Swirl

Have a taste for name brand fashion but hate spending your whole paycheck on one item?  Well, if you haven't signed up for Swirl by Daily Candy yet then you're missing out!  Totally my secret to looking great without breaking the bank.  This site is amazing, they offer name brand fashions for half price, sometimes even more!  I've used this site plenty of times, and they have new designer sales every week so the inventory is constantly changing.  They have everything from Winter Kate by Nicole Richie, Alice + Olivia, Theme, and so much more.  Plus they also sell shoes and handbags.  It's a great way to add quality items to your closet without feeling buyer's remorse.  I have to say, I've never paid more than 100 dollars for any single item.  So if you want to check it out, sign up and you'll start saving!

xo

Ashley

Dear Luella Bartley:

Please come back!  You are such an amazing fashion designer and I miss seeing your tulip skirts down the runway :(

(images via tumblr and google)

xo

Ashley

Amy Amy Amy

I just happened to be thumbing through this weeks' Entertainment Weekly and noticed their remembrance article on Amy Winehouse.  As someone who was a constant listener to both her albums (for those who don't know, Amy had an album before her famous Back to Black album came out which is also pretty amazing) I really enjoyed reading about her amazing talent and her unfortunate troubled life.  I never met her, but I felt really connected to her music.  Her voice was so powerful and passionate and you could tell she really felt and believed every word she sang.  It's so sad that she's no longer here to make more beautiful music, but at least her soul is at peace.  I will be listening to (and singing along with) your music forever.

RIP Amy.

Loving This

If you haven't had the chance to listen to Lady Gaga's new album Born This Way, I highly suggest you do so.  At first I wasn't too excited about the album because of her choice in singles... But the album in it's entirety is just amazing! It's a great dance record with great beats, and the songs themselves are positive and fun.  I haven't been able to listen to anything else since it came out 2 weeks ago. Here is my favorite song, Heavy Metal Lover:

You can listen to her whole album on her YouTube channel if you're not convinced and/or don't want to buy the album itself.  But it's really great!  

xoxo

Ashley

Betsey Johnson Swimwear 2011

Although here in southern California it hasn't really felt like summer, the new swimwear collections are all ready to go.  While trying on my swimsuits from summer's past, I realized that none of them fit me properly anymore.  I should be happy... It does mean I've lost a few pounds and I have an excuse to get a new swimsuit!

Obviously, my first place to look was at Betsey Johnson.  She really captures my girlie style without making me look too young.  While I have yet to purchase a swimsuit, I would like to show you guys my favorite styles.

This bikini top is absolutely adorable!  I love the red and white ribbon across the chest, almost reminds me of a picnic table.  Probably why this is called the Picnic bikini...

One of the things I love most about Betsey's swimwear is that there are always options.  In this case, you can choose from the skirt bottom (my personal favorite) or the regular bikini bottom.  The bows on the hips are such a great touch!

This is their Swan Lake series, and I really love the lace.  I would have a hard time deciding on either the regular top on the bandeau...

And of course, the skirt bottom would be my pick.

(all images via betseyjohnson.com)

For those of you who don't like to wear bikinis, Betsey also makes great tankinis and one pieces.  This one is my favorite.  I love the pattern and the bows on the chest.

Well, I have a lot to choose from this year.  Now I just have to try them on and pick the perfect one :)

xoxo

Ashley