Family/Friendsgiving Dinner

We had a very impromptu family/friendsgiving dinner last Saturday. Maybe you caught some of it on our instastory or Facebook (and btw- started a new facebook "page" if you wanna glance! Trying to add to that page everyday.) We were on our way inside this building downtown and I asked a passerby on the street to snap a family photo with my iPhone. I wanted to try and get one picture of all of us before it got too dark. We don't always have Huck on the weekends, so if we're out as a family and all cleaned up, mind as well snap one, right? We were a tad late to our dinner at this point. (Had a couple meltdowns getting ready. The older one switched bowties and shirts more than once. #ThisIs5. I'll leave it at that). ANYWAY--Joel didn't want to stop and have a mini photoshoot. But, he humored me for 3o seconds. 

Those of you that did tune in to instastory left so many fun DMs. Thank you for chiming in and making the interaction fun.  After enough of you asked about what I was wearing (especially the earrings), I promised I would link them. The earrings are 25% OFF right now HERE. I wasn't sure I'd wear them all the time, but I do!! I'm wearing the dress a lot more than I thought I would, as well. I wore it to a Pepperdine charity luncheon event I had earlier in the week. And don't laugh at me if you see me in it a few more times...!! I bought the grey, but I kinda wish I had picked the white. The winter white dress with the black bow seems holiday to me.  FYI: I'm wearing a 2 regular. The dress ($88, but check J.Crew for sales) runs big in my opinion. It's J.Crew (they have more size options on this site). So, if you need an easy go-to holiday outfit in totality- look right below. 

When I saw this dress on the mannequin in J.Crew, I thought it had an Audrey Hepburn feel to it: A classic, timeless feel. I'm not the only one that saw a throwback to the Hepburn days. The reviews agree it's a great staple. I chose to pair the simplicity of the dress with louder earrings and boots. But, you could easily go for pumps and stud earrings to complete a daintier look.

Oh, and... the longer version of the Huck dressing story? He wanted to wear Christmas colors. He's already asking for stockings and Christmas music and when we can put up the tree. (I secretly love it!). So, we worked hard to pull something together in "Christmas colors." And we did it! (Get his cute blazer HERE;) Both kiddos are in these shoes that are suppose to help them walk properly: pediped. I know they are a pretty penny, but if you are looking for a great shoe for your kids, check them out. They are sturdy and last. 

I don't usually match with Joel -ha!- but I guess we were both wearing grey. He loves this shirt I got him by Hugo Boss at Nordstrom Rack on sale right now. Note: do not dry it! It takes away some of the original texture, but he's wearing it anyway;)

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please ask....

xoxox Ashley

#CYBER MONDAY starts with STATEMENT JEWELRY

So many reasons to smile! I'll never get over this guy!! I'll also never get over you guys...I'm really loving getting to come here and read your comments and chat. I'm THANKFUL for you all.  The weekend was packed with Huck and Hayden and today is equally as busy with work and errands, but I thought I'd share a few things.... I'll be back on here tonight. Hope you all have wonderful Mondays...and happy cyber shopping if you are. I'm off to an audition and to get a hospital grade pump (never thought I'd put both of those in the same sentence!!). More on that later....  

A LITTLE CYBER MONDAY UPDATE. THE NECKLACE in photo above  (AND EVERY OTHER PIECE OF JEWELRY at BAUBLEBAR is 35% off of 2 items).  And the comfy sweater I'm wearing is $20. I'm wearing an xs. It runs BIG!! Both have free shipping!! Keep scrolling down for updates on Friday's post.

I recently said in a post that I felt like I'm more of a sharer of information than anything else. I love collaborating and sharing ideas, style concepts and SALES!! And we are entering a big sale weekend. TIME magazine is predicting an all time high in cyber shoppers over Thanksgiving day weekend. I'll forever relish a fabulous find on sale.  I researched my favorites retailers with the best sales and am here to share! Just click the store names below in BOLD CAPS and happy shopping! Plus, I rounded up recent posts that are now on sale (see below)! Items are selling out FAST! Prices are NOT reflected correctly for some stores. You have to click and go to some sites, use the code and the deep discounts will show up in your cart. Lemme know how it goes! 

ASOS - 30% OFF EVERYTHING. What? Wow. Love that. use code Thankful30. 

J.CREW  - has forever been a favorite of mine. at 40% off right now, it's worth surfing over there to pick up some holiday attire, stocking stuffers, gifts and staple (for YOU!).

BAUBLEBAR - 35% OFF literally EVERYTHING. I just ordered THIS GIFTSET.

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH -  cater to your inner teenage/college kid, or YOUR ACTUAL teenager or college kid!    TODAY IS 50% OFF ENTIRE STORE.  I love these vintage band t-shirts!

EXPRESS- 50% off ENTIRE STORE. WHAT??  I'm getting this sweater now. ps- it also comes in yellow!

NORDSTROM - 20% OFF EVEN SALE ITEMS! I just ordered THIS SWEATER for $22! It comes in several colors. Genius. What a fun gift, too. And the sweater below you've seen me in several times (several colors) is only $20 in red!  check out the sale HERE!

Hoover over images in photo (and other photos in this post) below to shop the necklace (NOW $27!) and other items. 

OVERSTOCK.COM - 70% off FOR REAL??! Amazing time to buy jewelry, watches, etc. for gifts.

POTTERYBARNKIDS- 20% off entire store (and up to 40% off some items) AND free shipping. I'm all about this store. I'll be posting in the morning about Hayden and Huck's room, but more than several items are from this site!!

SHOPBOP - 15-25% ENTIRE ORDER, depending on how much you spend;)

AMAZON has AMAZING DEALS in their home dept and furniture department today! And check out what they've got going on in their PET section for our 4 legged family members!

I posted this picture below yesterday, but prices have dropped AGAIN! So, hoover over images, click and shop! T-SHIRT IS $15!! 

In a perfect world, I had this all prepared and ready to go. But, I want you to have the info asap. I'll be adding as much as I can, (with photos that I haven't uploaded!) as soon as I can. But, Hayden is needing me right now. So, stay tuned. This'll be a fun ongoing post for the weekend. 

xoxo

Is oxblood the new black? From Mom-friendly to slightly edgy!

It rained here in LA yesterday. If you follow anyone from this area on social media, we were all talking about it because, well, it's rare. I love it! Rain gives me an excuse to stay in, snuggle with the baby, cook for my husband (this, I'm proud to say, is becoming less rare), clean the house, write some blog posts (quickly while the baby sleeps), etc. I'm grateful I just wrote that sentence because I was feeling very lazy and non-productive, but that makes me feel like I accomplished a few things over the weekend. 

Today is glorious outside. Crisp and clear. Perfect weather for layering with a quilted bomber jacket.  And one in the color oxblood, too. Evidently, oxblood is the new black. The color adds an element of rock and roll, a little edge. I like having an alternative to the usual basic black. I'm wanting to show pieces that you can incorporate with items you already own; an oxblood quilted jacket is a good start. 

You most likely already have leggings or jeans, so adding a bomber jacket could be the new addition.  If you don't have your "go-to" leggings yet, may I suggest THESE for under $30. (Read a post about them HERE. And thanks to those that commented on loving them after they received theirs in the mail!!) I like this jacket because it's NOT my typical brown or black or denim. But, the color is still a great neutral. Who would have thought? Oxblood!? And look how easy it is to take a dressier look down a notch.  How great is it over this dress below? Just enough cool without trying too hard. 

In a previous post, I talked about unexpected elements that add interest to an outfit. Whether it's sparkles dangling from the ears or an open back light sweater, it's fun to add the layers on top of staple pieces. And I'm writing up the holiday guide later, but this scarf I'm wearing in the picture below is on the top of my list for girlfriends, my sister, mom, etc. It's $25 and I could not be happier with it. Love all the color choices, too. 

I kept my outfit pretty "mom friendly" today for an audition and meetings, but it wouldn't be hard to create an edgier look. Add THESE booties with distressed denim and a great tee like this one in white for under $20?? And while doing a little surfing for this post, I got caught up in this whole trend and bought this lip!  Well, another day, I'll be the edgier mom!   

Heading out now... Happy Monday. xo

OPEN BACK SHIRTS AND OVERSIZED SCARVES...great gift ideas!

If you've been following my blog lately, you'd know how much I love pieces with a surprise element. For instance, this comfy, long sleeve tee has the open back that adds interest and something unique, but feels modest enough to still be classy. For $35, it makes a great gift, too.  It's also longer in the back so I feel comfortable wearing my go-to leggings (which are actually called GO-TO leggings! I'm not the only one that relies on them- read the reviews HERE!).  I'm also wearing one of the items that I'm adding to my holiday gift guide. THIS SCARF is SOOOO soft and scrumptious. It comes in several colors & patterns and makes an awesome gift (no one would guess it's only $25). For nursing moms, there's nothing better than having a scarf nearby if need be. 

For a little bit of bling, I added these blush colored earrings from Baublebar. The clutch (only $25) has been another staple of mine lately (See post HERE); there's a fun leopard print lining inside, too. I'm working on the holiday gift guide, so stay tuned! And, I added some of my favorite, affordable scarves below- so happy shopping, and happy Saturday! 

xo ASHLEY

SIMPLICITY "wraps" up the day (with a drop of bliss- read more!)

Happy hump day! I love the simplicity of this dress, not to mention the functionality (and the PRICE- it's under $55). It easily shifts from work to dinner or business attire cocktails. We're entering that season of going straight from work to holiday cocktails or parties. I can wear booties or throw on some heels for a dressier look. I actually have on a black sweater wrap, too (not pictured, I guess that part is obvious), which ties in the booties. 

For the holidays, the dress comes in a pastel and a brilliant red color.  It's funny how you change the color and it completely changes the feel of the outfit! And for more of a night out feel, there is a shorter version, also (and check HERE for more sizes). This is a classic wrap dress, which works really well for my post baby body. The wrap dress gives the illusion that I have more of a waist than I actually do at this point. And I add a little extra help, too! (read: spanx!) For the purposes of my meeting today, I'm keeping a more business attire theme and embracing the simplicity of the dress. I wanted to keep the makeup fresh and the jewelry to a minimum. However, I added some flair with these bliss drop earrings (that I end up wearing all the time). They make a statement without being over-the-top. Plus, they're only $20!! How can you go wrong? 

ps- a side note to breastfeeding/nursing moms out there.... wrap dresses are genius (more options here, too) . and PPS- I know sizes are selling out quickly, but I was told new shipments are coming in, so check back if your size isn't there! and finally--- MOMS wanting to share ideas, please do! Check out the latest post!

#OOTD #SaleAlert!

I didn't sleep much last night, so I'm totally fine hiding my eyes today with these sunglasses! And for $18, why wouldn't I? Also, part of the #Nsale under $20, this top is great. It comes in several colors and patterns. For summer, I'm liking this racerback, but just ordered (also on major sale) one with long sleeves for fall.  It also comes in the same pattern with sleeves. 

Certain colors just make me happy. I'm drawn to them. Turquoise is one of them, but as barbie doll as it sounds, I love pink. These earrings and their pop of color are too fun. And priced just right.  I must add that I posted some pieces a few days ago that already sold out (still waiting for them to restock these glasses -- they said they would-- that I posted HERE). All to say, get 'em while you can.  Okay, heading out for my meeting today. I linked the post below...xo