Vixen

I can't help but fall head over heels for a novelty print dress in pink.  Sweet yet sexy, the Vixen swing dress from Vixen by Micheline Pitt is incredibly versatile.  The elastic neckline and sleeves allow you to style it with the sleeves up for a more modest look or down for something a little more sultry.  Both the design and the artwork were created by Micheline Pitt, which is evident because this woman knows how to design gorgeous retro styles for women of all shapes and sizes!











Dress- c/o Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Shoes- Target
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Hair scarf- c/o Doll Me Up
Bangles- Trashy Diva

Bianca's dress- Target
Bianca's shoes- Target

Made from a high quality stretch cotton sateen, this dress has enough structure to hold you in and enough stretch for comfort.  The Vixen swing dress features puff sleeves, an adjustable tie at the bust, super full gathered swing skirt, massive hidden side pockets, and a long back zippered closure.  It also comes with a black vinyl grommet belt which I absolutely love (I wear it with my Bad Girl Denim all the time).  Like all of Vixen's designs, this dress is available in sizes XS-4X.  I tend to be between an XS/S and I chose a size small.  While the extra small does fit, I definitely need a bit more room for my arms.  The Vixen swing dress in Vintage Makeup and Hair print is limited edition, so don't hesitate to add this beauty to your wardrobe!

In just a few days I'll be in New Orleans with Sammi and the excitement/anxiety has definitely set in.  I know I've been talking about this for weeks, but it's been a ridiculously long time since I've seen Sammi or gone on a vacation and I'm ready for both of these things!  I'll be posting a lot of our trip on my Instagram, so make sure to follow me if you'd like to tag along!

xoxo

Ashley

Wildflowers

I know I'm late to the game (and when I say late, I mean like two weeks) but Trashy Diva's newest print is gorgeous beyond words!  I know I rave about them a lot, but I can't help but fall for a 60's inspired floral.  Wildflowers is a special collection because it resurrected two styles I'm absolutely obsessed with: the Goldie and the Streetcar dress.  While I had a difficult time choosing, the Streetcar was the winner.  With that sleeveless style and that gorgeous neck tie, it feels like the perfect summer dress!













Dress- Trashy Diva
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red

The Streetcar dress is fully lined and features a sleeveless look with a high neck.  A deep slit at the neckline makes it feel sexy, but the removable sash around the neck and the hook and eye closure at the top allows you to be a little more modest (like me).  The gathered skirt is extremely full and features hidden side pockets.  While this is a side zip closure, the long zipper makes the Streetcar easy to get into.  The entire Wildflowers collection is made from a light cotton voile, so while it does loosen a bit with wear, there is no stretch.  I initially purchased this dress in a 2, but the bust and underarm area was entirely too tight for my frame.  The 4 was a much better fit.  In my opinion, the size chart is about an inch off in both the bust and waist.  If you're interested in adding this revived popular style to your closet, I'd act soon.  Some sizes have already sold out!

In less than a week I'll be in New Orleans with my best friend.  I seriously can't believe this is going to be my first flight since 2012 and my first trip without Bianca.  I think once I get there my nerves will calm and it will just be pure excitement.  I can't wait to explore this wonderful city with Sammi by my side!  It's her first time so we're going to make the most of our trip.  If you have any suggestions for us, let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Budding Beauties

When Unique Vintage and Micheline Pitt decide to collaborate on a dreamy collection, you not-so-secretly freak out about it!  I'm really excited to show off one of my favorite dresses in the collection: the Alice swing dress in Budding Beauties print.  Perfect for summer and beyond, this dress feels like an ethereal yet wearable piece of art.  I haven't been able to take it off, it's just so perfect!













Dress- c/o Unique Vintage
Shoes- Remix Vintage Shoes
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Lipstick- c/o Besame Cosmetics in Portrait Pink

The Alice swing dress was designed by Micheline Pitt and features a sweetheart neckline, double spaghetti straps (which are all fully adjustable), a fitted bodice, full swing skirt complete with deep side pockets, and a back zippered closure with a hook and eye at the top.  Two black satin bows are perched atop the neckline near the straps and the dress is finished with a black grommet belt.  Made with a high-quality cotton sateen fabric, this dream of a dress boasts the most beautiful pink rose print (which was also illustrated by Micheline).  Did you happen to see those gorgeous faces in the middle of the roses?  It's definitely my favorite part!

I'm wearing a size small and the fit is just right.  Depending on the cut, I can be between an extra small and a small in Unique Vintage clothing.  I'm very happy with both the quality of the garment and the sizing.  It really is the perfect dress for me!  If you're on the fence, I would definitely buy it before it's gone for good.  While this collaboration is an absolute match made in heaven, these pieces won't last very long!

xoxo

Ashley

Black and White Hamilton

Black and white stripes are my weakness, so I guess it's no surprise that this Unique Vintage dress found its way to my closet.  While this dress can easily be styled for cooler weather, it really strikes me as a fun summer dress.  I've been wearing it non-stop ever since it arrived and I'm sure you can see why!













Dress- c/o Unique Vintage
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Bangles- Trashy Diva
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red

The Hamilton dress features self-tie straps, covered buttons across the bodice, a full gathered skirt with one exposed side pocket, a rope belt, and a side zip closure.  Because it's made from cotton, it's perfect for withstanding those hot summer days.  I decided to size up to a S in this dress (my pink one is an XS) and I'm happier with the larger size.  While the waist is a bit big, the bust is just right.  If you tend to be between sizes (or have a larger bust) I would definitely recommend sizing up.  I wish this dress came in all colors of the rainbow, it really is one of my favorite styles!

I'll be taking it easy today because I unexpectedly ended up at a Nine Inch Nails show last night.  I hadn't seen them since I was almost nine months pregnant with Bianca, so it was one of those must-see shows!  Unfortunately, I'm also in my 30's and have a toddler/dogs who don't let me sleep so I can't hang like I used to.  I have a feeling my couch is going to get a lot of love today!

xoxo

Ashley

Robo-Love

When one of your favorite artists (and amazing friends) branches off on her own to create her first line of textiles, you jump at the chance to own her goodies!  Stephanie Buscema is the lovely lady behind Kitschy Witch Designs; which up until now, showcased custom jewelry, accessories, prints, and handbags.  She's now dabbled into skirts and her first release was this gorgeous Robo-Love print.  It's basically everything I've ever wanted in a fun retro-style novelty print and I can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve!













Top- No longer available (similar style)
Skirt- Kitschy Witch Designs
Shoes- Remix Vintage Shoes
Lipstick- c/o Besame Cosmetics in Portrait Pink

The Mystery Action skirt features a gathered a-line silhouette, one-inch waistband, and a side zip closure.  I chose the size XS, which the size chart says is a 26-inch waist.  I knew it was going to be a little large, so I was prepared to have it taken in when I got it.  Once I had it altered it was perfect.  While this skirt is now sold out, Stephanie is planning another release of a new print very soon!  If you follow her on Instagram, she will keep you updated with all the important details.

I'm gearing up for a fun girl's trip with my BFF Sammi.  In three weeks we'll be having fun in New Orleans!  I haven't seen her in two years and this trip is long overdue.  This is going to be the first time I'll be away from Bianca for longer than an overnight trip and I'm kind of freaking out.  But I know she will be well taken care of and this mommy definitely could use a break.  Now I have to iron out the hardest decisions: what the heck am I going to wear while I'm there?!

xoxo

Ashley

Hair Scarves Four Different Ways

Hair scarves are very much a part of my outfits.  Whether I'm adding a finishing touch, covering my sponge rollers, or (let's be honest) hiding dirty hair; using a pretty hair scarf is the easiest way to get it done!  Thanks to Doll Me Up, I'm showing you a few ways I use hair scarves in my everyday routine.  They're surprisingly versatile!

Classic Headband:
I would consider this the way I use my hair scarves the most.  It's perfect for adding a little bit of color to your outfit.  If you need a tutorial on how to tie a hair scarf like this, you can read my tutorial HERE.

Hair scarf: c/o Doll Me Up in Dusty Mint
Dress- c/o Vixen by Micheline Pitt

Hide Your Hair:
This style is for those days where I don't want to style my hair/my hair is too dirty for public/I still have rollers in my hair.  It hides my lack of styling without compromising my outfit.  Nobody will never know what little effort you put into your hairstyle, it really is the perfect distraction!

Hair scarf- c/o Doll Me Up in Royal Blue
Dress- J. Crew

Faux Turban:
This is basically the Hide Your Hair but with your hair down.  Don't like wearing your hair up but want to hide those roots?  This is certainly the most stylish way to do it.

Hair scarf- c/o Doll Me Up in Royal Blue
Bustier- Fab 208 NYC

The In-Betweener
This is like the Classic Headband, but I purposely leave the back of the scarf wider so it covers most of the back of my head.  This is ideal for when your hair is up.  In my opinion, wearing your hair in a bun is pretty boring.  But adding this hair scarf totally changes that!

Hair scarf- c/o Doll Me Up Darling in Blue Sky
Dress- Trashy Diva

I was going to add a few other ways (necktie, belt) but I decided to keep it to hairstyles only.  What's your favorite way to wear your hair scarves?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Summer Daisy

When the temperatures hit those triple digits (they've been up here for a week now), it's time to break out those light summer dresses!  Top Vintage has a wonderful selection of cute dresses that will help you keep cool (and look the part) throughout these hot and humid days.  This fun gigham and daisy printed dress is a wonderful companion for my new Miss L Fire Gelato sandals.  Because when the heat makes you cranky, we all know cute outfits and gelato is the perfect remedy!











Dress- c/o Top Vintage
Shoes- c/o Top Vintage
Longline bra- Dominique
Lipstick- c/o Besame Cosmetics in Portrait Pink

Exclusive to Top Vintage, the Judith dress features adjustable straps that can be worn as a halter, crossed, or straight back.  I wore them crossed but I love that you have the ability to chose!  It also boasts a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice, full circle skirt, deep side pockets, and a back zippered closure.  The fabric is super soft and stretchy so if you're between sizes, you can easily size down.  The Gelato sandals are basically my new favorite shoes.  In addition to the cute ice cream cone on the vamp, the pink see-through mini heel is my favorite feature.  I'm a true size 9 in most shoes and the size 40 was a perfect fit.  I'm just going to let you know ahead of time: you'll probably be seeing these shoes with my outfits a lot this summer!

I went to an interview for a full-time job in the medical field yesterday.  This is the first time I've had to look for full-time work in over nine years!  Before I had Bianca, I had a wonderful job at a hospital for many years.  Once I became a mom, I focused more on raising her and put my career on the back burner.  Now that Bianca is ready for preschool, I'm really excited (but also scared) to jump back into the grind.  The interview went really well and I'll find out on Friday if I get an offer.  Keep those positive thoughts and fingers crossed for me, this job would really be the perfect fit for me!

xoxo

Ashley

Terrarium

I know I wasn't gone for too long but: I'm back!!!  It's not really a frequent thing, but sometimes an unplanned/unexpected outfit blogging break is exactly what I need.  It's when I find myself excited to pick up my camera again that I know it's time to get back to the grind.  And I'm pretty sure this gorgeous dress was the inspiration behind it!











Dress- Tara Starlet (no longer available)
Shoes- Remix Vintage Shoes
Lipstick- c/o Besame Cosmetics in Portrait Pink

I hate to be a tease but this Tara Starlet dress is no longer in production.  In fact, Tara Starlet closed up shop for good last year.  It's such a shame because their clothing was adorable and impeccably made.  This Brigitte dress features a stretchy ruffle neckline that can be worn on or off the shoulder, spaghetti straps for added support, fitted bodice, a-line skirt with a ruffle hem, and a long side zippered closure.  This terrarium print is my absolute favorite and I feel like it's perfect for summer.  While you won't be able to find this dress in store anymore, I have seen them pop up on eBay from time to time.  It took me a little while to find mine but it was worth the wait!

I think one of the reasons for my brief blogging break is not feeling inspired by my closet.  It may or may not be totally obvious, but I feel like the "pinup" style is becoming less and less of my everyday routine.  Don't get me wrong, I still love my circle skirts and my vintage treasures!  I just don't feel as attached to the aesthetic as I once was.  To be honest: having a face full of makeup and hair perfectly set to go along with my outfit everyday is exhausting!  So I've been experimenting with different hairstyles and outfits that just aren't as "fussy" as my usual (like the one I've featured today).  There will still be days where I want to be totally done, but I'm not chaining myself to the aesthetic.  After all, this is a personal style blog and I've gone through many changes since I started almost seven years ago!

xoxo

Ashley