Small World

Is there anything that Vintage Inspired by Jackie can't do?!  When she first previewed her Small World inspired skirt I was convinced I needed it in my life.  Perfect for Disneyland trips or just making your day a little brighter, this skirt will certainly be in heavy rotation from now on.  It's literally a dream come true!













Top- Vixen by Micheline Pitt
Skirt- c/o Vintage Inspired by Jackie
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Brooch- Match Accessories
Hat- Jeanne Simmons (similar)

Made from 100% cotton, this handmade skirt features amazing artwork from John Varvir that perfectly captures the Small World ride.  It's a very full, gathered skirt that has a long side zipper and top button closure.  You can message Jackie and customize this skirt to your exact waist measurement (like she did for me) or pick from her allocated sizes if that works for you.  This skirt also has a pastel colored option, in case you'd like something extra sweet!  As usual, Jackie's hard work and attention to detail truly shows in her beautiful garments and I'm always proud to wear her creations.

I've been itching to do another giveaway on my blog.  I want to do something kind of big, but I also need your opinion.  What do you want to see in a giveaway?  Gift cards?  Actual items?  What brands?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Almira

Anyone who thinks that black is a year-round color is certainly a friend of mine!  While I love bright colors and fun novelty prints, there is something about a classic black dress that sets my heart on fire.  The Almira dress from Stop Staring takes that classic LBD and gives it a fun retro/gothic twist.  Known for their impeccable styles and their ability to flatter all body types, this Stop Staring dress is no exception!













Dress- c/o Stop Staring
Shoes- Amazon
Belt- From another dress
Lipstick- c/o Vinyl Cosmetics Thunder Kiss liquid lipstick in Cherrybomb

The Almira dress is made from a super light and extremely stretchy millennium fabric.  Even though this dress has long half sleeves, the fabric allows a full range of motion in the arms.  As a busy mom, having no restrictions in my clothing is a huge plus!  This dress features a fitted bodice with faux buttons and pleating down the front, a contrasting statement collar in white, slight gathers on the shoulders and the bottom of the sleeves, a full swing skirt, and a long back zippered closure.  While this dress can be dressed up with a pair of high heels, gloves, and a pretty head piece; I decided to dress it down with some lace-up flats and a black belt.  I feel like a chic and grown-up version of Wednesday Addams and I'm loving every minute of it!

Tomorrow my husband is taking a half-day off at work so I can do something just for me: go to Disneyland with two of my favorite friends.  No kids allowed!  As much as I enjoy spending my days with Bianca, I need some time to recharge with my friends.  Almost every time we get together Bianca is with me so I'm really happy to have some "adult" time with them.  And by adult time, I mean ride fun/scary rides at Disneyland and eat everything in sight.  My (obviously) stretchy outfit is ready!

xoxo

Ashley

Dollface

It's been a long time since I've been this excited about a swing dress.  Vixen by Micheline Pitt gave us a sneak peek of the Dollface dress on their Facebook group a few months ago and I knew right away that I needed it!  Not only does it transform you into a 1959 Barbie doll, it flatters your figure perfectly while being functional for your everyday life.  It's not often that something so sexy is actually comfortable, so I feel like I'm going to need this silhouette in every print/color it comes in from now on!











Dress- Vixen by Micheline Pitt (currently 20% off!)
Shoes- Chelsea Crew
Sunglasses- c/o Retro Sunnies
Lipstick- Vinyl Cosmetics Thunder Kiss Lipstick in Cherrybomb

The Dollface is made in a stiff yet slightly stretchy cotton sateen fabric.  It features thick adjustable straps, a v-neckline, full swing skirt, and a back zippered closure.  Want to know the best part?  The hidden side pockets are HUGE!  You can easily fit your iPhone7Plus, car keys, and a snack in one pocket alone.  You literally do not need a purse when you wear this dress!  It also comes with a matching black belt for a bit of contrast.  According to Vixen's size chart, I'm on the higher end of an XS.  I ordered the XS and it fits juuuuuust right.  The bust is just a little snug (I'm a 33), but I feel like it will give with wear.  I was also wearing a strapless bra in these pictures, but the bust is so supportive that a bra isn't necessary for me.  I will probably go without the next time I wear it, just for a bit of extra room.  The first run of the Dollface sold out immediately, but you can pre-order one now (it's 10% off until Monday).  It also comes in pink stripes, which has a pre-order (HERE) but you can snag one of the few left in the first run for 20% off right now (HERE)!

It's Memorial Day weekend and I have no plans.  Maybe that sounds kind of boring, but I'm so pumped for a weekend of nothing!  The only thing I have on my agenda is lots of BBQ-type food.  What do you have planned for the holiday weekend?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Monroe

I'm not going to lie: this post is over six years in the making.  Even in my pre-baby years, I never once thought about posting pictures of myself in a swimsuit.  I never used to do activities that required me to wear a swimsuit!  Now that I'm a mom, I have a little ball of energy pleading me to take her to the pool almost everyday.  Thankfully, Unique Vintage carries an endless amount of swim goodies that not only hide my insecurities, but highlight my assets as well.  Who knew a simple swimsuit could evoke such confidence!











Swim top- c/o Unique Vintage
Swim bottom- c/o Unique Vintage
Shoes- C-Label (similar)
Sunglasses- c/o Unique Vintage
Lipstick- c/o Vinyl Cosmetics Thunder Kiss in Cherrybomb

I was initially attracted to the Frida swim top because of the shoulder ruffles.  As someone who rarely shows off their arms, this was the perfect top for me.  It ties up in the front, but has adjustable straps and a tie in the back as well.  It really ensures the perfect fit.  There is a matching swim bottom, but I just couldn't wait to pair it up with the Monroe.  I love the gathering and the high waist of the Monroe swim bottoms, it's perfect for ladies who like to keep the focus off their tummy and highlight their waist.  The Monroe bottoms come in tons of colors and prints, in case you're not crazy about black or you like to mix and match.  I took a size small in both the top and bottoms and I think they fit quite well.  If you're particularly busty, I'd probably suggest sizing up in the top.  Otherwise, I would consider both these pieces to be true to size.  Thanks to this wonderful swimsuit and the crazy hot weather we're already having, I have a feeling this suit is going to get a lot of use this summer!

I've been itching to find a part-time job.  Now that BB is three, I feel like it's important for her to have interactions with someone other than her parents.  I've been looking into day care facilities, but they're just so expensive.  Not only do I need to find part-time work, but I need to find something that will cover the cost of day care (and a little more so it's worth it).  I've been looking but it's now clear that this will be a lot harder than I anticipated.  Keep those positive thoughts coming my way, I'm going to need them!

xoxo

Ashley

Gingham Fatale

Thanks to my wonderful and talented friend Susie, I have a guest photographer on this outfit post!  While I've become quite used to taking my own photos, having someone take that burden off my shoulders is a wonderful feeling.  I had to break out one of my favorite dresses in my closet for the occasion: the Fatale swing dress in gingham from The Pretty Dress Company.  It was a good match for the backdrop Susie and I picked and it's one of the most comfortable dresses I own.  It's functional enough to wear to Disneyland (I've already tested it out) but fancy enough to wear to a formal event.  Basically, it's the perfect dress for any occasion!













Dress- c/o The Pretty Dress Company
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Lipstick- Sephora Collection in Always Red
Photography- Susie Delaney

This version of the Fatale dress (it comes in many different fabrics/prints) is made from a light cotton and is fully lined with a boned bodice and a slightly elasticized off the shoulder detail to keep the sleeve stationary.  It also has a very full swing skirt with deep pockets, a full back zippered closure, and a matching belt.  The dress has a netted underskirt which acts as a built-in petticoat.  As someone who is usually too lazy to throw one on, it's nice to have a dress with one built right in!  I'm wearing my usual UK8 and I found this dress to be a bit larger than the Hepburn dresses I own.  I feel like I might be able to go down a size, but not enough to actually exchange it.  I love that the Fatale swing now comes in a bunch of fun summery solid colors, but I'm holding onto hope that we will see it in a solid black one day!

Well, the pavers in our backyard are finally done!  It took double the amount of time we were quoted (big surprise there) but we're so happy with the results.  Today we have a landscaper coming to make my backyard garden vision come to life.  I know it will probably be another few weeks, but I'm really excited about having a beautiful and functional yard just in time for summer!

xoxo

Ashley