Two ways to wear a LWD (Little White Dress)

Monday, August 26, 2013 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I bet you missed me! Jk. I know I've been gone about 5 minutes from blogging but I can't help myself. I am sick but blogging makes me happy! Whilst recuperating I went thrifting with my Mother and came across a totally cute little white dress. It's floral lace with cap sleeves and an exposed zipper in the back. It was also a size medium. Two sizes smaller than I was as of May 1st 2013. However, I've been losing weight (because I'm sick) and a big rule in thrifting is try EVERYTHING on, so I did! And it fit! Mom asked what would I wear it with and I promptly answered: my cowboy boots! 

When Shanna posted this back in the spring I had been wanting to recreate the look my own way. I love the look of a flirty little dress with cowboy boots but I didn't own anything that screamed "Pair this with your Laredos!" The instant I tried on this little white dress at Goodwill, I knew I had my outfit! Though it is not exactly the same, I took the elements that appealed to me and applied them to make an outfit that worked for me.

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Big Blog Plans!

Saturday, August 24, 2013 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Hello all! On my break, I have been contemplating The Stylized Wannabe. Where do I want my little hobby to go? I've talked about direction and balance before, but this is more about growth. I like the content I post. I'm going to stick with my fashion posts, beauty reviews (I actually have a bunch unedited that I need to post) thrift store hauls will be back. I'll have MORE content, I've just had no time this summer :(
After my recovery I'm going to move the blog forward. It's not about getting sponsors or trying to make money. I want to reach a bigger audience to show them you can dress great on a shoestring budget. Through thrifting and aggressive sales shopping you can be work-appropriate, kid-friendly, ready for girls night out, whatever, and not spend everything you earn. I'm going to feature $20 and under outfits, and do a closet restyle challenge. Big plans! But mostly, I want to grow.
I'm going to invest more time and my actual, hard-earned dollars into The Stylized Wannabe. Because I BELIEVE in it. I don't want blogging to become my job, I still want to enjoy it. As I said above I just want to reach more people. I'm going to advertise on some of my favorite bigger blogs and host give-aways on them. That's how I've found most of my favorite blogs! I think I'll be more satisfied reaching more people. When people comment and say "I can't believe you got that at so-an-so place!" It makes me so happy, and the best part is they can get great stuff for cheap too! I want to be able to influence the fashion community to spend less and look their best!
Do you have any tips for growth? Let me know. My readers are all writers. I know you guys know your stuff! Tell me in the comments.
-Ash

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Medical Issues

Tuesday, August 20, 2013 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Hello all! I recently discovered that I need my gallbladder removed. I had pains and ended up in the hospital twice. It's intensely painful to deal with. It hurts more than having a baby!  Thus, I'm going to take a break from blogging. My Doctor actually told me to take a total break (stress isn't helping? Gee! No way!) from everything. Since I have to work and take care of my kids I've decided to go on a small hiatus. I have a few pre-scheduled posts and I'm sure at some point I won't be able to resist posting so you'll definitely see me around. I'll update you on my progress here and probably talk about things on my personal blog, and you can always catch me on Instagram! (I'm an Instagram ho. Fo' sho'. @thestylizedwannabe if you want to follow!)

Blogging is my outlet so I'm hoping to be back soon. I'll continue to read and comment your blogs! Don't forget about me! 

xoxoxoxo

-Ashleigh

               From my hospital visit!

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Summer Wedding Guest Look

Tuesday, August 13, 2013 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I originally bought this dress for my friend Elise to wear to her friend Katie's wedding. Elise hated it. I was too big for it and tried to squeeze it any way and ended up breaking the zipper. This dress has been broken and unwearable in my closet since 2011! A simple $4.00 zipper at Walmart and I fixed that. Lucky me the dress fits now! I love thinning out. It's like I'm getting a new wardrobe for free, but I'n shopping my closet.

I paired the graphic print dress with matching heels and geometric shaped earrings to mimic the pattern in the dress. Normally I do not go for matchy-matchy looks such as this, however my Mom convinced me to ditch the brown leather Lauren Conrad heels for my unworn pink peep toes. She's so smart! I really like all the pink. It is my favorite color after all! (Though I would also wear electric blue heels and a blue clutch just to change it up!)

I love the layers on the dress, it hits at just the right spot, it's a breathable linen fabric so I'm not dying in it. Winner! Where else can I wear it?

What do you think of the matchy-matchy pink on pink?

DRESS: BANANA REPUBLIC (IT WAS ON SALE FOR LIKE $14.00)

HEELS: DEB

EARRINGS: FOREVER 21

BANGLE: STREET FAIR

44 comments

ARE YOU TIRED OF SEEING ME IN DRESSES YET?

Friday, August 09, 2013 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

So. This dress is not new. It is better than new! I bought it to take with me to wear in Florida last summer and my hips were just too wide for the way the dress was cut. Silly me for trusting the size and not trying the thing on. But since I've been losing weight, I decided to see if it fit. It does! Better than new!

Mom caught me with my eyes closed.

Anyway, this dress gives me major cleavage without being scandalous, the neon pink and yellow stripes are totally on trend, and the cool cotton is perfect for those summer days when I feel like I'm roasting!

I accessorized with neon drop earrings, a big blingy bangle, nude wedges, and my thrifted nude clutch.

Check out that bruise!

Do you absolutely love that feeling when something fits perfect and you feel beautiful? I do! 

DRESS: OLD NAVY

WEDGES: GLITTER

EARRINGS: CATOS

BANGLE: TARGET

CLUTCH: THRIFTED/GOODWILL

23 comments

COLORS OF THE OCEAN

Monday, August 05, 2013 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I bought this dress to go out with my girlfriends. It's my first non-thrift store purchase in about 6 months. I loved the blues and greens in it, it reminds me of the ocean. Apparently, my sister loves that too because my Mom informed me she bought the same one!

I alos love the high-low hem. I don't own anything like it, and it was fun to try a  on a trend. I tend to go with classic pieces.

I accessorized with large gold earrings, a beautiful thrifted bangle, and gold flower flip flops. 

What do you think? Is it too trendy or just right?
:) 

DRESS: DOTS

FLIP FLOPS: THE DOLLAR TREE (YEP)

EARRINGS: FOREVER 21

BANGLE: THRIFTED/GOODWILL

31 comments

You may have spied this on instagram

Wednesday, July 31, 2013 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I posted this outfit on Instagram (@thestylizedwannabe if you wanna follow!) a few weeks ago and decided to recreate it for the blog so you could see just how darling it is. The black dress is one of my favorites, and I find the length and fit very flattering on my curvy frame and short height.

I accessorized with my leopard print belt, coral beaded necklace, contrasting bangle, nude crocheted flats, and my thrifted clutch. I also rocked a side braid and tiny little tree earrings.

This is the comfiest dress. And even though it's a mini, it's not scandalously short since I paired it with flats.

DO YOU EVER SAY F*^%# THE NAYSAYERS AND WEAR WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
DRESS: FOREVER 21

FLATS: JC PENNY

NECKLACE: BODY CENTRAL

BANGLE: FOREVER 21

CLUTCH: THRIFTED/GOODWILL

31 comments