Fall Floral

Well, my wardrobe is currently in this weird limbo of wanting to move on to fall but still feeling the effects of summer.  I think this outfit perfectly reflects that!  I've been obsessed with the Laura Byrnes cropped trousers for years and I'm really happy that this year has seen lots of new colors and prints.  These pants are not only comfortable and very curve friendly, they're really easy to dress up for work and perfect to throw on when my days are full of running errands (I don't think I wear anything else to the market).  Added points are for this gorgeous white and red floral print, which look like vintage tapestry and obviously make me very happy.











Top- Pinup Girl Clothing
Pants- Pinup Girl Clothing
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Hat- Pinup Girl Clothing
Brooch- c/o Erstwilder
Bracelet- c/o Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski

Kevin and I are taking a really big step this week: we are selling our first home.  While our home still works for us, we're in a position where we can find something newer, bigger, and better.  We're really excited to see what's out there, but also kind of stressed at the sale process.  We've never done it before so I'm a little anxious but mostly happy to be looking at a better future for our family.  Wish us luck, hopefully this will be a smooth and easy transition for us!

xoxo

Ashley

P.S. I announced my Sourpuss Clothing giveaway winner!  Click HERE to see if it was you!

Hourglass

This week has been wonderful so far.  No appointments, events, or reasons to really leave the house. As an introvert I really enjoy my time alone.  The problem is this time is very scarce!  As overwhelmed as I can get, I know Bianca is going to preschool soon and I'll never get this time with her back.  So until that dreaded day comes, I'll keep this in mind when she's testing my patience (aka at least five times a day).  Luckily, I have a few solo hours today to treat myself to a haircut.  I've been putting this off for months but I'm excited for some change!











Dress- Trashy Diva
Shoes- Chelsea Crew
Bracelet- c/o Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski
Petticoat- Malco Modes

While this print wasn't an instant hit for me, knowing that it came in a Hopscotch cut solidified my decision to purchase it.  The last time the Hopscotch made an appearance was in winter 2013, so I clearly missed my chance to own one myself.  I love the full skirt (with pockets!), crystal button detail, and the cutout in the back.  It's super functional with a hint of sexy, which is how I'd really describe my wardrobe as a whole.  The Hourglass print is made from a wonderful stretch cotton, which feels light but has a stiffness to it.  While I wore an underskirt for these pictures, it can hold its own without one.  I'm usually between a 2 and a 4 (I've been taking size 2's in every collection since Crimson Clover) and the 2 is a perfect fit.  I know some ladies have sized up for bust comfort, but since I'm not super busty I decided to forgo that notion.  If you're on the fence, I'd highly recommend giving the Hourglass collection a try.  Cute color scheme + great cut choices + amazing fabric = one perfect investment piece!

xoxo

Ashley

Lobster Season

I couldn't have been any more thankful for that three day weekend.  Although technically, Monday was my only day off.  When you work in retail, these weekends usually consist of blowout sales and crazy amounts of customers.  So we enjoyed Monday to the fullest by taking Bianca to the LA county fair.  We went on some rides, ate some ridiculously fattening food, and I even won Bianca a cute stuffed kitty!  I also wore this Bardot top, which was incredibly appropriate for the ongoing summer heat.









Top- c/o Hearts and Found
Skirt- c/o Hearts and Found
Shoes- Chelsea Crew
Petticoat- Malco Modes 

As I'm sure you already know, I'm crazy for Marjorie and her shop Hearts and Found.  I have several of her dresses and skirts but I wanted to try her new Bardot top.  Since my husband ruined my favorite black top in the laundry, I asked Marjorie if she could make it custom in black for me.  Of course, she was happy to do so and I couldn't love this top more.  You can wear it on or off the shoulder and has the perfect amount of coverage when you pair it with a high waisted skirt.  I opted for my Lobster Season skirt, which marries two of my favorite things: lobsters and Hawaiian prints!  If you haven't tried her skirts already, they are perfect.  She will make them to your waist measurement and desired length (without an extra charge) and there are endless choices in fabrics and prints.  Considering the price point, I feel like I need about 30 more in my closet!

xoxo

Ashley

P.S. Don't forget to enter my Sourpuss Clothing giveaway HERE!

Makeup: My Favorites!

My favorite makeup products tend to change a lot (thanks to the endless amount of options) but there have been a few steady ones in the years I've been wearing makeup.  I decided to compile a list of my current favorites, grouped by each area of the face.  Check out my picks below!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick

1. Seraphine
2. Dusty Rose
3. Sugar Plum
4. Catnip
5. Sad Girl 

I use ABH Liquid Lipstick so often that I felt like it needed it's own board.  With its long lasting kiss proof formula and super saturated hues, it's really hard not to love!  I've featured five of my absolute favorite hues, from the prettiest pinks to the vampiest reds.

Lips

1. Besame Cosmetics Classic Color Lipstick in Victory Red
2. Sephora My Lip Stain Is Sealed Set
3. Besame Cosmetics Masterliner Lip Contour Pencil in Cerise/Red Velvet
4. Stila Convertible Color Palette
5. Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy in Dewy Papaya
6. Too Faced Lip Insurance Glossy Lip Primer
7. Fresh Sugar Lip Polish

These are my favorite lip products, from exfoliants to stains.  I can't help but fall for the packaging and creamy formula of Besame's lip products and Sephora makes an amazing lip stain that doesn't break the bank!

Eyes

1. Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner
2. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Anti-Aging Formula
3. Urban Decay Naked3 Palette
4. Sephora House of Lashes x Disney Tinker Bell Lash Collection
5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo

I take my eye makeup very seriously, even if I tend to go for a "natural" look with a winged line.  Bobbi Brown is amazing, mostly because my eyes are literally allergic to everything and this liner is Ashley-friendly.  I've been a Naked fan since the first palette came to be, but the third is definitely my favorite.  And if you haven't gotten your hands on these Tinker Bell lashes yet, do it!

Face

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit
2. Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer
3. Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer
4. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Cream Kit

I always start my makeup look with a fresh, evenly toned face.  I love Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer, it gives me enough coverage without it feeling heavy.  As a woman in my 30's and a mom I rely heavily on a good concealer.  Make Up For Ever literally has me covered!  And of course, I set my highlighted look with ABH's Glow Kit.  I don't go a day without it!

Skin Care

1. GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment
2. Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion
3. Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser
4. Clinique All About Eyes Rich
5. Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask

Taking care of your skin is (in my opinion) way more important than the makeup you put on it!  While some of my skincare regimen is pricey, most of these products last a very long time.  If you're not super keen on starting a whole new regimen, I'd recommend a nice eye cream.  Or if you have acne prone skin like I do, I'd be sure to find a cream that hydrates along with controlling your blemishes.


What's your favorite makeup products?  Anything you love that you'd like to share with me?  Let me know in the comments below!

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