Summer Wedding Tips

 

Image via

Tis the season ... wedding season. What better time to tie the knot than under the sun on the beach, or under moonlight of the cool summer nights?

I remember being the flower girl at my aunt and uncle's summer afternoon wedding and then dancing (and eating) the night away under the stars. But when you are not part of the wedding party, what is one to do for dress? Fear not—I have just a few things that I like to consider before the big day:

Consider the invitation. Is there a theme or selected colors for the wedding? What time of year and day are you attending? Is it outside or inside? These are the important questions to ask. Also, take into consideration the location for the reception. The graphic below offers some great quick tips for the different type of wedding celebrations.

Think comfort. I love to find a dress that can easily make the transition from the tradition of the wedding ceremony to the fun that the couple has planned for the reception. Make sure you've selected something that you are comfortable dancing the night away in.

Are you going in a pair? I am by no means insinuating that you go all out prom night and throw on a lime green tie to match your date's lime green dress. However, if you are going as part as a couple, you should aim to complement your partner's look.

Check out this helpful graphic below from The Black Tux, which provides men with a great option for suit/tux rental. Renting is always a great way to curb cost if the item in question is not something you wear regularly. Lord knows I wish my prom dress came from Rent-the-Runway and was sent right back ... instead of being a large midnight blue clump taking up valuable space in my closest.

 

<3 Ashley

Do you have go-to guidelines for wedding wear? Share in the comments!

Getting (Spring) Colorful

Those cherry blossoms though! via

Spring seems to be (fingers crossed, knocking on all of the wood within reach) finally in full bloom. Walking out in the sun during lunch has me dreaming about skirts, dresses, and sandals. There are so many aspects of spring that inspire my love for the season: Easter, blooming flowers, and my new appreciation for the cherry blossoms that outline the Tidal Basin in D.C.

My vision of spring is marked by specific colors as well. If you wandered into my brain right now you would encounter a changing sea of lavender, mint, and soft pink. I wanted to put together an inspiration board with a few of my favorite pieces in my favorite spring palette right now, and even throw in some ideas for the guys—do you know how hard it is to incorporate these colors into men's looks and avoid suffering from traumatic flashbacks frat guys in the spring? But I think I officially lost control of that when I wandered onto the Sperry site. ;)

But let's get back to the present. Spring is upon us and it's time to put our closets to the test and add some of the season's newest trends. In my time searching the Internet when I should have been working (oops!) I made the happy discovery that the '80s have returned. Of course, doesn't always feel like the '70s and '80s are coming back? I guess that speaks well on the behalf of those decades. This is me defending the easy reach using a polo shirt in my men's look. :P Rayban-style sunglasses also felt incredibly appropriate in achieving an '80s-inspired look. When it came to a women's look, the decade trend comes through via aviator sunglasses (a la Top Gun) and an off-the-shoulder top. An argument can be made for the skinny jeans as well being a call back to the big hair days. Here is the result of taking this trend and injecting it with my favorite spring color palette—forgive the varying shades, a consistent pink is apparently very difficult to get one's hands around!

Womens: Boat Neck Vertical Striped Blue Top | Pale Pink Skinny Jeans | Cut Out Lace Up Block Heel Sandals | Aviators

Mens: Classic Pique Polo | Washed Chinos | Sperry | Canby Sunglasses

I'm no menswear specialist; I feel like not being a man works against me on that. :) But I know what looks I like to see on them. When putting these looks together, I liked scrolling through the web store, Bonobos. I particularly like their shorts; not to baggy and long, and also not terrifyingly short! In the words of my girl, Goldilocks, "They're just right."

- Ashley

What does your spring palette look like? 

Swimsuit Season

Source

After all of my time stuck in the cave that is finals and the end of my college career, I have emerged to do some research in prep for the summer. The biggest research I have done—what swimsuits are new and hot this year.

Let me tell you; I am very excited about what I have seen! Before I left Pittsburgh, my friend and I did some shopping with our graduation money. One stop was in to American Eagle where I caught a glimpse of some VERY cute high-necked tops. I am very excited to see some more material in use—it's the old lady in me—not so much in favor of conservatism, but rather in favor of creative and interesting new shapes and designs. Here are some of my favorites that I have found:

 

off-the-shoulder (similar) | halter (similar) | one piece (similar)

<3 Ashley

What is your favorite swimsuit style to sport poolside?

Kick Up Your Heels

Loafer heel | Bow Flat | Bow Pumps | Bow Kitten Heel | Striped Heel

When it comes to holiday parties, while the dress is certainly important, I personally spend too much time fixating on what dancing shoes I will be sporting. Above are just a few styles that I love this time of year - featuring plenty of bows, the boldest of reds, and the classic black and gold. I have a pair of black, bowed kitten heels from White House | Black Market that I will be hitting the town with.

<3 Ashley

What shoes do you sport for holiday parties?

Life of the (Holiday) Party

NY&Co Lace Flare Dress | Francesca's Shift Dress | Kate Spade A-Line Dress | White House Black Market High-Low Dress

I love this time of the year because it is one holiday after another. We move from Thanksgiving to Christmas to the New Year in a pretty short time. During this month of celebration we fill special evenings with family dinners and gatherings, nights out with friends before going home for the holidays, and holiday parties. For that reason, one must enter the season armed with fun, festive, and versatile holiday ensembles. I've scoured the internet and compiled some of my favorite holiday looks for you here! 

<3 Ashley

Is you schedule lined with holiday parties? Do you have a go-to dress or outfit?

Black Friday

Image: here

I hope that everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving day with family, food, and football. My family abandoned the football games on TV--not everyone was satisfied with the outcome--and started our own family football match. I do admit that I was not the MVP for my team, but I did have fun! After everyone left, I spent my evening getting focused for Black Friday shopping with one of my longest friends. We stepped out at midnight to take advantage of lower prices as Target, where I picked up some pillows and towels for my apartment...because apparently I am an adult now. We were then promptly disappointed to find out that the mall closed at midnight and would not be opening until 6 AM. So I'm going to break that down for you: they were open on Thanksgiving but closed once Black Friday started...this makes sense how? We then had to re-establish our attack plan for the night and agreed to take our shopping trip a little further from home to the outlets at Hershey.


While the outlets did not feature our intended stores (New York & Company and Forever 21) we did have successful visits to Rue21, Yankee Candle, and Bath & Body Works. I'm not usually a Rue21 shopper, but with puffer vests at $10 and a handful of tops priced between $3-$7 I could not resist. I walked away from the evening with everything I had on my list and even a bit more. I also took advantage of the time and spent some time eye some of the higher priced stores and their deals. They may have still been out of my budget but J. Crew and Ralph Lauren also had some great sales with the stores going 50-75% off.

Before this Black Friday ends, I did log on to NY&Co's website and get what I wanted to last night--pants. As someone whose pants size is always changing it seems, I am currently in the market for a new pair. The entire site (and store!) is up to 75% off today with the chance for an additional 10% off on select items. Also free shipping on all orders! I'm now waiting on this pair of leggings and this pair of pants. These will be great for the extensive job search I will be embarking on in the coming semester in preparation for graduation.

Also another great sale that I wish I had the budget for is the one over at Kate Spade. 75% off there too...unfortunately I still can't afford most of it. :( I hope that you all have had a fruitful Black Friday and were able take advantage of some of these great sales.

<3 Ashley

What does your Black Friday haul look like?

Get SET

Yes, yes, yes it is that time of the year! Temps get cooler, I leave my window open just a hair to let some cool air get into my heat trap of a room, and I bust out the de la Renta set to keep me from getting too cold at night. Are there people who do not like PJ sets? Why? They are so cute and comfortable when there is a bite to the air--what is not to love? 

Over the past few years, my grandmother has become the supplier to this addiction of mine. For the past few years, a new set gets added to my collection at Christmas. Thanks, Grandma! This one, however was gifted from my parents last year. At $30 at TJ Maxx, it was the one item that was highlighted as mandatory on my wish list. 

Below are some favorites that I have stumbled across on my Internet travels. Click on the images for full size on the retailer website.

                      

Happy sleeping!

<3 Ashley

Are you a pajama set fan? What style do you tend towards?

Go Deep

We are still in the beginning stages of fall, which means I still walk outside in the morning and treat South Oakland with the excitement of being in Disney World. Spoiler alert: South Oakland is NOT Disney World. I am in the blissful stage of being thrill that temps are dropping a bit to accommodate my jeans and boots. We are getting just a little preview of fall and with that fall fashion.

One thing that I love about fall is the deep hues that tend to make an appearance. Don't get me wrong--I do love me the bright colors that spring and summer bring us. However, there is a time and place for more subdued colors and that time is now. Deep shades of red, green and even a burnt orange here and there give me life this time of year. There's just something about fall colors, right? A few of my favorites are above with links below...there are some cozy looking fall collections out there!

Long Cardigan || Forever 21

Dress || Francesca's

Knit hooded dress || H&M

'Rust' Skinny Jeans || Charlotte Russe

<3 Ashley

What colors do you sport in the fall?

Fall Favorite: Francesca's

While Pittsburgh is still clutching for dear life to 80 degree weather (let go, I say!) I have seen a number of people on Instagram embracing the beginnings of fall weather and giving previews of their fall apparel. This may be especially high due to NYFW, but in any case, I was then prompted to spend a few hours lazily scrolling through some of my favorite stores' websites and peek at what they have to offer this season.

Francesca's is a favorite of mine for window shopping; I haven't actually bought anything yet. Maybe one day I will splurge on a purchase, but for now I admire from afar. Here are a few of the items that caught my eye during the search--though I encourage you to look at the full collection!

Tunic Sweater

Poncho Sweater - 

I'm very much team poncho (flashbacks to middle school!)

Knit Dress

Vest

<3 Ashley

Do you shop at Francesca's? Do you have a favorite piece for the fall?

Summer Concert Style

Train is one of my favorite live acts!

One thing that I absolutely love about summer is outdoor concerts. I go to at least one every year--throwback to the year that I managed three concerts!! This summer's concert came early when Train pulled up in Hershey Park Stadium with Matt Nathanson and the Fray also on board. Aside from the music, perfect weather and electric atmosphere that comes along with summer night concert, I also love the style. I don't know about you, but picking an outfit for a concert is serious business--gotta look good and also feel comfortable enough to let loose and have a good time. Here are just a few pieces of inspiration for you:

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<3 Ashley

How would you describe your summer concert style? I tend to opt for a black maxi skirt or dark shorts and a loose top.

Real Fashion with eShakti

Today I have the privilege of working with online women's fashion company, eShakti. These wonderful people let me pick a garment from their website and customize the entire piece to my own size. When I say customize I mean inputing measurements like arm length, bust, waist, shoulders, everything! There is also the option of selecting the standard sizes if you are comfortable with a regular size 4 or so. While I could have gone that route, I jumped on the chance to input my own measurements. If you have followed me for awhile you will know the love-hate (mostly hate) relationship with a lot of clothes and how they fit/don't fit my body. This dress does the job--it fits just as I expect a dress to fit me. I was even able to customize the length of it (mini or knee length), sleeve length and whether or not I wanted pockets! It was such a simple and quick process that produced good results.

I also love the campaign that the company is running--Real Fashion for Real People. They strive to provide women with clothing that fits the way that it should. eShakti provides for a wide range of sizes from 0-36W. Going through their website I found myself obsessed with their shirtdress selection.

Make sure to check out eShakti.com and keep up with them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

dress || shoes (similar)

<3 Ashley

Are you an eShakti shopper? Are you as shirtdress obsessed as I am right now?! 

Lilly Pulitzer? Target? What?

Was Lilly Pulitzer's impending presence at Target a well publicized thing? Because I swear I had heard nothing until I heard the cries of thousands that the collection was sold out in their store. It is crazy how the stores opened and then bing bang boom! Sold out! People love their Lilly. While I can't say that I have been the biggest fan, there are quite a few pieces (both clothing and home) that I can appreciate in this collection.

My Fans Shift dress

Satin kimono in pineapple punch

Sea Urchin For You Halter Top

Ceramic Mugs and Gold Caddy

Drinking Glasses

I can't wait to do something shopping through the collection for the summer!

<3 Ashley

What are your favorite pieces from the collection at Target? Did you manage to buy some up or were they sold out?

Flat isn't always bad

1 | 2 | 3

After months of wearing riding boots my feet (and legs!) are itching for a bit of freedom. Since spring has officially begun, tis the season for flats and sandals. There are only certain sandals that I can actually say that I like. Maybe I will do another post on them specifically--I prefer flip flops if I am going to bare the toes. For the spring, I live for flats. I currently have a pair of black Merona ballet flats from Target that are practically glued to my feet at this point. There are so many other styles and colors out there, though. I always tend toward the safe, black flat. I feel I need to go for the safe and the cheap, however because I am a completely klutz and it is not long before the bottom of the shoe begins to split from the rest...apparently I never really learned how to walk. Above are some of my favorites!

<3 Ashley

What is your favorite flat?

Easter Dresses

If there is one thing that I absolutely love about spring, it's Easter! I have always enjoyed going to grandma's house for the Easter meal, engaging in egg hunts, painting eggs and getting tons of chocolate covered peanut butter and jelly beans. Even more so, I enjoy dressing up for Easter. There is just something about the day that inspires me to show up to the morning mass in my best dress. For me, that means my white dress from White House | Black Market. It is a beautiful dress that extends to the knees, has a frilled collar and looks great with a fresh pair of heels.

Here are just a few of the other kinds of dresses that I have taken notes of that would be perfect for an Easter day.

Brooks Brothers Printed Dress

J. Crew Scalloped Dress

Luisa Beccaria Lace Dress

<3 Ashley

Do you have an Easter dress?

Baby, It's Cold Outside

We here in Pittsburgh (as well as a few other areas in the U.S.) are experiencing round two of some alarmingly cold weather. I don't typically have a think skin against cold weather anyway so this 2 degrees feeling like -15 degrees nonsense is killing me. But without a broken leg or raging cold I must brave the weather and walk to my classes--the things I will do for a good grade! How do I plan on combating the bitter cold on days like this? Choking down a piping hot coffee, wrapping my face in a thick scarf and putting on a long, heavy cardigan.

<3 Ashley

How are you preparing to go outside in this weather?

5 Sweaters I Need Now

Wile this has been a relatively dry and warm(er) December, I still have an unruly craving for sweaters, sweaters and more--you guessed it--sweaters. It is pretty much an essential part of my winter uniform. So I have scoured the internet, exercised impressive self-control and compiled a list of the five sweaters that I need in my closet right now:

Forever 21

Turtleneck

This boxy turtleneck from Forever 21 is just asking for a spot hanging in my closet. When it comes to turtlenecks I like them neutral and simple; great paired with black leggings or dark skinny jeans. 

H&M

Cardigan

Cardigans are my go-to for some quick layering in the morning if I'm pushing the time a bit before class. I am loving this cardigan from H&M with color-block sleeves. Picture this over a white tee and some skinnies and a pair of boots or black flats.

The Row

Fisherman

There is not a sweater that I pine for more than a fisherman cable knit sweater. The one above is everything I dream for--the layering over a button down is perfection. Oversized plaid scarf too, maybe?

ASOS

Sweater Dress

I only actually have one of these but I definitely need more. Loose, form fitting, long sleeved, short sleeved...I love them all! 

Anthropologie

Christmas Sweater

I refuse to use the term "ugly Christmas sweater." They're not ugly...they're festive! 

<3 Ashley

What sweaters appeal to you?

Black Friday Haul

Okay, so it's not the most impressive Black Friday haul but hey, I have to stay on budget since I'm still in school. I was on the hunt for things I actually needed (some was more want) and came out with most of it. A pair of solid black ballet flats still evade me--maybe I will see what Cyber Monday has in store on that front.

After losing plans to shop starting at midnight--sick friends canceling last minute!--I did manage to step out for shopping this morning with my mother. We hit the mall first and made our way to JCPenney. Honestly, out of all the stores we went in today, JCP definitely had the best deals (especially for what I was looking for.)

My roommate and I are actively trying to bring turtlenecks back--please feel free to hop on the bandwagon--so a few of those were on the top of my list. I managed to find two that I liked from St. John's Bay. The one pictured above is a nice cream color and the other is black and white stripes.

I was also on a crusade to find new jeans that fit. Denim-wise I did not find a single pair that fit me right..that's a rant for another day. We went to TJ Maxx and I dug up a pair of patterned active leggings from Head and a pair of DKNY skinny khaki pants.

My treasures are few this year, but I definitely anticipate getting use out of them!

<3 Ashley

Did you step out for Black Friday? What does your haul look like?

Thanksgiving Style: Packing Light

As you read this I am either preparing for my bus ride home or am well on my way. Every year I get more and more anxious to go home and see my family and enjoy the holidays. Pittsburgh is great, but it's nice to get a break from the busy, busy, busy and change to a quieter setting. I will admit that though I am itching to make this trip, I have left the packing until the very last minute...procrastination at its finest. 

At this point I have got packing for the holidays down to a science--I take the bus home and they only allow one suitcase. Since I'm only home for a short period, I try to stick to only packing the basics. I make sure to look ahead at the weather forecast for the days that I am home and go from there. This year it's going to be straight up cold--snow tomorrow, of course! I've got several sweaters stacked in a corner of my bag, jeans and black leggings occupy another corner and one pair of boots and a pair of clogs in another. Then of course I take into account what I am wearing for travel; I've got flats, leggings and a button down handy (and I could honestly wear that again!) Of course, you also have to take into account your Black Friday haul!

<3 Ashley

Are you heading home for the holiday? What's in your suitcase?