Want to learn more about Mata Traders and their fair trade philosophy?  Read all about it HERE and check out the rest of their spring collection HERE.

I feel like it's been much too long since Kevin and I had a "date night".  While we've had more family time than normal thanks to recent holidays, we've had virtually no time alone!  I'd love to have just one meal where I wasn't cutting up a kid's meal or pulling my toddler from climbing the walls.  This weekend doesn't look promising, but I'm looking forward to a hopeful, maybe even romantic night out!

xoxo

Ashley