WEAR IT AGAIN... AND AGAIN. Favorite inspiring moments from the Oscars.

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The sun is out this Monday morning... how was the weekend? Ours was a bit rainy, but yesterday was beautiful. Did y'all watch the Oscars last night? The show was inspiring and emotional at times addressing themes of persistence (finally, James Ivory!) inclusion and empowerment. Made me realize there's a quite a few movies I'd really like to see! I saw a tweet last night that said, "For parents, the Oscars are a reminder of all the movies we didn't see over the last 12 months!" SO TRUE. 

I appreciated Greta Gerwig's thoughts about encouraging people to go after their dreams. I liked that she said "go make your movie!" Obviously, it's easier said than done, however... she did it! She wrote and directed her film and was there in the audience for several nominations. And, naturally, how powerful was Francis McDormand's speech asking all the female nominees to stand. Talk about motivating! A few moments like this really did make me take inventory of what I'd still like to accomplish. Did any of you feel this way?

Also, how hilarious were Maya Rudolph and Tiffany Haddish? Just funny complaining about high heels (can't we all relate) and complimenting their bathroom scenes in recent movies. I could have watched more of them and less of others! 

Tiffany Haddish kept her promise of wearing her white Alexander McQueen dress again and again.... and again! She jokes the dress cost her more than her mortgage and she'd get her money's worth! We first saw her on the red carpet of GIRLS TRIP wearing the gown, then again as the host of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. And to round it out as the fashion moment of the night, she stole the show with Maya standing in that same frock. Talk about breaking all sorts of fashion taboos.... and only secured her position as the down-to-earth funny girl we'd like to see more!

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And Rita Moreno! How amazing that she wore her Oscar dress from her 1962 win! Proof that some things just don't go out of style. And also just a bit more proof that the taboo of wearing the same thing over and over again --THAT is what's going out of style!

Now, I'm wondering what's in my closet that I could pull out and update? Or some staples that I could invest in and wear over and over...clearly THAT'S the newest trend!!

So, one of my favorite dresses I wore last year will be my go-to spring dress again this year (pictured above). It sold out in popular colors (like white) and sizes last year, so if you're interested, I'd grab it now. I have it in white, but it really fits so well, I think I'm gonna go for the navy india ink or the lilac. Paired with nude heels or converse and a denim jacket, it makes for an easy spring look. Check out the colors- red and black are great, too. 

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1. Perfect Spring Dress 2. Nude Heels 3. Easy Everyday Hoops 4. Modern Sunnies

I'm working on a post of SPRING/SUMMER ESSENTIALS. So, stay tuned. In the meantime, what pieces are you pulling out from last year or before that you could update today? 

RASCAL RABBITS, SPRING DRESSES oh and a little help from our friends

Amy Davidson, Lennox Lockwood, Huck and Hayden

Amy Davidson, Lennox Lockwood, Huck and Hayden

Yes, this is a little post about Peter Rabbit's adventures, but it's also a post about the village we create for our own little rascals. I am so grateful for friends around me that are part of my kids' lives (and some said people don't even have kids). 

That particular Friday, I had a full day. I wasn't sure I would make it to the party and screening of the film. Between naps, picking up Huck from school (with Hayden and getting Huck dressed in the car!) plus my own work schedule, it didn't seem like it would be easy or even feasible. But, my other girlfriends were going through it, too. We knew the kids would have fun, so we encouraged each other to make it work (thanks Amy!). Sometimes that's all I need to keep going. ENCOURAGEMENT. I'm sure many of you can relate? Our preacher this morning at church talked about what to do when you're at the end of your rope. How do we create more energy for ourselves to just keep on keeping on? It sounds simple, but give out what you're not getting. If I feel under appreciated, tell other people thank you. If I feel discouraged, send out encouraging vibes to people. Sometimes we may only have the bandwidth to simply send a text, but it's a start. 

And laugher does wonders. It helps to laugh with each other when the angels turn into little rascals. And they can be rascals! I love how each of Hayden and Huck's friends all have such a unique personality and style!  Lennox is so hip! Huck loves his bowties, shoes and preppy style (he decides what he wants to wear). And I still love the little outfits my mom sends for Hayden!  Joel thinks Hayden ends up looking like a little Danish girl (not sure where/why he came up with Danish). Oh well, the time is limited here. Before I know it, I will no longer get a say in what he wears!

xo Ashley

Ps- I have been reading your emails and see the DMs about fashion and food and fitness posts. THANK YOU for those. So, for those wondering, I like this easy dress I'm wearing from Eliza J. I didn't know it came in pink when I ordered this one. I love the pink one. It's really great if you're looking for a versatile, easy staple to add to your closet. Also, if you don't mind scrolling though to find your size, look at the brand on Ebay. You can find new with tags for less. 

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This is our first elevator selfie! HA. 

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in this post....

THE DRESS YOU'LL WEAR AGAIN AND AGAIN!

I can't wait to wear this dress again. Although it comes in six colors (in regular and PETITE), this coral color just makes me happy, but I bet I would wear the dress in black all the time, too. We are in the throws of moving, but my husband and I are giving ourselves a real date night reward once we get somewhat organized (we are so long overdue!) and I'm wearing this off-the-shoulder flirty dress! I just hung it up in the closet and am reminded how much I love it. I will wear this to weddings, parties, showers, events, etc. 

I'll be honest, our usual date nights are jeans and converse (for both of us). But, we have some events coming up where I'll need to step it up a bit and this dress is perfect.

I paired the dress with nude pointy heels (here is a very similar style, too), animal print clutch (that converts to a cross body purse) - see another concept here- and delicate hoop earrings (only $12!). I think I could add some fun jewelry, so that'll be for the next occasion.

For reference, I'm wearing a small and it doesn't cling. 

Back to unpacking now... We are actually in the new house! I'm trying to stay focused and not get overwhelmed, but oh my goodness. What a disaptrophy, to quote my step-son. It will get organized.... someday....somehow....soon, Lord, please. My husband and I keep reminding ourselves that "this is the fun part!" For all of you that gave some moving advice, it was greatly appreciated!! 

I have a few weeks before I head to Canada for my next project, so staying focused! 

xo Ashley

WHITE AND LACE: sweet, playful and party ready!

I am slightly obsessed with THIS DRESS. First of all, I'm really into white right now. Secondly, I love dresses that fit well. This one has adjustable straps so that it can fit your body perfectly. I like the A-line. And I love the lace. The peek-a-boo aspect is a fun, demure addition. Plus, how cute would this look with a t-shirt underneath and white converse?

1. LACE DRESS 2. NUDE HEELS  3. DELICATE HOOPS

From Sunday best at church (yesterday with a sweater) to a birthday party in the afternoon, to a evening party coming up (I'm wearing it with this faux leather jacket), this dress is versatile. I'm also pretty proud of these price points. Everything is under $90, starting with the sweet and sexy lace dress. For a dress I'll wear over and over and fits so well, it's worth it. Hoops are on sale under $40, pale pink sunglasses are $24 and  the cross body purse is $35

So, happy first day of spring. Enjoy your Monday. I'm off to the races for a packed week. Trying to pace myself! xo Ashley

WEEKEND, I SEE YOU!! Vacation dreaming in this GREEN dress! ps- happy ST. PATTY'S DAY! Are you wearing green?

Happy Friday! Dreaming of vacation days in this resort style dress. Those days will come again, I know it! In the meantime, I can wear pieces like this that make me feel like I'm off to an island somewhere, when really I'm off to a lunch meeting over the hill! It's in Beverly Hills, so that's fabulous enough for me! ha! Since my sweet sister is in town visiting and helping with Hayden, I can actually shower and get dressed!

1. Silk Wrap Print Dress   2. Delicate Hoop Earrings 3. Strappy Nude Heels

4. Sunnies 5. S'well bottle 

Maybe it's just me, but this also has a Palm Springs feel to it... with the pale pink sunglasses ($24!), or a similar style for a bit more heredelicate hoops ($12)and the turquoise S'well bottle doesn't hurt! (I don't always match my water bottles to my outfit, but when it happens, it's fun! lol). Can you tell I'm enjoying these new glasses? I'm wearing them in THIS POST, too!

Happy St. Patty's Day everyone. Enjoy your Friday.

xo Ashley

 

Love is in the Air! What to Wear to Weddings this season!

It's wedding season! Late afternoon, sunset weddings are now happening. We just attended a gorgeous one for our friends Ali and Kevin! Congrats to the happy couple!

I for one never know what to wear. In California, we often read "black tie optional" on the invitation. That opens up a wide range of options. If you received an invite with that description, would you think long or tea length? Is short ok? Regardless of the level of dressiness, there are a few questions I ask myself....read on!  

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1) Am I appropriate? Age-appropriate, length, color, seasonally-appropriate, coverage-wise...For instance, if I expect I might be dancing quite a bit, I don't want to have any wardrobe malfunctions! So, for this last wedding, I opted for this versatile, affordable dress (below, check out how cute it is with a t-shirt and converse underneath!).

2) Am I comfortable? Weddings are usually long. You start on the early side and go into the evening. Your shoes should be able to withstand the night (I brought these stretchy ballet flats to change into when my heels were too much), but I also heard these foldable shoes are wonderful, too. I wore my favorite (investment) closed-toed shoes because my toenails weren't painted (ha!), but if I had made the time, I would have worn open-toed strappy sandals. 

3) Do I think I'm gonna wanna enjoy the music? This is definitely something to consider when picking out your dress (and shoes).

4) For HIM? Do you want to coordinate on some level? I don't usually worry about this, but occasionally, it's fun to compliment or have a color scheme.

5) Will it get cold at night or will it be cold inside the venue? I brought a wrap for the evening. We're in such transitional weather here... warm during the day and pretty chilly at night. I like an option like this (and love all the color choices). 

6) Bag for essentials? I carried this clutch that turns into a cross body purse. (I also used it HERE for a casual look).



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AshleyAJones/photobooth

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Thanks for checking in today... chime in below with any thoughts! Stay tuned because I have some fun posts planned for the weekend. Happy Pre-St.Patty's Day!! Wear your green tomorrow. xoxo