Holiday Tartan

 

Happy holidays! I'm pretty sure this is my last post of the year and I wanted to end it with a great dress. I don't dress vintage everyday anymore but when I want to look stunning I always check out Miss Candyfloss. Their designs are inspired from vintage silhouettes yet provide modern fabrics and inclusive sizing. This tartan dress was calling to me and I'm so glad I got it in time for the holiday season!

Dress- Miss Candyfloss

Shoes- Steve Madden

Hat- vintage

Brooch- c/o Erstwilder

The Inge-Silver dress has a faux jacket look with a peplum, contrasting colors on the cuffs and collar, pleated swing skirt with hidden side pockets, button and zipper front closure and a removable black belt. This dress is light enough for a southern California winter but can easily be layered for cooler temperatures. I'm wearing my usual size small in Miss Candyfloss and it is a great fit! As someone with a large bust, I appreciate that the button front closure actually covers my bust. This dress (like everything else they offer) is produced in sizes XS-5X. While this style is mostly sold out, they have so many other fabulous options for the winter season and beyond!

To anyone who still comes here to listen to my monthly ramblings: thank you. I started this blog in 2011, when blogs were the way we communicated with likeminded people. I know most people enjoy Instagram and TikTok to catch up on their favorite people (I do too!) but I have a soft spot for the time before everything was daily content at any moment's notice. This may be an ancient form of communication but I will continue to post here and share my outfits and photography for as long as possible.

I hope you enjoy the holidays, the rest of your year and sending you all the good vibes for 2024!

xoxo

Ashley

Velvet Tilly

 

Feeling like a woodland princess on the blog today! Valentine's Day is near and there's nothing more perfect than wearing a Pretty Dress Company outfit for the occasion. As a longtime customer and fan, I wear their dresses for many of my special occasions. My ten year wedding anniversary is coming up tomorrow and this velvet Tilly dress would be a great option for the celebration.

Dress- c/o The Pretty Dress Company

Shoes- Target

Hat- vintage

Ring- vintage via RetMod

The Tilly dress is an off the shoulder dress with boning in the bodice, a full skirt with side pockets and a back zippered closure. The entire dress is lined with a stretch fabric so it's extremely comfortable to wear. Like all Pretty Dress Company pieces, this dress is extremely well made. It feels like I'm wearing something luxurious! I opted for a size UK8 and I find it to be a perfect fit. The Tilly is available in red and forest green velvet and it's currently on super sale! If you like the silhouette but aren't into velvet, it's also available in plenty of gorgeous colors and prints.

February is always a big month for me. It's my wedding anniversary, Valentine's Day and my husband, bother, and brother in law's birthdays. It's *busy*. While I enjoy celebrating these beautiful moments, I have to remind myself to rest because it can be a little overwhelming. What do you do to make sure you carve in some calming moments? I would love to hear your suggestions!

xoxo

Ashley

Mabel

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!







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

Gingham

I can't believe how long it's been since I've worn something from my vintage closet!  I have quite a vast vintage section but I tend to keep them hidden away.  Probably in fear that I'll rip or ruin it.  And let me be brutally honest: I'd gained about 5 pounds so I've been scared to put my valued pretties on.  I took these pictures about a month ago and I've since worked those excess pounds off, but it was quite a journey to get back to my normal self.  Disclaimer: I talk about dieting/weight loss/depression in this post.













Dress- Vintage (from Billy Kitten Vintage)
Shoes- Remix Vintage Shoes
Fascinator- Vintage
Lipstick- Vinyl Cosmetics Thunder Kiss Liquid Lipstick in Miss World

Back in September I lost one of my dogs.  I was destroyed.  I didn't even really know how to get a grip on my everyday life.  So I just stopped caring... about everything.  I didn't want to be around my dogs, my family, my friends.  So I did what I usually do when I'm lonely: I ate my feelings.  Once my heart started to heal I realized the havoc I created on my body.  I was embarrassed it even came to that point.  Now don't get me wrong, I know everyone's health journey is different.  But as someone who has always been conscious of what I put into my body, I had done a lot of damage to myself.  Thankfully, I learned how to deal with my pain in a healthy way and I started feeling motivated again.  I've been using the Lose It! app on my phone and it's been such a great source of motivation for me.  It keeps me accountable and inspires me to make better choices when I eat, no matter how I'm feeling. 

I sat on these pictures for so long because I was ashamed with how I treated myself.  But you know what?  I feel like I just need to own this part of my life.  I was in a dark place and I didn't know how to deal with it or make it any better.  Thanks to some long talks with some of my closest friends, I was able to break through and get my life back on track.  I'm so thankful for those who cared enough to check in and open up my heart, I feel like I'd still be searching for peace without them.  So here's to looking forward and looking up, no matter what happens in my life.

xoxo

Ashley

Hamilton

Spring is finally in full swing and I couldn't be happier!  I can do away with my cardigans and show off my favorite spring staple: sundresses!  The Hamilton dress from Unique Vintage is an undisputed favorite and I'm sure you can see why.  The sweet-as-candy stripes, adorable covered buttons, and figure-flattering silhouette will have you dancing with glee as soon as you put it on.  I mean, doesn't everyone have that reaction to a pretty new dress?













Dress- c/o Unique Vintage
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Hat- Vintage (similar)

The Hamilton is made from a light 100% cotton that is perfect for the warmer months ahead.  It features adjustable tie straps, faux-buttons down the bodice, matching rope belt, a gathered swing skirt, exposed pocket on the right side, and a side zip closure.  I'm constantly between an XS/S in UV brand clothing, but I took an XS in the Hamilton.  The waist is a great fit, but the bust is a bit more constricting if you have a larger bust (unlike me).  I would go with your regular size, unless you need to accommodate for your bust.  If you're not a pink fan, this dress also comes in green.  I'm crossing my fingers that there will be a rainbow of Hamilton dresses in the future!

For anyone wanting an update on Rosko: he's doing great!  He's on several antibiotics that I have to administer multiple times a day, but it seems to be helping.  Although his eyeball is still red, I can finally see his iris.  He hates wearing his "cone of shame" 24 hours a day, but anything to keep him from rupturing his eye is worth it.  It's quite apparent that he only has light sensitivity and no actual sight, but we're trying to keep him from another surgery.  We will find out early next week whether the eye can be saved or not.  My very wonderful and amazing friend/artist Stephanie Buscema has donated a HUGE gift bag filled with her artwork, accessories, and jewelry that hasn't been released yet!  I'm auctioning off the goodies on my Instagram, and all the proceeds will go to Rosko's medical needs.  To get more details/if you're interested in bidding, follow the link HERE.

xoxo

Ashley

Grape Vine

I'll admit it: I'm currently on a massive vintage-collecting binge.  I've been all about beaded cardigans, floral hats, and 40's style structured tops.  While I started collecting true vintage ages ago, I shelved those priceless pieces for baby-friendly repro.  Now that Bianca is three, I can feel more confident about wearing more delicate outfits.  I recently acquired this grape vine beaded cardigan and I can't stop wearing it!  It definitely shows signs of age, but like most well-loved vintage, it just adds character.











Cardigan- Vintage (similar)
Skirt- Vixen
Shoes- Bettie Page
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Hat- Vintage (similar)

California is currently being hit with a few storms, which means I don't get to explore or take any outfit photos for a few days.  I can't really complain though, I'm definitely a homebody!  That just means more cuddle time with my husband, Bianca, and our dogs.  I will say, I am really excited about my posts coming in the next few weeks.  I've really dedicated myself to wearing things outside of my comfort zone and I can't wait to share them with you.  Stay tuned!

xoxo

Ashley

Seville

It's not everyday that I'm inspired to put on a wiggle, but I couldn't help myself with this The Pretty Dress Company number!  Thanks to Unique Vintage, it's now super easy for us ladies in the USA to get these dresses without having to pay high shipping costs.  I'm a huge fan of the Hepburn swing dress so I decided to give the wiggle version a try.  You can read my review of this floral frock below!











Dress- c/o Unique Vintage
Shoes- Bettie Page Shoes
Hat- Vintage (similar)

The Hepburn wiggle dress is made from sturdy cotton with just a hint of stretch.  It's lined in a soft, silky fabric so it's super comfortable to wear.  This dress also features a v-neckline in the back, half sleeves, and a slit in the back of the skirt so you can move with ease.  Much like the swing version, I do find it hard to zip myself.  Because it's so structured and has sleeves, getting to the back zip can be tough when I'm alone.  But it's worth the struggle (or making sure my husband is home to zip me up) because this dress fits beautifully.  I went with a UK8 and it was nothing short of perfect.  I was surprised it accommodated my hips so easily!  I'm planning on bringing this beauty out for my husband's birthday dinner next month, it really is the perfect occasion dress!

I'm still recovering from Bianca's birthday madness, but I'm taking the day to rest because I have a fun photoshoot scheduled for tomorrow.  I can't really say much yet, but make sure to keep up with me on Instagram for all the details!  All I can say is: I really shouldn't have binged on birthday cake these last two days...

xoxo

Ashley

Umbrella

It's been quite a dark and dreary week, especially for May, so I decided to dress the part.  This amazing vintage dress is one of my newest finds.  A friend of mine was letting it go and I had to claim it as my own.  Made from a lightweight cotton, this dress features the cutest chevron style drop waist, red piping, ties at the shoulders, and a full gathered skirt.  Of course, the best part is the red umbrella print.  It's truly a one of a kind dress that now has a permanent place in my closet!









Dress- Vintage
Shoes- c/o Unique Vintage
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Lipstick- c/o Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Candy Apple

A few of my girlfriends and I went to the 25th anniversary screening of Beauty and the Beast on Monday.  Not only did we get to watch the original 70mm film, we also listened to a discussion panel with many of the voices, animators, and producers.  It was completely surreal.  Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite Disney movie and being a part of this event was truly a dream come true.  I'm not going to lie, I teared up more than a few times!  The next day I decided it was Bianca's turn to see the movie for the first time.  Again, I cried like a baby watching her react to the movie, much like I did when I saw it 25 years ago.  Being able to share things from my childhood is truly one of my favorite parts of parenting.  I feel like it's passing on a piece of myself to her, so you can imagine the emotions that come with it.  I'm just happy she likes Belle just as much as she does Elsa!

xoxo

Ashley

Tuesday Rose

It's been discussed here before, but I have beautifully curated closet of vintage clothing that rarely sees the light of day.  I've been collecting vintage for longer than I can remember, but I have a weird attachment to these pieces.  There's something about not wanting to wear them out or damage them that gives me these irrational fears.  But when your friend Sammi buys you the vintage skirt of your dreams for your birthday, it deserves its time out of the exclusive closet!









Top- Modcloth
Skirt- Vintage via Tuesday Rose Vintage
Shoes- Chelsea Crew
Hat- Jeanne Simmons (similar)
Lipstick- c/o Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Peony

My mom has been in town for the last week and I've seen her pretty much every day.  She only lives about two hours away, but she also travels a lot so our schedules rarely match to get together.  It's been so nice to have her here spending time with Bianca.  My little lady is very attached to her so she's been enjoying every minute.  She's leaving on Saturday, but I'm considering a trip down to her place next week.  Her birthday is on Monday and it would be fun to get away and celebrate with her!  We will see what happens, traveling two hours in a car with a toddler and three dogs is not an easy feat!

xoxo

Ashley