Budding Beauties

When Unique Vintage and Micheline Pitt decide to collaborate on a dreamy collection, you not-so-secretly freak out about it!  I'm really excited to show off one of my favorite dresses in the collection: the Alice swing dress in Budding Beauties print.  Perfect for summer and beyond, this dress feels like an ethereal yet wearable piece of art.  I haven't been able to take it off, it's just so perfect!













Dress- c/o Unique Vintage
Shoes- Remix Vintage Shoes
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Lipstick- c/o Besame Cosmetics in Portrait Pink

The Alice swing dress was designed by Micheline Pitt and features a sweetheart neckline, double spaghetti straps (which are all fully adjustable), a fitted bodice, full swing skirt complete with deep side pockets, and a back zippered closure with a hook and eye at the top.  Two black satin bows are perched atop the neckline near the straps and the dress is finished with a black grommet belt.  Made with a high-quality cotton sateen fabric, this dream of a dress boasts the most beautiful pink rose print (which was also illustrated by Micheline).  Did you happen to see those gorgeous faces in the middle of the roses?  It's definitely my favorite part!

I'm wearing a size small and the fit is just right.  Depending on the cut, I can be between an extra small and a small in Unique Vintage clothing.  I'm very happy with both the quality of the garment and the sizing.  It really is the perfect dress for me!  If you're on the fence, I would definitely buy it before it's gone for good.  While this collaboration is an absolute match made in heaven, these pieces won't last very long!

xoxo

Ashley

Black and White Hamilton

Black and white stripes are my weakness, so I guess it's no surprise that this Unique Vintage dress found its way to my closet.  While this dress can easily be styled for cooler weather, it really strikes me as a fun summer dress.  I've been wearing it non-stop ever since it arrived and I'm sure you can see why!













Dress- c/o Unique Vintage
Shoes- c/o Bettie Page Shoes
Petticoat- Malco Modes
Bangles- Trashy Diva
Lipstick- Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red

The Hamilton dress features self-tie straps, covered buttons across the bodice, a full gathered skirt with one exposed side pocket, a rope belt, and a side zip closure.  Because it's made from cotton, it's perfect for withstanding those hot summer days.  I decided to size up to a S in this dress (my pink one is an XS) and I'm happier with the larger size.  While the waist is a bit big, the bust is just right.  If you tend to be between sizes (or have a larger bust) I would definitely recommend sizing up.  I wish this dress came in all colors of the rainbow, it really is one of my favorite styles!

I'll be taking it easy today because I unexpectedly ended up at a Nine Inch Nails show last night.  I hadn't seen them since I was almost nine months pregnant with Bianca, so it was one of those must-see shows!  Unfortunately, I'm also in my 30's and have a toddler/dogs who don't let me sleep so I can't hang like I used to.  I have a feeling my couch is going to get a lot of love today!

xoxo

Ashley

Robo-Love

When one of your favorite artists (and amazing friends) branches off on her own to create her first line of textiles, you jump at the chance to own her goodies!  Stephanie Buscema is the lovely lady behind Kitschy Witch Designs; which up until now, showcased custom jewelry, accessories, prints, and handbags.  She's now dabbled into skirts and her first release was this gorgeous Robo-Love print.  It's basically everything I've ever wanted in a fun retro-style novelty print and I can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve!













Top- No longer available (similar style)
Skirt- Kitschy Witch Designs
Shoes- Remix Vintage Shoes
Lipstick- c/o Besame Cosmetics in Portrait Pink

The Mystery Action skirt features a gathered a-line silhouette, one-inch waistband, and a side zip closure.  I chose the size XS, which the size chart says is a 26-inch waist.  I knew it was going to be a little large, so I was prepared to have it taken in when I got it.  Once I had it altered it was perfect.  While this skirt is now sold out, Stephanie is planning another release of a new print very soon!  If you follow her on Instagram, she will keep you updated with all the important details.

I'm gearing up for a fun girl's trip with my BFF Sammi.  In three weeks we'll be having fun in New Orleans!  I haven't seen her in two years and this trip is long overdue.  This is going to be the first time I'll be away from Bianca for longer than an overnight trip and I'm kind of freaking out.  But I know she will be well taken care of and this mommy definitely could use a break.  Now I have to iron out the hardest decisions: what the heck am I going to wear while I'm there?!

xoxo

Ashley

Hair Scarves Four Different Ways

Hair scarves are very much a part of my outfits.  Whether I'm adding a finishing touch, covering my sponge rollers, or (let's be honest) hiding dirty hair; using a pretty hair scarf is the easiest way to get it done!  Thanks to Doll Me Up, I'm showing you a few ways I use hair scarves in my everyday routine.  They're surprisingly versatile!

Classic Headband:
I would consider this the way I use my hair scarves the most.  It's perfect for adding a little bit of color to your outfit.  If you need a tutorial on how to tie a hair scarf like this, you can read my tutorial HERE.

Hair scarf: c/o Doll Me Up in Dusty Mint
Dress- c/o Vixen by Micheline Pitt

Hide Your Hair:
This style is for those days where I don't want to style my hair/my hair is too dirty for public/I still have rollers in my hair.  It hides my lack of styling without compromising my outfit.  Nobody will never know what little effort you put into your hairstyle, it really is the perfect distraction!

Hair scarf- c/o Doll Me Up in Royal Blue
Dress- J. Crew

Faux Turban:
This is basically the Hide Your Hair but with your hair down.  Don't like wearing your hair up but want to hide those roots?  This is certainly the most stylish way to do it.

Hair scarf- c/o Doll Me Up in Royal Blue
Bustier- Fab 208 NYC

The In-Betweener
This is like the Classic Headband, but I purposely leave the back of the scarf wider so it covers most of the back of my head.  This is ideal for when your hair is up.  In my opinion, wearing your hair in a bun is pretty boring.  But adding this hair scarf totally changes that!

Hair scarf- c/o Doll Me Up Darling in Blue Sky
Dress- Trashy Diva

I was going to add a few other ways (necktie, belt) but I decided to keep it to hairstyles only.  What's your favorite way to wear your hair scarves?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Summer Daisy

When the temperatures hit those triple digits (they've been up here for a week now), it's time to break out those light summer dresses!  Top Vintage has a wonderful selection of cute dresses that will help you keep cool (and look the part) throughout these hot and humid days.  This fun gigham and daisy printed dress is a wonderful companion for my new Miss L Fire Gelato sandals.  Because when the heat makes you cranky, we all know cute outfits and gelato is the perfect remedy!











Dress- c/o Top Vintage
Shoes- c/o Top Vintage
Longline bra- Dominique
Lipstick- c/o Besame Cosmetics in Portrait Pink

Exclusive to Top Vintage, the Judith dress features adjustable straps that can be worn as a halter, crossed, or straight back.  I wore them crossed but I love that you have the ability to chose!  It also boasts a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice, full circle skirt, deep side pockets, and a back zippered closure.  The fabric is super soft and stretchy so if you're between sizes, you can easily size down.  The Gelato sandals are basically my new favorite shoes.  In addition to the cute ice cream cone on the vamp, the pink see-through mini heel is my favorite feature.  I'm a true size 9 in most shoes and the size 40 was a perfect fit.  I'm just going to let you know ahead of time: you'll probably be seeing these shoes with my outfits a lot this summer!

I went to an interview for a full-time job in the medical field yesterday.  This is the first time I've had to look for full-time work in over nine years!  Before I had Bianca, I had a wonderful job at a hospital for many years.  Once I became a mom, I focused more on raising her and put my career on the back burner.  Now that Bianca is ready for preschool, I'm really excited (but also scared) to jump back into the grind.  The interview went really well and I'll find out on Friday if I get an offer.  Keep those positive thoughts and fingers crossed for me, this job would really be the perfect fit for me!

xoxo

Ashley