Hide in the Hydrangeas

I've been dying to wear this dress again for ages!  This Bernie Dexter dream was the very dress that made me fall in love with her feminine designs.  I missed it in my size when it initially released, but I got my hands on one about two and a half years ago.  The only problem?  I had just given birth to Bianca and it wouldn't zip up!  Once I lost the baby weight I had it professionally altered from a halter dress to a convertible dress with straps.  It's been a long road, but I can finally wear this out.  It's perfect!











Dress- Bernie Dexter
Shoes- Chelsea Crew (similar)
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Belt- From another dress
Bracelet- Old
Lipstick- c/o Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Sugar Plum

This weekend was quite a whirlwind.  Friday was an unexpected date night with Kevin.  We had a nice dinner and a romantic walk to the Disney Store.  I was surprised to see their massive Beauty and the Beast section (thanks to the movie's 25th anniversary/impending live action movie) and I took advantage.  Saturday was a nice day of work, and yesterday I spent the day with my family at the pool.  Oh, I also had the pleasure of shaving Kevin's head.  He's never EVER had a shaved head so I was honored to do the deed.  It was exciting, and you know what?  He looks so good bald!  It's like I have a whole new husband, haha!

xoxo

Ashley

Delaware

My summer wardrobe is all about comfortable cottons in cute cuts.  This Delaware dress from Mata Traders hits all those requirements, but adds a little more incentive because their entire line is made by fair trade artisans in India and Nepal.  As an avid dress collector, I do my best to buy ethically.  For the most part I avoid fast fashion, but when a company like Mata Traders gives you an exact idea who made your dress and where, it makes it an easy task.











Dress- c/o Mata Traders
Shoes- Chase & Chloe (similar)
Hat- Jeanne Simmons (similar)
Lipstick- c/o Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Candy Apple

I love how light and airy this dress is.  The cotton is soft but stiff enough to maintain its shape.  The wide waistband creates a nice hourglass shape and the full skirt is complete with side pockets.  Of course, my favorite feature is the full back zipper.  It makes a world of difference when you can step into your dress and go!  Want to learn more about Mata Traders and their fair trade philosophy?  Read all about it HERE and check out the rest of their spring collection HERE.

I feel like it's been much too long since Kevin and I had a "date night".  While we've had more family time than normal thanks to recent holidays, we've had virtually no time alone!  I'd love to have just one meal where I wasn't cutting up a kid's meal or pulling my toddler from climbing the walls.  This weekend doesn't look promising, but I'm looking forward to a hopeful, maybe even romantic night out!

xoxo

Ashley

Goldie

This Trashy Diva dress has been on my wish list forever and it's finally mine!  The Goldie dress made its debut when the Crepe Myrtle collection was released a few years ago.  Unfortunately, that's the only time the Goldie was included in a collection.  While it may not be "practical" (there is no way to sneak a bra in there), it's so comfortable and sexy and I need more!











Dress- Trashy Diva (no longer available)
Shoes- Bettie Page (c/o Unique Vintage)
Lipstick- c/o Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Candy Apple

The light rayon fabric is perfect for a hot summer day (or if you live in southern California, about eight months out of the year).  It has side pockets on the skirt, a zip closure on the back, and a four metal snap closure around the neck.  The bust is very blousy, so it can accommodate pretty much any bust size.  While I do love the Crepe Myrtle print, I just wish I could get my hands on another color or print in this style.  It really is the perfect dress!

So far our foster dog Lucy is adjusting great.  She's still not totally comfortable with our chihuahuas, but that will take some time.  She's really bonded with Kevin and the feeling is definitely mutual.  He's always wanted a bigger dog and now this golden retriever mix has stolen his heart!  I have a feeling this might be a foster failure situation...

xoxo

Ashley

Darcy

Happy 4th of July!  Today is all about yummy BBQ, fireworks, and spending time with family and friends.  While I normally go for a blatantly themed outfit, I decided to do something more subtle this year.  This Darcy dress from Unique Vintage was the perfect choice for my holiday festivities!











Dress- c/o Unique Vintage
Shoes- Bettie Page

The Darcy dress is a light but structured swing dress.  It features a circle skirt with large pockets, a back zip, and adjustable and removable straps.  I really loved the idea of wearing this strapless, but I opted for the straps today.  The print is really vibrant and you can easily add in lots of colors with a cute cropped cardigan or a statement necklace.  This dress also comes in a floral print and I'm hoping there are other cute versions in the future!

Well, we added another (maybe temporary) member to the family on Saturday.  Lucy, a senior golden retriever, was dumped off at a boarding facility with three of her friends.  All of them are ten years or older and wouldn't have a chance in the shelter.  Unfortunately, many people look over older dogs.  It kills me because I find that older dogs are such a perfect addition to any family.  They're usually trained, well mannered, and appreciate their new homes.  Dawg Squad, the organization where we found two of our chihuahuas, are fostering all of these poor seniors.  And guess who stepped up to foster Lucy?  This will be our first fostering experience, as well as our first larger dog.  She's doing great so far, we will see if her future home will be with another loving family or with us for good.  I'll keep you posted!

xoxo

Ashley

Jet Setter

Without a doubt, this skirt was the most anticipated piece from the 2016 Mary Blair collection.  Last year I purchased the Heidi dress in the same print (seen HERE), but I was so happy to see that Pinup Girl Clothing tweaked the design to have it follow up as a border print.  It's the perfect skirt with just the right about of cuteness!  I paired it with the brand new Harley top to really bring out all the primary colors in this outfit.













Top- Pinup Girl Clothing
Skirt- Pinup Girl Clothing
Shoes- Bettie Page (c/o Unique Vintage)
Petticoat- Malco Modes

Since it seems like a lot of people are concerned with the fit of this top, I'll go into detail about my experience with it.  I'm almost always an XS in Pinup Girl Clothing tops, but choose a size S in the Peasant top for extra bust room.  I'm wearing a size XS here in the Harley top, but for a less fitted look I can also wear a S.  This top wasn't meant to be super fitted like the Harley dress, so there are more gathers in this bodice when you compare it to other fitted tops or the Harley dress.  I personally love this top!  It has the bust coverage I prefer but a sleeveless cut so I can move around in it.  I'm hoping it comes in a million different colors because I don't think I can justify purchasing any more Peasant tops!

Well, I said I'd announce a winner for the Pinup Girl Clothing/Bettie Page Shoes giveaway today.  After over 2,000 entries, my picked at random winner was Jasmine Jarvis!  Congratulations to Jasmine and a big thank you to everyone who entered!  Hope you all have a safe and wonderful long weekend!

xoxo

Ashley