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

A Whole New Giveaway!

I think it was about time for another giveaway here on my blog, right?!  Thanks to Shannon over at Going To Guides and Kim at KW Creations, we've teamed up to give you the best Disney-inspired giveaway!  Shannon writes the best books about Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.  Even the most educated fan can learn something new about the parks through her guides.  She also has a super cute Etsy shop with lots of Disney-inspired swag!  Kim specializes in all things Disney, especially goodies you can show off while you're in the park.  Her handmade creations will surely get you lots of attention when you wear them!

Here's how to enter:

• On Instagram, repost the image below
• Tag @southerncaliforniabelle, @goingtoguides, and @xokwcreations
• Hashtag #awholenewgiveaway
• You can enter once per day, any more and you will be disqualified 

 

The giveaway will run until 11:59pm on Friday, March 17th.  The winner will be announced on Monday, March 20th.  Good luck!

xoxo

Ashley

Freaky Tiki

When you live in Southern California, going from freezing rainstorms to 80-degree temperatures is considered normal.  Because you never know how long these gorgeous days will last, I quickly pulled out one of my favorite dresses from Hearts and Found.  I know I probably say that about all of Marjorie's creations, but her designs, fabrics, and custom sizing really speak to my wardrobe.  I have quite a strict "no halter top" rule (they hurt my neck) but the Dolly dress is both cute and incredibly comfortable!













Dress- c/o Hearts and Found
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes

The Dolly dress is fully lined, has elastic shirring on the sides, the cutest cutout detail on the bodice, and a full gathered skirt with deep pockets.  While it would be quite impossible to hide a bra under this style, I feel completely supported by the dress (and I've had a baby!).  While I normally wear a petticoat, this skirt is full enough to go without.  Higher temps require as little layers as possible!  As always, Marjorie is more than happy to make any of her dresses with your exact measurements.  Every single one of my Hearts and Found dresses fit me like a glove!

If you haven't caught up on my Instagram lately, we just adopted Rosko, a 13-year old chihuahua with one eye.  Unfortunately, that eye is badly infected and we're going through a long process of treatments to save it.  It may or may not survive, so this week has been emotionally taxing on me and my family.  We've started a GoFundMe to help pay for his treatments and maybe a surgery to remove the eye if needed.  If you'd like to donate, share, or just read more about Rosko's story, click HERE!

xoxo

Ashley

Berry Chantilly

I can't think of a single thing more appropriate for a spring wardrobe than a piece from Trashy Diva's new Berry Chantilly collection.  The delicate yellow hue, the umbrella and strawberry bloom motif, and the flirty, figure-flattering cuts are the perfect match for the warmer weather ahead.  Made from my favorite fabric of all time, buttery-soft stretch rayon, this collection feels just as luxurious as it looks!  You can read more about the collection, along with our style choices (the 1940's and the Rockabilly Baby Posey dresses), below!













Dress- c/o Trashy Diva
Shoes- c/o Restricted Shoes
Hair flower- Isha's Flower Garden
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red

Bianca's dress- c/o Trashy Diva
Bianca's shoes- Payless Shoes
Bianca's barrette- Isha's Flower Garden

Much like any of Trashy Diva's stretch rayon collections, Berry Chantilly feels comfortable when you wear it and has lots of give.  I chose the 1940's dress, which features gentle gathers on the bodice, a banded waist, a-line skirt, and a back zip with double hook and eye closure.  While I'm no stranger to the 1940's dress (it's quickly become my favorite style), this is my first in stretch rayon.  I'm always between a size 2/4, but I take a 4 in the 1940's due to the fused banded waist.  This was the first time I took my smaller size 2!

I'm always excited when Trashy Diva includes a Rockabilly Baby style to their collections.  Bianca (like her mommy) is a huge fan and has accumulated quite a collection herself!  The Posey dress features a square neckline, gathered swing skirt, and a back zippered closure.  The minute Bianca put her dress on she twirled herself dizzy!  Bianca is only three, but I picked a size 5/6 for her so she could get lots of wear from it.  It might be a little big on her, but it's definitely wearable now and for years to come!

I'm gearing up for a fun spring with Bianca!  We have a few Disneybound outfits planned for our next few trips, we're going to see Beauty and the Beast together (I seriously cannot wait), and we'll be going to Viva Las Vegas in April.  I cant wait to share these experiences with her, especially now that she's old enough to remember them.  I'm hoping her "spring breaks" with me will be the most memorable.  If you're a mommy, what kind of activities do you do with your children?

xoxo

Ashley

Besame Cosmetics: How to Apply Cake Mascara

It's been some time since I've posted anything makeup/beauty related, so I'm excited to talk about my newest obsession: Besame Cosmetic's Cake Mascara!  Cake mascara is great because it doesn't expire, it's more hygienic than traditional mascara, and doesn't clump or flake off.  Since cake mascara can be a bit intimidating, I've included simple step-by-step instructions on how to apply it.  Enjoy!



First, you'll need to add a few drops of water to the mascara cake.  I like to use the applicator that comes with the mascara to add the water in.  I'd say 2-4 drops does the trick.  Then use the applicator to gently rub the water into the cake in a circular motion.  Once you have a nice, creamy consistency, you're ready to apply!

Besame's Cake Mascara is designed to work with any applicator, but I've chosen to use the one included in the package for this tutorial.  Make sure to wipe any excess mascara on a dry section of the cake before you apply it to your lashes.  Much like any other mascara, apply from root to tip.



Here's a picture of one eye with one coat of cake mascara and the other without:

You can apply as many coats as you'd like, and because it's clump free, you don't have to worry about "spider lashes".  Just make sure to wait until the coat dries before you apply another one.  I tend to go with 1-2 coats for a regular day, and glam it up with one more (and some eyeliner) for special events.

Hair flower- c/o Niccoco Creations

Lipstick- Besame Cosmetics Wild Orchid and Cherry Red
Top- c/o Hearts and Found

There you have it!  If you have any questions, feel free to comment below!

xoxo

Ashley