THE GINGHAM DRESS WAS ALL I HAD TO WEAR

MY DRESS

Happy Sunday! Hope you all are enjoying the weekend. I had a busy few days shooting the film, but relaxing today with Joel and Hayden. Branching out here in this summer frock! It's not a typical pattern I wear. But the summery vibe caught my eye and I wanted to share it with you before it sells out! 

School is out and it is officially summer!! Nothing says summer BBQ quite like gingham! And this adds a bit of flirty farm girl with the bandeau style (or at least my husband thinks so;) and cut-out back, keeping the look modern, chic and fresh. The adjustable straps and A-line frame make it flattering to a variety of shapes and sizes. And love the pockets (don't we all?). You really can't beat the 50% off price tag under $45. I'm telling you, this dress will sell out-- especially for 4th of July! I get so frustrated wanted to share items with you all, only to find out they are gone by the time I get a blog post up! 

The dress is kinda the star of the look, so no need to compete. I wore simple diamond studs (these linked are in honor of the late, great Kate Spade). And I've been wearing these fun white sunnies nearly everyday ($14). I kept thinking I needed a tan to wear this dress, but gave up on that....and I'm okay with it! 

1. MY DRESS  2. WHITE SUNNIES 3. SIMILAR SANDALS 4. DIAMOND STUDS

The coffee inside the cup is too pretty not to share. I've become a real coffee person lately. You may have noticed if you watch my insta stories. And I put up our latest coffee finds on the liketoknow.it app (if you don't follow me, please do! Download the app and I'm @ashleyaubra. I post links more often about things I like or find. On the app, though, you can read the captions, too.) You can also always check out the SHOP link here on the website. 

As always, thanks for visiting! Hoping to get some good posts (that you all have been requesting) out this week. 

OH AND PS- WHO KNOWS WHY I PICKED THIS TITLE? xoxo leave in comments!

xoxo

AAJ

little update: title of the post is a line in a Dolly Parton song! #oldschoolcountry. ;)

1. MY DRESS  2. WHITE SUNNIES 3. SIMILAR SANDALS 4. DIAMOND STUDS

You can't have a bad day in POLKA DOTS.

TRUTH. No bad days in polka dots. I think Anna Kendrick said this. I must agree. I wore this top last Saturday to Bloom Summit and it was a good day.

actresses Christine Lakin, Virgina Williams, Vanessa Ray, me;) Photo by: @Ographr 

The summit, produced by @NewBloomMedia & @beautymomme expert Saarah Samadani, kicked off the morning with a plethora of wellness tips and new products. I'm learning about tricks of the health trade. And you know I'll be sharing my favorites tips and products with you. There were so many new things to wrap my mind around, especially in weight management. With all the inner beauty talk and focus on wellness, it made me reflect on my "SMART" GOALS in this post. Am I accomplishing them? Well, some of them I am! And many I need to revisit and refocus. 

Loved getting to visit with the ladies at the event, even for a moment. All of us have kids the same age (with the exception of the darling Vanessa Ray...you know her from BLUE BLOODS or PRETTY LITTLE LIARS but soap fans will remember AS THE WORLD TURNS!). 

After the event, we headed to San Diego to meet my sister and the day got even better.

I felt very "bright and cherry" in my white sunnies, polka dots and blue pants. Was it too much? ha! Maybe, but whatever- I went with it. The converse grounded the outfit, right? This polka dot top really makes me smile. Love the tiny ruffle on the sleeve. If this one isn't the perfect one for you, here are other fun options. Just click on an image to go to the item at the store's site:

FYI: the blue pants linked are not the same ones I'm wearing. I'm wearing the ones I wore in this post at Hayden's first birthday! But, they sold out quickly. I enjoy a pop of color, so here are some other options of brands I wear:

Non-sequitur, but I asked in the last post about good book recommendations...? Just compiling a list. I'll share! Thanks to those that have dm'd or commented with their suggestions.

xoxo

AAJ

Photo: @Ographr

Alex Basowski, Amy Davidson, me;) Photo: Alex's iPhone 

WEEKEND GETAWAY! Nautically Speaking...continuing my love of STRIPES

Joel, the baby, Oscar (yes, we took the dog!) and I met my sister and her boyfriend this past weekend in Mission Beach. It was a spontaneous decision and ended up being lovely. I think it was really good for us to get away for a bit! There's something about a change of scenery that's good for the soul. Even if we are having a "staycation" for the weekend, I have a to-do list running in the background of my mind. Laundry, clean car, organize this or that. Hayden loved being with Jordyn (my sister) and Cody, being in the pool, looking at all the boats. I love weekend getaways via car. They are more affordable and easier to pack. But, the downside is they end quickly. And Hayden doesn't always sleep as well when he's not in his own crib. Full disclosure, I still haven't finished this Vanity Fair magazine I'm holding. LOL. #toddlerlife

I packed super quickly...a package from Nordstrom had just arrived, so I grabbed the sunglasses and striped shirt out of the box. A couple of posts back, I shared some of my favorites from the Nordstrom sale in a photo. The shirt (with such cute pockets) sold out, but just came back in stock in all sizes. I paired it with wide-leg white pants, but next time I would try for high waisted white jeans like these from the Gap. How cute are they??

I don't think stripes ever went out of style, so to say they are back is silly. But they are everywhere. Along with polka dots (I ordered this polka dot shirt and wore it this past weekend to a different event- will post soon). 

This shirt is classic and affordable. Looks expensive, but only $35, which is a plus. I love the nautical, summer feel. Would be a very cute outfit for July 4th, too. 

I added some bright white, fun sunnies and so glad I did. I got stopped!! Ladies asking where I got them. My favorite thing is to report how affordable they are, "Go order them! They are $14!!" Great sunnies can change a whole look, in my opinion. I appreciate expensive, high quality ones, too, but sometimes it's nice to change it up and not break the bank. Especially while I have a toddler! 

(scroll to the bottom past the pictures for a few quick questions and recommendations)....

Ok... add to the list! What screams summer to you?? I'd add read a good book (or a magazine!). I need a good book, rec, btw! Have you just finished one you'd highly recommend? Promising myself I'm gonna see more beach sunsets, too. I DO live very close to the beach if I can make it out there. And what's the one thing you would pack if you were heading out this weekend? 

xox

AAJ