Pearl

 

It's a holiday miracle: it's finally cold enough to wear this amazing pearl coat from Collectif Clothing!  I purchased this coat literally years ago in hopes that one day our perpetual summery weather would change.  I'm glad I kept it because it was the perfect piece for a stroll in one of my favorite historic parks.  It's by far the warmest coat I own and worth every single penny!

Coat- Collectif Clothing

Shoes- c/o Modcloth

Tights- Playful Promises

Beret- 1138 Clothing

The pearl coat features a fitted waist with seams, faux fur trim, a gorgeous swing skirt with deep pockets, and a button down closure.  This coat is available in a bunch of different colors and prints but I love the deep gorgeous burgundy color.  I'm wearing a size XXS (UK6), which is very fitted for my frame.  Since I do live in Southern California and don't need to layer up, I felt comfortable sizing down from my usual Collectif size XS.  If you're in a colder climate, I suggest getting your usual size for room!  Collectif offers the pearl coat and all their other coats in sizes UK6 to UK22.

Christmas is just a few days away and for once I'm totally ready!  I was stressed for a good amount of time but I got everything done with a few days to actually enjoy the season.  Now I need to focus on two important things: what I'm going to bake and what I'm going to wear!  Have you decided what you're going to wear during the holidays?  Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

Ashley

Green Garden

 

I know Christmas is right around the corner but I live in Southern California so you might not see many cold weather outfits here!  With temperatures perpetually in the 80's, this jumpsuit from Samantha Pleet is a great choice for a festive but warm outfit.  Samantha is one of my favorite designers and this is my first jumpsuit from her line.  Needless to say, this won't be my last!

Jumpsuit- Samantha Pleet

Shoes- Target

Brooch- c/o Erstwilder

The garden jumpsuit is made from a light cotton fabric and features a round neckline, puffy short sleeves, princess seams, wide leg pants and front pockets.  The love that the print is a beautiful recreation of a wallpaper in Samantha's grandmother's home.  I appreciate the contoured but comfortable fit:  I wore this jumpsuit from photos to work to school pickup and was perfectly comfortable all day!  Samantha makes all her designs in straight and plus sizes and she's incredible with customer service.  I tend to be in between sizes and she's always so responsive to my questions.  I've purchased from other small brands who literally don't even respond to emails/questions so I feel like this is a very important aspect to me when I'm supporting a business.  I'm wearing a size 6, which is a size larger than my normal because I have a very long torso and muscular thighs... I need the extra room!

Samantha Pleet just released their new winter collection which you can find HERE!  What are you wearing for the holidays this year?  Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

Ashley

Overflow

 

As much as I'm dragging my feet, the holidays are on the horizon.  At first, I'm in the anger phase that Halloween is over.  But I ultimately get on board and try to enjoy it as much as I can.  As someone with a birthday on the holidays I tend to have my own issues, in addition to the stress of making the big day perfect for Bianca.  I'm sure I'm telling on myself here but I'm also a massive over thinker and I probably ruin it for myself!  The one thing I thoroughly enjoy about the holidays is the fashion.  The jewel tones, the layering, and all the hats!  I purchased this Sister Jane dress last year but because of pandemic I have never actually worn it out... until now!

Dress- Sister Jane

Shoes- Target

This jacquard mini dress is absolutely extra.  The sleeves are huge, the skirt is short, and the bow at the neckline is the epitome of a statement.  This style used to be super out of my comfort zone but I've since ditched the "snatched waist only" look and I enjoy trying new silhouettes.  I envision wearing this to a holiday party of some sort but for now I'm just glad I got to wear it for these photos.  The sleeves definitely took up like most of my driver's space in my car though, I wish I had taken a picture of that!  While this dress is long sold out, the style is now available in a new and equally gorgeous print that you can find HERE.

I just realized yesterday that Thanksgiving is next week!  While I'm not a big fan of the holiday or the story behind it, I'm all about the food.  My family and I have gone mostly meatless because Bianca is a vegetarian but we have never been turkey fans... it's all about the sides.  My favorite is stuffing, it truly is the best side!  What's your favorite part of a Thanksgiving meal?  Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

Ashley

Monster Mash

 

Halloween may be over but that spooky lifestyle is here to stay!  I have *tons* of adorable outfits I wasn't able to shoot before the end of October but let's be real: if I wear this all year round I can post about them year round too.  As you can tell by my most recent posts, I've been all about the Halloween collection from Vixen by Micheline Pitt.  She released so many great new cuts and resurrected her ever-popular Monster Mash print.  This dress was one of my quickest purchases and I'm sure you can see why!

Dress- Vixen by Micheline Pitt

Shoes- Amazon

Hat- c/o Lively Ghosts

The Wicked Swing dress is a new style from Vixen.  It's loosely based on the Tie Me Up top and redesigned to be an effortless everyday dress.  It features a wide neckline with ruching at the bust, 3/4 sleeves, a gathered skirt with deep pockets, a back zippered closure, and a black grommet belt.  The fabric is a very stretchy knitted spandex and boasts the most wonderful monster print.  I'm wearing my usual size small, which is actually a little large on me.  Not enough to go through the effort of sending back and getting a smaller size, but I definitely could have taken an extra small.  That being said, I also have this dress in the spiderweb print and that one isn't as stretchy.  Just keep that in mind when you're shopping!  This dress is available in sizes XS-4X and can easily be worn any day that needs a little spooky boost.

This weekend my husband and I are taking a trip to San Diego!  We haven't been out of town by ourselves in quite some time so I'm pretty excited.  We're going to see Patton Oswalt, who is one of our favorite comedians, and I planned this whole trip for Kevin for Father's Day.  I'm pretty much ready for the show but I have no idea what to wear!  Basically, my issue every time something fun is on the schedule.  Do you overthink your outfits or is that just me?

xoxo

Ashley

Pumpkin King

 

The big day is finally here: Happy Halloween!  Although I'm excited for the day I can't help but get a little sad because I'll have to wait until next summer to start counting down the days again.  Luckily, I live that spooky life year round!  This Pumpkin King Maneater wiggle dress from Vixen by Micheline Pitt is the perfect dress for Halloween but can easily be worn all year.  Pumpkins might have their moment in the fall but I think they should be worn all the time!

Dress- c/o Vixen by Micheline Pitt

Shoes- YRU

Jacket- Tripp NYC

Hair bow- Free People

Lipstick- Too Faced Matte Liquid Lipstick in Pumpkin Spice

The Maneater wiggle dress is an absolute dream.  It's made from a structured but super stretchy fabric called bengaline, so you look fabulous and feel comfortable.  This dress features a structured bust area (seriously, it's like a bra), adjustable straps, wiggle skirt with a back slit, and a removable grommet belt.  I comfortably took my usual size small.  I know a lot of people like to size down in this dress but I have wider hips that could always use the extra room!  This dress is available in sizes XS-4X and it also comes in a swing dress version if wiggles aren't your thing.  Also, you can grab 20% off this dress and lots of other Halloween styles with the code HALLOWEEN at checkout.  Make sure to click HERE to check out the sale offerings and shop while you can, this sale is only until November 3rd!

Tonight we'll be joining the neighbors for an outdoor block party.  We have a potluck going, lots of trick or treating, and a bar for the adults.  Considering last year we didn't go out at all, Bianca and I are ready to live it up (safely, of course) and make up for last year!  What are your plans for Halloween?  Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

Ashley

Pumpkin Spice

 

All things are better when they're pumpkin flavored... including this Vixen by Micheline Pitt dress!  Her Halloween collection this year is to die for (pun intended) and her classic Bardot dress got a bit of a pumpkin spiced treatment.  While the Bardot has been around for years, I've never actually tried one on until I ordered this dress.  Now I'm kicking myself for waiting so long!

Dress- c/o Vixen by Micheline Pitt

Shoes- Modcloth

Hat- The Beheaded

Lipstick- Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick in Pumpkin Spice

The Bardot is made from a thick cotton sateen and features cap sleeves that can be worn up or down, a wide neckline with lace and bow detail, below the knee length gathered skirt with pockets, back zippered closure, and a removable black grommet belt.  I'm almost always a size small in all Vixen pieces and I happily took a small in this dress.  It's super comfortable but also structured, so you get that vintage inspired fit without the need of vintage undergarments.  As you probably know, I am obsessed with this Halloween color way but it also comes in a black and white and pink and white gingham as well.  All Vixen's offerings are available in sizes XS-4X and they're currently having a sale on certain Halloween items!  If you live that spooky life everyday like I do, this sale is an absolute treat!

Today is my BFF Sammi's birthday!  She lives on the other side of the country and I haven't seen her in years (thanks to the pandemic) but her day is always worth celebrating, near or far!  She hosts a birthday giveaway on her blog every year, so make sure to check out what she's offering this year.  Hint: it's really awesome!  You can read her blog and enter her giveaway HERE!

xoxo

Ashley

Racing Hearts

 

October in Southern California is definitely my favorite.  The weather is still pretty warm but you can layer up if needed.  As someone who is always cold, I tend to have a sweater or jacket with me at all times.  I love the combination of this jumpsuit with the faux leather jacket from the Sarsparilly x Peanuts collection.  The jumpsuit is cute and comfortable and the jacket is for those sparse chilly breezes.  You can read more about this adorable outfit below!

Jumpsuit- c/o Sarsparilly

Jacket- c/o Sarsparilly

Shoes- Target

Hair bow- Free People

The Best Friends Forever jumpsuit is a slightly stretchy cotton sateen and features a square neckline, thick straps, below the knee capri style pants, velvet covered buttons, pockets, a removable grommet belt, and a zippered closure.  I love the cute Snoopy print, which is perfect for my next trip to Knott's Berry Farm.  I usually take a size XS in Sarsparilly items but I sized up to a small because I have a long torso and wide hips.  I'm so glad I did because the fit is fantastic!

The Racing Hearts jacket is a great classic piece with a Peanuts twist.  I love the red contrast zippers, heart shaped elbow patches, heart print lining, and the adorable Snoopy image on the back.  The jacket is heavy enough to keep you warm but light enough to wear on a not-so-chilly day.  I stuck with my usual XS in this jacket and it was perfect.

You can find this collection on the Sarsparilly website right now!  In addition to these pieces, you can also find a skirt, dress, and a cardigan.  Everything is mix and match so it's really cute to be able to create your own Peanuts outfit depending on your silhouette preferences.  Make sure to shop your favorites now, everything is currently 50% off and selling fast!  Make sure to grab what you want because the sale ends on Saturday!

xoxo

Ashley

Happy Meowlloween

 

Last week my family and I drove up north to the mountains to enjoy Yosemite National Park and the cooler weather.  I don't get many opportunities to wear anything with long sleeves so I grabbed my new skater dress from BlackMilk Clothing to enjoy a chilly and spooky day in nature.  I love their new Halloween collection (seriously, it has everything you could ever want) and I'm so excited to partner with them to show off this adorable dress!

Dress- c/o BlackMilk Clothing

Shoes- T.U.K.

Hat- The Beheaded

Bag- The Beheaded

The Meowlloween long sleeve skater dress is made from a fleece lined toasty fabric that's super stretchy and comfortable.  This dress has full long sleeves, a scoop neck, above the knee skirt and hidden side pockets.  I'm wearing a size small (my usual size) and I find it to be comfortable.  I think I may have gone up a size for extra bust room but I'm quite happy in the small.  This super cute Halloween cat print was illustrated by Caley Hicks, who is known for her amazing art (some of which you can find at Disney).  I'm so happy with this dress and I'll be rocking it during the Halloween season and the winter ahead!

You can shop the entire BlackMilk Halloween collection HERE right now!  Find everything from Beetlejuice to Corpse Bride and anything in between in sizes XXS-XXL.  While BlackMilk is located in Australia, their shipping is faster than most US-based companies!  Do you enjoy a good Halloween novelty print?  Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

Ashley

Blooms and Birds

 

Feeling like the perfect pastel witch with the help of the new Birds and Blooms collection from Deer Arrow!  This collection has two releases: one that was a few hours ago and the other that will be here in a few hours!  I'm showing you some of the new pieces in this collection, along with matching earrings (like this Retro Bunch Brooch and Retro Stud Earrings).  Scroll down to check them all out!

Daisy Bouquet Brooch

Pansies Brooch and Stud Earrings

Deadly Bunch Brooch

Rosie Posy Brooch and Rose Stud Earrings

Purfect Night Brooch

Brooches and earrings- c/o Deer Arrow

Dress- Sister Jane

Hat- The Beheaded

Every piece from Deer Arrow is handmade in house in Queensland, Australia.  Deer Arrow is a family business, which means that their designs are very special and very limited.  Due to their limited numbers and increased popularity over the years, most sell out within hours!  If you're looking to add some Deer Arrow to your accessories collection, make sure to follow them on social media and join their mailing list to be the first to know when their next range launches!

Which brooch is your favorite?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Gothic Tales

 

Spooky season is here and I can't think of a better collection to feature this time of year than Sleepy Hollow from La Femme En Noir.  This officially licensed collection is back again this year, with restocks of your favorites and new additions too!  The Gothic Tales dress is my favorite (I also have it in black velour) so I obviously needed to grab it in this toile print as well.

Dress- La Femme En Noir

Boots- Target

Tights- Modcloth

Bag- c/o La Femme En Noir

The Gothic Tales dress in grey toile is made from a thick and sturdy but stretchy cotton spandex and features a sexy lace up front bodice, breathtaking leg-of-mutton sleeves, a pointed drop waist, gathered below the knee skirt with hidden side pockets, and a back zippered closure.  This dress holds you in all the right places!  It's structured enough to be worn without shape wear, which is so nice because post-pandemic me *hates* wearing any kind of shaping garments.  The toile print was hand drawn and features some of the most iconic images from the Tim Burton movie.  I'm wearing a size XS, which is actually a size below from my regular Le Femme size.  I have a size small in the velour version and while it's comfortable, I knew I could size down when I ordered this one.  I paired this dress with my favorite over the knee boots and the matching Headless Horseman purse to complete this spooky cute look!

This dress and the rest of the Sleepy Hollow collection is available in sizes XS-4X.  If you see your size is sold out, that just means this year's collection hasn't released yet!  You can purchase both restocks and new items from this collection today at 4pm PST.  Keep your eyes peeled for all the new stuff too, they've definitely come with their A-game and I suspect it will sell out quickly.  Let me know what you think of the Sleepy Hollow collection in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley