Sunday, December 20, 2020

Winter Jasmine

Selkie Winter Jasmine French Puff Dress
 
Christmas is almost here and I'm pretty excited!  I know 2020 has been nothing short of a dumpster fire, but I've done my best to make sure that my family enjoys the end of this tumultuous year.  Presents are secured, Santa gifts are hiding in our closet, and Christmas dinner is (mostly) planned.  I even treated myself to a gorgeous Christmas dress!  I've been coveting something from Selkie for some time and I finally snagged the dress of my dreams: the Winter Jasmine French Puff dress.  It's luxurious, twirl worthy, and a little bit spooky.  Basically, everything I want in a dress.

Selkie Winter Jasmine French Puff Dress

Selkie Winter Jasmine French Puff Dress

Selkie Winter Jasmine French Puff Dress

Selkie Winter Jasmine French Puff Dress
Dress- Selkie
Shoes- Amazon

Selkie is a woman-owned startup that specializes in etherial, romantic designs.  The size range for their products is XXS-5X and they produce their garments with an ethical Chinese manufacturer. The French Puff is a longer version of their original Puff dress, which is perfect for me.  While many of their puff dresses are made in organza, this dress is a soft cotton fabric.  I love the puff sleeves and the massive skirt sweep!  I'm wearing a size small in this dress, but I'm usually a size medium in their organza dresses. This one definitely runs large due to the cotton fabric, so size down one from the size chart if you're looking into a cotton puff dress.  I love this dress so much and I can't wait to add more Selkie dresses to my collection!

I know it's been such an odd year but hope you have a wonderful holiday season!  This year has been challenging for me and honestly, I'm still looking to get some solid ground under my feet.  But I'm really thankful for all the time I've had with my family and I'm looking forward to some normalcy in 2021!

xoxo

Ashley

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Lazy Bones

Lazy Oaf Feel It In My Bones Knit Dress
 
I know today is Thanksgiving but I am forever living that spooky life!  It's finally starting to get cool here and the weather was perfect for my new sweater dress from Lazy Oaf.  It's super comfy and I can't get enough of the skeleton print!  I rarely wear dresses this short but I was feeling it with cute tights and booties.  It was the most amazing fall day and I gotta say, this was the most amazing fall outfit.

Lazy Oaf Feel It In My Bones Knit Dress

Lazy Oaf Feel It In My Bones Knit Dress

Lazy Oaf Feel It In My Bones Knit Dress
Dress- Lazy Oaf
Tights- c/o Modcloth

Lazy Oaf is a UK based company that specializes in unique streetwear for men and women.  I love their small collections, it makes you feel like you truly own something that nobody else has.  While I usually order their puff sleeve dresses (they're my favorite), I'm glad I took my chances on this new-to-me style.  I'm wearing a size small and it has a nice oversized feel.  While this knit is no longer in stock, you can find tons of great things on their website!

Today is our Thanksgiving at home and thankfully, I'm not as stressed as I thought I would be.  I cooked about three of the dishes yesterday so I won't have too much to cook today.  This is the first time we're spending Thanksgiving away from family which means it's also my very first time cooking everything.  I'm hoping it all tastes great, I'm super hard on myself and this will definitely test my ego as a good cook (LOL).  I hope you have a wonderful day, a great long weekend, and enjoy this holiday as best as you can during this very weird year.

xoxo

Ashley

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Fantasia

Stitch Shoppe by Loungefly Sorcerer's Apprentice Dress

It's been some time but I'm so glad to be back!  I've been pretty busy working from home and assisting Bianca's distance learning so I haven't had much time to blog.  I'm getting a better grasp on my new, busier schedule and I'm here with a new dress from Stitch Shoppe by Loungefly!  They're releasing a Fantasia collection tomorrow and I'm honored to show you a sneak peek of this brand new dress.

Stitch Shoppe by Loungefly Sorcerer's Apprentice Dress

Stitch Shoppe by Loungefly Sorcerer's Apprentice Dress

Stitch Shoppe by Loungefly Sorcerer's Apprentice Dress

The Sorcerer's Apprentice dress is a cotton number with a Peter Pan collar, poly sleeves with a celestial print and star buttoned sleeves, a pleated skirt with side pockets, and an attached gold self tie bow at the neckline.  It also comes with an exclusive enamel pin, which I've attached to the gold bow for an added touch.  I'm wearing a size small, which is perfect in the bust but a little large in the waist for me.  While I could have sized down, I appreciate more bust room and having the option to belt it for a more fitted look. This dress and an equally cute top and skirt will be available tomorrow to purchase on the Loungefly website.  All pieces will be available in sizes XS-4X!

I'm gearing up for a my first Thanksgiving here at home.  Due to the rising COVID cases, we have chosen not to see any friends or family (we actually haven't seen anyone since March).  That means instead of making a wonderful dessert, I have to make the whole dinner!  Bianca is a vegetarian now so I'm mostly focused on sides but I am planning on buying a mini Honeybaked Ham for Kevin.  That brings me to the question: what's your favorite Thanksgiving side?  What can you not live without?  Let me know in the comments, I'm trying to finalize my menu by the end of the week.

xoxo

Ashley

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Morticia

Samantha Pleet Morticia Dress

Halloween is just three days away and I'm bringing out my absolute favorite spooky-inspired outfits before the big day.  I'm such a big fan of Samantha Pleet and I love that she's brought back some of her most popular designs from 2016, including this Morticia dress.  With floating black candles and a gorgeous vintage-inspired silhouette, this dress brings me all the joy during the most wonderful time of the year.

Samantha Pleet Morticia Dress

Samantha Pleet Morticia Dress

Samantha Pleet Morticia Dress
Shoes- Target
Lipstick- c/o Besame Cosmetics in Portrait Peach (similar)

The Morticia dress is made from a silky cupro fabric and features a high neck with a collar, half sleeves, a button down bodice, tiered skirt, and a side zippered closure.  I'm wearing a size 4 and I find the fit to be perfect!  There's even a hook and eye closure between the buttons so you don't have any gaping.  This dress is sustainably made in India and was illustrated by Jenna Gribbon.  While this dress is definitely an investment piece, I love it so much and I know it will be a part of my closet for many years to come.

While we still haven't decided what we're going to do on Halloween, we're doing our best to find something safe, outside, and fun.  Maybe go to the pumpkin patch and carve pumpkins?  We haven't even picked our pumpkins yet (it's just been such a weird year).  What's your plan for Halloween?  Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

Ashley

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Midnight Jamboree

Modcloth However It Ghosts Fair Isle Sweater Kitschy Witch Designs Midnight Jamboree Gillian Skirt
 
The weekend is upon us and honestly, I couldn't be more relieved.  I've been trying to get adjusted to my new work/teach my daughter from home schedule and it's just a lot.  I don't have much time for my blog right now (which bums me out but I need to adult) but I took a little sliver of time to myself to photograph this amazing skirt from Kitschy Witch Designs.  Stephanie's fall print this year is Midnight Jamboree, a pairing of dancing black cats, the moon and music.  The Gillian style skirt displays the print so well and it was a great companion for my own little dance in nature.

Modcloth However It Ghosts Fair Isle Sweater Kitschy Witch Designs Midnight Jamboree Gillian Skirt

Modcloth However It Ghosts Fair Isle Sweater Kitschy Witch Designs Midnight Jamboree Gillian Skirt

Modcloth However It Ghosts Fair Isle Sweater Kitschy Witch Designs Midnight Jamboree Gillian Skirt
Sweater- Modcloth

The Gillian skirt is made in a heavyweight stretch cotton sateen and features a two inch waistband, gathered a-line silhouette, deep hidden side pockets, and a side zipper with two button closure.  I'm wearing my usual XS in Kitschy Witch skirts, which does run on the larger side.  This skirt is comfortable, if not just a smidge too big, so I would definitely recommend sizing down one from your usual size.  The Gillian is available in sizes XS-4X and is made right here in the USA.  The Midnight Jamboree print is also available in a scarf and a button down shirt.  If you're waiting for a dress, there should be one available very soon!  I'd recommend following Kitschy Witch on Instagram to get all the updates!

I've been dealing with a lot of loss right now in my husband's family which has been especially hard during a pandemic.  It's difficult when you lose someone you love, but it hurts even more when you haven't been able to see that person in some time or physically connect with others who are also grieving with you.  It's been a tough week but we're trying to get through it.  This year has been a mess and sometimes it's hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel.  2020 has taken so much but taught me even more, so I guess I need to keep that in perspective.  I can't wait until it's safe enough where we can feel some actual normalcy, it's just been so long.  How are you getting through these tough times?  I'd love to know how you find some peace among the chaos.

xoxo

Ashley

Friday, October 16, 2020

Pumpkin Minnie

Harvey's Mini Pumpkin Convertible Crossbody Collectif Amber-Lea Pumpkin Stripe Swing Dress
 
Is anyone else getting sad that Halloween is almost here?  I know it's not for another 15 days but I just don't want it to end!  Thankfully, Harvey's just released an adorable Pumpkin Minnie bag to keep that Halloween spirit alive.  Here in California, Disneyland has been closed for months and we're currently missing the best time of year at the happiest place on earth.  It's little joys like this that keep that Disney feeling close (even if you won't be able to visit for the foreseeable future).  I took this bag and the matching beret on a fun, pumpkin filled adventure and had the best time!

Harvey's Mini Pumpkin Convertible Crossbody Collectif Amber-Lea Pumpkin Stripe Swing Dress

Harvey's Mini Pumpkin Convertible Crossbody Collectif Amber-Lea Pumpkin Stripe Swing Dress

Harvey's Mini Pumpkin Convertible Crossbody Collectif Amber-Lea Pumpkin Stripe Swing Dress

Harvey's Mini Pumpkin Convertible Crossbody

Harvey's Mini Pumpkin Convertible Crossbody

Shoes- Target
Jumper- Hot Topic

If you're not familiar with Harvey's, they're a family-owned small business in Santa Ana, CA that makes handbags and other accessories right here in the USA.  They use seatbelts for bags, which means they're super durable, easy to clean, and animal friendly (vegan).  Harvey's often has licensed collections with Disney and each piece is a true collector's item.  This pumpkin Minnie bag is convertible, so it can also be worn as a backpack!  It comes with an adorable vampire Minnie charm and an attached red polka dot bow.  If you're interested in this bag, make sure to SHOP NOW because their products often sell out in minutes! The matching beret is also online but not available yet.  Make sure to sign up for "restock" notifications so you get an email as soon as it's released!

As you can see, I styled this bag with two spooky outfits.  The first one is a dress from Collectif.  This dress is stretchy, comfy, and perfect for fall!  I'm wearing my usual UK8 and the fit is great.  It's a little short waisted (says someone who's body is mostly torso) but I belted it for that perfect silhouette.  Also, it has pockets!  Collectif recently opened a US-based site so now you don't have to worry about international shipping if you're in the USA.  My second outfit is a jumper from Hot Topic.  As soon as this pumpkin Mickey jumper released I knew I wanted to pair it with this bag!  This jumper is in juniors sizing so I went with a medium.  While it's definitely baggy in the midsection, I have just enough room in the hips and I really needed the extra length.  It's currently on sale so grab yours while you can!

Are you feeling the Halloween spirit or are you dreading the end like me?  Halloween is a state of mind but STILL, I love seeing the rest of the world excited about spooky season!

xoxo

Ashley

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Cackling Jack

Creepy Company Beistle Cackling Jack Knit Sweater
 
We're well into the Halloween season and I still have so many more outfits to show you!  Because I'm juggling Bianca's school and work and this blog, I don't have as much time to update here.  I managed to sneak out for a few minutes because I was really excited about this new sweater from Creepy Co.  This year's Beistle collection is full of wonderful vintage Halloween inspired goodies and I instantly fell in love with this Cackling Jack sweater.  You can read more about this amazing collection below!

Creepy Company Beistle Cackling Jack Knit Sweater

Creepy Company Beistle Cackling Jack Knit Sweater

Creepy Company Beistle Cackling Jack Knit Sweater
Skirt- H&M

This chunky knit sweater features this vintage Beistle Jack-O-Lantern design with a matching stripe print on the arms.  This piece is in unisex sizing, so I'm wearing an XS.  As you can see, it's definitely a looser fit on me.  I enjoy a cozy sweater and it's super easy to tuck in and wear comfortably.  I love that they offer sizing from XS-3X and have everything from button ups, pajamas, and hats to home decor.  I went a little crazy this year with the Beistle collection but I have no regrets!  Shop your favorites while you can, some pieces in certain sizes are already sold out and won't be restocked!

Have you decided what you're doing for Halloween yet?  We have lots of spooky things planned this month but we haven't decided what to do on the 31st.  I think we might have an indoor trick-or-treat scavenger hunt here at home for Bianca.  She's very excited about her unicorn costume and candy so I feel like that checks off everything she wants.  Have any suggestions for the big day?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Friday, October 2, 2020

In The Cards

ModCloth x Collectif In the Cards Swing Dress
 
My favorite month is finally here and I can't wait to do all the fun, spooky things!  I know there are plenty of people out there saying that Halloween is cancelled but that couldn't be farther from the truth.  While masks do come into play (and who doesn't love another accessory?), there are so many exciting things going on right now.  We have day trips, pumpkin patches, and even Knott's Berry Farm on our agenda and I'm excited to dress in my favorite festive outfits for these occasions.  This tarot card dress from the ModCloth x Collectif collaboration is fun, incredibly light and comfortable, and worthy of wearing to any Halloween function.

ModCloth x Collectif In the Cards Swing Dress

ModCloth x Collectif In the Cards Swing Dress

ModCloth x Collectif In the Cards Swing Dress
Dress- Modcloth
Shoes- c/o Modcloth

The In The Cards swing dress is made from a light, chiffon-like fabric and is fully lined, has a button down detail down the bodice, collar with removable black velvet neck tie, swishy swing skirt with a matching fabric waist sash, and a side zippered closure.  This fabric has no stretch so I sized up to a UK10.  It ended up being the right choice because it fits lovely!  I also have the bat version of this dress in the same size and it was HUGE.  Because the bat fabric has stretch, it ran much larger.  The print is gorgeous, subtly spooky and the quality is top notch.  You can find this dress in sizes UK4 to UK30 on the ModCloth website right now and make sure to use my coupon code ModAshley15 for 15% off your order!

I'm so excited for the weekend!  Bianca is officially on fall break, we have a fun weekend planned, annnnnnd I got a job!  I'll be working from home and can work around Bianca's distance learning hours and I couldn't feel more elated.  Being laid off due to Covid-19 was a huge hit for me and I definitely went into a bit of a depression.  I feel most whole when I have an outlet outside the home, and while I'm working safely from home, I'm doing something that contributes to a different place.  Plus, I'm still working in the fashion industry so I'm basically on top of the world right now.  Despite the awfulness of 2020, October is looking to be a great month!

xoxo

Ashley


Monday, September 28, 2020

Pumpkin Dream

Unique Vintage Jack-O-Lantern Sweatshirt
 
My pumpkin game is strong this year and I'm loving all the Jack-O-Lantern pieces you can find at Unique Vintage!  From dresses to separates, shoes, and accessories; they have a huge selection of goodies that celebrate your favorite gourd.  This casually cute outfit is one of my favorites this year, mostly because it's so easy to dress these pieces up or down.  You can take this outfit from nature to the couch in no time!

Unique Vintage Jack-O-Lantern Sweatshirt

Unique Vintage Jack-O-Lantern Sweatshirt

Unique Vintage Jack-O-Lantern Sweatshirt

Unique Vintage Jack-O-Lantern Sweatshirt

This Jack-O-Lantern sweatshirt is made from a super soft and warm terry fabric, which is perfect for the fall season.  Since it's still pretty hot here, I can wear it comfortably with the sleeves pushed up.  My favorite part?  The double sided Jack faces!  There's a cute Jack on the front and a scary Jack face on the back.  I'm wearing my usual size small and it has a great, slouchy fit.

I paired the sweatshirt with this Jack-O-Lantern skirt because boy do I love a theme!  This cotton skater skirt has an elastic back waist for a tailor-made fit.  It also glows in the dark!  As usual, I'm wearing a small and it was the perfect choice for me.  The only thing that I'm not super psyched about is the lack of pockets.  If this skirt had pockets it would be *perfect*.  Because let's be honest: every woman deserves pockets!

I'm gearing up for another week of distance learning but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Bianca's fall break is next week!  It's been hard for me and really hard for her so we're both looking forward to some time away from the computer.  I'm planning on taking her on some socially distanced adventures so we can feel a bit of (safe) normalcy for a bit.  As always, you can keep up with my day-to-day adventures (as well as our fall break plans) on my Instagram!

xoxo

Ashley

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Wonderful Wasabi

Sarsparilly x Irregular Choice Wonderful Wasabi Dress in Panda Sushi print

Taking a break from all my Halloween content to bring you something kawaii from Sarsparilly!  If you're not familiar with this woman-owned small Australian business, Sarsparilly is dedicated to bringing you all the cute, happy things to your wardrobe.  Once a made to order business, Sarsparilly now offers seasonal collections in sizes XXS-3X.  Their most recent collection is a collaboration with the wonderful, whimsical shoe company: Irregular Choice.  The sushi theme and the adorable collection of dresses, shoes, and accessories is everything you could ever want in a novelty print.  Read more about the Wonderful Wasabi dress below!

Sarsparilly x Irregular Choice Wonderful Wasabi Dress in Panda Sushi print

Sarsparilly x Irregular Choice Wonderful Wasabi Dress in Panda Sushi print

Sarsparilly x Irregular Choice Wonderful Wasabi Dress in Panda Sushi print
Hair clip- c/o Sarsparilly

The Wonderful Wasabi dress is covered in a panda sushi print and features contrast polka dot puff sleeves, fitted bodice, swing skirt with hidden side pockets, contrasting fabric belt, and a back zippered closure.  I'm wearing a size XS, which is my usual Sarsparilly size.  In my opinion, their products run a full size large.  I would double check those size charts before you order because you will most likely need a size below your usual.  This dress is super comfy and ridiculously cute!  I love that this dress comes in black but you can also grab it in a gorgeous baby blue color.  You can shop this dress and the rest of the Irregular Choice collection on Sarsparilly right now!

Just wanted to let you know that my giveaway ends at 11:59pm PST tonight!  You can win a spooky tee and a collar from two of my favorite small businesses by entering on my blog post HERE.

xoxo

Ashley


Monday, September 21, 2020

Autumn Storm

ModCloth x Collectif Squash Farmer Jumper
 
I am all about autumn (even if I won't actually see/feel it until November) because it brings so many great things to my style: plaid prints, boots, layering pieces and my favorite: cozy cardigans.  Luckily, ModCloth has so many great things to transition your wardrobe to cooler weather wears!  I've collaborated with ModCloth to show you some of my picks from their new arrivals and this outfit is one of my favorites.  It has elements of autumn but is light enough for me to wear here in California "fall".  Check out the details on this outfit below and be prepared to see more of my fall picks in the near future!

ModCloth x Collectif Squash Farmer Jumper

ModCloth x Collectif Squash Farmer Jumper

ModCloth x Collectif Squash Farmer Jumper
Scrunchie- c/o Modcloth
Glasses- c/o Bonlook

Two of my favorite brands came together and created a wonderful range of fall and Halloween goodies.  I am absolutely obsessed with this squash farmer jumper and the rest of the ModCloth x Collectif collection!  This jumper features a nice fall plaid with a high waist, large exposed front pockets, a back zippered closure, and adjustable and removable straps.  That's right, the straps come completely off so you can wear it as a regular skirt!  I'm wearing a size UK10, which is a size bigger than my usual Collectif size.  Since this is a collaboration, the size chart is different and I went with a size up.  I think I could have stuck with my usual size, but it was a nice and comfy fit so I'm happy with it.  My suggestion is to take a second look at that size chart before you order!

I paired my skirt with this amazing thunderbolt print blouse, leopard print scrunchie, and platform heels for a bit of print mixing.  I feel like I used to mix prints a lot when I first started this blog and it was about time to bring it back!  I can see myself wearing this outfit to a job or even to a girl's brunch (if we were leaving the house).  You can find all of these pieces on ModCloth right now and make sure to check out their entire fall collection for all your transitional seasonal needs!

xoxo

Ashley

Friday, September 18, 2020

GIVEAWAY: Bun In The Coven & MAGNUS Clothing Co.

giveawaysmall
 
It's been much too long since I've hosted a giveaway and I'm so excited to be partnering with two of my favorite woman-owned small businesses!  I wanted to offer something spooky and both Bun In The Coven and MAGNUS Clothing Co. have loads of cute Halloween-inspired goodies in their shops.  Scroll down to learn more about these amazing businesses and enter this ghoulish giveaway!

Bun In The Coven Swimming Class Creature T-Shirt

Bun In The Coven Swimming Class Creature T-Shirt

Up for grabs is a t-shirt of your choice (excluding the ringer tees) from Bun In The Coven and a ghost collar from MAGNUS Clothing Company.  I'm wearing the new Swimming Class shirt and I absolutely love it.  It's the perfect combination of creepy and cute!  This tee also comes in a toddler size so Bianca has one to match.  I loved the pairing of this tee with the MAGNUS Clothing Co. ghost collar.  I have a bunch of these collars and they're just so easy to wear.  When you live in a summer climate almost year round, not having to layer is key!  Plus, these collars stay in place and are super comfortable.

Here's how to enter!  Through the Rafflecopter widget below, you have several ways to enter.  You can enter as many ways as you'd like.  Obviously, the more ways you enter the better your chance of winning.  This giveaway is open from now until 11:59pm PST on Thursday, September 24th.  Once the giveaway ends, a random entry will be picked.  I will email the winner and they have 24 hours to claim their prizes.  If the winner does not respond within that time, another random winner will be selected and contacted.  Once a winner claims their prize, they will be announced here on this blog post.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

Ashley
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