Love Is In The Details

I have decided to give myself a little bit of a challenge this month--this is also an attempt to shake things up to make getting dressed to go out into the cold a little more exciting. Everyday during the month of February I am going to try to incorporate some kind of pink or red into the day's outfit. I am just that cute. Kicking off this challenge during this month of love is my favorite scarf; I picked this up a few years ago in Little Italy during my first trip to NYC. I did notice that I don't have many pink or red pieces so this may be a little difficult for me, but it will also force me to be a little more creative. In other words...challenge accepted!

<3 Ashley

Join me in this fun little challenge? 

Weekend Wrap-Up: Vintage

I hope everyone had a relaxing and fun weekend. It was quite hot here and aside from going to work, I was not very willing to step outside of the house. After work on Saturday we went to lunch in Carlisle and ended up walking down the street. After hitting a cool candy shop (Pop Rocks galore!) my mother and I stepped into a vintage shop called Miss Ruth's Time Bomb and had some fun browsing through some old fashioned duds.

After all of that browsing, this moment happened:

That's right, I discovered this tan '60s jumpsuit and decided to try it on just for kicks. I didn't actually think I would be able to pull off the look, but I was very excited to find that it was for the most part a perfect fit. Although my mother fully supported the purchase of this garment, I couldn't bring myself to buy it. With no idea what kind of shoes to wear with the suit I wasn't prepared to commit to it.

How was your weekend? 

<3 Ashley

Spring Fling

BB Dakota || French Connection || Oh My Love

Jessica Howard || Modcloth || Julep

Springtime has finally hit Pittsburgh and I am done wearing jeans! Enter capris, skirts, shorts and dresses! Dresses are my favorite pieces during the spring, especially after months of hiding my legs in jeans and tights--time to let those stems breathe! Here are a few dresses that I have found that are also on trend for this season. A few of these trends don't apply strictly to dresses but to keep the theme I have applied them so. These trends are black and white, stripes, sporty, lace, grey and cutouts!

Which dress is you favorite? Which trend are you likely to try?

<3 Ashley

My Easter Holiday

Despite the holiday, this weekend was VERY busy for me. Since Friday I have been using every bit of free time to work on the first draft for my Writing for the Public assignment--a newsletter outlining the issues of No Child Left Behind and where education looks to go from there. This is not exciting stuff to write about people! In fact I am still working on it. I am taking off from my first lecture today so that I can give it a thorough edit.

Before I commit myself to that though, I wanted to share my Easter with you. We decided on Saturday to attend the noon mass on Sunday rather than the 6 PM one. I was up at 10:45 AM getting primped and ready only to receive a knock on the door at 11:15 and see my friends still in their pajamas. Instantly Megan assured me that she would be ready in time (she was a minute late, but who's counting?) After church we enjoyed an Easter brunch and then promptly went back up to our rooms to change into comfortable clothes--three blisters and counting on my feet! One girl on our floor volunteered to hide our Easter eggs for us so that we could have a hunt. Unfortunately due to our late planning the only eggs we could get our hands on were in the shape of Darth Vader's helmet. After that, our holiday was virtually over and we all set off to work and study.

And I know that one of the big highlights for many of us is what we wear on Easter. Below are a few pictures of my dress and shoes.

My entire Easter outfit was from White House | Black Market. It was a birthday gift I gave myself for turning 18 last summer. You know...I deserved it :)

How was your holiday? What did you wear?

<3 Ashley

Fashion: The Lace Trend

It would appear that lace is coming out in full force for the 2013 spring season. Recall: My coverage of NYFW; lace appeared on many a catwalk that week! Now, if anyone embraces the feminine look that lace offers it's this girl right here! :)

Lace is being seen as small accent in just about every garment you can wear, and is also taking over in full outfits. Here are just a few examples of how we can expect to see it being worn this season:

An entirely lace dress!

Lace skirt

Just the small details

Lace tops

Now, I do remember seeing some entirely lace jumpsuits walk the runway so if you are one to embrace the look go all out! I will probably just gather some looks similar to these.

How will you wear the lace trend?

<3 Ashley

Spring Inspired

Well, it's Wednesday - I think we all know how I feel about Wednesdays by now...not a fan. But there is only one day standing between me and Spring Break at this point. I can taste the freedom! There is so much I want to get done in just next week alone (a lot of it is recreational reading and a lot of sleeping in!)  So because there is not very much to report on and in lieu of Spring Break, I thought I would access my Polyvore account again and give you some spring inspired looks by me! There's only a couple since I probably should do my last bit of big work - due tomorrow! - before I mentally check out! 

I think that both of these looks say something about some part of me. I love the colors in the first one (sometimes you just have to be bright!) and the other half of me loves the more neutral vibe of the second outfit. Maybe it's more clear cut for you?

<3 Ashley

Which look is your favorite? What spring/summer pieces are you most excited about breaking back out of the closet?

Essentials for the New Year

Happy New Year! Sorry, this is a bit late in the day; I had to work! But I am home now and I finally have a day off tomorrow. Finally time to get my hair done and do a little shopping. I have decided to immediately implement my resolution for more organization and made a list of the absolutely essential things that I will buy. This is part of my attempts to be financially responsible (oh, the plight of the college student!)

So here is my list of the essentials that I think we should all have in our closets if you don't have them already:

1. Black blazer

However you like your blazers (tailored, fitted, cuffed sleeves, etc) they are a great way to pull an outfit together and dress it up.

2. LBD

The Little Black Dress has been a staple in closets for decades; why mess with a classic? A simple dress can be perfect with a jacket, some jewelry or stand alone. 

3. Jeans

Everyone needs a good pair of jeans. They are almost mandatory and there are so many fits and cuts to choose from. I am currently in the market for a pair of skinnies and a pair of bootcut (these look the best on most figures, I think)

4. Black pumps

These are great for any outfit really. Paired with skinnies or a dress, they are simple and virtually flawless. I am also looking at nude pumps.

5. Great White Shirt

The GWS is great no matter what look you are going for. You can dress it up, go more slouchy, or lounge around at home in it. 

Those are my essentials for revamping your closet for the new year. This isn't everything you should have, but it is a good jumping off point. We need something to start with, right? 

<3 Ashley

What are must-have pieces in your closet?

A Bit of An Edge

Hello all!

Words cannot describe my happiness as the semester is quickly coming to a close. I cannot wait to go home for Christmas and get back to work making some money. :) But as we are getting closer, I have started going through my closet to get ready to take some things out to put in some new purchases after the holidays. I happened upon some pieces that I, for the most part, have not broken out yet. So I said, "Why not?" and wore them together and was pleasantly surprised. The look was overall pretty edgy, which is not how I usually dress; I dress a little more light and pretty. Throughout the day I was taken by the compliments that I received from people all over campus.

I was beyond in love with this skirt when I bought it, but never had a chance to wear it. It is sheer with a shorter, solid black skirt underneath and a faux leather band at the waist. This skirt moves beautifully.

A cropped lace jacket over a slouchy Blondie tour t-shirt.

Black boots that have become neglected but were very comfortable to wear walking across campus.

This entire outfit, aside from the boots, is entirely from Forever 21 (boots from Charlotte Russe.) I have not had a huge inspiration to take many chances lately, but I loved this and the reactions I got. It honestly does not hurt to put in that little extra something to make an outfit really stand out especially, if you are like me at all, you are usually more toned down with your style. Moral of the story: TAKE SOME CHANCES! 

<3 Ashley

Will you take some chances with something you don't usually wear?

The Thanksgiving Trek

Well Thanksgiving break is just 6 days away from me, I can practically taste the cranberry sauce. If you are like me, having chosen a school 4+ hours away from home, this is probably your first trip home that you have made since move-in day. I have already been thinking about what to pack and realized that this is a good opportunity to take back some of the stuff that I will not be needing through the winter months. Plus, if you have forgotten anything from home, you can make some room for that (plus don't forget those Christmas clothes that you will no doubt be acquiring!) 

I have a list of things that you should pack for the 4-5 day break and some things that you can leave at home or bring back with you.

Things to pack for break:

1. Jeans: 1 or 2 pairs will suffice. It's not even a week long, you do not need a plethora of outfits. If it helps, plan your outfits ahead of time so you only take what you need! 

2. Cardigan: A good way to pull together jeans and t-shirt if you are meeting up with some friends for coffee or lunch. 

3. Dress: Just one nice dress for Thanksgiving dinner is all you need. It does not need to be fancy, but a holiday dinner is the perfect excuse to dress up.

4. Pair of Boots: Pick a pair that will go with almost everything, so that you do not need to lug your entire shoe collection onto the bus, train, or plane. (Also grab a pair of shoes for the dress!) 

5. T-Shirts: Only if truly necessary. I know I left plenty of tops at home so that I did not need to take everything back with me.

Things to leave at home:

1. Shorts: Unless you go to school in an extremely warm climate at this time of year, I can almost guarantee that you will not need any Daisy Dukes.

2. Sundresses: I am keeping some dresses to layer under sweaters, but all florals are being sheltered until the springtime.

3. Sandals: Along with the shorts, these probably will not be seeing daylight too soon. Make more room for boots in your dorm by keeping the sandals at home.

Things to bring back to school:

1. Sweaters: Make sure you grab all of your sweaters, these are going to be a staple in your wardrobe for the next few months.

2. Boots: If your hitting up stores for Black Friday or your parents offer to buy you something before you head back, a good pair of boots is certainly no bad investment.

3. Anything you forgot!: If there is something you need that you forgot when you left, make sure you get it this time!

Happy packing everyone! Just one week! :)

<3 Ashley

What do you have to pack for this break?

Love Sweaters

Ready to welcome Thanksgiving break and the end of the semester with open arms. One thing that I am coming to learn is that living with someone in a single square of a room can be a bit overwhelming at times. Needless to say, I am looking forward to having some room to breathe even if only for a week. That aside, I will not regale you with my problems but will continue on in documentation of what I plan on being the perfect autumn yet. I hope that everyone is enjoying the fall recipes that I have been putting up (one coming up later today!)

Today's topic is one near and dear to my heart when it comes to this time of year...SWEATERS! I count down the days on the calendar until I can wear my favorite comfy garment again. One good thing about the early temperature change in Pittsburgh is that I was able to bust out my sweaters early. You really cannot go wrong with them. They are comfortable, warm and stylish (fashion and utility at the same time!) Here are some of my favorite types of sweaters:

This one is not really specific for layering, which makes it nice. It acts quite simply as the top to a great outfit. It's warm, but aside from jeans or a skirt that is all you really need.

Love this one! Oversized sweaters are my kind of thing. I specialize in them almost!

The sweater functioning as a dress. While your legs are only protected by the thinner tights or stockings, the sweater dress is a great way to remain feminine through the chill of fall and winter.

  

Gotta love a good cardi. Perfection for layering over t-shirts and pretty much anything else.

And one more for home! Unfortunately I do not have one of these, but I am on the look out! If you know where I might be able to find one, please do not hesitate to let me know!

There it is...my obligatory entry on sweaters. Now if you will excuse me I am probably going to catch a nap in my pile of sweaters before my next class. :)

<3 Ashley

What types of sweaters do you like to wear?

Education in Campus Fashion

So I it has been exactly a month that class has been in session here at the University of Pittsburgh and there is a lot that I have learned, both in the classroom and outside of it.

Along with living in this region I have learned that it rains a lot in the city of Pittsburgh, and also gets cold a bit earlier than it does back home. Needless to say, I travel with an umbrella EVERYWHERE!! One thing that seems to be common essential for all the girls here is rain boots. I have never been a fan of rain boots. I hate walking around in them; I have ever only owned one pair. That being said, I have seen some cute pairs walking around this campus. Maybe they will inspire me to invest in a pair.

I have also been very nervous about wearing my heels around campus and to class. I know that in high school if you came clacking your heels into the room instantly people would turn around and look at you like you just massacred at large group of people. But I have observed a great mix of heels and flats around here and no one shows a bit of annoyance at the sound of a pair of pumps walking into the lecture hall.

The ultimate lesson I am learning here is: no one really cares what you look like here. It is not like high school. There is such a mix of style; some people dress down for class to be comfortable because they have a day spent rushing from building to building or because they had just pulled an all-nighter preparing for a big Biology exam. I has made me more comfortable to wear what I want without people's wandering eyes judging me.

<3 Ashley

What is your favorite college/school fashion?

NYFW: Final

I am going to keeps this very brief. It is very late, but I do want to weigh in on the last day of New York Fashion Week. I loved it! I loved the colors in the Michael Kors show, and I pretty much saw myself in every single one of the pieces in the Rachel Zoe show. I watched the Anna Sui and Vivienne Tam shows with a friend of mine (great commentary ensued!) We agreed that while the Anna Sui looks might not have fit with us personally, they were definitely interesting and there are certain girls out there that have the look and confidence to pull this look off. I did love the '70s punk inspiration of it and that it did have a tailored quality to it. It was a really cool contrast. The Vivienne Tam show was just so elegant and interesting with the use of shapes and geometrics in the garments (square cut outs and triangles that pop with color)

A look from the Rachel Zoe show

Dress from Vivienne Tam

While I am sad that NYFW is indeed over, I thought that this was a great way to end it. All the shows that I saw were wonderful, and I am very excited for Spring 2013. :)

<3 Ashley

What was your favorite show during NYFW?

The First Day

The day finally came! My first day of college classes. 

The one thing that ran through my mind early this morning? What in the world am I going to wear?! I am notorious for not planning my outfits the night prior. It just never happens. So this morning I went through two different outfits back and forth and finally made my decision. Here it is; the result of a solid 45 minutes of indecisive-ness :)

I always love this cami/cardi combo. The cardigan is also super light, making it really wearable even in late August.

Pretty sure I am on the verge of wearing these shoes out! 

Of course I have to have a massive ring to pull the outfit together...it's like my thing.

And a lovely top knot. 

With how hot it has been in Pittsburgh lately, shorts and dresses seem like they might be my friends for awhile. I cannot wait, however, to throw on jeans, sweaters and boots. I am a sucker for autumn. 

<3 Ashley

What was your first day of school outfit?

Can't Live Without It

Throughout the process of cleaning out my closet, there have been many garments that I plucked up the courage with which to part. That is, in fact, the only real way to have success with this kind of thing. At the same time came the realization that there were some pieces that I just could NOT for the life of me trash or give away. One such was this shirt. I bought it a year ago at Forever 21 and I wear it too much to be quite honest. With jeans, shorts, and skirts. This is the one that I just cannot get over.