Autumnal

Friday, November 30, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

This outfit is so autumnal! I did not intend for that. I wanted to wear something soft and comfy on Black Friday, and definitely look more put together since I'd be working. I grabbed the thrifted Banana Republic top and J.Crew sweater. I grabbed my trouser jeans and some fun sequin toe magenta flats and thought...I need more.  So on with my lovely Spanish gold necklace and this scarf. I think the scarf ties everything together. It brings in the black from the buttons on the sweater, the brown from my top, the tan from the sweater, the purple ties into the blue of my jeans. The only weird element is my shoes but guess what? They match my signature glasses so BOO YAH!

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

SWEATER: J.CREW VIA GOODWILL

TOP: BANANA REPUBLIC VIA LAURA'S CLOSET

JEANS: BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY

SCARF: FAMILY DOLLAR

FLATS: PAYLESS

NECKLACE: SPAIN

BRACELETS: BEADED FROM DOTS AND BANGLE FROM FOREVER 21

EARRINGS: BANANA REPUBLIC VIA GAP OUTLET

RINGS: TOO MANY PLACES

15 comments

On and Off Camera

Thursday, November 29, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

This outfit is totally cute, but these pictures are not. They were taken inside the garage on Thanksgiving. We were too busy to take pics during the day, and then it got cold, and dark. You can't really see the polka dots on my skirt :( But my hair looks awesome, which is odd. It's a lot of black for Thanksgiving, but I thought that the purple in the skirt was light enough to balance it. Guess not!
The shoulders on this blouse have beautiful lace inserts. I am very covered-up here, and the lace inserts help balance out the opaque tights.
I did get lots of compliments from the in-laws on this. I was the only one even slightly dressed up. They don't do fancy meals. Sigh. I wish I could wear a fancy schmancy floor-length dress just once besides my wedding day and the dances from my youth. Maybe I'll throw my own fancy dress party. A gala or something. Yeah. A gala. You're invited. Spread the word.

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

TOP: WET SEAL

SKIRT: CATO'S VIA FACEBOOK YARDSALE

TIGHTS: WALMART

BOOTS: FASHION BUG

HEART NECKLACES: FACEBOOK YARDSALE

LONG LINK NECKLACE: FASHION BUG

EARRINGS: WALMART

4 comments

Sequin Confessions

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I've got a confession to make...I love sequins. Wait, that's not much of a confession now is it? Proof here and here, sequins and I definitely have strong relationship. I will wear them anywhere. Apple orchard, around the house, to preschool graduation, to the hospital, carrying around my 2 month old nephew...any occasion is the perfect occasion for sequins. I MEAN IT. WEAR THEM.

They are so sparkly, it just makes me smile. Anyway today's sequins come in the form of a hot pink tank under my leopard cardigan, with brown slacks and black rosette flats. It was also a chance for me to bust of my brown slacks. I've been looking for brown slacks and these are perfect. They did not need hemmed at all. Yay for pants that fit! Also, do my earrings remind you of those bubble necklaces that are so trendy right now? That's what they remind me of. I like 'em. My Mama approved this outfit today unlike yesterday's skirt disaster. 

P.S. I ordered X-mas gifts from Amazon, paid for expedited shipping, and my items still shan't be here till between Dec.16th and Jan. 8th. WTF? I guess I didn't realize I ordered items from a seller in FRANCE. GRRRRRRR.

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

CARDIGAN: DOTS

SEQUIN TANK: DOTS

PANTS: FASHION BUG

SHOES: PAYLESS

EARRINGS: SASSY N' CLASSY CONSIGNMENT

BANGLES: LEAF PRINT FROM FB YARD SALE AND 

FLORAL PRINT FROM FOREVER 21

ONYX NECKLACE: MEXICO/GIFT

HEART NECKLACE: FACEBOOK YARDSALE

Where do you wear your sequins?

12 comments

Lost in Translation

Tuesday, November 27, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I loved this outfit when I was walking around my apartment. I went to my Mom's and she was not impressed. Somehow, the loveliness of it was lost. I think it's the skirt. It's so big on me. I'm very short, 5'2", and the skirt overwhelms me I think. If I wear it on my hip, it hits almost to my ankles. If I pull it up a bit higher, it still hits just under my knees and it falls down all the time! Even with a belt to cinch it, it kept falling down. If I hem it to hit at the right spot, I'll lose the pretty stripes. I definitely will have to take it in. I was not happy pulling it up all day!  

I was also completely covered up head-to-toe, with the boots coming up to my knee, the skirt hitting below the knee, and my long sleeve chambray shirt. It definitely had great bones, it just needs tweaked. This outfit may have a part 2 restyle.

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

SHIRT: OLD NAVY

SKIRT: OLD NAVY

BOOTS: MOSSIMO VIA FACEBOOK YARDSALE

NECKLACE: EXPRESS VIA LAURA'S CLOSET

BELT: CAME OFF A PAIR OF SHORTS I BOUGHT.

EARRINGS: FOREVER 21

BANGLES: FACEBOOK YARDSALE

Have you ever had an outfit idea that just fell far below expectations?

17 comments

Combos

Monday, November 26, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Day two of my three days off from work! I ran a lot of errands today. I was going to wear a sweater and jeans, but I decided to style it up a bit. I wore a leopard print button down under my sweater, belted it, and instead of plain black flats wore my blue floral print loafers. Red lips, a long necklace, earrings, a huge owl ring, and an old bag from Forever 21 that totally matched my shoes completed my running about town look. Here it is:

We decided to ignore the posted warning signs and play on the local railroad track crossing for my pics. I had lots of fun, so there are additional photos at the bottom. I consider this old sweater maroon, not oxblood :) I don't think it is dark enough to be called oxblood. I love the little pop of leopard at my collar. With my sweater and jeans breaking up the patterns, I think combining the leopard and floral patterns works just fine :) I will definitely wear this again!

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN:

Leopard Top: Croft and Barrow via Goodwill

Sweater: Route 66 from Kmart (old my Mom handed it down to me)

Jeans: Burlington Coat Factory

Loafers: Merona for Target via Goodwill

Bag: Forever 21

Earrings: St. Vincent De Paul

Necklace: Fashion Bug

Owl Ring: Glitter

 Me clowning around. It was lots of fun though!

16 comments

A little Late...

Friday, November 23, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

My BFF Christin and saw Breaking Dawn Part 2 Last Friday at 10 am. It was the first time we hadn't attended the premier for a Twilight Saga movie. We were just tired and knew we needed the sleep more than the thrill of being some of the first people to see it. We have grown up so much since the first movie back in '08. I was 22 and she was 19. I had just bought my first home and she still lived with her Mom! We've been through so much since then! Breakups and moves and births and old friends and new friends and new jobs and new cars and cars breaking down and new books to obsess over (Hunger Games anyone?) We met back in 2006 when I was 20 and she was 17 and we both worked at the local Wendy's. Here's a picture of us in my car on our way to the Breaking Dawn Book Release party in August 2008:

(I am Smashleigh, She is TT.) We're so young! So excited too! At the book release I made friends with this totally awesome girl, smart and funny, we liked all the same books and movies and music....and she was 14. I was like WTF? LOL. Twilight isn't the best series, it's not sophisticated or anything but it is entertaining. Anyway, my outfit for the movie was comfy. I wore ankle-zip jeggings, a hi-low striped Eiffel Tower Window  top (I made sure covered my bum) and a snuggly, cozy cardi for the frigid theater temps (and also to further cover my bum.)

I added cream and gold flats that have laser cut outs, and brown and blue Forever 21 bag, a couple of necklaces, simple blue earrings and a peacock cocktail ring to complete my comfortable movie watching ensemble.

After the movie the Hubby and I had tickets to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! I had won the tickets from a local radio station. They were amazing! I wish all rock concerts were that good, but it was even better because it's Christmas music! For the concert I switched out my leggings for Boot-Cut jeans. Hubby hates leggins!

Now I really enjoyed the finale to the Twilight series. I like the things they added in the movie. The end of the book was a lot of people standing around talking and making threats, and the added scenes gave the movie some much-needed action. I didn't enjoy the corny page-turning clips, but I love that when Bella shows Edward her memories of him , it was exactly as described in the book, shot for shot.I like the movie a lot, and it definitely gave closure to everyone and cemented it as a finale, an end to the series. Nothing open ended or undone.

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Cardigan: Gap via Facebook Yard Sale

Hi-Low Striped Eiffel Tower Tee: Cato via Facebook Yard Sale

Jeggings: Betsy Johnson via Tuesday Morning

Flats: Wet Seal

Bag: Forever 21

Heart Necklace: Facebook Yard Sale

Lond Heart Necklace: St. Vincent De Paul

Earrings: Classy and Sassy Consignment store

Peacock Cocktail Ring: Glitter

Have you ever been to a Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert? Did you see Breaking Dawn Pt. 2? Team Edward or Team Jacob? Discuss. (I'm team Jake.)

9 comments

Play Date Attire

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

My three day break started today! I took my daughter, London and my niece Andrea (she spent the night) to school and came home and went back to bed with my four year old son, Logan. We snuggled. Then I took him to school at noon and had a play date at my Mom's house with her and my two-month old nephew, Andre. He is so little and cute and cuddly! So very sweet. I miss having a baby around. This is what I wore on my relaxing day off:

I wore my dark teal Grandpa cardigan over my lighter teal 3/4 shirt, boot cut jeans, and sweater boots. I felt super casual so I added my Peacock pin and ribbon-tie necklace to make it a little nicer. I was playing with a baby, and in this outfit I can get down on the floor for tummy time with him, change a diaper, and get spit up on with no worries. My sweater boots are from Old Navy like three years ago. I got them for Christmas from my MIL. They were out of gray, but I have come to love these cement colored ones. They are as neutral as gray, but bright, so they add a pop to my outfit. Not to mention that they are exactly like wearing slippers around :)

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

CARDIGAN: TARGET

3/4 SLEEVE SHIRT: DOTS

BOOT CUT JEANS: GAP

SWEATER BOOTS: OLD NAVY

PEACOCK PIN: FOREVER 21

RIBBON-TIE NECKLACE: OLD NAVY
What's your go-to comfy outfit?

14 comments

Boho, not Hobo!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I wore today's outfit three different ways. I decided, even though it was cold out, to wear my black mini to work. I added a black cami, leopard print cardigan, magenta tights, and black leather boots. But I was still cold. The cardigan is thin as a t-shirt! I then added a magenta cap. But I was still cold. I didn't want to wear my leather bomber jacket again...what could I wear over everything? Enter my fringed purple cape. My Momma bought it for me last Christmas, and it matched just fine, it has magenta sparkly threads in it.

When my Hubby saw this I thought he said I look Boho chic and I was pleased. I was wrong. He said Hobo chic. He said with the cap AND cape, I looked like a glamorous homeless person. Thanks, Roger.
This was a fun outfit with the magenta accents, I even wore magenta lippy, though you can't really see it except in the close-up. I also was very happy to wear my cape, it's only ever been out once.
 In the middle picture I'm doing my best Cher Horowitz hair flip :)
I quite like this and will definitely re-wear it. My Mom thought my skirt was too short for work, but I'm 5'2". They let me get away with it!

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Cap: Walmart

Cape: Burlington Coat Factory

Cami: Dots

Cardi: Dots

Skirt: Fashion Bug brand via Goodwill

Tights: Fashion Bug going out of business sale

Boots: Fashion Bug going out of business sale

Earrings: Fashion Bug going out of business sale

Tassel Necklace: Body Central

Floral Bangle: Forever 21

Leaf Bangle: Facebook Yard Sale

Rings: Various

17 comments

Comments

Monday, November 19, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I recently added Disqus for comments and there seems to be a problem with comments appearing on the blog. Apparently any comments made without making/logging into a Disqus profile are not showing. I contacted tDisqus to see if they can fix the issue but in the mean time I do see you are commenting, blogger sends it to me via my email. IDK what to do so I am waiting for them to get back with me. Thank you for your comments and support!

-Ash

2 comments

Yard Sale Haul

Monday, November 19, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Have you heard about the Facebook yard sale groups? Basically, a cross between craigslist and a yard sale. You put your items on the community page and what price you'd like. Someone will comment if they want it. The first person in line is the first person to comment on your item. You have 12 hours to respond to them or them to you before you can move on to the next person. It's fun, cheap, and really addicting. It's a big thing in my area. There's about a hundred of these groups and they range from general to really specific, like only power tools or only plus size clothes. I did a little shopping and selling over the weekend, and bought a bunch of new clothing and costume jewelry. However, I didn't spend a dime! I sold $50 worth of items, and bought $40 worth of items. I was + $10! I got a bunch of new skirts, a sweater, and a fabulous velvet blazer. It's like it was free. Somethings I have to alter (the skirts are kind of huge, but that's an easy fix.) The background of the collage is a pic of the lining of the awesome velvet blazer! Here's what I bought: 

HAUL BREAKDOWN:

CREAM COLOR GAP CARDIGAN, LOT OF COSTUME AND STERLING SILVER JEWELRY, CREAM COLOR PLEATED SKIRT WITH BLACK BOW FROM SHABBY APPLE, CREAM COLORED VELVET BLAZER (VELVET IS A HUGE TREND RIGHT NOW) PURPLE AND BLACK POLKA DOT SKIRT FROM CATO, STRIPED HI-LOW EIFFEL TOWER SHIRT FROM CATO, BLACK AND MAGENTA LACE PRINT SKIRT FROM CATO, BROWN POLKA DOT WRAP DRESS FROM NY & CO

Seriously one of my best days. I have plans for that velvet blazer for Christmas. (I may dye it black, cream just isn't smart to wear at my job or around my kids) Have any of you ever successfully dyed any clothing items? 

To find a Facebook Yardsale group near you just search local groups with the keyword "yardsale."

8 comments

The Darkness Has Arrived

Friday, November 16, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I usually take my pictures at noon if I am working the closing-shift week, or 5 pm if I am working the opening-shift week. I took these pictures at 5:15, running a bit behind because I went to the grocery store. I had to use the flash, it was already so dark! It's completely pitch black out now and it's only 7 pm. WTF! Where did the sunshine go?

In this post I am wearing my gray slacks, ruffled tiered halter, cropped 3/4 blazer, thrifted faux-leather bomber jacket, and black rosette flats. I took the bomber jacket off after the first two photos but you can't realy tell the difference, except my forearms are bare and the fabric isn't shiny. These slacks are my long pants, they are hemmed for me to wear heels with. It makes it look a little silly when I wear them with flats, but as my closet is in disarray and I had to leave by 7 am I did not go searching for heels. Now this halter actually USED to be a regular tank. I loved the color and the ruffles, but the straps were too big and kept falling down my shoulders, so I simply cut them where they met the back and tie them around my neck. Viola! Perfect halter! I also used my trusty bun form to make a lovely, pretty un-done bun. This one actually is a little more neat than the other one, but I like it when it's messy.
I forgot to get a pic of my shoes and earrings. The earrings are Disney Princess Cinderella inspired Chandelier earrings from Disney World down in Florida. My flats have HUGE rosettes on the toes but you can't see the detail here and it just looks like I have on clown shoes!

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Faux Leather Bomber Jacket: Thrifted, NY & Co via Goodwill circa 2009

Cropped Linen Blazer: Body Central

Tiered Halter: Body Central

Slacks: Burlington Coat Factory

Flats: American Eagle from Payless

Bag: Street Level via Piperlime

Necklaces: Long interlocking ovals is from Fashion Bug's inventory blowout, dainty amethyst chain =gift

Earrings: Disney World

Faux Agate Ring: Forever 21

I was also wearing a bracelet I won in a giveaway from Sheer Addiction jewelry on a blog I follow. It broke AGAIN right before pictures. I was so happy to win the bracelet, but it broke the day I got it in the mail. It retailed for $98. Every time I wear it, it breaks! It also was not as nice as in the picture, the gold was quite gray, like it rubbed against something for a long time. IDK if I just got a bad one because I won it and did not purchase it or what, but it does not stay together. I love it, it is very pretty, but I wouldn't pay $98 for it. I'd save my money and buy a J.Crew bracelet. However, it was free and I have jewelry pliers, so I just fix it over and over. 

Have you ever won something and ended up disappointed?

Labels: agate, cold weather, DIY, faux leather, sockbuns | 14 comments

Leather, Leopard, and Lace

Thursday, November 15, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Tsk tsk, get your minds out of the gutter! This isn't a post about some 50 Shades of Gray/BDSM! I just happened to be wearing leather (boots), leopard (pants...again) and lace (vest)!

Are you tired of my leopard pants yet? You will see them quite often. They are so comfortable, I forget i'm wearing them till someone says something about the leopard pants! So. This outfit. I'm diggin' it. Does lace count as a pattern? If it does, then this is a pattern mixing win for me! The nude lace vest over the black tee is neutral enough not to compete with my loud pants. My blue leopard print bracelet and blue beaded necklace add a pop of color while my leather boots and brown/cream leather satchel tie all the pieces together. Twisted back, wavy hair from yesterday's braid and red lips make me feel more put together.

We took these at like, 11 pm. I had already switched to pajamas and then put this back on to document the outfit. I'm tired of not having a steady photographer. The outfit I wore the other day was amazeballs but I don't have any pictures. And when I use the self timer, they end up a little...off, like these. You still get the gist of things though. 

*Can you see my boot collection behind me?

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Black Tee: Elise gave it to me :) (She's my bff!)

Lace Vest: Thrifted from The Village (No longer in business)

Leopard Pants: Dots!

Black Equestrian Boots: Fashion Bug (Going out of business! Hurry, get something!)

Leather Satchel: Street Level Via Piperlime

Necklace: Glitter

Bracelet: Dots again!

Earrings: Banana Republic Via Gap Outlet

13 comments

Full Frontal

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

This is what I wore to go shopping for a new home the other day. (I didn't find anything I truly wanted though. Grrr.) I usually do not make my main photo one where I am facing directly at the camera, however, this outfit and subsequent photo are both extremely flattering. So! Here it is.

I wore my thrifted Tommy Hilfiger argyle cardigan (here), thrifted Ann Taylor Loft thin orange sweater (here), boyfriend jeans tucked into my new black equestrian boots. (The ones I bought at Fashion Bug, because they are going out of business. I posted about it here.) I added my circles Banana Republic necklace, and my gold owl earrings (betcha Katie will love these! She adores owls.) I braided my bangs and tied them behind my head to get them out of my face and liked how it looked so I added that as well. 

I really love this outfit. It's very flattering, there's a pop of color with the orange, plus the argyle print and gold buttons on the cardi add so much interest to it. Not to mention that my black boots are cute, practical, and comfortable. I will definitely be wearing this again!

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Cardigan: Tommy Hilfiger via St. Vincent De Paul

Orange Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft via Strut Consignment Boutique

Jeans: Gap 1969 Boyfriend jeans

Boots: Fashion Bug brand bought at Fashion Bug store's going out of business sale

Necklace: Banana Republic via Gap Outlet

Earrings: Forever 21

14 comments

Seeing Red

Tuesday, November 13, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I've been wearing a lot of red lately. Lips, shirts, purse. It's popping up everywhere. Maybe I'm feeling inspired by the upcoming holiday season? Maybe I just like how red looks against my pale skin and super blond hair? IDK, but red is in my wardrobe to stay! For a while anyway.

Two things to discuss. First, my "blogger bun." ALL my favorite fashion bloggers wear the so-called sock buns. They are suddenly a huge fad. I've been wearing them since 8th grade, when a girl in my class showed me how to do it. (I also regularly rocked cornrows. Inner-city school you know.) These days I do it the easy way. I use a BUN FORM. It is exactly what is sounds like, a form to make a bun. You throw your hair in a ponytail, then you can either start at the ends and roll the hair over and over your bun form and secure with hair pins (NOT BOBBY PINS.) Or do as I did here and slide the bun form to the base of your ponytail, fan your hair over it and then wrap the excess around the base and secure with hair pins. I did it this way for a messy, undone bun, but if you want the sleeker look, roll away! The bun form is like $3.99 and comes with hair pins. It's basically mesh and they come in different colors to match your hair.
The second thing to discuss: I look chunky here! I admit it and I don't mind. Fact is, I love this shirt. I love the detailing with the sequins at the shoulders. It's a GLEE shirt. But together with the skinny jeans, it's definitely not the most flattering look.  I was at the in-laws and had worn the jeans and boots with my Ralph Lauren sweater in THIS POST. We spent the night and this was the only other shirt I had available to wear.I decided to post it anyway because 1. I wanted to show you the bun form and 2. I'm not skinny. Sometimes, you can see my rolls. The world won't end. Plus, I still look cute for a rainy day spent at my in-laws refinishing furniture. (I'll post pics when it's done, so excited!) I went to Lowe's and sanded a table in it. I still like it. Maybe next time with a boot-cut jean?

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Glee Shirt: from STRUT consignment store in Florence KY

Jeans: Dots 

Boots: Walmart

Bun Form: Walmart

Necklace: Forever 21

Bag: Coach

Labels: boots, Coach, forever 21, glle, sock buns | 13 comments

Little French Girl

Monday, November 12, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Today's look is an inspired by post! Kaylee at Sidewalk Ready featured this look awhile back, with a chambray shirt under a dress, and then Kacie from Kacie's Kloset did it this way.  My dress has a similar feel, except it is polka dotted,  and is a spring-y chiffon type fabric. I left out the additional black shirt. I did wear tights because no one wants to see my glow in the dark stems, and it was windy. I belted it, paired it with my knitted beret, gray lace-up boots, a multi-layer necklace and went to work. I think this is the third time in 12 days I've worn my chambray shirt. Since I bought it at full price (something that rarely happens) I believe I have definitely gotten my money's worth out of this guy. I had been wanting to wear something light, because it warmed up AGAIN (fall, won't you stay for a minute?) and I didn't want to sweat to death at work.

Maybe it's the knit beret, but I felt like a little French girl in this outfit. Where's my classic Schwinn bicycle? I need to go buy a baguet! Just kidding. IDK. I love how outfits and certain pieces of clothing can give you a feeling, almost like a character. Not like you are dressing in a costume, but just like, for a minute, you can be someone totally different. N'est-ce pas?

I LOVE this outfit. IDK, it just feels very fashion-y to me. Maybe because  I've seen this look often on blogs lately? I dunno. I also added a bangle in opposite colors, dainty earrings, and my leather Street Level satchel. Everytime I close that one clasp, it pops back open just in time for pictures!
I received many, many compliments on this from the guests at the hotel, and one not so great, but really funny comment from my son. He's four, and he said I look like a waitress. Then he asked me to make him pancakes. Aww! So, do I look like a waitress?

*Do you not LOVE all the crunchy leaves and beautiful fall foliage? These were taken at my BFF's apartment, right outside her front door. There are more, but I wanted this shot to show you how pretty it is here in the fall. I love KY.
That's me balancing on a beam. My idea to try to do it in heeled boots!

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Beret: Dots (quite old)

Chambray shirt: Old Navy

Polka dot dress: Forever 21 (from 2012, just in the spring)

Tights: George from Walmart

Boots: Wet Seal (2011)

Bag: Street Level via Piperlime

Earrings: Walmart

Necklace: Banana Republic via Gap Outlet

Bangle: Forever 21

Labels: baguets, berets, forever 21, granny boots, layers | 14 comments

Broken Promises

Friday, November 09, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I bought clothing items at a regular retail store today. Fashion Bug, a chain in my area, is going out of business. They are having an inventory blowout sale, up to 90% off items. I bought a pair of flat equestrian boots knocked down to $19, a pair of magenta tights $1, and a pair of brown slacks $6, for work. I couldn't find wide-calf boots or brown slacks at ANY thrift or consignment shop in my area that fit me. So I feel this purchase is justified. But I just wanted to share. I cheated :(
-Ashleigh

6 comments

Feelin' Polished and Classy

Friday, November 09, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I felt very polished and classy when I threw this together for work on Wednesday. I'd been planning to wear this 3/4 sleeve Ann Taylor LOFT sweater under the Tommy Hilfiger argyle cardi I thrifted BUT I don't have any pants I really liked with it. The 3/4 sleeve sweater is so thin-like a t-shirt, and great for layering when you don't know if it's going to be hot or cold! I tried it with this cashmere Apt. 9 cardigan and loved the combo of orange and leopard. I added some plain black flared slacks that I've had for years, black ballet flats a some awesome jewelry. Here's the look:

*Aren't my Momma's roses pretty? I can't believe they are still alive. It's gotten to freezing pretty much every night this week!

I love this outfit. I got loads of compliments on it at work from the guests. They all wanted to know why I was so "dressed up."
At my job, you pretty much can get away with anything. It's business casual, but interpreted as "Black slacks and a t-shirt with flats." Now, I was taught business casual means "Not suits." Meaning you can wear slacks or khakis, with a nice top, not a t-shirt!
I'm the only one who even bothers. The GM is not interested in fashion at all, though the other manager is always professional looking and fun, she does not accessorize. Why have a cute outfit if you aren't going to properly accessorize? I think she can't wear costume jewelry. If I couldn't wear costume jewelry, I'd die. (Figurtively) I loves baubles way too much to be able to afford everything I want in REAL meatal and stones! So, are you the "fashion freak" at your office?

Outfit Breakdown

 Cashmere Cardigan: Apt. 9 via Goodwill ($4.99)

Thin Orange Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft via STRUT consignment store

Slacks: George from Walmart (SUPER OLD)

Ballet Flats: Faded Glory from Walmart

Leather Satchel: Street Level via Piperlime

Earrings: Glitter

Necklace: Banana Republic via Gap Outlet

Bangle: Yardsale

Pin: Gift (bought at Walmart, it's the mockingjay from the Hunger Games)

Labels: business casual, cashmere, leopard, orange, Piperlime, Walmart | 8 comments

Americana

Thursday, November 08, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

This is what I wore on Election day! (A little late, I know.) Now, IDK about the rest of you, but Southerners like to do THEMES. My theme was Americana. If my khaki pants had back pockets I'd have stuck a bandana in there ala Springsteen! Instead I wore a red henley under a chambray shirt and I cuffed the sleeves, khaki cords and my Converse All Stars. I accessorised with a red, white and blue beaded star necklace made for me by my lovely daughter, London, for the 2008 election, a gold chain, some bangles and some simple hoops. I also wore blue eyeshadow and red lipstick. Patriotic, right? Here's my election day look:

Iphone pics again courtesy of Roger. I had to work :( I think overall I achieved my Americana theme. I also had my trusty Coach tote with me, but I think we've seen enough pictures of that lol.

Outfit Breakdown

Henley: Faded Glory from Walmart

Chambray shirt: Old Navy (last seen On This Post)

Khaki Cords: Jordache (OLD last seen HERE)

Converse: Via Piperlime

Belt: Came with a pair of shorts I bought last summer.

Jewelry: Beaded Necklace: Gift, homemade from my baby girl, chain bought at Laura's Closet-Plus-Size Consignment store, Earrings are Banana Republic Via Gap Outlet, Bangles from Facebook Yardsale.

Lipstick last seen HERE

*When I mention Facebook yardsale, I am talking about a group created for my area where we all buy, sell and trade items, kind of like a yardsale combined with Craigslist. You probably have one on your area. It's fair and free, just search your local groups and ask to join.

Labels: America, election 2012, red white and blue, themes | 11 comments

Rainy Days and Ralph Lauren

Wednesday, November 07, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

For a rainy, chilly weekend spent working I went for comfortable. Jeans tucked into boots with a cozy sweater. What's so fashion-y and special about that? This sweater is Vintage Ralph Lauren. I think it's from the early 90s. It's 100% cotton (I have to have natural fibers touching my upper arm when I wear long sleeves) and has an anchor on the front. The anchor is designed into the sweater and really subtle. I want to paint it with navy fabric paint so it stands out more, but I am afraid to touch it. I don't want to ruin my favorite sweater! The beauty of this find was it was 1/2 off $3.00. I paid $1.50. It's a men's medium, so it fits but a little weirdly. I don't care, I love it. Here's the look:

It rained and rained and rained. I went under the deck to get some semi-decent pics. I don't totally love that my sweater matches my platinum two toned hair....I think belting the sweater may have helped give me some shape, but none of my belts were right for the thickness of the sweater. I added my monogrammed Coach Tote (See? It says ASH) with knee-high buckled brown boots and pink accessories. Funny story, these boots remind me of a pair of Ralph Lauren boots...from the 90s. BUT these babes are Faded Glory brand from Walmart 2012. IMO they look more expensive than they are. My Hubby went to buy some DVDs and came back with these for me around the end of September. For no reason at all! This isn't a bad weekend combo, and it's definitely a step up from the usual jeans/hoodie/sneakers ensembles of everyone I know. How do you go casual for the weekends?

Outfit Breakdown

Sweater: Vintage Ralph Lauren via Small Blessings Thrift Store in Latonia Ky

Cami: Dots

Skinnies: Dots

Boots: Faded Glory from Walmart

Bag: Coach

Accessories: Necklace is from Glitter, Pink and Purple vintage earrings from Small Blessings in Latonia Ky,

Bracelet from Forever 21. Have I ever mention my signature Demi Cat Eye glasses are Covergirl? No? Well, they are by Covergirl (same as the cosmetics company) and the color is plum.

Labels: boots, Coach, rain, Ralph Lauren, thrifting | 14 comments

Basics

Tuesday, November 06, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Today I combined a bunch of "basic" pieces, or "wardrobe staples" as some call them. Wardrobe staples are utilitarian, versatile items in your closet that you use to build an everyday outfit. Basics may include:

1. Dark Wash jeans

2. Blazers in neutral colors

3. T-Shirts

4. Fedoras (for me)

5. Sneakers (or flats or heels, any basic ones you can wear all the time. )

5. Red Lipstick. (Well, I wear red almost everyday.)

Now you take the basic and layer it with other pieces to make ensembles. Try this how-to:

Source: dressinterest.com via Leighleigh on Pinterest

And Viola: You are dressed. Easy right? Today I made two tiny boo-boos. I forgot to fill in my brows, and since I've gone platinum blond, my skin and hair and brows are kinda washed out. I think the lipstick helped. The second boo boo? I forgot a belt. I pulled my pants up all day. Here's my Basic Look:

My basics are: Khaki cords, white t-shirt, black blazer with the sleeves cuffed, and Converse sneakers. Then I added in some sparkle via my jewelry. I wore my beaded blue necklace, my Heart and Key Tiffany necklace,  a gold double chain Banana Republic necklace, some bangles, a brooch, two rings, and some dainty vintage earrings. I also wore this lovely new lipstick. It's a brand called Palladio that they sell at Sally's beauty supply. The color is called Cosmopolitan.

What do you think of my basics look? I think next time I may wear gray trousers, the khakis + my hair makes me seem a little washed out. Agree?

*Next time I'll wear my hair down so you can see how pretty it is. I find it remarkably shiny for being so bleached. I went from California blonde to platinum.

Outfit Breakdown:

Blazer: Dots (same)

T-shirt: Forever 21 (same)

Khaki Cords: Jordache (quite old, try these)

Sneakers: Converse All-Stars via Piperlime. (similar)

Bag: Dooney and Bourke (quite old as well, this one is fab!)

Jewelry: Blue beads via glitter, heart and key necklace via Tiffany & Co. gold chain necklace from Banana Republic via Gap Outlet, Bangles from Tahlia's Imports, Earrings from St.Vincent De Paul)

I can't always link to items I buy because many are bought at vintage stores so IDK where or WHEN they are from. I just so happened to have bought most of this outfit earlier this year, except my bag and pants. When I can show you something similar I will link it for you! :) (If you buy that Dooney Bag, buy one for me too.)

Labels: basics, converse, Dooney n Bourke, platinum hair, red lips, Tiffany and Company, Vintage | 12 comments

GRAY

Monday, November 05, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

We were trying to decide where to take outfit pics and drove past this lovely cemetery.  I looked and thought, "Why not?" Cemeteries are peaceful and beautiful, a place to think, to mourn, to ponder. Taking pictures there may seem disrespectful of the dead, so if it offends you I am sorry. I think it's a beautiful, if sad, place.
Today was COLD. And WINDY. And GRAY. These are not the best pictures. I have so much more to learn when it comes to photographing pictures for my blog. I wore a hot pink cami with a sweater and jeans. I added a plaid cap and brightly printed wedges to add a pop of color. I forgot to touch up my lipstick, which I think would have given it a bit extra. Here's the look:

Am I the only person in the world who still wears flared jeans? Back when I was in 6th grade/12 years old/1998, flared jeans came back into fashion. I begged my Mom to buy some for me because I was the only girl still wearing peg-leg jeans! She bought me a lovely pair of flared jeans from Kmart that had roses embroidered on the sides. I wore them to death till I was 18 and they had such an unfashionably high-waist. I think I made them into a purse lol. So then, in 2006, Lindsay Friggin' Lohan showed up on Glamour.com wearing skinnies with a zippered ankle. I rebelled. I REFUSED to wear them. I thought they were fugly. Fast forward to 2009 and I was working at the mall and the GM at Deb talked me into a black pair that had glitter on them. I looked taller....leaner. I was sold, but my beloved flares did not lose their place in my wardrobe. They sit and wait patiently for weekends when I can wear them again.



Outfit Breakdown

Hat: Deb 2010

Cami: Dots

Sweater: Deb 2006

Jeans: American Eagle

Wedges: Mossimo via Goodwill (nwt, I think they were part of a buyout.)

Jewelry: Heart and Key necklace from Tiffany & Co. Long chain is from Glitter. 

My favorite shot:

I just noticed this shot includes a smidgen of duckface. Eh. Still love it!

                                      

Labels: Halloween, Hats, wedges | 6 comments

Work Wear With Teal

Friday, November 02, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Last Thursday I was going to wear a black and white polka dot dress that has an accordion pleat skirt, with a mint color cardigan and thin, braided tan belt. I was going to add black opaque tights and black flats and pop myself over to work. Then I couldn't find my tights, the dress had a tear  on the strap(which I've since mended) and my cardigan just looked tired. Do you ever idealize an outfit and once it comes to fruition you just think...Meh?  That was me today. So instead, I went for sequins again. You have to wear what you love! Here's the look:

I wore a teal sequin tank, gray slacks, a black cardigan, and black wedge heels with my vintage Dooney & Bourke bag. I topped it off with some simple hoop earrings, a layered BR beaded necklace with ribbon ties, and a red pout. What do you think? I'm glad I didn't end up wearing black slacks, it would have been too blah. I love this look for work. This shirt catches the light and sparkles like a disco ball!

My shirt matches my personality. Glittery.

Outfit Breakdown

Cardigan: Gap

Tank: Dots (The brand and the store I got it from-in case you aren't familiar with them.)

Slacks: Burlington Coat Factory

Wedges: Payless

Bag: Dooney & Bourke

Jewelry: Hoops are from Glitter, Heart and Key necklace is from Tiffany & Co. Long, layered beaded necklace is from Banana republic, Peacock Bangle is from Forever 21.

Gratuitous Shot of Me Clowning Around:

Labels: Dooney n Bourke, red lips, sequins, slacks | 24 comments

Bye-Bye Sunshine

Thursday, November 01, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Last week this was the last of the sunshine-y weather. It has been gray since then. I went easy and breezy in a black maxi dress and a chambray button up, cinched with a wide tan belt. I love this look. It is super comfortable and totally put together without really trying. PS-I was STILL hot at work in this!
  My coworker, Shay, wore a pink maxi and pink chucks to work last Tuesday and I loved it. She would NOT let me photograph her for the blog. :(  I told her I would wear one the next day and write  an "inspired by" post about it. 

I added metallic flats, a ribbon tie ON necklace, bangles, and an OLD mustard colored studded purse for a pop of color to complete the look.My purse photographs very yellow, but mustard it is, I promise. On it I have pinned  two of my very favorite pins for some added pizazz. 

No red lips today, my Cover Girl  Outlast lip stain totally has dried out my lips. I dusted a  golden pink blush on my cheeks, added pink/neutral  lip, and some with rose gold shadow with velvety brown eyeliner. I wanted a warm, neutral look. I prefer the red though. My hair was twisted and pinned back the bangs and braided the rest to the side for "boho-chic" kind of vibe.

Outfit Breakdown:

Maxi Dress: Body Central

Chambray shirt: Old Navy

Tan Belt: Wet Seal

Metallic Flats: Wet Seal

Purse: Family Dollar. Not kidding! I was picking up dish detergent and my bag ripped. Got this one from their kid's section. $10. Cute, no?

Jewelry: Dangle Earrings are Forever 21, Studs from Target, Dainty necklace was a gift, Beaded Ribbon Tie Necklace is Old Navy, Bangles are from Tahlia's Imports, Cocktail Ring is Premiere Jewelry via my Mother-In-Law, Mockingjay Pin was a gift from Christin and bought at Walmart, and Peacock pin is from Forever 21, but old.

Labels: chambray, indian summer, maxi dress, old navy, side braid | 11 comments