Sleepy Hollow

It's official: Halloween season has started here on my blog!  From spooky clothing to fun accessories and home goods, I'll be featuring all kinds of small businesses to fulfill your Halloween needs.  I'm kicking off the series strong with one of my all-time favorite companies: Kitschy Witch Designs!  Stephanie Buscema, the infinitely talented artist, has featured jewelry and prints of her artwork in her shop for quite some time.  Last year she started offering her artwork on textile designs and I couldn't be more excited to wear her art!  This Sleepy Hollow skirt is basically everything I've ever wanted in a spooky novelty print and I've been wearing it nonstop ever since.  Can you blame me?









Top- Target
Skirt- c/o Kitschy Witch Designs
Shoes- Steve Madden
Brooch- Luxulite
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red
Compact- c/o Kitschy Witch Designs

The Spellbound skirt is made from a cotton sateen fabric and features a thin waistband, gathered a-line silhouette, hidden side pockets, and a side zip with hook and eye closure.  The fabric has a good amount of stretch to it, so you can definitely size down if you're between sizes.  I highly recommend reading the size charts before ordering.  In my opinion, these skirts run large.  I'm usually between an XS/S, and Kitschy Witch Designs offers sizes between S-3X.  The small comes in at 27-28 inches, which means I need to have my skirt altered to my waist.  It's absolutely worth it though, her skirts are just so perfect!

While this skirt is currently sold out, it will be restocking in a week or two.  I'd keep up with her on Instagram or on her Facebook group for all updates (and sneak peeks)!

xoxo

Ashley

Monster Mash

I'm more than ready for Halloween, in case you hadn't noticed!  Vixen by Micheline Pitt's Ben Cooper collection is perfect for the season but can easily be worn throughout the year.  This Monster Mask print Vixen swing skirt perfectly blends spooky and cute and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  With tons of colors to pull from, the styling possibilities are endless!













Top- Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Skirt- Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Shoes- Target (similar)
Brooch- Luxulite
Hair scarf- c/o Doll Me Up
Petticoat- Malco Modes

Made from stiff and heavy stretch cotton sateen, the Vixen skirt features 1.75" waistband, full gathered skirt, and long back zippered closure.  Like all of Vixen's swing styles, this skirt has massive pockets.  I rarely go out with a purse when I'm wearing it!  While I'm usually a size XS in Vixen skirts, I found this skirt to run a little smaller.  I'm wearing a size S and it's the perfect fit.  Luckily, the Monster Mask skirt is still in stock in all sizes, so don't hesitate if you're on the fence!

I'm hoping to take Bianca to a pumpkin patch this weekend.  Due to the California drought, the local pumpkin patch (the one I went to every year as a child) has been closed since Bianca was a baby.  Luckily, they're opening the gates this weekend only and I feel like I have to take her.  Fingers crossed she's in good spirits and the lines aren't too long!

xoxo

Ashley

Amsterdam

Is there anything more perfect than novelty prints and warm weather accessories?  I rarely get to wear both of these things at the same time, so I jumped at the chance to put this outfit together.  Laura, the wonderful designer behind Miss Fortune, was sweet enough to send me this dreamy outfit and I can't wait to tell you about it!  Get all the details below:













Top- c/o Miss Fortune
Skirt- c/o Miss Fortune
Shoes- Bettie Page
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Brooch- Luxulite
Beret- Modcloth

This warm yet chic and comfortable top from Miss Fortune is the perfect piece to pull me in from uncontrollable heat to the chilly breeze of Southern California winter.  This Kitty top is made from a thick and stretchy ponte fabric, which is perfect on its own but is a great foundation for layers in those colder climates.  It comes in an assortment of gorgeous colors but this cerise shade matches perfectly with their new Amsterdam print Boardwalk skirt.  I'm such a sucker for novelty prints but fun destination prints are at the top of my list!  This 100% cotton skirt features a side zip with a top button closure, right side pocket, and a full skirt perfect for twirling.  I'm seriously in love with this skirt!

Well, holiday season is now in full swing and I couldn't be more excited.  Not only do I get to enjoy the usual holiday fun, but I also get to celebrate my birthday, my brother's, and my baby girl's birthday too.  It can be overwhelming at times!  But I'm determined to embrace the spirit of the holidays and forget about the stress.  What do you do to combat the holiday stresses/blues?

xoxo

Ashley

Pumpkin Queen

Halloween is just around the corner and I have so many outfits I haven't featured here yet!  Unfortunately, I can't get out for pictures everyday so I've narrowed them down as much as I can.  Like I've mentioned before, Pinup Girl Clothing's collection this year has been downright dreamy.  Stephanie Buscema and her lovely prints have highlighted this collection and I've tried to convince myself not to wear them every single day.  So far it hasn't really worked...













Top- Bernie Dexter
Skirt- Pinup Girl Clothing
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Brooch- Luxulite
Petticoat- Malco Modes

I have over thirty Jenny skirts (I prefer the word collector over hoarder) and I almost always fit into an XS.  These Halloween skirts seem to run a bit larger than my liking, but I'd still consider them wearable.  If you're between sizes I'd highly recommend sizing down.  The fabric of this Jenny is stiff but comfortable, definitely looks great with or without a petticoat.  As always, it's finished with massive side pockets (which are currently carrying my phone, keys, and a snack for Bianca).  I paired it with my favorite striped top from Bernie Dexter.  I almost exclusively purchase dresses from her but her knit separates are amazing!  If you have yet to give them a try, go for it.  You won't have any regrets!

Pinup Parade in the Park is on Sunday and I seriously cannot wait!  I've had a few snags with my Disneybound but it's all come together.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's outfits, playing some Disney trivia, and exploring the park with my fellow ladies.  If you're planning on coming let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Floral Ribbon

I've been kind of obsessed with mixing my summer and autumn pieces lately.  I'm guessing it's because I see everyone's gorgeous fall outfits but it's still in the 90-100 degree range here.  I have some serious fall envy over here!  I've never actually worn this floral ribbon Jenny skirt until today but I love the idea of mixing these pastel colors with black.  It's the perfect way to transition this skirt into the cooler seasons instead of packing it away until spring.  I don't think I could wait that long to wear it again!











Top- Heart of Haute
Skirt- Pinup Girl Clothing
Shoes- c/o Restricted Shoes
Brooch- Luxulite
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Bracelet- c/o Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski

Although this skirt now comes in a petite length, I chose to go with the original.  At 24" long, it's perfect for my frame.  Some of my older Jenny's are 27-28", which tend to be overwhelmingly long.  I'm happy that the original version has now been shortened to 24" and the petite length comes in at 22".  It's truly couture for every body!

This week has been incredibly challenging for me.  In addition to home stress, I've had some personal turmoil which has really thrown my happy demeanor into a tizzy.  I'm trying to stay positive and keep looking at the future (which includes moving into our amazing new home), but I have to take it one day at a time.  I'm actually looking forward to a weekend at work, it's a nice distraction from the craziness at home!  Plus, I have the best coworkers on earth, so that really sweetens the deal :).

xoxo

Ashley

GIVEAWAY: Sourpuss Clothing

I figured my blog was due for another giveaway, this time with Sourpuss Clothing!  I'm no stranger to Sourpuss, they're always my go-to for fun gifts, cute enamel pins (you should see my pleather jacket), Bianca's spooky/funky clothing and my own wardrobe as well.  While they carry tons of brands of my personal liking, their house brand is full of original pieces that won't break the bank!  Read more about this Retro Diamonds dress and enter the giveaway below:











Dress- c/o Sourpuss Clothing
Shoes- Chase & Chloe
Underskirt- Pinup Girl Clothing
Purse- c/o Sourpuss Clothing
Brooch- Luxulite
Belt- From another dress

Like most of their dresses, this one is lined in stretch satin which means it's incredibly comfortable to wear.  I love the luxurious feel on the inside with the fun print on the exterior.  This particular dress is longer than their usual cuts, which makes this tall-ish/prude-ish lady very happy.  It has just enough length without the feeling of being overwhelmed by the garment.  Of course, I can't get enough of the fun harlequin print.  Overall, I'm really happy with this dress and can see myself wearing this as an "everyday" kind of dress.

Now, onto the fun stuff!  Sourpuss Clothing was lovely enough to offer a Bettie Page Cover Girl bag for the giveaway.  This is open to everyone (internationally as well) and there are no mandatory entries.  Feel free to enter as many as you'd like, but the more you enter, the better the chances you'll win :).  This giveaway will run until MIDNIGHT on September 9th PST, so technically until very late on Thursday night.  I'll announce the winner sometime during the following week.  Good luck to all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
xoxo

Ashley 

Kelly

Sometimes I get so caught up in my favorite dress styles that I forget to try something new.  As a longtime Bernie Dexter fan, I know which cuts work for me and which don't.  She's recently released a Kelly style, which is essentially a classic shirtwaist dress.  I've never been a fan of anything that didn't have a full back zip, so I was hesitant to try one on.  I'm glad I did though, this dress is such a winner!











Dress- Bernie Dexter (available at Unique Vintage and Pinup Girl Clothing)
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Brooch- Luxulite
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Hair scarf- Vintage

The best feature to the Kelly dress is the zip front.  Because of the zipper, you don't have to worry about gaping in the chest.  Buttons are a busty girl's worst enemy and this dress eliminates that problem entirely.  It's a ridiculously comfortable dress that you can zip into and go!  Like all of Bernie's other swing dresses, it's made of 100% breathable cotton and has side pockets to accompany the full gathered skirt.  I'm dying to add the Beauty Mark Kelly dress to my collection now.  I feel like this is a start to another Bernie dress obsession...

This week already feels like the start of a vacation.  I had a very busy weekend at work, so I've been taking full advantage and bumming it up here at home.  While I'm not completely off this weekend, I only work one day.  Which means I get to spend some extra time with Kevin and Bianca.  I'm super excited about it!

I wanted to just take a minute to say thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway!  I've been working tirelessly to add in all these extra Instagram entries (I have to do them one by one) so I can choose a winner.  I'm gearing up to pick one on Friday, but it may have to be Monday in case I run out of time.  Either way, I'll be announcing the winner here very soon!

xoxo

Ashley

Venus

I think I may have been one of the only ladies who wasn't eager to get my hands on this venus fly trap skirt... Initially.  As big of a fan of Micheline Pitt's prints as I am (I'm pretty sure I own them all), there was something about it that made me feel hesitant to get one.  When I received my monster print Darling Dames skirt a few weeks ago (seen here), I realized how much I love the new shorter length and the pockets.  So naturally, I wanted to get a few prints to add to my wardrobe.  This print is much more beautiful in person and I'm happy pushed away my hesitation and went for it!

Jitterbug

Something about this Unique Vintage suspender skirt just made me want to sport a head to toe classic look.  As much as I love vintage style, I don't actually consider myself a "pinup" because I tend to find inspiration from many eras.  I love both colorful and spooky clothing and accessories, more modern hair styles on an everyday basis (my thin hair can't handle all the backcombing!), and I just don't like to pigeonhole myself into one specific aesthetic.  But as you can see, today was a bit different.  This skirt certainly called for a more polished look and I was all about it!

Weekend Barbie

Shorts are a new and unexpected addition to my current wardrobe, but I'm welcoming them with open arms.  As someone who is very self conscious about their bottom half (mine tends to be much larger than the rest of my body), shorts just tend to emphasize it.  But I'm coming to terms with, and starting to love my body, so I decided to feature them here.  I have several pairs of these Laura Byrnes shorts because they're extremely flattering.  I love the high cut, wide waistband, and pockets.  The back band is elasticized, so there's no gaping when you sit down.  I feel lucky that I can enjoy these shorts a little while longer before they're packed away until spring!

Amanda Dress

Can't help but love this Amanda dress.  Obviously so, I have it in two colors!  It's a great dress that can be worn casually and is work appropriate, but can also be dressed up for date night.  I personally love the deep pockets, if I can get away without carrying a purse I'm a happy mom.  I prefer this color way over the red, white, and blue, only because I tend to keep this one way cleaner.  I don't know what it is about white, I become a klutz when I wear it!

Changes

This is my very first Doris skirt.  I've usually passed right by them, only because I love the fullness of the Jenny so much.  Since I've been doing my best to work outside of my comfort zone, I took the plunge and purchased this skirt.  The print is so cute and summery, and I'm actually surprised I like this a-line silhouette so much.  Unlike the Jenny, I can wear this skirt without a petticoat or an underskirt which makes it incredibly comfortable.  We'll see if I make any more Doris skirt purchases, but I'll definitely be wearing this one on the regular!

Maggie May

If you haven't noticed, I've been doing my best to get outside of my personal style comfort zone this year.  I'm playing with separates, wearing shorts, and incorporating wiggle dresses into my wardrobe.  I've been having so much fun experimenting with other styles and it feels kind of liberating to do something different.  It's like exercising a creative muscle that's been dormant for some time.  Without realizing it, I've become more comfortable in my body and I've come leaps and bounds from the lows I felt after I had Bianca.  Maybe it sounds dumb, but I'm really proud of myself!