Birthday Bash

    For my birthday last week, I was fortunate enough to be able to invite some of my friends to go out to dinner in a limo. Since the limo was pink, I told all of my friends to dress in a pink and black theme! Here's what we wore:

 

    I decided to wear a loose black dress with pink jewelry and wedges! My mom was so nice to go out and get me a sash and crown as well..

 

    Here's a closer look at what my friends wore from pencil skirts to body-con dresses to bold heels. I loved all of their outfits and accessories!

My friend Katy's hot pink and black dress was perfect for the occassion and looked great on her!

 

    My friend Olivia's black lace dress was absolutely adorable and right on trend! I loved the way she complemented it with her pink bag and sandals!

 

    My friend Julie did her pinned-back hairstyle all on her own! You don't have to go to a fancy salon to get your hair done for this upcoming Homecoming. Spend the extra money on your dream dress and get to work on your own hair!

 

I love my friend Maddie's style! Her unique, belted, pink top was just the right piece to dress up her black pencil skirt!

 

    My friend Gina's loose top was great for the cool fall weather of the night. Also, the soft pink color perfectly contrasted her black skirt, tan skin, and dark hair!

 

Here are some of our other highlights from the night..

 

    If you're bored this fall, why not have a themed party with your friends? Or maybe plan an outing for everyone to get dressed up and go out to dinner.

Thanks to my friends and family for making my birthday so memorable!

 

XOXO, 

Ashley

The Boots of Fall

    My favorite item of the fall has got to be boots. There is a wide variety of them and they go with everything! This fall, I am looking forward to mainly wearing four types of boots. These are combat boots, riding boots, rain boots, and UGGs!

 

Combat boots: These will add a touch of rebel to any outfit with their edginess. They're sure to make a statement and liven up any plain outfit!

 

Riding boots: These are a classic, timeless piece. If you're feeling prepster this fall, go for some tall, brown patent leather riding boots!

 

Rain boots: My favorite type are Hunter! Whether it's raining or not, these are a great addition to any outfit! Neutral colors go with anything and are great for this fall. However, I do love the bright ones because they add that cheery pop of color!

 

UGGs: At school I pride myself on being comfortable. UGGs make me feel like I am wearing slippers to school and I absolutely love it! 

 

Which boots are you most looking forward to wearing?

 

XOXO, 

Ashley

 

Sources:

http://pinterest.com/pin/99642210476742238/

http://themessesofmen.tumblr.com/post/9276771506

http://maddie964.onsugar.com/Real-World-Muse-8560274

http://pinterest.com/pin/99642210476742307/

http://yenajeon.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Wear-Combat-Boots

http://remainsimple.tumblr.com/post/27500879191

http://meggielynne.tumblr.com/post/8024751462/prettystuff-visto-en-calle-velazquez-madrid

http://cheapcollegechic.blogspot.com/2010/11/outfit-of-week-34th-ed.html

http://www.rantapallo.fi/mungolife/2012/05/21/wake-up-girl-all-the-beautiful-boys-are-forever-taken/

http://flashesofstyle.blogspot.com/2009/01/bonjour.html

http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2008/stylewatch/hitormiss/080107/ashley_olsen.jpg

http://distilleryimage4.instagram.com/c6027de4913811e1a9f71231382044a1_7.jpg

http://lookbook.nu/look/2799587-Tranquilacosita

http://seersuckerandsaddles.blogspot.com/

http://www.thedaybookblog.com/2011_06_01_archive.html

http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/176062666651992475_b5feW27T.jpg

http://www.zigoti.com/2011/08/wear-uggs-2/

http://cecylia.com/2010/11/whooga-whooga/

http://fashionismybff.blogspot.com/2010/01/obsessed-this-outfit-with-uggs.html

Remembering 9.11/ Navajo Sweaters

    Today we remember the tragedy that occured in our country exactly 11 years ago. Even though I was only in first grade when the World Trade Centers were hit, I will never forget that day. So in my blog today, I would like to honor all of those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001.

 

    While looking for pictures, I came across these TOMS that someone decorated. What a creative way to remember this day.

 

    Onto the fashion portion of my blog, I would like to note that it finally feels like fall where I live! Fall is my favorite season because not only do I love the cool weather, I also love fall fashion the best! The temperature keeps dropping, especially in the morning and night, and so I am already starting to layer. My favorite thing to layer on over my outfits in the fall is a sweater. This fall, I am looking to Navajo and other tribal print sweaters that go along with the New Frontier theme..

    I love this idea of pairing your sweater with some fringe boots or moccasins (that I recently blogged about). Add a braided headband to complete the look!

 

    Wear your sweater over shorts and a tee now because the temperature is still typically high during the day. As you go to more Friday night football games and October rolls around though, wear your sweater with some leggings or skinnies and your favorite pair of boots!

 

        I especially love the really long sweaters. I am already seeing that longer lengthened tops are becoming very popular. I like this trend because I think longer tops are more comfortable to wear with leggings or jeggings. When you're shopping for all your fall must-haves, keep tribal patterned sweaters in mind!

 

XOXO, 

Ashley

 

Sources:

http://freedomquilts.net/2011/09/10th-anniversary-of-911/

http://katylouise.tumblr.com/

http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/250160954271759372_hBhPVtDu.jpg

http://homefrontunited.com/2011/09/remembering-911-a-day-that-will-never-be-forgotten/

http://blushingapples.tumblr.com/post/15872578880

https://www.thehunt.com/the-hunt/uau5Hy-tribal-ish-sweater

http://lookbook.nu/look/3405277-operation-desert-fox

http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/

http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/11751648997839967_rANUBxcD.jpg

http://talesofendearment.blogspot.com/2011/05/look-of-week_16.html

http://becauseimaddicted.net/2010/12/kate-bosworth-topshop-navajo-sweater.html

http://buddhaful-souls.tumblr.com/

http://hannahjarvie.tumblr.com/post/15777434794/gretchenjonesnyc-babe

NYFW Kick-Off

  As most of you probably know, Fashion Week kicked off yesterday and will be going on until the 13th! Ever since I was little, I have always dreamed of attending all of the runway shows to see the biggest and best designers in the Big Apple. Thankfully for us, the Internet has made it easy to access videos, pictures, and commentaries from the shows to help us feel like we are actually there.

 

    This week is all about the upcoming trends for Spring 2013. I know it is hard to think that far ahead since Fall hasn't even technically began yet, but it's also fun to get a peak into the future and see what we have to look forward to! Here are some trends that I saw across the board on the first day:

 

    Black and White: Don't be afraid to look to the jungle for inspiration, especially to one particular black and white striped animal. 

 

    Cropped Jackets with Lapels: Because of the black and white theme, there was also a lot of leather seen on the runway yesterday. So if you've been debating on whether or not to buy that adorable leather jacket for this fall, go for it because chances are you will get a lot of use out of it in the spring as well! Of course other colors than just the typical black were represented though..

 

    Headbands: Thin headbands worn on the edge of one's hairline was a constant look throughout the Chadwick Bell collection. I would definitely be willing to rock this! Would you?

 

    Unique Halters: I don't know if there is an official term for this stye yet, but I like how different it is!

 

    Varying Hemlines: Don't worry, the beloved high-low will be making a grand return! Some even made the high-low look layered. But there is also a similar style with a twist that will be making a debut in the Spring. Some designers have experimented in shifting the high-low to be side to side rather than front to back. Take a look at both styles and then determine which one you prefer.

 

    Turquoise: This is one of my favorite colors, and I think it sets the mood perfectly for when the weather starts getting warm again!

 

 

Some of my other favorite looks:

 

    Are you going to keep up with NYFW, or are you even lucky enough to go? Let us know what you think about the upcoming trends on our Facebook page!

 

XOXO, 

Ashley

 

Sources:

http://www.mbfashionweek.com/home

http://www.redbubble.com/people/karue/works/9114696-zebra-up-close

Moccasin Madness

    Happy Tuesday Fashionistas! I hope that you all had a great long weekend and are excited to be in the month of September. 

 

    At my school, we have to wear a uniform so the only way I can really express my individual style is through my shoes. Therefore, I am always looking for new shoes that are not only cute, but also comfy. Moccasins as well as fringe boots and booties have been increasingly popular in the past few years, and they are going to be again this fall with BP's New Frontier trend. My favorite brand of these types of shoes is Minnetonka (available at Nordstrom). The prices are reasonable and they look authentic! 

 

    I love how these shoes are so casual and laid-back but also incredibly trendy. Many different stars have been seen sporting similar styles...

 

    If you're a moccasin kind of girl, there are plenty to suit your likeness. They are found in a range of colors and many even have delicate beading or stitching to really capture that Indian feel.

 

    Then, there are booties. A little bit smaller than a boot but larger than a moccasin slip-on. There are different styles within this category. I am for sure asking for the fringe chestnut booties for my birthday!

 

    Lastly, there are the boots. My sister has the 3-layer fringe dusty brown suede ones and wears them all the time! They're unique and fun--a great shoe to show off your individual style in if they suit you!

 

What types of shoes are you looking forward to wearing this fall and winter?

 

XOXO, 

Ashley

 

Sources:

http://www.luuux.com/fashion/minnetonka-moccasin-boots

http://www.thechicfashionista.com/minnetonka-boots.html

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/womenslab/item/1-27-8-8/

http://sphaha.alone.at/

http://www.shoeblog.com/blog/shoe-look-a-like-minnetonka-vs-tory-burch-suede-boots/

http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/94223817174024634_06IK1khS.jpg

http://web.stagram.com/p/222741414626114700_33915942

http://www.tokyobanhbao.com/page/2/

http://popyactually.com/

http://www.minnetonka.co.uk/blog/

http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/194358540138746311_tSoS70Gi.jpg

http://www.abeautifulmess.com/page/2/

http://weheartit.com/entry/10496960

http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/267823509060551474_wyBxcaaT.jpg

http://www.elarmariodelamoda.com/streetstyle/

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/boots

http://minnetonkamoccasin.com/Products/Category/womens

Jacket Craze

    Now that September is but a day away and school is in full swing, it's actually starting to feel like fall. I was even cold at a football game last week. This means that it's time to start layering again since we're kind of in that in-between weather. It could be blazing hot one minute and chilly the next, especially when the sun goes down. It's time to break out your jackets. 

    Don't worry, there are plenty different types of jackets that will keep you looking good and feeling good this season. 

 

The Blazer:

    The blazer has become increasingy known as a classic staple piece. However, there are now so many different styles, colors, and prints to choose from than there ever were before. From oversized to cropped, from plain to printed, and even colorblock, there is a perfect one for every occasion! And did I mention that all of these types are available in BP? Take a look at a few of my favorites..

Floral, Colorblock, Polka Dot, Navy Ivy League

    While I love the vibrancy of the new designs, I think every girl should have a plain navy or black blazer just to have. I find that whenever I feel like my outfit is missing something, my black blazer is the perfect addition. It's so versatile and classic.

 

How to wear it:

 

The Cargo Jacket:

    If you want something a little more casual, the cargo jacket is perfect! I got mine from BP about a year ago for spring break in New York and I wore it almost everyday. Like the blazer, it's also extremely versatile.

Green-Thyme Jacket, Faux Leather Sleeve Utility Jacket

 

How to Wear It:

 

Tweed Jacket:

    I have always loved the look of a tweed jacket so I'm glad that BP finally has one in! It has a high-designer feel without being accompanied by a high-designer price. You can dress it up or down however you like.

Frenchi Tweed Jacket

 

How To Wear It:

 

And of course as we have said, leather jackets are going to be very popular as well! Which type of jacket is your favorite?

 

XOXO, 

Ashley

 

Sources:

http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/

http://dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com/2012/06/view-64-hot-looks-to-get-your-through-the-last-64-days-of-winter/?pid=7603

http://www.theyallhateus.com/

http://citizencouture.com/2011/06/georgia-tal-mfwss11/

http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/162974080235489361_nSRqFLOK.jpg

http://www.fashionsalade.com/lovelypepa/2012/05/03/le-freak-c%C2%B4est-chic/#more-4787

http://www.pennypincherfashion.com/

http://www.theyallhateus.com/a-little/

http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/152278031120798219_7Qh43rRx.jpg

http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/176133035396781421_k3VrBXlm.jpg

http://pinterest.com/pin/99642210476650471/

http://www.wendyslookbook.com/2011/12/tweed-boucle-jacket-tall-boots/

http://jakandjil.com/page/6/

http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/127719339402624922_9yAo28Bt.jpg

http://www.posh24.com/photo/444832/style_tip_tweed_is_trendy

http://thetrendydwarf.blogspot.it/2012/04/classic-with-twist.html

http://icedcoffeeandpeonies.tumblr.com/

The Journey of My TOMS

A free pair of TOMS shoes in the mail. This was every girl’s dream. But wait, there was a catch.

 “We’d love for you each to do a blog post about ‘Where are your shoes taking you this summer?, featuring images of the TOMS product. Since TOMS is so focused on giving back, we’d love for you to document how you contribute to your community this summer.”

    This was my summer assignment as part of this blog. I didn't know it at the time, but I would have a great time in those adorable shoes...

 

    As you can see, there was a second catch. My TOMS are wedges (at first I did get a pair of flats but they didn't fit so then I received the wedges) and so my first thought was, "how the heck am I supposed to do community service in heels?" Then it dawned on me. If there are millions of people out there who go everyday without a pair of shoes, then who am I to complain about wearing wedges around to help out my community? And so the journey began...

 

First, I spent a whole day going around my neighborhood picking up garbage and pulling weeds..

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

    Next, I proceeded to hold a mini canned food drive by passing out flyers and picking up cans at houses...

    Overall, I realized that you don't have to do extravagant things to give back to your community. The little things count just as much, even random acts of kindness. For example, another thing I did for this assignment was going around with my friend putting positive quotes on post-it notes and hanging then up in stalls in public restrooms and at school. We wrote things such as, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" and "Remember you are beautiful!" One post-it note might not have made much of a difference, but a bunch of them together did.

    If you think about it, this is what TOMS is all about too. They are helping give back to the global community one step at a time (or one shoe at a time). All of their individual efforts have added up to create one big effect. So don't think that you can't make a difference because you can! Even just by giving someone a smile in the hallway this year or wearing your TOMS to get their message of giving back across.

 

What I Wore:

    If you're interested in what I wore for this journey over the summer, you can of course get my fun wedges at Nordstrom! When you buy a pair of TOMS, you will also receive a TOMS flag and sticker. I stuck the sticker on a white t-shirt to represent the organization as I did my service. I also got the idea of making the flag into a purse off of Pinterest because it is open in the middle.

 

    There are so many creative ways to recycle the TOMS flag. Here are some of my favorite ideas..

 

XOXO, 

Ashley

 

Sources:

http://www.toms.com/our-movement/movement-one-for-one

http://pinterest.com/pin/99642210476628516/

http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/282741682825346027_p9pXUEzK.jpg

http://tenajxh.tumblr.com/post/24087483382

http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/125186064612308207_PXgnHswO.jpg

http://blog.toms.com/

http://hannahmichellesullivan.blogspot.com/

Senior Pictures

    I recently got my senior pictures done since I am finally a Senior in high school! I had a girl I know take them instead of a studio so I was able to pick the kind of background I wanted as well as how many outfits I would have. I wanted to wear something simple and classy so that I wouldn't look back in 50 years and be mortified at what I was wearing. 

    For my first outfit choice, I wanted to do a nicer outfit that was simply feminine.  I opted for BP's ivory fire lace dress and matching ivory statement necklace. I further accessorized with simple gold hoop earrings and strappy gold wedges.

 

    For my next outfit, I knew I wanted to go a little more casual. I decided to wear my new periwinkle skinnies with a flowy white lace blouse. I had recently received a new pair of TOMS 'Tierra' wedges from BP that complemented this outfit perfectly so I wore those as well (to learn more about the journey of these TOMS during my summer, read my blog posts next week)!

 

    For my last change, I knew that we were going to a barn so I decided to wear a country-inspired outfit. A chambray shirt, white shorts, and tall brown boots seemed just right! This ended up being my favorite outfit of all as my shirt and boots matched the fence I was leaning against..

 

I also loved all the pretty flowers that were blooming..

 

    If you're getting your senior pictures taken, or any professional pictures for that matter, go with outfits that are simple and timeless but that also show your personality! 

 

    Overall, I was extremely happy with the way my pictures turned out! I love the natural backgrounds and how I felt natural as well. The pictures don't look too posed and they captured my personality perfectly! Thanks to Hannah, the photographer, for all of the amazing pictures!

 

XOXO, 

Ashley

Knockout Neo-Baroque

Happy Tuesday Fashionistas!

    While flipping through my latest issue of Teen Vogue, I saw a term for one of the fall trends that I had not seen before. It was "Neo-Baroque." Looking at the pictures, I realized that I had in fact witnessed this trend in the past, I just never knew that was what it was called. Neo-baroque is a term for the revival of the baroque style that was popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is typically used to describe art or architecture, or even music. It's characterized by ornate detail and dramatic, bold curving forms and it can also be used describe certain fashions.

Take a look at it on the runways:

    As you can see, such detailing brings a lot of drama to the fashion world. If you're bored with your looks, try turning to neo-baroque styles! To see more neo-baroque runway looks for 2012 click here:

http://www.vogue.it/en/shows/show-themes/2011/04/neo-baroque-fw-11

 

    The gold tooling is especially big, and to my astonishment, I realized that I myself owned a top reflective of this style. Check out how I wore it:

For the rest of summer:

For fall:

Here's a couple other fun looks that really show the bold curves of the baroque trend...

 

Since nail art is so popular right now, try incorporating this style onto your hands as well!

 

XOXO, 

Ashley

 

Sources:

http://www.polyvore.com/baroque-lyn/set?id=53827828

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/baroque

http://www.adreamcalledfashion.com/2011/09/neo-baroque-comeback-from-eighties.html

http://www.londonfashion.org.uk/baroque-fashion-2012-by-dolce-gabbana-fall-collection.html

http://katearends.com/blog/2011/09/balmain-took-my-breath-away/balhmain-2/

http://www.chicmuse.com/2012/03/dolce-baroque.html (some more really cool runway looks!)

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7sfi7axrO1qf5xmso1_500.jpg

http://www.vogue.it/en/shows/show-themes/2011/04/neo-baroque-fw-11

http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/52987733086668839_X9fuPgcX.jpg

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/prada-baroque-round-sunglasses/3202187?origin=category&resultback=992

http://www.brookandlyn.com/blog/?p=7272

http://pinterest.com/pin/99642210476574754/

http://tartofraises.deviantart.com/

Pretty Plaid

  

 

  One of my favorite trends for fall has always been plaid. This print has been around forever in many shapes and forms. Take a look at some celebrities who have tried this trend over the years...

 

    One reason that I love plaid so much is that it's so versatile! There are so many different ways to wear it.

    Most people associate plaid with flannels for a casual or country kind of look. They are great for country concerts, but also just to throw on when hanging out. Borrow an older brother or boyfriend's oversized flannel for an extra comfy yet fashionable look!

 

    As I said before, plaid can be worn in many different ways though. A lot of people have made plaid look edgy. Add a leather jacket or some boots for the perfect combination of chic and punk. 

 

    Plaid can also be made to look pretty and polished. Preppy plaid is becoming increasingly popular. For this look, the right accessories are key.

 

    Two styling tips I have for wearing plaid this fall are to layer and to wear your plaid top unbuttoned with a different shirt underneath!

Layering: A Peep of Plaid

 

Shirt Underneath:

 

    I love how BP's Back-to-School looks show that plaid doesn't always have to be in the form of a flannel. Their new shirts are extremely light and comfortable! Check them out here:

Plaid in BP

 

Will plaid be included in your back to school looks? 

Have a great weekend!

XOXO, 

Ashley

Sources:

http://krisnicolekane.tumblr.com/post/4571071352/elle-street-chic-milan-get-a-jump-on-falls

http://www.theyallhateus.com/search?updated-max=2011-06-21T02%3A08%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=20

http://mileyimages.org/displayimage.php?album=1864&pid=78841#top_display_media

http://itsraybanvision.tumblr.com/

http://richesforrags.tumblr.com/#4

http://capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com/

http://www.fabsugar.com/Celebrities-GQ-Men-Year-Awards-2011-18994088?slide=1#1

http://mllr.wordpress.com/2011/08/29/goat-town/

http://www.polyvore.com/akls_dhfa_sdjkfla_sdjflasjdfl/thing?id=25848276

http://lookbook.nu/look/954503-CHECKERED

http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/84090718012428920_VFvRLUaT.jpg

http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/

http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/135319163773483954_5cuk6cYg.jpg

http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/33847434669066623_2VQ3oIje.jpg

http://favim.com/image/40304/

http://fashionaddictbitch.tumblr.com/page/8

http://dansedelune.tumblr.com/post/12852446931/nouvelle-nouveau-who-victoria-horning

http://pinterest.com/pin/99642210476554580/

http://eloquentsparkle.tumblr.com/post/17546143803

http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/198017714835430694_C6TO6Ilq.jpg

http://www.chictopia.com/photo/show/370882-Present+Tense-ralph-lauren-blouse-dolce-vita-shoes-old-navy-pants

http://www.brooklynblonde.com/

http://arr0w.tumblr.com/post/13786931960

http://pinterest.com/pin/5348093277145875/

http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/page/21

http://pinterest.com/pin/99642210476554640/

http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/29132728809263447_2fbvvL26.jpg

http://www.lateafternoonblog.com/search?updated-max=2012-03-18T09:19:00-07:00&max-results=5

http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/18577417182431862_jOA7HE3r.jpg

http://mariannan.indiedays.com/

http://www.mystylepill.com/

http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/238972323947181094_vbtGLlq8.jpg

http://augustrussh.tumblr.com/post/12110072855

http://www.etpourquoipascoline.fr/2011/09/le-petit-pont-de-bois/

http://plai-n.tumblr.com/post/17961289154/naturallybrunete-wanna-be-tumblr-famous

http://chrisanthemums.tumblr.com/archive