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

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

From Weddings to Dress Codes

Friday, October 19, 2012 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Today is Friday! Whew! I am so ready for the weekend. Alas, I work the entire weekend. My next day off is NEXT Friday. But then, I am off for FOUR DAYS! I can sense you asking why I am off four days in a row. Well, I shall tell you. I am getting married the 27th of October! I will be Mrs. McElfresh! After EIGHT. YEARS. OF. DATING. And FYI we've been engaged for FIVE of those years. This is a LONG time coming! R is my high school sweetheart. We met in our senior year when we were both aides. He played baseball and was short, stocky, and muscular. He wore his hair on the longer side with huge side burns, then he shaved his head and grew a goatee for our prom. IMHO He was definitely the most handsome guy in our school. I loved him then, but I love him more in better, greater ways now. Wanna see our prom picture? Here ya go:

 

So tiny! So stylin' lol. Those shoes had butterflies and shortly after my dog ate them :(. I still have that dress though. Any way, onto outfits!

How do you feel about animal prints? I love them. I will wear them in any form of clothing. Shirt, pants, dress, cardigan, whatever. Today's animal action was this leopard print cardi I got at DOTS. I wore it over a purple basic Tee with my boyfriend jeans and my black moto boots and some saucy red lipstick.

 

My full body shot and a close up when I was setting the self timer. The lipstick is actually an orange Wet N Wild lippy called persimmon with Baby Lips over it in the grape shade. Together, they made red. I like it.

Outfit breakdown:

Cardigan: Dots

T Shirt: Faded Glory from Walmart

Jeans: GAP 1969 Boyfriend jeans

Boots: Route 66 from Kmart

Necklace: Banana Republic

Earrings: Walmart

Rings: Various.

I was having a great hair day here! Little bit of body in that shiz. Did you notice the boots have star shaped studs on the heel? Also, I got in trouble for wearing these jeans to work. We can only wear jeans Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I wore them Wednesday. Also, I'm behind a counter where no one could even see my jeans, and though I was wearing them I was still the most professionally dressed person at work. I hate dress codes! What do you dislike about your work dress code?

Labels: dress codes, high school, husbands, jeans, leopard, red lips, weddings | 2 comments