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? 

Lace and Ruffles for the Win!

I love white! Possibly obsessively. And lately, I'm liking even lace and ruffles in white. See this post HERE   (white lace) and this post HERE (white ruffles- currently on sale!). So, naturally this skirt caught my eye. It's a fun addition for summer, yet a classic piece to mix and match. Wear it with strappy heels and a slightly baggy sweater in a neutral tone. Also, throw it on with converse and a hoodie (scroll down for the look). When I first saw it, I didn't think it would work on me... I don't like extra fabric around my lower half. I'm self conscious about that area. However, the cut of the skirt works! 

When I last looked, this particular necklace was on backorder, but I found some other options like this simple bar necklace, this cool arrow oneor this pendant. Or you can always shop your own closet and find a chunky necklace. (Shopping your own closet is the best sometimes. We forget what we have!) With the skirt taking center stage, I like keeping the rest of the look toned down. The hoops ($12)-- I swear I wear these way too often---are subtle, even though they are on the bigger side. The ring ($16) -on SALE - adds a tiny pop of color. Another idea? Add a faux leather jacket to edge the look up... 

THE BASICS 

1. Lace and Ruffled SKIRT   2. Neutral Sweater  3. Nude Heels  4. Sandal option  (not pictured here, but my sister has these and I love them)

5. Nude Cross Body Purse    6. HOOPS  $12  7. Necklace (arrow) $19  8. Simple Bar necklace $12

9. Ring $16    10. Sunnies Matte Pink $24

Happy Weekend!! 

LEATHER and LACE for a modern twist!

Hello you all! I'm excited to share this look today. Biker sweet and chic? Is there such a thing?! Sometimes it's nice to switch things up style wise. I've already mentioned how I feel in this dress.  I love it. I wrote about wearing it in THIS POST (and other outings recently). Since we just moved, I'm wearing the same couple of items over and over until I get more organized. However, I wanted to give the dress a different look and edge it up a bit.  I found this tailored biker-babe jacket and I like the dress even more now. I think it's kinda obvious in these pictures I enjoy wearing this outfit. I have a feeling it won't stay in stock too long, so I wanted to share asap. 

What pieces have you added to your wardrobe to complete or change several outfits? I've never really thought about it, but now I'm excited to play with items in my own closet to give pieces from seasons past a new, modern twist. 

The jacket (one of the best faux leather ones I've found for the price- under $100) will edge up any outfit- dress or jeans or pants or even shorts! I'm a big believer in finding the best for the least amount of money, but you also get what you pay for! The material, the zipper detail and slightly structured fit are flattering and give off a bit of attitude! It adds just enough "biker girl" to balance out my sweet & flirty dress. It was hard to decide between the black or brown optionBrown would have been a different feel, but equally cool. 

I wore some heels from a few seasons back, but like these more modern, affordable heels so much, I think I'll order them. The clean lines will work with nearly everything. They aren't too high, which works well for me these days with the baby;)

What doesn't always work with the baby are my $12 hoops, but I sneak them on sometimes. They are a fun and delicately make a statement, plus the $12 price tag makes them even more awesome. I wear the studs my husband gave me for Valentine's Day all the time, but when I'm heading sans Hayden, I switch them out sometimes for a different feel. Right now, I feel so unorganized with the move, I keep wearing the same jewelry and clothes over and over again. Until I get a system going...Hello, container store... (that will be another post!).  

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You guys- thanks for your comments. I love reading them and try to respond to as many as I can.  I'm making a list of ideas you add here (and send via email). I'm a bit backed up on it all, but will get there slowly but surely. Stay tuned! 

xox ashley

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