Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Great Day

Southern California Belle Restricted Footwear Good Day Flats

The big day is finally here!  Halloween is such a big deal in my home and we are so ready for the festivities!  While I love to dress super spooky, sometimes it's just not the right environment to go all out.  I've decided to do something different this year and showcase a subliminally spooky version of an everyday outfit.  I've got some great colors, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it spooky brooch, and these new amazing floral flats from Restricted Shoes!

Southern California Belle Restricted Footwear Good Day Flats

Southern California Belle Restricted Footwear Good Day Flats

Southern California Belle Restricted Footwear Good Day Flats

Southern California Belle

Sweater- Forever 21
Skirt- Forever 21
Shoes- c/o Restricted Shoes
Tights- Target
Brooch- Kirbee Lawler

I've been working with a more casual closet these days, so I've been living in chunky sweaters this season.  While you can easily dress one down, I decided to pair mine with a cute mini skirt, tights, and my new favorite Great Day flats.  These t-strap flats have a pointed toe, micro heel, and a floral velvet body.  They're super comfy and can easily be worn all day.  I took my usual size 9 and I found these flats to be very true to size.  I feel like they were the perfect addition to my everyday spooky outfit and will get so much wear through fall and winter too!  Want a pair of your own (at a discount)?  From now until November 30th, get 25% off all regular priced styles with the code SOCALIBELLE25.  I'm about to add cute booties to my cart right now!

What are your plans for Halloween?  Bianca is having a carnival at her school during the day and we will be having a party and trick-or-treating with the neighborhood kids in the evening.  I can't wait to see my little Spiderman in her costume, she's been waiting to dress up for about two months now!  You can catch up on my Halloween through updates on my Instagram.  Happy Halloween!

xoxo

Ashley

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Love Cats

Smak Parlour Modern Icon Cat Print Dress

Since Halloween is so close I've been giving all my outfits a spooky flair, even if they're not technically Halloween themed.  The Modern Icon dress from Smak Parlour is my all-time favorite style from this woman-owned small business and I'm really excited about this new cat print version!  This fully-lined buttery chiffon number is great for the spooky season and beyond!

Smak Parlour Modern Icon Cat Print Dress

Smak Parlour Modern Icon Cat Print Dress

Smak Parlour Modern Icon Cat Print Dress

Smak Parlour Modern Icon Cat Print Dress

Dress- c/o Smak Parlour
Shoes- Modcloth
Hat- Forever 21
Brooch- c/o Baublesaurus
Lipstick- c/o Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Kathryn

The Modern Icon dress is made right here in the USA (specifically in LA!) and features a v-neckline with ruffle detail, delicate puffed sleeves with an elastic cuff, an a-line skirt, and a full back zippered closure.  I took my usual size small in this dress and I really love the fit.  It's form-fitting but not too tight.  Since I've banned shapewear from my life, I definitely gravitate towards dresses with a more relaxed cut.  Like my other Modern Icon dress (which you can read about HERE), this dress is ridiculously easy to wear and accessorize.  Since I wanted to make this outfit a little bit festive, I added a pumpkin colored beret and flats.  You can purchase this dress in sizes XS-XL and is reasonably priced under $100.  I have a feeling this dress is going to go quickly so don't hesitate!

Today I'm off to Disneyland with Susie and Bianca.  We're going to enjoy all the Halloween decor one last time!  I'm a bit sad because I love Halloween more than anything and I feel like it's going quicker than I'd like.  I know I've mentioned it before but I get extreme anxiety around the holidays (the gifts, the parties, the planning, my birthday!) and once Halloween is over we are basically knee-deep in the end of the year craziness.  So I'm taking it one last day at a time and going to enjoy all things spooky until then.  You can follow along on today's adventure on my Instagram!

xoxo

Ashley

Monday, October 15, 2018

Fan Favorites

Who doesn't love a return of their favorite brooches?  Whether you're new to the brooch world or an avid collector, missing your opportunity to add to your brooch collection can be heartbreaking.  Luckily, Erstwilder has dedicated an entire range to bringing back fan favorites... in new color ways!  Sixteen brooches and one necklace are back and better than ever.  I'm here to show you my favorite three in the bunch (believe me, it was incredibly difficult to pare them down)!

Erstwilder Little Lockheart Brooch

Erstwilder Little Lockheart Brooch
Brooch- c/o Erstwilder
Dress- One Loved Babe
Hat- Amazon
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Pink Souffle

The same adorable doe but in a new, lighter hue!  I've been dying to get Little Lockheart into my collection and I'm just so happy she's now mine!  She's actually much daintier than I imagined, which is great because I prefer smaller brooches.  I love her solid resin and the pink heart on her back is the perfect finishing touch!


Erstwilder Saba Sweet Sugar Glider Brooch

Erstwilder Saba Sweet Sugar Glider Brooch
Brooch- c/o Erstwilder
Dress- Hello Holiday
Lipstick- c/o Besame Cosmetics Classic Color Lipstick in 1963 Portrait Pink

If I'm not mistaken, I've seen Saba in about four different variations (three of them being blue).  She must be quite popular because she's back once again!  With her textured brown body, deep red stripe, and pink ears and head, she's bound to coordinate with any outfit.  As someone who has dreamed about a pet sugar glider for over twenty years, I'm pretty sure this is about as close as I'm going to get!


Erstwilder Captain Cumulus Brooch

Erstwilder Captain Cumulus Brooch
Brooch- c/o Erstwilder
Top- c/o Modcloth
Jumper- Universal Thread
Hat- Amazon
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red

Oh Captain Cumulus, I feel like you're such a hot commodity!  The captain is back in a new and exciting *print*.  With a white body and black stars, this flying favorite also features marbled red and black with gold flake resins.  Finished with a sparkly cloud, this brooch is ready to be worn on your favorite side (I tend to wear most of mine on my right) or as cardigan clips!


You can find the rest of the Fan Favorites range on Erstwilder's site, but hurry up before they're gone for good!  Which one is your Fan Favorite... favorite?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Pumpkin Spice

Paisley Raye Violet Top in Black and White Stripe Bloom Skirt in Spice

When the leaves start turning (in pretty much every city but mine) my color palette starts shifting to warmer hues.  I've been shifting my style a bit too (more on that below) and one of my favorite woman-owned businesses, Paisley Raye, has been filling in all the holes in my wardrobe.  This Bloom skirt is simple and easy to wear and practical, plus this new spice color way is perfect for the season.  I've only had it a few days and I've already worn it several times.  Sorry not sorry, I'm in love!

Paisley Raye Violet Top in Black and White Stripe Bloom Skirt in Spice

Paisley Raye Violet Top in Black and White Stripe Bloom Skirt in Spice

Paisley Raye Violet Top in Black and White Stripe Bloom Skirt in Spice

Paisley Raye Violet Top in Black and White Stripe Bloom Skirt in Spice

Top- c/o Paisley Raye
Skirt- c/o Paisley Raye
Shoes- Lotta From Stockholm c/o Top Vintage
Brooch- Kirbee Lawler
Hair bow- Free People
Lipstick- c/o Urban Decay Born To Run Vice Lipstick in Ready

The Bloom skirt is made from a soft, stretch material and features a 2-inch waistband and hidden side pockets.  The waistband is elastic but doesn't "bunch" so it looks really clean.  There aren't any zippers or buttons, you just slip it on and go!  I'm wearing a size small, which is my usual size in all Paisley Raye clothing.  I found it to be true to size and it was easy to put on, considering I have very large hips.  All of Paisley Raye clothing is made right here in the USA (including this amazing Violet top I'm wearing!) and super affordable.  I can't wait to add more of their goodies to my closet!

As I mentioned above, I've been shifting away from the super pinup/retro looks lately.  While this doesn't mean I've given it all up completely, I find myself reaching for more casual but cute options.  And let's be real: I don't want to wear a bra with uncomfortable boning, a huge hot petticoat, and set my hair in painful rollers every night.  Unfortunately, the vintage "scene" has an ugly side with made-up rules abut how one should look and it's just stupid.  Fashion and personal style is all about how it makes you feel, not how others perceive you.  Maybe it's because I'm older, maybe it's because I've stopped caring how others see me, but I've dedicated my style to the person who matters most: me.  So from time to time you'll see me in something that doesn't accentuate some ridiculous hourglass shape because I chose not to wear shape wear (like I did here today) or maybe I'll even wear pants!  Then I might then choose to wear something super retro in my next post.  Honestly, it's all about being my authentic self and I hope you'll stick around for this transition.  There is one thing I won't change: I'm still dedicated to featuring small, woman-owned, and POC-owned businesses.  Luckily, there are tons of amazing shops out there, regardless of where my style takes me!

xoxo

Ashley

Friday, October 5, 2018

This Is Halloween

Vintage Inspired by Jackie Nightmare Before Christmas Dress Heart of Haute Estelle Top in Black

I'm really feeling that Holiday spirit this week and I couldn't wait to break out one of my favorite dresses: the Nightmare Before Christmas dress from Vintage Inspired by Jackie!  Made to my measurements from vintage bed sheets, Jackie takes one of my all-time favorite movies and turns it into wearable art.  While I've been known to wear this dress all year around, it's been getting extra attention this month!

Vintage Inspired by Jackie Nightmare Before Christmas Dress Heart of Haute Estelle Top in Black Love Pain and Stitches Pumpkin Bag

Vintage Inspired by Jackie Nightmare Before Christmas Dress Heart of Haute Estelle Top in Black

Vintage Inspired by Jackie Nightmare Before Christmas Dress Heart of Haute Estelle Top in Black

Vintage Inspired by Jackie Nightmare Before Christmas Dress Heart of Haute Estelle Top in Black Love Pain and Stitches Pumpkin Bag

Vintage Inspired by Jackie Nightmare Before Christmas Dress Heart of Haute Estelle Top in Black

Dress- c/o Vintage Inspired by Jackie
Top- c/o Heart of Haute
Shoes- Steve Madden
Lipstick- Colourpop Cosmetics Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in LAX
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Belt- from another dress
Bag- Love Pain & Stitches

The Nightmare Before Christmas dress features a fitted bodice with adjustable spaghetti straps, a full gathered skirt with a hidden side pocket, and a full back zippered closure.  As usual, I gave Jackie my measurements and she made another perfectly fitting dress for my body.  I paired it will my Heart of Haute Estelle top for a bit more modesty and warmth, but I enjoy wearing this dress on its own as well.  Jackie has lots of different bed sheets to choose from, so you can create the dress of your dreams in your favorite fandom!

This weekend is packed full of fun events, which is not like my usual schedule.  I'm working a really fun event today, attending a Halloween market tomorrow, and doing something special with my family on Sunday.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to be spent by Monday but the memories will be worth the lack of sleep!

xoxo

Ashley

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Halloween Frolic

Kitschy Witch Designs by Stephanie Buscema Spellbound Skirt in Halloween Frolic Print

It's finally October which means it's "socially acceptable" to flaunt your Halloween outfits (but let's be real, I've been sporting them since August).  One of my all-time favorite artists, Stephanie Buscema, released this Halloween Frolic print in lots of fun goodies and I was lucky enough to snag the Spellbound skirt!  Whether you're looking for a spooky outfit, unique jewelry, or home decor; Kitschy Witch Designs has it all!

Kitschy Witch Designs by Stephanie Buscema Spellbound Skirt in Halloween Frolic Print

Kitschy Witch Designs by Stephanie Buscema Spellbound Skirt in Halloween Frolic Print

Kitschy Witch Designs by Stephanie Buscema Spellbound Skirt in Halloween Frolic Print

Top- c/o Lady K Loves
Skirt- c/o Kitschy Witch Designs
Shoes- Lotta From Stockholm c/o Top Vintage
Brooch- c/o Baublesaurus
Belt- Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Pink Souffle

The Spellbound skirt is made from high quality stretch sateen fabric and features a thin waistband, gathered a-line skirt, hidden side pockets, and a side zippered closure.  All of Kitschy Witch clothing is made right here in the USA and the quality is top notch.  I'm wearing a size small and honestly, the small is quite large on me (which is why I'm wearing the belt).  I'm a 25 waist and the small can accommodate a 28 without stretch.  I will have to get this skirt altered because this is the smallest size, but Stephanie has announced that she will be making smaller sizes in the future and I am pumped!  As of right now, the size range is S-3X and if you're between sizes I would definitely order down.  Some sizes have already sold out so make sure to snag one before they're gone for good!

This week already feels long... and it's only Wednesday.  I've filled my calendar with work and friend-dates (which is good) but Bianca is on fall break so it's been more challenging than usual.  She's only been in school part time for two months and I've already grown accustomed to those few hours each week, I didn't even realize it until just now!  Sometimes I need to remind myself that this much time with her is literally going to end after this school year.  It can be overwhelming at times but boy am I going to miss it when it's gone!

xoxo

Ashley
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