Holidays 2016
Christmas Outfit Recap!
December 26, 2016
{Outfit Details}
Top: H&M (Not online, similar here)
Skirt: H&M (Not online, similar here)
Heels: Old Navy (Not online, similar here)
Hi dolls! I hope everyone had a very Merry and blessed Christmas weekend! I had the best Christmas with my family & fiancé. Tonight I thought I would do a little "Christmas Outfit Recap" post to share a few snaps of my looks from this past Christmas season!
Normally we celebrate Christmas with my precious Nana on Christmas Eve, but this year I was scheduled to work, so we went to my Nana's house on the Friday before instead! Nana always prepares the most delicious meal and then we open presents. It is always special to spend time with my loved ones every year; I never take it for granted!
Anyway, on to my first #ootd for Christmas dinner with my Nana and family this past Friday! My presh fiancé took the pictures above of my #ootd after we ate lunch! I bought this outfit at H&M this past fall on one of my trips to Nashville for school. I absolutely love lace, mainly because it is so feminine! I thought the maroon color of this top & skirt set would be perfect for Christmas :). I actually had never worn it before I did to Christmas dinner; however, this also would also be a great outfit choice for attending a winter wedding. Another thing I love about this outfit is that it is a top and skirt combination, so that the pieces can be worn separately. I could wear the top with jeans for a more casual look, and then to change it up, I could pair the skirt with a more casual top! Love the versatility of a top & skirt combination.
On Christmas Day, we celebrated with my brother and the rest of my family. It has been a tradition in my family to eat an Italian dinner on Christmas Day ever since I can remember (after we get hungry again after our amazing Christmas breakfast in the morning). My mom's spaghetti is my fave! After dinner, it was present time! My nephews are still in the stage where Christmas is super magical and Santa Claus leaves them the best gifts ever! I love going over to my brother & sister-in-love's house to see what all Santa brought them! After exchanging gifts & seeing my nephews' presents, we also had a blast watching old baby videos this year. My Dad has started to convert some of my old baby videos from VHS onto DVD. My favorite gifts are sentimental ones, so this was absolutely perfect! We laughed and laughed seeing myself and my brothers in our younger years. Not to mention that I have been posing for the camera from an early age; Mom said that it is no wonder I love to blog because I have always been ready to pose in front of the camera! Haha! 😉
So for Christmas Day, I opted for a more casual look. Our Christmas weather this year in Tennessee was a warm 70 degrees, and I'm not going to lie, I honestly enjoyed it! Haha! It was nice to wear a dress and not be freezing without tights or leggings. I bought this reindeer dress last year at a local boutique, Southern Charm. I love the sequins (as y'all already know from my sequin pants post here) & thought it would be perf for Christmas Day! I paired it with my lace-up flats from Old Navy (remember, I have them in 4 colors, lol). I love the way gold & red look together, and it was the perfect color combination for Christmas Day!
{Outfit Details}
Dress: Southern Charm (not online, similar here)
Flats: Old Navy (here)
And, we just so happened to be standing under the mistletoe at the SAME time, such a coincidence & totally not planned, of course...haha! 😉 Any excuse to kiss my love!
So what did y'all do for Christmas!? Leave me a comment & share! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday spent with the ones you love most!
Thanks so much for reading, dolls!
XOXO
Ashley
Ashley
The Fashionista's Final Exam Essentials (+ Christmas Gift Ideas)!
December 15, 2016
Hi dolls!
So as I have mentioned on my social media accounts, I have been busy the past 2 weeks with final exams for my grad school program. I finished my very last final just last night, but I thought it would be a fun post to round up my top final exam essentials (& what helped me survive finals week)! Since Christmas is only 11 days away, this can also double as a gift guide because all of these things are def winter must-haves in my opinion! Hope y'all enjoy :)
1. Bath & Body Works Candles: So I have a serious problem: I may or may not have about 12 of these around the house...but they are SO amazing! They seriously smell like no other candle you've ever smelt before (haha) and they are great quality (as in they last for a while). Not to mention, they always have specials so they are relatively inexpensive. A couple of weeks ago they had their once a year $8.50 special. We went and bought 6 that day, plus we were able to use a coupon...literal obsession! Right now online they are $12.50 (& they always allow you to use coupons). These are perfect to light this time of year & make a great gift! A couple of my fave scents right now are Evergreen & Tis the Season (pictured below)!
2. G2 Pilot Ink Pens (1.0 mm): Y'all, these pens are AMAZING. I love a bold gel pen and these are hands down my absolute favorite. Obviously I needed a good pen to get through finals, but I also use these on the reg at work & when writing down important dates in my agenda. Make sure if you like bold to get the 1.0 mm (I've tried the 0.7 and 0.5 before but nothing writes like the 1.0!). Also, when the ink runs out, you can get the refill ink for less (here) instead of having to replace the whole pen! These would make a cute gift along with #3...
3. Kate Spade Agenda & Create 365: The Happy Planner: So ever since I was in middle school, I have loved having a cute agenda. I used to spend hours decorating the front of my GPS agenda in middle & high school (I would cut pictures out of magazines and laminate the front; pretty stylish I know). So needless to say, I still love a cute agenda. Not to mention I seriously need one to keep track of all my school assignments + work + wedding planning. This past year I used the black & white striped Kate Spade agenda pictured and it was super cute yet functional. I liked that it had enough room to write out all of my important dates. I personally prefer a larger sized planner but this Kate Spade one comes in multiple sizes (I linked the size I have above). For next year, I bought the "This Is Your Year" planner which I felt was PERF since 2017 is OUR year....when we get married!! Also the black/gold/white are part of our wedding colors so I just had to buy it. My co-workers always talk about how much they love the Create 365 planners. You can customize them with stickers & dividers. I bought this one ready-made at Michael's. Just an FYI, there is usually always a coupon online you can use in the store at Micheal's, so this ended up only costing me around $12!! Score 👏
4. Cozy blanket: This faux fur blanket was one of my Black Friday finds and I am seriously obsessed. It is not only warm and cozy but fashionable. On any day when I'm at home (whether I'm studying or just relaxing), you can find me under a blanket (because I'm always cold!) & this one is my new favorite. This would also make a fabulous gift.
5. Fleece lined leggings (and a similar brand here): So I recently bought these Nicole Miller fleece lined leggings at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago & went back to buy another pair because I loved them so much! As I mentioned in #4, I am ALWAYS cold, so fleece lined leggings provide extra warmth while being comfy while I study or hang out at home! Win-win. And I love to pair these leggings with #6....
6. Piko shirts: I discovered the Piko brand at one of my favorite local boutiques, Cotton & Twine when I was shopping with my girlfriend one day and she said they were AMAZING. Obviously I had to try one for myself and now I own them in about 4 different colors. They are seriously so comfortable and so easy to style with so many things. Layer them with a scarf/jacket/leggings & you have an instant outfit. I spent many days studying in my Piko shirt & leggings so I could at least TRY to look cute while I was studying, HAHA! Andddd these make a great gift; I bought one for my cousin last year for Christmas & she loves it! See how I have styled Piko in the past here, here and here.
7. Starbucks Holiday Blend Blonde Roast K-Cups: Naturally I needed some caffeine to get through final exams, and the Starbucks Holiday K-Cups caught my eye in the store. I tried the regular first which I loved, but I like a little lighter roast, so the blonde Holiday roast is my favorite in the holiday line! And of course to drink your Starbucks coffee you need #8....
8. Cute Christmas Coffee Mug (see links below): When I saw this "Making Spirits Bright" Mug at Michael's, I knew I had to have it! It is the perfect addition to my delicious coffee (somehow drinking coffee out of a cute cup just makes it taste better, don't ya think? 😉 ). Not to mention, this is a great Christmas gift! I got my Nana & sister-in-laws the Anthropologie mugs I have linked below for Christmas one year. These are a very cute and affordable gift option for the coffee drinkers in your life! And if you know they have a Keurig, you could also pair some K-Cups with it for a great gift!
9. Slippers (see links below): I scored the grey slippers in my picture below from Target in the Dollar Section one day. They were ONLY $5!!! Unfortunately they aren't online but be sure to check your local store (I saw a pair today when I was in Target). What a steal! And they are so comfy/cute. Who doesn't want a pair of house slippers for a gift?! Once again, my feet are always cold, so this helped me stay warm while I was studying and I will def be wearing them throughout the winter months!
And, last but not least...
10. Boom Chicka Pop Frosted Sugar Cookie: Well this popcorn is definitely ruining my wedding diet! This is the perfect snack to have around during the holidays. I absolutely love to eat popcorn during Christmas (yes I'm the person who buys the $5 popcorn bin at Wal-Mart), and this popcorn caught my eye first of all because of the ADORABLE label/branding...then the flavor is what had me totally sold! Frosted sugar cookie!? Yes please! I have tried a couple of other flavors in this line, but this is definitely mine (and my fiancé's) favorite! Be sure to get you a bag next time you're at the grocery store, it's definitely delicious!
Thank y'all so much for reading! I hope this post gives you some ideas for gift giving (for yourself or others), or maybe an idea of what you need to get through finals next time if you're still in school. Have a fabulous rest of your week, dolls!
XOXO
Ashley
Thanksgiving Recap + Cyber Monday!
November 28, 2016
{Outfit Details}
Sweater: BP by Nordstrom (here)
Leggings: Via Spiga (here)
Scarf: Target (not online but from the Dollar Section, only $7! see link below for a similar scarf)
Booties: Report (here, I bought mine from TJ Maxx)
Happy Monday, dolls!
I hope everyone had a super fabulous Thanksgiving. I was so happy to be able to spend some quality time with mine & my fiancé's family. Naturally, we ate a ton (what else are you supposed to do on Thanksgiving?!) and my OOTD proved to be the perfect choice for enjoying the Turkey Day feast. My sweater I'm wearing is one of my favorites (I have it in green & black), from BP by Nordstrom. It is the perfect length to wear with leggings as it's long in the back. I paired it with my new favorite pair of leather leggings from Via Spiga. I can't wait to wear these with my OTK boots as well this season! Leggings & an oversized sweater were a great choice as it gave room for extra turkey, haha! I topped off the look with my new favorite $7 blanket scarf from the Target dollar section (y'all seriously have to check out your local Target for these. The stock of them comes & goes, but they would make the absolute PERFECT Christmas gift). I just love the navy & green color combo of this scarf. Finally, I paired my look with my Report booties I found in the shoe sale section of TJ Maxx. I only paid $22 for these! Just a tip...I found 2 exact pairs of these shoes at my local TJ Maxx. One size was $44 and the other was $22 (of course the size I wear were marked $44). So when I went to check out, I took both pairs up to the counter to see if they may give them to me for the $22 price, and guess what, they did!!! So just keep that in mind if you ever come across this same situation when shopping at TJ Maxx 😉. So now I would like to share with you some snapshots I took during the day!
With my absolutely precious Daddy! Love him so!
So blessed to call this one my future hubby! ;)
With my amazing family. I love them more than they know!!!
So since today is Cyber Monday, I just wanted to share with you a few things I'm considering buying before the clock strikes midnight and the sales are over (yes I'm the modern day Cinderella, shopping before midnight instead of my carriage turning into a pumpkin before midnight haha!). All of my picks below are from Nordstrom, which is offering an extra 20% off of sale items!
I love TopShop & their jeans...the black pair I've linked are on sale for only $40! The gold stud Kate Spade earrings would make a perfect gift for only $22.40. I am in love with the fringe on these BP booties & they are on sale for $59.91. The choker is SO cute and such a trendy piece for this season, and would be the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life...right now it's only $7.96. The red fringe scarf I am literally obsessed with and it's only $9.51 (I'm definitely buying this for a gift). Finally, this red sweater is just like the green one I'm wearing in this post but it's only $20.89!!!
Did I mention that Nordstrom always offers free shipping?! You've got to get in on these deals before midnight! Go get shopping my fellow Cinderella's ;)
Thanks so much for reading dolls, & be sure to leave me a comment telling me what you buy!
XOXO
Ashley
Fashionista's Guide to Black Friday!
November 24, 2016
Happy Thanksgiving, dolls!!!
After we get over our turkey coma, it's time to SHOP!! Since it's the official start of the holiday season, that means it's officially time to start your Christmas shopping. Why not get a head start & shop some of these amazing deals!? Or even pick up something for yourself while you're at it 😉 ! Below I've rounded up a list of some of my favorite stores and their Black Friday deals! And just a tip, if the sale isn't live yet, you can go ahead & add your picks to your shopping cart so as soon as it goes live, you have first dibs on your picks!!
1) Old Navy: 50% off the ENTIRE store, starting NOW through Black Friday at midnight (yes I have the shoes below in 4 different patterns/colors....y'all I'm obsessed; you need them too!).
2) Forever 21: Extra 50% off sale items with code OHMYGOBBLE and also in stores; & free shipping on orders over $21, now through tonight at 11:59 pm PST. HOW CUTE is this backpack!?! I'm in love (and it's seriously on sale...already added it to my cart!).
After we get over our turkey coma, it's time to SHOP!! Since it's the official start of the holiday season, that means it's officially time to start your Christmas shopping. Why not get a head start & shop some of these amazing deals!? Or even pick up something for yourself while you're at it 😉 ! Below I've rounded up a list of some of my favorite stores and their Black Friday deals! And just a tip, if the sale isn't live yet, you can go ahead & add your picks to your shopping cart so as soon as it goes live, you have first dibs on your picks!!
1) Old Navy: 50% off the ENTIRE store, starting NOW through Black Friday at midnight (yes I have the shoes below in 4 different patterns/colors....y'all I'm obsessed; you need them too!).
2) Forever 21: Extra 50% off sale items with code OHMYGOBBLE and also in stores; & free shipping on orders over $21, now through tonight at 11:59 pm PST. HOW CUTE is this backpack!?! I'm in love (and it's seriously on sale...already added it to my cart!).
3) Ulta: They have amazing various "Black Friday Beauty Busters" starting online today at 5 PM CST, and in stores starting at 6 PM. They have SO many cute beauty sets that would be perfect gifts, ranging from $10 and under to $25 and under. Some that I am going to have to buy (maybe for myself...lol) includes the Urban Decay eye shadow primer potion for only $8 (originally $20!); I need a new Chi straightener (I've had mine since high school, and it still works great but it's just a little worn lol) and they are on sale tonight for $60 (originally $100!).
6) Nordstrom: Extra 20% off selected sale items, now through Sunday! Y'all, Hunters are a must-have and this blue pair is only $100! Also I have the BP. sweater I've linked below and it's the perfect length to wear with leggings. I'm wearing it today in green for Turkey Day!
8) Bath & Body Works: Buy 3, get 3 free for the ENTIRE store (includes my FAVORITE candles!); stores open at 6 pm at most locations. Also, I highly recommend the Black Friday VIP Tote bag. I usually pick up one of these every year and it makes the PERFECT gift for any special lady on your shopping list. It includes a super cute tote bag full of goodies: lotion, candle, soap, body mist & body spray! The best part?! It's only $25!
9) Kate Spade: Surprise sale!!! Up to 75% off now through November 26th at 11:59 PST. Woohoo, y'all know Kate Spade is my obsession. I think I need that passport holder for our honeymoon! And that coat is SO Elle Woods!
10) Draper James: Extra 30% off sale items, now through Nov. 27th at 11:59 PST. Draper James is one of my favorites & I love their holiday version of their popular tote bag. Would make the cutest gift!!!
I hope this gives y'all some ideas for holiday gifts (for you or others)!! Be sure to leave me a comment & tell me what you find on your Black Friday shopping trip!
Happy Thanksgiving & HAPPY SHOPPING, dolls!!!
XOXO
Ashley
A Leopard Print & Black Holiday Look!
November 23, 2016
{Outfit Details}
Bodysuit: Forever 21 (here)
Skirt: Forever 21 (here)
Heels: Sam Edelman (here)
Clutch: Purple Peridot (here, on sale for only $25!)
Sunnies: BP. (here)
Happy (almost) Turkey Day, dolls!
I can't even believe tomorrow is Thanksgiving! Seriously where has the time gone?! I am so excited the holiday season is finally here because y'all know what that means: holiday fashion! And what's even better than holiday fashion is holiday fashion that doesn't break the bank!
The look I'm wearing above TOTAL cost me right at $100! If y'all saw my Forever 21 shopping haul video (here), you know that I picked up the skirt & the body suit I'm wearing above when I went on this F21 trip. Forever 21 is a great option for your trendy pieces that you don't want to invest a ton of $$ in if you'll only be wearing the outfit a few times. I absolutely LOVE this skirt; the material & quality is AMAZING! I also have always loved tea-length as it gives a classy, refined look to any outfit. It's also perfect for twirling, as you can tell from my photos I had to try it out 😉 ! Body suits are also ideal for pairing with skirts as you don't have to worry about them coming untucked or looking bulky underneath your skirt. Also this one in particular I LOVE because of the detail crochet on the front & the low back. It definitely makes a statement!!
So...if you've clicked the link above for the Sam Edelman heels, you may ask HOW this outfit can be under $100 when the shoes are actually $140. Well my friends, let me tell ya about my best friend TJ Maxx! Yes I am a Maxxinista, and yes I bought these shoes there for ONLY $29! So if you have a TJ Maxx where you are, trust me when I say look in the SALE aisle! If you dig around, they have some of the cutest things on sale (I'm talking super cute brands like Sam Edelman). Totally worth the hunt! I can't wait to dress these down with jeans as well during the holiday season! Finally, I love the leopard clutch I'm wearing in my OOTD, and it is from one of my favorite online boutiques Purple Peridot. They normally have awesome sales on the cutest things from jewelry to clutches! Be sure to check them out!
I'm so excited to wear this outfit for a holiday party this season!!! I also am planning on pairing this skirt with a bright colored sweater for a different holiday look this season, so stay tuned for that! I firmly believe that holiday fashion does not have to be super expensive but can be fashion-forward AND affordable at the same time!
Are y'all excited about Thanksgiving tomorrow!? I seriously can't wait to spend time with those I love the most (& watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in the morning; one of my favorite holiday traditions)! I hope everyone has a super blessed day!!! And be sure to check back for a roundup of some of my Black Friday sale picks! Thanks SO much for reading dolls!!!
XOXO 💋
Ashley
Ashley
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
