Monday, December 31, 2018

Best of 2018

We're at the end of 2018 and honestly, I couldn't be happier.  While this year had tons of ups, it definitely felt like I was dealing with a lot of growing pains as well.  I recognize that tomorrow won't actually be any different... but feeling like you have a fresh start is definitely the motivation I need to make 2019 the best year yet!  Today's post is dedicated to looking back at the high points of my personal style this past year.  Lots of Disneybounds, more small business features, and some style changes are all featured below!

Southern California Belle Best of 2018

Southern California Belle Best of 2018

Southern California Belle Best of 2018

Southern California Belle Best of 2018

Southern California Belle Best of 2018

Southern California Belle Best of 2018

I'm looking forward to a more casual style with a vintage flair in 2019.  As much as I love all things vintage, I now have a job and wearing big skirts and anything with boning just doesn't work for me anymore!  I'd like to get back into makeup tutorials, more creative photography, and more features on my dogs and family.  Is there anything you'd like to see from me next year?  Let me know in the comments below!

I hope you have an amazing and safe New Year's Eve and look forward to whatever is in store for 2019!

xoxo

Ashley

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Jolly Holiday

Vintage Inspired by Jackie Poppins Carousel Disneybound  Dress

I feel like it's been much too long since I've featured a Disneybound outfit on this blog.  Now that I'm working and Bianca is in school, our Disney trips have come to a complete halt.  Let's be real though: you don't need to be at the park to Disneybound!  Vintage Inspired by Jackie has been my one and only source for Disneybound outfits and she really outdid herself with this one.  As a child, I was obsessed with the Jolly Holiday scene from Mary Poppins and I can't tell you how excited I am that I now own a dress to commemorate that scene!

Vintage Inspired by Jackie Poppins Carousel Disneybound  Dress

Vintage Inspired by Jackie Poppins Carousel Disneybound  Dress

Vintage Inspired by Jackie Poppins Carousel Disneybound  Dress

Vintage Inspired by Jackie Poppins Carousel Disneybound  Dress

Dress- c/o Vintage Inspired by Jackie
Shoes- Remix Vintage Shoes
Belt- from another dress
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red

This new dress style features a sweetheart neckline, lined bodice with boning, adjustable spaghetti straps, off the shoulder sleeves, a full gathered skirt with a hidden side pocket, and a back zippered closure.  I love how I can wear the straps up or down and I appreciate that they're adjustable as well.  This dress was made to my measurements and (as always) it's spot on.  The bodice is really supportive that I didn't even need to wear a bra!  I chose to skip the petticoat for these pictures, I wanted to show you how full this skirt is on its own.  I'm counting the days until I can wear this again, hopefully when I visit Mary Poppins in the park in a few weeks!

Jackie is currently running a birthday sale (she's a fellow Capricorn like me) so this dress and everything else on her site is currently 20% off!  Now is the time to take the plunge and order the dress of your dreams at a fantastic price!

xoxo

Ashley

Monday, December 24, 2018

Winter Plaid

Unique Vintage 1950s Style Grey Plaid Button Up Swing Dress

Today is Christmas Eve and I'm kind of sad about it.  I feel like I didn't do enough "Christmas-inspired" activities this year.  Because of my new job and Bianca starting school, we didn't have time to see Disneyland during their holiday time, visit Santa, or send out Christmas cards.  This year kind of feels like a massive fail.  Luckily, we still have today and tomorrow to jam in as much as we can!  This Unique Vintage dress feels really festive without being holiday restrictive and I can't get enough of it.  It really matched well with the holiday decor at my local historical society, which I happen to visit about once or twice a month.  The old homes (and this church) have a super creepy aura around them and I love it.

Unique Vintage 1950s Style Grey Plaid Button Up Swing Dress

Unique Vintage 1950s Style Grey Plaid Button Up Swing Dress

Unique Vintage 1950s Style Grey Plaid Button Up Swing Dress

Unique Vintage 1950s Style Grey Plaid Button Up Swing Dress

Dress- c/o Unique Vintage
Shoes- Amazon
Belt- Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Hat- Amazon
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red

This plaid dress is made from a lightweight woven cotton and features a large tie at the neckline, button front closure, short sleeves, and a full gathered skirt with hidden side pockets.  I'm wearing my usual Unique Vintage size small and it definitely fits perfect in the bust.  The waist is quite big, but it's not noticeable when I add a belt.  I can't lift my arms all the way up when I wear this dress, but the sleeves are otherwise pretty functional.  I really love this dress and I hope they make more versions (especially solids and stripes) in the new year!

Tomorrow is my birthday and unlike other people in their 30's, I'm quite excited!  While aging isn't the most fun thing in the world, the confidence I've gained in myself is worth the ridiculous skincare regimens I now have to follow.  I'm looking forward to spending it with my family and enjoying a nice dinner with the people I love.  Not gonna lie, I'm also excited to open my presents from Kevin.  I didn't give him a list this year and I'm dying to know what he got me!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

xoxo

Ashley

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Mabel

Seamstress of Bloomsbury Mabel Dress in Atomic Print Satin

Can you believe that Christmas is in just one week?  To be honest, I'm nowhere near prepared.  Presents still need to be wrapped (some still need to be purchased!), stockings need to be stuffed, and I haven't even really figured out what we're doing on the big day.  To nobody's surprise, my outfit was the only thing I planned ahead of time!  When Seamstress of Bloomsbury released this Mabel dress I knew it was the perfect dress for the holiday season.  Silky smooth, super comfortable, and festive enough without being kitschy.  Like everything else I own from them, this dress is a high quality garment and made to last for many seasons to come!

Seamstress of Bloomsbury Mabel Dress in Atomic Print Satin

Seamstress of Bloomsbury Mabel Dress in Atomic Print Satin

Seamstress of Bloomsbury Mabel Dress in Atomic Print Satin

Dress- c/o Seamstress of Bloomsbury
Shoes- Irregular Choice
Hat- vintage
Lipstick- c/o Besame Cosmetics in Besame Red

The Mabel dress is made from a satin fabric and features non-functional covered buttons down the bodice, top shoulder smock detailing, a slight puffed sleeve, tulip skirt with delicate draping on the left side, attached back self tie, and a side zippered closure.  I'm wearing a size UK10, which is my normal size in Seamstress of Bloomsbury, and I really like the fit.  The back tie allows me to cinch in my waist, which I love.  I think this dress is incredibly beautiful and looks great with my festive shoes and vintage hat!

What are your plans for the holidays?  Do you tend to get dressed up or do you have a more relaxed holiday?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Modern Millie

Modern Millie Mod Floral Dress Ruffle Sleeve Tie Neck Top in Burgundy

Who doesn't love a fun outfit to combat those soon-to-be winter blues?  I've teamed up with Modern Millie, a woman-owned small brick and mortar shop in Salem, Massachusetts with an online store as well.  They offer all kinds of vintage inspired clothing, including plus sized and kids clothing, and showcase their flair for fashion with their one-of-a-kind styling and accessorizing.  Read more about this amazing business and my outfit below!

Modern Millie Mod Floral Dress Ruffle Sleeve Tie Neck Top in Burgundy

Modern Millie Mod Floral Dress Ruffle Sleeve Tie Neck Top in Burgundy

Modern Millie Mod Floral Dress Ruffle Sleeve Tie Neck Top in Burgundy

Dress- c/o Modern Millie
Top- c/o Modern Millie
Shoes- Amazon
Hat- Amazon
Brooch- c/o Erstwilder
Belt- Vixen by Micheline Pitt

Get to know more about Modern Millie here:


"Christine opened Modern Millie about 13 years ago when we sold only True Vintage and Modern Consignment, and Laura came on board just a few months later! Over the years we have grown, changed, and have evolved into a mainly vintage-inspired clothing store with a carefully curated true vintage selection. We choose pieces for our store that we love to wear, that still have that vintage feel, designed by people we love to support. As a small independent business, we love carrying brands who are either small themselves or who started small and we love to share their stories with our customers!

Though we carry many of the same brands as other vintage-inspired stores, we consider ourselves to be unique in the way we style our pieces to make them our own! We love print-mixing, layering, winterizing our sleeveless dresses with tie neck blouses and we use lots of color! Winter in New England is long, cold and void of color, so we do what we can with fashion to keep things cute cozy and lively! We love to inspire our customers, and encourage them to express themselves through fashion, take risks and most importantly feel beautiful in what they are wearing!"

I literally do not let anyone pick my outfits, but when Laura offered to style me personally I couldn't say no!  She picked this amazing fall floral dress and paired it with this flutter sleeved bow tie top that matches perfectly.  I love this outfit so much!  I'm wearing a small in both pieces and I find that they fit quite well.  I did have to belt the dress for my waist, but only because I'm a small in the bust and an extra small in the waist (I have to do it all the time).  The dress is made from a soft but sturdy stretch cotton and features a gorgeous full skirt complete with pockets.  The top has a chiffon-like weight and looks wonderful on its own or layered under this beautiful dress.  I added some extra flair with my beret and brooch and I'm pretty sure this is one of my new favorite outfits.  Thank you Modern Millie!

Even if you're not local to Salem (like myself), you can still shop with them online and find all of their amazing styling tips and tricks on their Instagram.  Make sure to give them a follow HERE and shop their online store HERE!

xoxo

Ashley

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Wild Berries

Collectif Mara Wild Berries Swing Dress

It doesn't feel like the holiday season until I've wandered around a forest in a pretty dress!  Collectif recently released their Mara dress in their new Wild Berries print and I must admit: it's a great holiday dress!  A classic shirtwaist style with modern details (deep pockets, y'all!) is the perfect pairing for this vintage style-loving gal.  Topped off with with matching Lulu Hun shoes and a cheery Erstwilder snowflake brooch and this holiday outfit is complete!

Collectif Mara Wild Berries Swing Dress

Collectif Mara Wild Berries Swing Dress

Collectif Mara Wild Berries Swing Dress

Collectif Mara Wild Berries Swing Dress

Dress- c/o Collectif
Shoes- Lulu Hun (c/o Collectif)
Brooch- c/o Erstwilder
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red

The Mara dress is made from a sturdy but stretchy fabric and features a pointed collar, functioning buttons down the entire dress, long sleeves with button cuffs, a full circle skirt with pockets, and a matching fabric self tie sash.  I took my usual Collectif size (UK8) and I felt like the bodice was a little smaller than usual but not enough to size up.  Since I live in a warmer climate, I decided to roll up my sleeves a little and I really liked how the cuffs complimented the color of my shoes.  Overall, I think this is a wonderfully festive outfit that is just as comfortable as my onesie pajamas (yep, I definitely own some of those)!

xoxo

Ashley

Monday, December 3, 2018

Myths and Legends

Are you ready for another amazing Erstwilder release?  Well it's here (as of literally right now) and this range is right up my alley: Myths and Legends.  Thirteen brooches, a pair of earrings, and two necklaces round out this whimsical collection of fairies and mythical creatures.  I've shared my favorites from the collection below!

Erstwilder Fiery Fawkes Brooch

Erstwilder Fiery Fawkes Brooch
Brooch- c/o Erstwilder
Top- c/o Heart of Haute
Sweater- MAK Cardigan
Hat- 1138 Clothing

Fiery Fawkes is such a stunning addition to my collection (and outfit!).  I love the vibrant colors throughout and the resin also has a hint of sparkle.  I'm pretty sure he's Dumbledore approved!


Erstwilder Treasure Keeper Brooch

Erstwilder Treasure Keeper Brooch Heart of Haute Elsa Blouse
Brooch- c/o Erstwilder
Top- c/o Heart of Haute

Treasure Keeper is everything I've wanted out of a hippogryph brooch... Especially because he's the first one I've seen!  I love his beautiful marbled resins and that regal smirk is just everything.  He's a great size too: easy to read but not overwhelming!


Erstwilder Tess of Loch Ness Brooch

Erstwilder Tess of Loch Ness Brooch Heart of Haute Elsa Blouse
Brooch- c/o Erstwilder
Top- c/o Heart of Haute
Coat- Forever 21

My husband is Scottish so I just had to add Tess to my collection!  I love how she's somewhat submerged in the water but you can still see her entire body.  Tess is made from a vibrant resin encased a lovely iridescent marbled resin "bottle".  She's certain to get a lot of wear!


You can find the entire collection HERE!  Which ones are your favorites?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Autumn Plaid

Retrolicious Plaid High Neck Dress

Anyone else feeling that post-Thanksgiving haze?  While the long weekend was everything, I feel like I haven't really recovered from the pumpkin pie and the couch dates with Kevin.  I might not feel mentally prepared to let go of the holiday, but I switched up my sweatpants for this Retrolicious dress as soon as I could!  This perfect fall plaid dress works great with layers but totally works for people who live in perpetual hot climates (like me).  Read more about this dress and the amazing company who made it below!

Retrolicious Plaid High Neck Dress

Retrolicious Plaid High Neck Dress

Retrolicious Plaid High Neck Dress

Dress- c/o Retrolicious
Shoes- Chelsea Crew
Hat- Amazon
Belt- Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Lipstick- c/o Besame Cosmetics in Portrait Peach

This plaid dress features a high neckline, fitted bodice, gathered skirt with side pockets, and a back zippered closure.  It's 100% cotton so it's easy to wear and wash at home.  I'm wearing my usual size small in Retrolicious dresses and I feel like the fit is just right.  I love supporting Retrolicious; their clothing is made right here in the USA and your dollars are going to an amazing family-run small business.  It doesn't help that their clothes are ridiculously cute as well!

Bianca started full-time school yesterday and I'm doing my best to adjust to that change.  Not only is she getting used to a new routine, I'll also be going back to work next week too!  I feel like there's been a bunch of change in the last couple of weeks and I'm just trying to keep my head above water right now.  Don't get me wrong, I'm super excited to get out of the "stay-at-home mom" role and get back into a more independent life.  I'm just kind of surprised that everything happened so fast!  I'll keep you updated in these next few weeks, just keep those fingers crossed for me that everything unfolds smoothly!

xoxo

Ashley

Thursday, November 22, 2018

BLACK FRIDAY: Sales and Coupon Codes!

Black Friday 1

Looking for all the Black Friday deals in one place?  I have you covered!  From now until cyber Monday, I'll be updating this post with information and codes of some of my (and your) favorite places to shop!  Keep this post bookmarked because I'll be adding more and updating throughout the weekend!

ASOS: 25% sitewide with code EPIC25

Besame Cosmetics: buy any two items, get a free Besame Messenger Bag with code BFBAG

Bernie Dexter: 60% off Black Friday collection with code BLACK60

Betsey Johnson: 35% off sitewide and free shipping with code WOW35

Collectif: 25% off sitewide with codeBF25

Danielle Nicole Handbags: 20% off sitewide with code BFCM2018

Emmy Design: update coming soon!

Erstwilder: 30% off sitewide with code 30OFFEVENT

Eshakti: 40% off sitewide, no code needed

Folter: 50% off sitewide with code BF50

Forever 21: extra 50% off sale with code EXTRA50

H&M: 30% off sitewide with code 3238

Heart of Haute: 20% off sitewide with code BLACKFRIDAY

Hearts and Found: 35% off sitewide with code BLACKFRIDAY35

Hello Holiday: 20% off sitewide with code BRIGHT

House of Foxy: update coming soon!

Karina Dresses: 30% off sitewide with code GIVETHANKS

Kitschy Witch Designs: 20% off sitewide with code WITCHCRAFT

La Femme En Noir: 25% off sitewide with code BACKTOBLACK

Lady K Loves: 20% off shorts, 30% off sale, 25% off everything else (exclusions apply)

Lil' Lou Lou: 30% off sitewide with code SHOPSMALL

Lime Crime: 25% off sitewide and free shipping, no code needed

Loco Lindo: 30% off sitewide and free shipping with code BFSAVE30

Luxulite: with every order you get an entry to win a goody bag, no code needed

Miss Candyfloss: 20% off sitewide with code BLACKFRIDAY

Miss Fortune: up to 70% off select items, no code needed

Modcloth: 30% off $100, 40% off $200, no code needed

Palava: 20% off sitewide with code SCOTTISHHIGHLANDS

Seamstress of Bloomsbury: free blouse with when you spend over $100, no code needed

Sister Jane: 30% off sitewide with code SJBLACKOUT

Smak Parlour: 40% off sitewide and free shipping with code SMAK40

Sourpuss Clothing: 25% off sitewide with code BLACK

Sugarpill Cosmetics: up to 75% off select items, no code necessary

Top Vintage: 20% off sitewide, no code needed

Urban Decay Cosmetics: 20% off plus free shipping with code GIMME

Retro Glam: 25% off sitewide with code BLACK25

Retrolicious: 30% off sitewide with code THANKS30

The Pretty Dress Company: 25% off sitewide with code BLACK25

Trashy Diva: 30% off sitewide with code TALKTURKEY

Unique Vintage: 25% off sitewide with code BESTWEEK

Wax Poetic Clothing: 30% off sitewide with code EARLYBIRD

Vintage Inspired by Jackie: 20% off select items, no code needed

Vixen by Micheline Pitt: 30% off with code BACKTOBLACK, final sale section 50% off and new pre-orders 15% off (no code needed)

xoxo

Ashley

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Shaken Not Stirred

Miss Fortune Shaken Not Stirred Circle Skirt Paisley Raye Violet Top in Black

The cool(er) weather has set in and I'm ready to dress for the holidays!  While I don't have too much Christmas-themed clothing anymore, I do enjoy a festive print that can take me to the holidays and beyond.  Miss Fortune just released this Shaken Not Stirred circle skirt and I can't get over how cute it is!  Handmade and made to order, this skirt is the perfect addition to the novelty print area of my closet.  You're also supporting a woman-owned small business when you shop with Miss Fortune, which has been an incredibly important aspect of my shopping habits these last few years.  Get all the details about this fun outfit below!

Miss Fortune Shaken Not Stirred Circle Skirt Paisley Raye Violet Top in Black

Miss Fortune Shaken Not Stirred Circle Skirt Paisley Raye Violet Top in Black

Miss Fortune Shaken Not Stirred Circle Skirt Paisley Raye Violet Top in Black

Top- c/o Paisley Raye
Skirt- c/o Miss Fortune
Shoes- Modcloth
Hat- Forever 21
Lipstick- c/o Besame Cosmetics in Portrait Peach

The Shaken Not Stirred circle skirt is made from a sturdy 100% cotton fabric and features a thin waistband, full and paneled circle skirt, side pocket, and a back zipper with top button closure.  I love the weight of the cotton, it's not super thin and it definitely holds its shape.  I chose not to wear a petticoat underneath (I've pretty much sworn them off for good) and I love how the fabric drapes on its own.  I'm wearing a size small, which is a 26-inch waist.  While it is a little loose for me, I'll be able to move the button on the waistband for the perfect fit.  Laura, the woman behind Miss Fortune, is more than happy to make custom adjustments for you (although those items will not be available for a refund).  I can't wait to wear this to a fun holiday party later next month!

Are you ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow?  I'm actually spending today making a blueberry cheesecake from scratch.  It's so time consuming but so rewarding once you get to eat it!  Do you make anything specific for the holiday?  Let me know in the comments below!  I hope you have a wonderful Thankgiving, I'll be back here soon with an amazing Black Friday post!

xoxo

Ashley

Monday, November 19, 2018

Black Pearls

Karina Dresses Margaret Dress in Black Pearls

It's already a holiday in my mind (I've been trying to plan my Thanksgiving outfit for over a week now) and I'm super excited about Karina Dresses' new Holiday Collection!  Filled with gorgeous new prints in their famously flattering dress styles, this collection definitely has everything you need for the season ahead.  I immediately fell in love with their black pearl print and I couldn't keep away from my favorite dress style: the Margaret.  With their signature wrinkle free fabric and all their clothing made here in the USA, I can't help but fall head over heels with this woman-owned small business!

Karina Dresses Margaret Dress in Black Pearls

Karina Dresses Margaret Dress in Black Pearls

Karina Dresses Margaret Dress in Black Pearls

Karina Dresses Margaret Dress in Black Pearls

Dress- c/o Karina Dresses
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Brooch- vintage
Hair bow- Free People
Lipstick- c/o Urban Decay Cosmetics Born to Run Lipstick in 66

The Margaret dress is made from a stretchy and wrinkle free micro-fiber fabric and features a crossover bust, 3/4 sleeves, midi length skirt, and an attached matching sash.  This new black pearl print is exclusive to Karina Dresses: you won't find it anywhere else!  I find myself drawn to the Margaret (I have a short sleeved version as well) because it's universally flattering and really easy to dress up or down.  This staple dress is made right here in the USA and is available in sizes XS-3X.  Because of the stretch fabric, I take an XS and I really like the fit.  I feel like I might have to wear this one to Thanksgiving...  Pretty sure it will handle all the sweet potatoes and and pumpkin pie I'm getting ready to eat!

xoxo

Ashley

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Savvy Scene

Smak Parlour Savvy Scene Dress

Continuing my obsession with Smak Parlour and this Savvy Scene dress!  Owned by two best friends, Abby and Katie make all their amazing dresses right here in the USA.  Whether you're looking for something work appropriate, a date night outfit, or something in between; Smak Parlour has it all.  Read more about the stylish and super comfy Savvy Scene dress below!

Smak Parlour Savvy Scene Dress

Smak Parlour Savvy Scene Dress

Smak Parlour Savvy Scene Dress

Dress- c/o Smak Parlour
Shoes- Universal Thread
Tights- A New Day
Hat- Modcloth
Lipstick- c/o Besame Cosmetics Sheer Lipstick in Chocolate Kiss

Made from a light chiffon fabric, the Savvy Scene features a surplice neckline, long sleeves with elastic cuffs, ruched elastic waist detail, and fully lined ruffle hemmed skirt.  As always, I took my usual size small and I felt like it was just a tiny bit smaller than my other Smak Parlour dresses.  While I might have sized up, it was only because of my height (I feel like I would have more room in the bodice for my 5'6" frame).  I ultimately settled for the small because I love how it accentuated my waist.  I love how you can layer this for the cooler weather with tights, boots, and a cute peacoat but can also wear it as is for spring.  Needless to say, this dress is going to get a lot of wear!  If you voted in the midterm election, you can get 15% off your next order!  Just DM them a picture of your "I Voted" sticker and they will personally send you a coupon code.  How amazing is that?

For the first time in weeks I am completely free this weekend!  It's been such a busy season for me (Halloween events, Bianca's school stuff, Dapper Day) and I'm ready to take a few days to myself and spend them at home with my family.  I foresee makeup-free, pajama days in the near future!

xoxo

Ashley
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