Fashion: Cannes Film Festival

Natalie Wood at the 1962 festival. Photo: here

Yes, yes, yes...I know I am kind of late on this one. Between work and think about the posts assigned to the 30 Day Blogging Challenge I didn't have too much room to sit down and give a list of some of my favorite looks from the festival. Here are my top 3 picks (no particular order...I'm that lazy.)

Photo: here

Emma Watson: Emma looked stunning in this Chanel dress at the premiere of her new film 'The Bling Ring.' Pretty much anything this girl wears, I will adore. Her style is so simple and never feels over the top or like it's too much. Black and white also seemed to be a trend on the red carpets at the festival this year.

Photo: here

Jessica Biel: I loved this Marchesa dress and I love how cute the shape is on her. The necklace is pretty killer as well!

Photo: here

Freida Pinto: I love the color of this Gucci dress; it looks great on her. With the belt I think that it has a kind of Grecian feel to it that I like. 

Who wore your favorite looks from the Cannes Film Festival this year?

<3 Ashley

Day 30: Letting Go

Photo: here

I am sorry for my complete silence yesterday. The internet was down here and on top of that a marathon of Inside the Actors Studio. So honestly, there was no chance of me ever being online. But good news: the internet is back and Tropic Thunder isn't on until 2! So here I am offering the last of the 30 Day Blogging Challenge posts: React to the term 'letting go.'

Letting go is certainly something that I need to do more of! I have a tendency to dwell; I try not to, but my brain just seems programmed to remind me of things that really put me on edge. I think that letting go does involve acknowledging the problem, but instead of worrying about it try to learn from it. Know what you could have done differently but then let it go. Free yourself from the worry because it will only hold you back; letting go means moving forward freely.

What does "letting go" mean to you?

<3 Ashley

Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day ceremony in Hawaii. Photo: here

Happy Memorial Day everyone! Would you believe that I have to work today? It's true...the world of retail does not take a break. Thankfully my family has decided to wait to eat until 6 tonight. I am very grateful for this.

I hope that everyone enjoys the rest of their holiday weekend. Eat up, drink up and relax! But also, remember the actual meaning behind the holiday. Take some time and think about those men and women serving and defending our country.

How do you celebrate Memorial Day?

<3 Ashley

Day 26: The Best

Day 26: Describe the qualities you like best in yourself.

After yesterday's discussion about the worst qualities I want to take the time to discuss some of the best qualities. As quick as I am to rattle off things I would like to improve about myself I also am very well aware of my redeeming qualities.

My smile. I always get complimented at work, school, other public venues about my smile.

My sense of humor. I value a great sense of humor in others and have also been able to get some laughs myself. I try not to take some things to seriously because half of the time...they really aren't that serious.

My intelligence. While I say that, I am not the kind of person to tout that intelligence around others needlessly (in fact, I hate people who do that!)

What are some of the best qualities that you like in yourself?

<3 Ashley

Day 25: The Worst

Photo: here

Day 25: What are some of your least favorite qualities that you have?

While I consider myself to be very comfortable and happy with who I am, unfortunately I am one of those people who can easily list my least favorite things about myself. At the same time, I don't exactly think that's a bad thing. It's even further proof that no one is perfect. If we were perfect we would have nothing to doubt or pick at. It's just our nature.

I hate how shy I am when meeting new people. I wish I was more outgoing.

I doubt myself a lot. I wish I was more adventurous.

Lack of motivation. Maybe I just haven't found my passion yet.

What are a few things that bother you about yourself? (don't worry! Tomorrow will be more positive, I promise!)

<3 Ashley

TGIF Pins

Well this has been a busy/stressful week. Aaaaaand...it's over. Memorial Day weekend is upon us which many of us associates with the unofficial start of summer. However, in my neck of the woods it is going to be in the 60s pretty much all weekend. Jeans will be my uniform. Anyway, to close of this week right here are my pins for the week!

Fashion

Shoes

Accessories

Beauty

Home

Food

Travel

Humor

Have a lovely weekend! 

<3 Ashley

Day 24: Stress Monster

Photo: here

Day 24: What was one time that stress got the best of you?

I say that I am the kind of person who stresses easily, but I think that most of the time I am just being a total drama queen--I can be quite the actress. However, I do remember one time during my junior year of high school that I had a complete meltdown. It was my first year taking any AP courses so I was relatively new to the heavy workload that came along with the class. Studying for AP European History required making 60+ note cards and reading excerpts from two of our ridiculous textbooks. I was down to the wire making the last of the notecards so that I could at least skim the chapters so that I would be ready for the review the next day. It was getting very late and eventually, stress and mental exhaustion got to me and I completely broke down in tears. My mother came in and calmly told me that I needed to go to sleep. She then, jokingly, told me that she would still love me if I failed the test. I ended up doing moderately well on the test, not quite my best.

What I learned was, I don't stress easily. But when I am on a tight deadline and I have a heaping load of work then yes...I will start to stress out.

How do you handle stress? What stresses you out?

<3 Ashley

Four Favorites

Zig Zag Pillow || Sincerely Mint Dress || ELLE Nail Lacquer (Kohl's) || Beth Lauren Jewelry

The work week is almost over. Just today and tomorrow then I can have a 3-day weekend! Unfortunately it's not the same three days as everyone else around here (I work on Memorial Day!) I thought today I would revisit a link up that I did awhile ago. It was a lot of fun and I got a lot of positive feedback from it. This one comes courtesy of let it be beautiful and fancy things. My four favorites are just some pieces that I spotted (on Pinterest) this week that tickled my fancy. How cute is that dress?! However, the ELLE nail polish is a favorite from experience. I love their nail polish! It is surprisingly long lasting--I type a lot so nail polish does not typically stay on my nails long! My favorite color is their coral color.

What are your four favorites this week? Click the button below to join the linkup!

<3 Ashley

Day 21: Favorite Posts

Day 21: List your 5 favorite posts on your blog.

I have written about a lot over the past year on this blog, and today is the day that I get to highlight some of my favorites for you!

1. Reflections: Freshman Year 
I loved all of the feedback I got on this post! This was by far my most popular piece that I've written all year. Whenever I reach something that I consider to be a milestone I like to take a breather and think about how far I've come, how I have changed, and what I need to work on.

2. Shopping Tips: Too Expensive?
This post was the result of a shopping trip and personal experience. I find it's always best to write what you know, and I love sharing tips that I have found to be successful (at least in the situations I have used them in!)

3. Spring Inspired
I believe this was written when it was still quite cold in Pittsburgh; there may have even been snow on the ground! I don't do many styling posts but I thought it would be nice to get a little glimpse of spring and what was coming. It was a hopeful post!

4. Some Down Time
I am a big supporter of what I refer to as sanity time. This post was written during a point when it was cold out, everyone else was in a late class, and I had no work to do. What a beautiful time!

5. The Final Countdown
This was written during finals week at the end of the fall semester. That is the time where, if you haven't learned yet, you learn how you study. This post was just as list of things that I found helpful for me.

What kind of posts are you interested in? (Consider this feedback! I will use it for the upcoming year!) 

<3 Ashley

Day 20: A Small Struggle

Day 20: Write about something that you have been struggling with.

Motivation. It has always been something that I struggle with. I find myself to be very fickle and it is difficult for me to stay committed to something for too long. How I was able to keep up with this blog for a whole year is beyond me. I must really love it. But sometimes I do find myself lacking the motivation to keep it up to date, or maybe it's just that sometimes I lack the inspiration. Whatever it may be, it's something that I have to work on. I also think that I get very nervous and scared sometimes when I am faced with a task or other scenario, and that ends up affecting my motivation. They say that the first step is admitting that you have a problem. All I can do at this point is work and push myself to stay committed.

What is something that you struggle with?

<3 Ashley

I Wear My Sunglasses

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One of my favorite accessories that I wear all year round is my sunglasses. It's one of those things that comes in so many colors and styles some of which are flattering while some are not. While they are a stylish accessory, they are also a functional one protected your eyes from the sun's rays. Here are some styles that are making quite a presence for themselves this spring.

1. Mirrored- I do not own a pair of these but I have seen them around and could see myself trying them out. Those are the kind of lenses you can wear and no one will know where you're looking.

2. Round- I could never bring myself to wear these. While John and Yoko may have worn them with confidence, I do not like the look at all. I don't think that they would look quite right on my face.

3. White- The '60s have made their way back. These mod frames are becoming more popular (though I have had mine probably since the 9th grade! Also included in the '60s comeback are Ray Ban Wayfarers.

What kind of sunglasses do you like to wear?

<3 Ashley

Day 19: A Day in the Life

Photo: here

Day 19: Write a "Day in the Life" post.

I have waited the whole day to write this. I thought a Sunday would be a nice day to do this because it was more relaxed, more things were done on a whim and 6 hours wouldn't be eaten up by work.

7:30 AM: Rise and shine!
8:00 AM: Out for breakfast with mom. A latte and breakfast sandwich on a croissant for me.
9:45 AM: Make pasta salad for today's lunch
10:30 AM: Family watching a show about pizza. Lunch plans go out the window and we decide to go out for pizza instead.
11:30 AM: Inhale three slices of some pretty good mushroom pizza. No regrets here!
1:00 PM: Watching the Golden Girls with mom; dad reading trying to block it out (but he totally enjoys it...I know it.)
3:00 PM: After sneezing 5 times in a 30 second period I break and take a Benadryl. Complain to anyone about my lack of sleep over the past 3 days due to stuffy nose and sore throat.
3:15 PM: Research moisturizers; a small rash has formed on my face from this one that I am currently using. Confirmed: I have sensitive skin.
3:30 PM: Some journaling. I like to have a private little notebook to write down any thoughts that I want to get out of my head.
3:40 PM: Continue reading "The Devil Wears Prada." The sequel, "Revenge Wears Prada," is being released on June 4, I believe.
6:30 PM: I should probably eat again; dig out some of that pasta salad that was supposed to be for lunch.
7:00 PM: Watch "P.S. I Love You" because it's been awhile.
8:00 PM: About the time that I start crying. No matter how many times I watch this film, I will sob throughout the entire last half of it!
9:30 PM: Commence blog writing and ideas for tomorrow.

There you have it! I know...it's a pretty intense life. Haha! But really, this was one of those days that I enjoy. It was very laid back and quite lazy. Who doesn't love one of those days once in awhile!

Day 18: That One Thing

Well hello there!

I apologize for my silence yesterday; I worked from 12-4 and really didn't feel motivated to write anything up. Plus, due to my severe lack of pinning (thanks to lack of time and horribly slow internet service) there was no way I was going to be able to throw together a TGIF Pins post. Today we are going to a birthday party for my great aunt so I thought I would write this up quickly.

Photo: here

12 more days are left in my participation in the 30-day blogging challenge, and I have been less than perfect with keeping up with it. A few days have been tossed aside, but for the most part I think I have been pretty good and have received some great comments on a few posts--we're really getting to know each other now! :)

Today I will talk about the one thing that I have always wanted to do, but have yet to do. I have to admit, I had to think long and hard about this. I am not the kind of person who dwells on things so it took some time to think about something that I have wanted to do but I was successful! I have always wanted to go zip-lining! I had the opportunity to travel a short distance by zip-line in my freshman year, but that would have required me to climb to the top of the rock-climbing tower, and due to fear and a severe lack of upper body strength that did not happen. But sometime I would like to experience zip-lining (without having to rock climb!)

What's one thing that you've always wanted to try?

<3 Ashley

Day 16: Stay Golden!

Photo: here

Today's post is all about television! TV shows come and go and I get into quite a few of them. But more often than not I eventually stop watching. I cannot tell you how many episodes of Pretty Little Liars I have missed! However, there is a show that I feel has stood the test of time and has been a constant for me since childhood: the Golden Girls. I have been watching those four sassy, Florida ladies since I was young with my mother. Now I own all seven seasons on DVD; you can expect that I watch them constantly!

What is your favorite television show?

<3 Ashley

Spring Trends: White Pants

While I absolutely love gawking over fashion trends and street fashion photos, I will have to admit...I am not the most adventurous person when it comes to dressing myself. There's still a lot that I can't really see myself pulling off (floral print pants are a long way from entering into this girl's closet!) But one trend that I really want to pull myself together and try is white pants! Aside from a pair of white yoga pants, this is something that has gone unattempted with me. First step: earn a paycheck to afford new pants! While we are waiting for that to happen, here are a few of my favorite looks!

Photo: here

Photo: here

Photo: here

Photo: here

Are you a fan of white pants? How do you wear yours?

<3 Ashley

Day 15: Simpler Times

Photo: here

We are officially half way through this month long blogging challenge and these prompts just keep getting deeper and deeper and call me to really put some thought into my answers. Today I am asked: What do you miss the most? I am the kind of person who tends to over think things; I feel that this question is very general and can be interpreted a couple of different ways. This question in particular prompts recollections of certain aspects of a period of time or material things that I don't have anymore. So I will venture to answer both ways...just for kicks.

I miss the simplicity that childhood held. As much as I love the wonderful journey I am on I will be completely honest...school is hard, and I hate getting up to go to work. I miss how much more comfortable I used to feel being goofy, unknowing and without a care. All problems were smaller and not so serious.

Now let's get out of that deep area and get shallow for a bit. :) I miss Barbie...back before she was accused of causing self-esteem problems. I just liked dressing her up. I also loved going to the store and seeing all of those collectable Barbie dolls--Millennium Barbie anyone? Side note: Do they still make those collectable dolls?

What do you miss the most?

<3 Ashley

Day 14: Favorite movie

Photo: here

Of all of the movies in my collection all of which have been viewed countless times I have a top 3 group of movies that are go-to films for me: Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and The Nanny Diaries. Out of those, my favorite would probably be Breakfast at Tiffany's. Audrey Hepburn was such a beautiful and talented actress who really shines in the film. I love watching the relationship develop between Holly and Paul in this film and I love the ending. I have made a habit of watching this film on rainy days when I am stuck inside and just want to stay in bed.

What is your favorite film?

<3 Ashley

Day 13: Oh Boy!

Finally! I have been waiting for this kind of topic forever. I feel like in some way or another we all appreciate this one. Let's talk about the fellas! Day 13 is: List your 5 celebrity crushes. I find that 'crush' sounds a little too middle school for me, but...well it works. I am not going to say much; pictures are worth a thousands words after all, right?

Bradley Cooper

Gerard Butler

Chris Evans

Robert Downey Jr.

Ryan Gosling

There it is (in no particular order!) my very important list of attractive males. Enjoy, stare on, take you're time...you're welcome. ;P

Who are your top 5 celebrity 'crushes'? (That word still bothers me...any other words we can use?)

<3 Ashley

Day 11: A Girl Can Dream

Photo: here

Like any other girl growing up I have always had hopes, thoughts and dreams regarding my future; what my house would look like, what my husband would be like, what kind of job would I have, etc. In fact, I still daydream about those things every once in awhile when I should probably put focus somewhere else. A few times this past semester my friends and I would be up late talking about living as neighbors in a cul-de-sac in North Carolina (outside of Charlotte) and spending nights sitting outside talking, watching our kids and all sorts of other things! I am not sure how much of that will actually come true but I do know that I want to live in close proximity to a city. In terms of careers I am still set on my hopes of becoming a magazine editor. That dream was brought about after watching films such as "13 Going on 30" and "The Devil Wears Prada" and it has stuck ever since.

I look forward to the future and will welcome all changes with open arms. I can't wait to see how things turn out! Just as long as I am able to keep in touch with family and friends and be in living and working situations that I am happy in I will be very content.

What are your dreams for the future?

<3 Ashley

Day 10: Memories

This picture is not from that birthday...but I couldn't find those pictures. I thought this was cute and sassy though ;)

There is nothing I find harder than describing to someone my favorite, scariest, most exciting or most embarrassing memories. However, I am well equipped to regale someone with my earliest memory. That's just what the prompt for Day 10 happens to be: What is your earliest memory?

Easy enough, it's my second birthday! I remember literally nothing prior to that and to be honest I only remember two scenes from the day. I remember waking up in the morning and walking into the dining and seeing just a few streamers, and a new "art station"--one side was a chalk board and the other was a dry erase board. Fast forward to the afternoon when I remember being sung "Happy Birthday" to by my family and blowing out a "2" candle on a chocolate cake.

What is your earliest memory?

<3 Ashley

TGIF Pins

Happy Friday, folks! Are you ready for Mother's Day yet? I am going later today with my brother to pick up the gift and card for our mom. Then sometime before Sunday afternoon I will know what I am making for dinner and can pick up the things for that. Then Monday it's back to work for me which means I will be returning to my school time system of blogging--writing things up the night before.

But before we think about any of that, here are my pins picks of the week!

Fashion

Shoes

Accessories

Beauty

Home

Food

Travel

Humor

Have a great weekend! 

<3 Ashley