Summer Sandals

Rachel Zoe sandals | Sam Edelman sandal | Bamboo sandals | DVF wedges | Kate Spade sandals

Since the weather has been getting so nice, I have been dreaming about all things summer. Dresses, swimsuits, bright jewelry and of course (if you know me at all) shoes! Not that I need need, can afford, or have any room to store them I have been browsing summer footwear like it is my job. If you know of a place where I can be paid to look at pictures of shoes please drop me a comment! 

Here are just a few of my favorite sandals I have found in my internet adventures. 

<3 Ashley

Have you busted out your open toed footwear yet! What are your favorites?

Create

This sketch of Heinz Chapel on campus as a result of a stressful week. 

Happy Monday everybody! This was definitely a great weekend to have. Up until this weekend I have been spending day in and day out in bed...on the couch...watching tv...on the computer. Really it was very sad. None of my friends were out of school yet and everyone around the house was working. Well finally my friends are home and we got a night in this weekend to catch up and get into our typical shenanigans. Also, I'm now employed for the summer! I don't have to worry about having no money all summer.

Before any of this happened I had been thinking for awhile about what I could do to better pass the time. I've spent some more time reading outside which has been nice. But I wanted to actually feel like I was doing something. When I was younger one of my hobbies was art. Over the years I drew, maybe a little painting, sewing, knitting, writing, you name it! But I've stopped. I want to start up again. During the semester I was super stressed and decided to sketch to distract myself. The drawing was actually pretty good considering the time I haven't done anything. I want to get back to this hobby of creating, letting the creative juices flow, and keeping myself busy.

<3 Ashley

What hobbies do you have? How do you like to keep busy?

In Season

Image: here 

If there is one thing I love about summer is the fact that it is so much easier for me to eat healthy. It's so hot and there are very few times I want to go near a piping hot meal. Instead I eat A LOT of fruits and veggies. Salads and smoothies are a constant during these coming hot months. My biggest obsessions are berries! Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are always in the refrigerator. I have taken the liberty of looking up and finding what fruits are in season and at there best here in the U.S.

-Apricots

-Blackberries

-Blueberries

-Cantaloupe

-Cherries

-Grapes

-Grapefruit

-Honeydew

-Limes

-Nectarines

-Passion Fruit

-Peaches

-Plums

-Raspberries

-Strawberries

-Sugar Apples

-Watermelon

**Apples, avocados, bananas, cranberries, coconut, lemon and papaya are in season all year round!

<3 Ashley

What do you enjoy eating most in the summer?

I Wish!

Image: here

I have seen these books on several blogs including Stephanie Sterjovski's site and I have since fallen in love with them. I am a big fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his work--ever since I was introduced to "The Great Gatsby" in my junior year of high school. These books covers were designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith in honor of the 70th anniversary of the author's death. I love the metallic and art deco patterns; they definitely make for gorgeous book covers! 

You can find them on the Penguin Books website. They are priced $26 per book. Over the course of the summer, I hope to collect the books one by one as I make money. Fingers crossed for owning all six by September!

<3 Ashley

What's on your wishlist this summer?

I Just Wanna Go Places

My summer break has just started and already I find myself daydreaming of the vacations that could be but won't be. This is the problem with getting out so early...none of my friends are home yet so I have no distractions to keep me from the daydreaming. These daydreams are going to stay that way too...I have no budget to go anywhere--the struggles of the modern college student! It doesn't help that everyone I follow on Twitter or Instagram is constantly posting their adventures in all of these places that I want to be. Here are just a few of the things that I have been daydreaming about:

 A beach vacation. This is what I long for every day of the year! Haha! I cannot tell you how many times I sat in statistics and dreamt of just falling asleep on the sand with the sound of waves hitting the shore. How relaxing does that sound?

A music festival. I have never been to one and I really want to! A few years ago they started the Mixtape Festival in Hershey which is so close to me, but I always end up either on vacation or heading back to school when it comes around. As a music fan, this is something that I would love to do at some point!

A roadtrip. My friends have been talking about taking a roadtrip next summer to check out grad-schools down south and part of me wants to just tag along so that I can see the sites! At some point I think it would be super cool to take a cross country trip.

<3 Ashley

What are some trips you want to take this summer? Any of these in the near future?

**Images are linked to websites

It's Been Real, It's Been Fun...

Image: here

...and it has most definitely been real fun! I'm officially back home from school for the next four months. Sophomore year was definitely the best one yet! My roommate and I spent our last night together reminiscing about the year and how great it really was. We expanded our friend group and added some guys to it--an accomplishment that we are probably the most excited about. We are already excited to get back for junior and get the fun started with everyone again! We have already discussed the first week back and having a couple of dinners and outings before classes start.

But that is all four months away. I have this summer to look forward to; and I am definitely looking forward to it! Since I have been home I have been unpacking (still not done!) and applying for jobs. Hopefully I can get some work soon because boy do I need to start saving for junior year! Having apartment style living and a minimal meal plans means plenty of grocery shopping. I do not really have any huge plans for the summer, but I kind of like that. It will be nice, relaxing and laidback. Before we left, my roommate and I agreed that we were going to take this summer to work on ourselves. For me that means I'm really going to focus on being healthy--back to morning runs and cooking some great food! I also really want to do a lot of reading. I have downloaded some new books to my Kindle and am very excited about sitting on the deck and spending my afternoon reading through them.

While I am getting antsy for junior year (when is it appropriate to start a countdown?) I am also anticipating a great summer spent the way that I want to spend it!

<3 Ashley

How excited are you for the summer? Do you have any plans?

Friday Find: Jersey Boys

Image: here

Happy Friday everyone! I don't think anyone is as happy to see this weekend come as I am. This time tomorrow I will be home and hopefully at least a little unpacked! That's right...after my 8 AM final tomorrow my sophomore year of college will be over. Woo! I cannot wait to get my summer started. I already have a few things that I am looking forward to. One of those things being the release of the film, Jersey Boys. That's right! They have made a film adaptation of the Broadway musical to be released June 20th and I am probably way to excited for it. It's the music...it always gets me. Check out the trailer here! I apologize ahead of time for the fact that after watching it "Big Girls Don't Cry" will be stuck in your head for the next week. :)

<3 Ashley

Are you a Jersey Boys fan? Excited for the film?

Guest Post: Transitioning From Summer to Fall

Today is the final day of the back-to-school guest blogger series (tomorrow is move-in day and I doubt I will have time to hit publish on anything!) Today Hannah and Taylor from Fearless Fashion of Tomorrow--how great is that name?!--are sharing their tips for taking your closet from summer to fall. 

Summer is the time to chill out and throw on anything that will take the heat and be super comfortable to last those long, warm days. 

Transition to fall, when lazy summer days are over! 

Cue adorable floral patterns, pants, cardigans, and lastly the very trendy high-low skirt! 

Although this skirt (from Forever 21) was a huge staple and trend this summer, you can easily transition it into fall by adding a favorite cardigan, a simple tank or tee, grabbing a cute necklace, and bam! But don't forget the super cute sandals! A super put together outfit that doesn't break the bank. 

Circle or skater skirts, whatever you would like to call them, were also a huge trend this summer! Sported here is a denim one (from Target) that is both comfortable and adorable! Bonus. It's also paired with a white crochet lace tank (from Forever 21) which is also a favorite summer item of mine, because it is super versatile! I made this back to school appropriate by adding a long cardigan over the ensemble and throwing on my black converse. 

We hope you guys found this post helpful in making your summer wardrobe fall appropriate! 

XO,

T&H 

Thanks again to Taylor & Hannah for writing today's post! How great are these outfits? I am especially in love with Hannah's hi-lo skirt.

<3 Ashley

What items in your closet will you be taking from summer to fall? You can check out the other guest posts from this week: from The Styletographer and PattyGraceKelly!

Summer Concert Style

Top || Bag || Shorts || Sandals || Sunglasses

Tonight is one of those nights that I've been waiting all summer for: Matchbox Twenty/Goo Goo Dolls concert in Hershey! Woot woot! I've been doing my usual prep listening to only their music and trying to get acquainted with the newer music. But also, I have been trying to figure out what to wear to the show tonight! The climate isn't really helping me much either; it's been kind of cool here in August (hottest month my foot!) In fact it was in the mid-50s this morning for my run! This is an outside show too; I am hoping that the early evening isn't going to be as cool as this morning was. I still don't have a definite outfit, but I do have a general idea: light t-shirt/tank top, shorts, sandals, sunglasses and small crossbody bag.

Have a great night everybody! I'm sure I will have many pictures on Instagram.

<3 Ashley

What is you summer concert style?

P.S. You can shop my closet now at Stylitics! You can click on the link or access it through the button in my sidebar.

Shots From the Beach: That Face

Well as far as I am concerned, summer is pretty much over. My break from school has pretty much revolved around working and saving up for this coming school year. Last week was a lovely and welcomed break from “Did you find everything okay?” “Any other coupons?” and “Have a great day!” I had such a good time soaking up the sun on the beach and spending nights on the boardwalk. While I’m sure a few of you have seen just about enough vacation photos on Instagram, I have discovered the best ones on the family camera.

One thing I have noticed over this past year of blogging and seeing all of the photos that accompany posts, is that the blogger/subject in the image is usually very poised and busy selling whatever their wearing or doing to the reader. The photos are beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but once in awhile an injection of personality is very welcomed. So I pulled just a few photos from the vacation collection that display my very happy, excited, cheesy and kind-of-embarrassing-for-others personality!

That middle face is a good one to use if you really want your family to pretend they don't know you ;)

<3 Ashley

How have you been since I've been away?

P.S. Have you checked out the Wear It Loud giveaway that I have partnered with rue21 on? If you haven’t, by all means don’t wait any longer! You could win a $100 rue gift card or a $250 shopping spree with this girl! **two big thumbs pointing at me!

Packing, Unpacking, Repacking & Overpacking

Image: here

That title above is a very apt description of what my travel preparations have been as long as I have been packing my own suitcase. I am literally the worst; and no matter what I always forget something! Anyone else like this? Just me? I am also a HUGE procrastinator so the packing that I had to do before 6 AM Saturday morning did not actually get underway until about 8 PM Friday night (and I take forever…see title.)

So instead of throwing the contents of my closet into my half of the suitcase--I have to share with my brother--I sat down and calmly (read: semi-panicked) made a list of what I would need and planned my outfits. One full piece of stationary later I dove into it. Everything fit into my half perfectly. Here are just a few of the beach essentials that I included:

Maxi dresses: I wore one for travel and one sat in my suitcase. I love maxi dresses and always will. On the beach and boardwalk they are a beautiful thing.

Shorts: A no-brainer. I brought two pair since we have access to laundry and I have a dress and a skirt to make outfits out of as well. Shorts are very summer-y and laidback with a tank top, basic tee or fun graphic tee (read: Captain America t-shirt) or really anything!

Light sweaters: Windy nights are pretty much a constant at least while I am near a beach. I’m sure the winds stop once I leave. So to combat the slight chill of summer seaside nights I carry a light cardi or zip-up.

Don’t forget swimsuits: Can I just say…these are the last things I packed. What does that say about my focus and brain power? Don’t be like me and nearly forget these essentials!

Accessories: Sunglasses! Hats! Wraps! Rings! Necklaces! Bags! Go wild!

<3 Ashley

What are your beach essentials? Are you as bad at packing as I am?

Style: My Favorite Summer Pieces

Dress || Skirt

A few weeks ago I took my first shopping trip in awhile--college has inspired a kind of thriftiness in me! Anyway I just wanted to pick out some things to take to the beach. I am very proud of all of my purchases especially my Captain America tee. But there are two pieces that I had been looking at for awhile and debated getting (and of course I did get them!) The one is a maxi dress by Margot + Sebastian and the other is a floral high-low skirt by Joe Benbasset. Both can be purchased at Kohl's. The skirt also comes in solid black and solid white but the floral one is the one that caught my eye. These two will definitely be coming to the beach with me!

<3 Ashley

What are your favorite pieces to wear this summer?

You can shop these pieces and other in my closet at Stylitics. Click here to access my page or click on the Stylitics widget in the sidebar.

Weekend Wrap-Up: Nineteen Candles

Good morning (or whatever time of day you are reading this) everyone! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend full of fun and adventure or you at least got to put your feet up and relax. My birthday was on Saturday and I turned--the kind of pointless age--19. After work on Friday a couple of my friends took me to dinner and we had some great laughs and free dessert (for me at least!) On Saturday my family took me to lunch and then we started a weekend long Marvel movie marathon; we finished the marathon yesterday after my grandparents came by to deliver my birthday card. I had a lovely birthday weekend but it has come and gone and now it's back to work. Just five days and we'll be embarking on our--much deserved--beach vacation!

<3 Ashley

Did you do anything fun this weekend?

Summer Style

So I noticed that recently haven't done a lot of style posts--which I used to be committed to doing at least once a week. Anyway, since I seem to be supremely overdue for one I thought, "What better day than today?" My summer style is really nothing fancy or anything to be completely falling over...but I think I do alright ;) I get pretty simple and wear a lot of basics; it's not like fall/winter where I get creative with layering and scarves and such. While it may be basic, I always like to have an accessory to catch the eye. Currently I am loving my chiffon floral headwrap from Forever 21 (it's $3.80 so get on that!) I like it best with a white or off-white top and dark shorts or, as I am currently wearing it, my coral capris.

You can shop this look and other outfits and pieces in my closet on Stylitics. Check out my profile here or you can access it by clicking on the widget in the sidebar!

<3 Ashley

What does your summer style look like? What kind of accessories do you go for?

Summer Beauty Essentials

Evian Mineral Water || Olay Moisturizing Lotion for Sensitive Skin || Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer || Rimmel London Match Perfection Foundation || Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen

I've talked so much about summer-y accessories and maxi dresses but I haven't given much attention to beauty--namely skin care. I'm not much of a skin pro, but I do know what has worked for my skin and so today I will share the few products that I use during the summer. Basically what you see here...this is it. I don't use much else besides face wash (twice a day followed by moisturizer!) In the mornings before I put on any make-up--if any!--I apply primer and foundation. I keep a bottle of Evian Mineral Water spray in my bag in case I feel my face getting a little gross from the humidity. And don't forget the SPF! I've done well with the Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch and it has a nicer scent than most sunscreens.

<3 Ashley

What beauty products do you use during the summer?

Weekend Wrap-Up: Summer Start-Up

Image: here

Happy Monday, folks; and a happy first day of July! July is always my favorite month of the year not only because of my birthday but because July feels like the definitive summer month to me. June is nice but summer doesn't officially start until the end and August is a close runner up but school starts at the end so it's really not a complete summer month. So in my mind, July = summer. Believe me...this sounded even more intellectual when I made this mental assertion in the 5th grade. 

Anyway, this weekend was a laidback but eventful one as well; a good way to start the summer. Friday after I got off work I did some self-justified, well-deserved shopping. I certainly didn't get too crazy, but I did manage to find some really nice pieces for the beach. On Saturday the whole beach crew got together this weekend to discuss the finer points of the trip (read: food) and have a little evening cook out. So now that's pretty much all planned; all we need to do now is load ourselves in to the car and GO! GO! GO! On Sunday we went to a picnic that is hosted every year by some friends of ours which was very nice considering the rain that probably should've happened but ended up going clear around us. This kicks off a very short work week for me and of course 4th of July. I plan on this being a very good week. :)

<3 Ashley

Did you do anything fun this weekend? What fun do you have planned for July?

My Summer Uniform

1 || 2 || 3

So I feel like we really have jumped right into summer. It gets hotter and hotter everyday! I need to find some appropriate dresses to wear to work because I am dying in my pants! It seems that all I wear this summer is for work and there is hardly time for me to break out my cute summer threads. During this time of year I love to wear dresses (and skirts...but I'm talking dresses here!) I have not really had a chance to go shopping but I have gotten in some browsing time. I have found three styles that I really like and want to try more of this summer: floral maxi dresses, neon dresses and high-low dresses. 

What dress styles do you tend to wear more often?

<3 Ashley

Summer Lovin'

Photo: here

Here we are...the last official day of spring. Tomorrow summer starts and I've started thinking about all of the fun things I have planned for this summer (aside from working, right?)

July 4th is right around the corner and an outdoor BBQ with fireworks is always fun--but I will probably end up working at some point during the day. My birthday is also coming up in July and I will be turning 19; not that there is anything particularly special about that age. Then we are taking a week long trip to the beach which I couldn't be more excited for. A whole week of being lazy and carefree will be greatly welcomed. Then in August my friend and I are going to see Matchbox Twenty and the Goo Goo Dolls in Hershey! I also have tentative plans with friends to take a day trip to the Jersey shore and have a weekend together before going back to school.

What fun plans do you have for the summer?

<3 Ashley

Four Floral Favorites

1 || 2 || 3 || 4

Well we're halfway there! This week already feels too long for me. I thought to give myself a break, I would participate again in the Four Favorites link-up hosted by let it be beautiful and fancy things.  This week the link-up is about all things floral. As spring is drawing to a close and summer is taking over it's hard not to notice all of the beautiful floral prints and where they are ending up. Aside from the garden or a vase, flowers have shown up on our tops, dresses, pants, skirts, shoes, bags, jewelry and other accessories. Floral is definitely a go-to theme for these warm summer months and it's a print that I am kind of obsessed with. P.S. are those shoes not the cutest?!

What are your floral favorites? Join the link up by clicking below! 

<3 Ashley

Summer Wish-List

As I have been earning my money over this break I have been restraining myself against making any splurges or unnecessary shopping sprees. Let me tell you, so far so good! However, I'm not one to completely cut myself off...that would just be too painful. So I've decided to continue holding off but compile a wish-list. My birthday is next month so hopefully I will get a bunch of gift cards and money to spend (while putting some away for school; because I'm that responsible!)

Really there are only 3 items on my list so far...but the summer is young! I have been eying both the LC Lauren Conrad Valencia flip flops and the Elle denim jackets at Kohl's. I need new flip flops and would like a denim jacket as well. I am also in love with that vintage style swimsuit that you see above. I'd even go for that color. Unfortunately, I'm not entirely sure where this suit is from but I imagine that I might have some luck looking on ModCloth.

What items are on your wishlist this summer?

<3 Ashley