Best of 2017

How are we already at the end of another year?  2017 hasn't been too kind to a lot of people (including myself), but I want to focus on the positive and look towards the future with good intentions.  As for my blog, 2017 was a fun, steady year filled with great outfits!  I'm going to highlight some of my (and your) favorite outfits of the year below.  Enjoy!

• Seville
• Strawberry
• Lemon Hepburn
• Berry Chantilly

• Hamilton
• Lemon Seville
• Pirate Treasure
• May the Fourth Be With You

• Monroe
• Almira
• Birds of a Feather
• Terrarium

• Budding Beauties
• Wildflowers
• Arana
• Happy Skulls

• Haunted Hill
• Magenta Floral
• Carousel
• Nicely Festive

This year was definitely a bit transitional.  I cut out some brands with poor ethical standards and added in some new woman-owned small businesses.  Trashy Diva, The Pretty Dress Company, Vintage Inspired by Jackie, and Stop Staring continue to be strong contributors to my style.  I found a new love for Sarsparilly and Ebone and Ivory, and I look forward to expanding my closet to other new-to-me shops in 2018!  1940's and 1950's styles are still my thing, but I feel like I might try to experiment outside my style niche next year.  Accessorizing was still a challenge (as it is every year) but I'm forever making a small but steady progress.

As for me personally, I lost one of my dogs this year.  While it's still incredibly painful, I'm working to getting myself to a better place.  I'm also looking for full time work, which is really scary when you've been out of the game for four years!  Things feel like they're rapidly changing (I mean, Bianca is going to be four next week) and I'm just trying to ride that wave and accept whatever 2018 has in store for me.

I hope this year has been a wonderful time to learn and grow and I'm hoping 2018 has nothing but the best for you!  If there's anything you'd love to see happen in 2018 with my blog, please let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Rosemary

It's always fun to step out of my comfort zone and for me, that usually means a wiggle dress.  Stop Staring knows exactly how to compliment your curves so I had to get my hands on their Rosemary dress!  Perfectly fitted with a two-tired peplum, it's the perfect combination of sexy and cute.











Dress- c/o Stop Staring
Shoes- c/o Restricted Shoes
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red

The Rosemary fitted dress is made from a stretch fabric and features short sleeves with a button detail, a faux button down bodice, pencil skirt with a slit in the back, and a full back zippered closure.  I was easily able to step into this dress, which is perfect when your hair and makeup is already done.  I took my usual size small and it hugged me in all the places!  If you shop with Stop Staring between now and December 25th, you can get 35% off  sitewide with the code XMAS35.

I had to pair my dress with these Restricted Chatroom heels in blue.  I think red looks amazing with this beautiful powder blue.  The Chatroom heel is a Mary Jane style with a thick strap and button closure.  The heel is three inches, but you can't even tell because they are so comfortable.  The Chatroom also comes in a black and whiskey color, which I will be adding to my closet in no time!  Plus, you can get 25% off any regular priced styles with the coupon code SOCALIBELLE25 until January 31st, 2018.  Happy shopping and I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

xoxo

Ashley

Candy Cane

I have this problem where things get stuffed into my closet and don't see the light of day.  Unfortunately, this gorgeous Hearts and Found dress is one of those very tragedies.  I was doing some random organizing last week when this candy cane dream of a dress popped up.  I received this Lana dress last year in hopes I'd be wearing it on my birthday.  While I didn't get the opportunity to show it off in 2016, I feel like this year needed a lot more cheer.  It was just meant to be!













Dress- c/o Hearts and Found
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Bag- Betsey Johnson
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Belt- From another dress
Lipstick- c/o Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Candy Apple

The Lana dress features a fitted bodice with 1.5" straps, fully lined skirt (that's pleated in the front and gathered in the back) with hidden side pockets, and a back zippered closure.  As always, I give Marjorie my measurements and she creates the perfect custom dress for me... At no additional charge!  This dress is under $100 which I think is super affordable for a custom made garment.  Just a little FYI, if you purchase more than one item from her shop right now you'll get an extra 30% off!  I have a feeling I'll be ordering some more goodies this week...

Anyone else getting super excited about Christmas?  For those who don't know, it's also my birthday so I literally wait all year for this momentous occasion.  I gave my husband a pretty extensive Christmas/birthday list so I have no idea what he has under the tree for me.  But the best part?  Watching Bianca open up all her gifts and seeing her excited reactions.  Santa gave her exactly what she asked for and I can't wait for her to open it!

xoxo

Ashley

What's On My Radar: Current Loves

Maybe it's the time of year (or just my brain all the time) but my mind is all about finding fun goodies for my friends, family, and myself!  With Christmas just one week away, my window shopping habits have me searching for fun new outfits, original artwork, and pretty much everything with a Porg on it.  Find out exactly what's tickling my fancy in this month's picks below!

Mint Green Sewing Machine

1. 1950's Style Panel Skirt in Retro Christmas Ornaments
2. 1950's Style Celestial Mod Atomic Novelty Print Skirt
3. 1950's Style Rotary Telephones Novelty Print Skirt
4. 1950's Style Spring Meadow Flowers and Butterflies Novelty Print Skirt

My lovely BFF Sammi has to take the credit for exposing me to Mint Green Sewing Machine.  This wonderful shop boasts the cutest novelty print skirts!  While I'm pretty much in love with them all, that Atomic skirt is truly calling my name.  They also sell fabric kits, in case you want to make the skirt yourself.  Is that genius or what?

JoeBot

1. The Little Secret Agent
2. We All Float Down Here
3. The Little God of Mischief
4. The Little Scavenger
5. When Doves Cry
6. My Little Poker Face

Oh Joebot, you truly have my heart!  His artwork is proudly displayed on my walls at home, so I'm always looking to see what's new in his shop.  I have a hard time choosing but these are my current favorites.  I'm pretty sure Bianca needs the Loki one in her room!

Hearts and Found

1. Grace Dress Green "The Perfect Match" Matchbox Print
2. Penelope Dress Black "Botanical Bloom" in Big Floral Roses and Flowers
3. Penelope Dress "Golden Christmas" Xmas Ornaments by YourSewingBasket
4. Loretta Dress "Cheery Cherry" Fruit Novelty Print on Bright Red

Hearts and Found is killing me with their new novelty prints!  Their matchbox print is at the top of my wishlist, but I'm also looking to add some winter florals to my wardrobe.  If you haven't ordered from them before, their clothing is made to order (and custom measurements are free of charge!).

Luxulite

1. Winter Collection Fluffy Mitten Brooch
2. Confetti Lucite Scalloped Glitter Bangles
3. Winter Collection Christmas Snowflake Brooch
4. Winter Collection Christmas Brooch
5. Killer Atomic Drop Earrings
6. Festive Spider Pin Brooch

As a longtime collector of Luxulite goodies, I'm always impressed with Katy's designs.  I love what she released for the holidays because they're festive but can easily be worn all year around.  I feel like I need a spider brooch in every color she makes, I seriously wear my blue one like once a week!

Trashy Diva

1. Tuxedo Dress
2. Re-Mix Playtime 2
3. Pagoda Umbrella
4. Shooting Star Clutch
5. Ruby Middy Dress
6. Chelsea Crew Jojo Heel
7. Rosita Bonita Twin Tassel Earrings

Trashy Diva's new Tuxedo collection is so classic and versatile.  As a huge fan of their Tuxedo dress (I have the Mime Time version), I was really excited to see it released in a solid.  I love how you can keep it simple or accessorize with bright, fun colors!

 Star Wars

1. Sphero Star Wars BB-8 App-Enabled Droid with Trainer
2. Funko POP! Star Wars: The Last Jedi Kylo Ren Mini Figure
3. Star Wars: The Last Jedi Porg Plush
4. Star Wars Porg Short Sleeve T-Shirt
5. Star Wars Forces of Destiny Endor Adventure
6. POP! Home: Star Wars Chewbacca Mug

Anyone else love Star Wars as much as I do?  When new movies come out, new merch is everywhere and that makes me so happy!  I'm all about Porgs (why aren't they real?!) and I miiiiight already own that shirt.  But I guess nobody is surprised about that, haha!


What's on your list this month?  More importantly, have you finished Christmas shopping yet?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Nicely Festive

I can't help but feel the holiday spirit this time of year!  With only eleven days until Christmas, I've been wearing all my festive goodies before it's too late.  While my red Dita cardigan sees the light of day all year around, these Irregular Choice Nicely Festive shoes are the perfect way to tie in my love for Christmas.  Comfortable and oh so cute, I only wish there was more time to break them out!













Cardigan- Wheels and Dollbaby
Skirt- Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Shoes- Irregular Choice
Hat- Vintage (similar)
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Lipstick- c/o Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Candy Apple

Anyone else bummed that Wheels and Dollbaby closed their shop this year?  While I haven't shopped much of their clothing outside of the Dita cardigan, I'm very sad that the Dita won't be released in any more colors.  I've always looked forward to their releases and can't help but be a little disappointed that I won't be able to add more to my collection.  I mean, I have yet to find a comparable cardigan that has the quality and the delicate details that the Dita has.  I guess it just means I need to cherish the ones I already own!

I've admitted in the past that the love I have for vintage hats is pretty ridiculous.  The only problem is: I rarely ever wear them!  I've been doing my best to incorperate them into my everyday outfits because it feels like such a shame to have them collecting dust in my closet.  I broke out my favorite black straw hat for this classic yet comfortable outfit.  I feel like it really pulls everything together!  I'm trying to be persistant with accessories (I tend to forgo them all together) before I add any more to my closet.  Let's hope 2018 has a lot more interesting outfits here on my blog!

xoxo

Ashley

Something There

It's not everyday that I get to dress like my favorite Disney princess.  Thankfully, Vintage Inspired by Jackie is always there when the mood strikes!  She recently asked me who my ultimate princess was/what outfit of hers was my favorite.  So naturally, I went with Belle and her gorgeous (and often looked-over) green dress.  Not only is this dress confortable and worthy of a great Disneybound or cosplay, it's subtle enough to wear everyday!













Dress- c/o Vintage Inspired by Jackie
Stole- Amazon
Shoes- Chase & Chloe (similar)
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Hair scarf- c/o Doll Me Up
Bag- Danielle Nicole

This halter dress has a lined bodice with boning (you seriously do not need to wear a bra), gathered skirt with a hidden side pocket, and a back zippered closure.  As always, Jackie made this to my measurements and it was the perfect fit.  While the skirt is incredibly full on its own, I opted for a petticoat for a more "princessy" feel.  I love the vibrant green fabrics she used and I feel like she nailed this dress for my personal style.  Is Belle not your thing?  Jackie does some amazing Marvel-inspired dresses and is always open to collaborating and making your cosplay/bound dreams come true!  Just send her a message, tell her I sent you ;).

This already feels like the longest week ever and it's only Tuesday.  I had to take one of my dogs to the vet (which came to a very hefty vet bill), my daughter is on the tail end of a nasty cold, and I haven't been able to blog for the past week because Southern California is having crazy high winds/on fire and my backlog is stressing me out.  This is the first year I've finished my Christmas shopping early but it feels like everything else has gone haywire!  Thankfully, things shoud be winding down and I'll finally have time to take care of business.  At least I hope so!

xoxo

Ashley

Navy Woodland

It's been much too long since I've posted a Mommy and Me blog, so I was really excited when I had the chance wear matching Palava dresses with my not-so-little baby girl!  With this hand illustrated navy woodland print, it's perfect for the holiday season and complimented one of my favorite photo locations beautifully.  If you've never shopped with Palava before, their responisble sourcing and use of organic cotton is just one of their many ethical practices.  It doesn't hurt that their clothes are ridicuously cute too!














Dress- c/o Palava
Shoes- Chelsea Crew
Brooch- c/o Erstwilder
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain inAlways Red

Bianca's dress- c/o Palava
Bianca's shoes- Target
Bianca's hair bow- c/o Palava

The Beatrice dress is fully lined and features a rounded neckline, three-quarter sleeves, fitted bodice, a-line skirt with hidden side pockets, matching fabric self-tie belt, and a back zippered closure.  The cotton is soft yet holds it's shape.  No need for a petticoat or underskirt!  I took a size UK8 and it was perfect for me.  Bianca is wearing the matching Martha dress and her dress is also fully lined and features a sleeveless bodice, gathered skirt, button-down closure (with colored buttons), and an attached sash.  Bianca took her usual size 5-6 and it's a great fit with some room to grow.  She can't stop wearing it!  Luckily, it can be washed at home and will stand the test of time.  Every mom's dream!

Looking to add some Palava to your closet?  You can get 15% off until December 31st with coupon code SOUTHERNCALIFORNIA15.

xoxo

Ashley

Carousel

Living in Southern California, you don't really have to worry about seasons changing and a wardrobe for the cooler months.  But wearing my summer dresses feels out of place when we're soon approaching winter.  Luckily, my cute winter accessories prolong the life on those much loved dresses.  Sarsparilly is the queen of cuteness and there was no way I was going to store this My Pretty Pony dress until spring!















Dress- Sarsparilly
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Stole- Amazon
Peticoat- Malco Modes
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Marvelous Mauve

Made from a crisp yet soft cotton; the My Pretty Pony dress features a fully lined bodice, spaghetti straps, a full, gathered skirt with hidden side pockets, and a back zippered closure.  Every one of Sarsparilly's dresses are made to order and I can tell how meticulious the construction of this dress is.  I'm wearing a size XS and both the bust and waist are perfect.  While it is a classic, this dress is slated to retire very soon.  Don't hesitate to get one for yourself before it's gone forever!

I can't believe I'm saying this but I think I'm done with my Christmas shopping!  I hustled through Black Friday weekend, both working and crossing gifts off my list.  I wanted to be done before December arrived and I hit my goal on the very last day.  A win is a win, right?  I'm going to celebrate the end of holiday shopping by gift wrapping the rest of the week and hoping our little rescue dog Rosko doesn't mark all of them once they're under the tree!

xoxo

Ashley