Lifestyle
White Sequin Sweater + My Savannah Recommendations
January 4, 2018
{Outfit Details}
Sweater: H&M (here, only $30! Similar here in other colors available) // Jeans: Express (here, absolutely love these! On sale for under $50) // Boots: Ugg (love these boots so much! Found them on Ebay here, apparently no longer available online!) // Wristlet: Old Navy (here, love the pop of sparkle a wristlet provides!) // Ear Muffs: H&M (only $5! Exact ones not online but love these here, here, & here) // White Scarf: H&M here
Sweater: H&M (here, only $30! Similar here in other colors available) // Jeans: Express (here, absolutely love these! On sale for under $50) // Boots: Ugg (love these boots so much! Found them on Ebay here, apparently no longer available online!) // Wristlet: Old Navy (here, love the pop of sparkle a wristlet provides!) // Ear Muffs: H&M (only $5! Exact ones not online but love these here, here, & here) // White Scarf: H&M here
Hi dolls!
Happy Thursday!! As you may know if you follow me on Instagram (you can by clicking HERE), we took a quick little road trip to Savannah, Georgia, last weekend for New Year's Eve! It is about 5ish hours from Chattanooga, so it's a very doable trip in just a couple of days! We LOVED it so very much & are looking forward to going back one day. Next time, we would like to spend 2 full days there because there is a lot to do! If you keep on reading, I'm going to give y'all just a SHORT run down of some of the things we did and our favorites towards the end of this post!
First comes fashion however, lol. I am so excited to share with y'all one of my looks from our trip. Compared to our weather here in Chattanooga since we have been home, it was much warmer in Savannah on our trip (which I will be honest, I prefer temps in the mid-50s to low-20s lol). I wore my big coat in the morning and in the evening, but during the day/in the sun, I was comfortable to walk around just in this sweater - which, btw, is really warm! I went to my FAVE store last week before our trip (thanks to my family for the gift cards for Christmas!!) and picked up this adorable sequin sweater! I love that it has black sequins on a white sweater because 1) I am in LOVE with white sweaters and you can never have too many! and 2) I am obsessed with anything black & white (from clothing to home decor lol). Oh, and I had my eye on this sweater a few months ago but it was $50 and I just didn't pull the trigger. However, it was ON SALE for only $30 so I knew it had to come along with me on our trip!!!
Funny thing is, I had planned on wearing my black sequin dress (in this post HERE) for NYE night, and wear this white sweater during our day of sightseeing. However, it proved to be SO cold that night AND it was RAINING! So, I decided to just stick with my white sweater that evening with my big coat. It was a good choice as we walked a TON in the cold rain and I was able to stay plenty of warm!
Another way I stayed warm were with my adorable ear muffs! I wish they had my exact pair online but I couldn't find them - however I found VERY affordable and similar ones linked in the widget. Faux fur ear muffs are an excellent way to stay warm while at the same time keeping your hair intact, unlike a beanie! We had the funniest encounter with a lady on our way back from dinner one night when I was wearing these. She said "You must be a Northern girl, too, in those ear muffs and faux fur coat!" lol....I guess faux fur ear muffs are a trend up North?! I definitely took it as a compliment; you Northern girls have style!!!!!
Ok, so without further ado, here is a quick list of some of our fave places we ate/things we did in our quick 2 day trip to Savannah! I have to give a shoutout to all my amazing friends/family/followers who sent us recommendations for our trip!!!!! Thank y'all so much!!!
Savannah Recommendations:
Where To Eat:
1) By far, our absolute FAVORITE restaurant was The Ole Pink House (check out their site & make reservations here). Seriously this place is not only BEAUTIFUL, but the food is delish! My husband said it was probably his second fave meal he has ever had (the first being this seafood place in Hilton Head lol). The atmosphere is SO romantic!!! It is the perfect place to take your significant other and enjoy a delicious meal!
2) We ate at The Pirate's House (here) on Sunday evening, and my husband LOVED it!!! Ok so I have to preface this with saying that I do not really care for seafood...so, my recommendations aren't super helpful in terms of that lol. But he absolutely loved his meal there!!! It has been around since the 1700's and is REALLY cool inside! There are all sorts of stories that go along with this restaurant (including a secret passageway they unearthed somewhat recently). Apparently it used to be an inn for seafarers back in the 1700's so pirates often frequented this establishment. This is definitely a place to check out if you love seafood and if you enjoy history!
3) For a quick and yummy lunch spot, we tried out Boar's Head Grill & Tavern (here) on the day we arrived in town. It is right on River Street, and we were lucky to get a table facing the water, so we enjoyed a pretty view while we ate!!! My hubby got a hamburger that was delicious, and I got a salad which I also enjoyed! I definitely recommend for a yummy meal!
Just a tip, we made reservations ahead of time at both The Pirate's House and The Ole Pink House. We tried to eat at the Ole Pink House on NYE but it was already full since we booked our trip so last minute - however we were able to get a reservation for the night before at around 10:00 pm (they took us early though when we arrived before 10). One of our favorite ways to make reservations is through Open Table.
What To Do:
1) Take a trolley tour!!! Since we only had 1 full day there, we wanted to make sure we were able to see as much as possible, so we decided to take a trolley tour to cover our bases. We went with Old Savannah Tours and were very happy with our tour! It took almost 2 hours in its entirety, but you also have the option to hop on/hop off with an all-day pass. The driver gives you a history along the way, and even fun movie trivia (I had no clue so many movies besides Forrest Gump were shot in Savannah!!). Not to mention, there are actors/actresses who hop on and off the trolley and give you a first-person history lesson. I seriously loved it!
2) Eat Tutti Fruiti ice cream at the famous Leopold's (here). Seriously this place is a staple to any trip to Savannah. Yes the line we be long, so be prepared to wait a little bit (however, we only had to wait about 20 minutes and it moves pretty fast!). The wait is WELL worth it!! They have been serving up these same flavors since the 1920's. I mean seriously, you can't go wrong!
3) Visit as many of the of the squares/parks as you can (in particular: Forsyth Park and Chippewa Square). We absolutely loved taking a stroll through the squares. We actually walked through a majority of them, and fell in love with the beauty of the Spanish moss on the trees, plus the different fountains/monuments. Each had its own uniqueness and charm. Plus, if you don't know, Chippewa Square is where THE Forrest Gump (aka Tom Hanks) sat on his bench through the entirety of the movie!
4) Stroll down River Street (here) & buy some pralines at River Street Sweets (check them out here)! There are so many fun (aka tacky) stores, and many restaurants along this road!! Not to mention - did you even go to Savannah if you don't try (and come home with a box full) of pralines??? I didn't think so! Trust me, the ones from River Street Sweets are some of the best!
5) Do a honey tasting at the Savannah Bee Company (check them out here). How many times can you do a honey tasting?! Not very often! So, take advantage of this unique opportunity and check out the Savannah Bee Company. We went to the location on River Street, but there is also one on Broughton Street (see #6). It is LITERALLY amazing honey! This is a great place to pick up a souvenir for yourself or a gift for someone else. We bought THIS raw acacia honeycomb and we are literally OBSESSED. Good thing, we can order another online (seriously going to be doing this! Love it so much!).
6) Shop on Broughton Street (here). This street is where you will also find Leopold's! So, get you some ice cream then take a stroll to shop!! Unfortunately, we ran out of time to REALLY do some shopping. Next time, I want to go to the Paris Market which is located on Broughton Street. But, it's definitely worth doing if you have a long weekend to enjoy!
7) Take a stroll along Jones Street (here). This street has been named one of the most beautiful in North America (read about it here) and it definitely lives up to that! We took the above outfit pics there, and in some of the parks!
Whew, typing this I realized we really did pack in a lot in the day and a half we were there! We even did a few things I didn't mention (for instance, visiting the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - it was an absolutely breath-taking church. We weren't able to go inside because they were having mass, but the outside was stunning). We stayed at Hotel Indigo in the Historic District with my hubby's hotel points, however next time we both agreed we want to stay at one of their many GORGEOUS bed & breakfasts! I seriously love this charming Southern city, and definitely want to make a return ASAP!!!
Thank you SO much for visiting & reading Ashley's Passion for Fashion, as always! Love y'all!
XOXO
Ashley
2017 Blessings!
January 2, 2018
Ok, I’m about to say a cliché statement but – can y’all believe 2017 is over?! This year has literally flown by & has 100% without a doubt been the best of my life! I love doing a reflection blog post every year, if for no other reason than one day when I’m old & gray, to have this to look back on (do y’all think blogs will still be a thing when I’m old & gray?! I sure hope so, lol!). Be sure to read my 2016 reflection post HERE.
So as I was saying, 2017 has been QUITE the year!!! THE most special and important moment of my year was marrying the love of my life on April 22, 2017! We have been married for 8 months and I have to thank the Lord every day for blessing me with KT for my husband. Our wedding day was everything I could have ever dreamed for (in large part thanks to my precious parents who worked so hard to make sure everything was perfect), and our honeymoon was also an absolute blast (thanks to my amazing in-laws), however I have to say that day-to-day life with my hubby has been the best part. I am so thankful that God joined us as life partners because my husband definitely provides the perfect balance in my life and in all the ways I need him. Not to mention, he has been there for me and truly supported me through all of life's moments, no matter how big or small. He cheered me on through school, job searching, and also through blogging. God is so good and I am so thankful.
Another HUGE moment of my life this year was graduating Family Nurse Practitioner school from Vanderbilt University! I have had the dream in my heart of being a primary care provider since I was a very little girl, and this year, my dream finally came true. Through my journey as a nurse, and then as a NP student, I have learned so many invaluable things that I know I will carry with me in my profession FOREVER. In the process, I have also made LIFELONG friends who I consider more like family. If you follow me over on Instagram (you can by clicking HERE), you know that I have been meeting up with my “nursing family” recently who I worked with as a nurse tech and then as a RN for 3.5 years. We love to catch up over lunch, and it’s crazy how we just pick up right where we left off! I know I have lifelong friends/family in these special ladies!!!!
{Image source here}
Another way I feel the Lord has blessed me this past year is being able to share with y’all more on my blog. As you may know if you have followed my little corner of the blogging world for a while, I started this blog way back in 2011. Through my educational journey and also working as a nurse tech then a RN during school, I unfortunately was not able to blog as much as I wanted. However late in 2016 I decided to start pursuing my passion once again as I feel this blog has been a great outlet for me to share my love for fashion and just my life in general with you all. I have been blessed this year with more opportunities for Ashley's Passion for Fashion, and I look forward to seeing where this year takes me!
Photo shoot with Studio 6 Chatt! See more of this look here!
Hosted a BeYOUtiful Girls Night Out in collab with Goody's alongside the beautiful Brooke of KBStyled (check out her blog HERE and a recap of the event HERE)
Summer styling event with fab'rik! Read about it here!
Fall event with fab'rik (read about it here!)
My first collab with SheIn (Read about this look here)
One of my favorite posts last year! My 29th B-Day Post (Read it HERE)
In 2018, I pray for the Lord's continued guidance in my marriage, relationships with friends & family, career, blog, and just every single aspect of my life. I have learned in 2017 just how important it is to TRULY rely on Him no matter your circumstance and no matter if you understand why you are going through what you are going through. The Lord HAS a perfect plan for your life and we are asked to trust in Him.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
I pray that you, my lovely readers, have many many blessings in 2018!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for following along with me. It seriously means the WORLD to me. Here is to a wonderful 2018!!!
XOXO
Ashley
It's My 29th Birthday! (Plus 29 Pearls of Wisdom I've Learned)
September 1, 2017
{Outfit Details}
Culotte Jumpsuit: Dillard's (here, and ONLY $39!) // Earrings: SugarFix by Baublebar (here, under $10!) // Heels: Mix No. 6 (here, under $40!) // Sunnies: Jessica Simpson (here) // Lipstick: Revlon Colorstay Lipstick in "All Night Fuchsia" (here) + Lipliner in "Fuchsia"(here)
Happy Friday my friends!!!!
So excited because today is my birthday!!! I turn the big 29 today: my last year of my 20's. Honestly, time has flown by but I'm not complaining because you know what they say....time flies when you're having fun (who even said that to begin with?! I don't know but it's actually genius because it is SO true). Also, doesn't every girl need to have a photoshoot with giant hot pink balloons!? Let me tell y'all about this outfit too...when I saw this jumpsuit I knew I had to have it. It reminded me of the TopShop one from the NSale that I loved. I found this one last weekend at Dillard's, and get this: it' is under $40! This was my first culotte jumpsuit and I have to say I'm now officially obsessed because it's such a great twist on a romper, and just as wearing a dress. Not to mention, it is SUCH a comfy outfit! To bring out the pink in the balloons, I accessorized with hot pink lipstick + accessories. This is my ideal birthday #ootn.
Soooooo as I sit here and reflect on my life (yep, I'm about to get deep y'all), I want to share 29 Pearls of Wisdom I have learned in my 29 years of life so far!
1. Never settle. Never, ever, ever, ever!
Go for what you want in life and work tirelessly until you achieve it! However, realize most things in life do not happen over night. They require hard work, time and PATIENCE.
2. Do not be defined by 1 role or stereotype.
You can be a woman of power and strength (Shoutout to my middle & high school GPS, Girls Preparatory School....who always had the motto: "girls with power and strength")! Yes, you can LOVE science and LOVE fashion. You can dress up but also study and work hard. You can be funny but also intelligent. The list goes on and on. Don't be limited to live up to your utmost potential.
3. Spend time in the Word.
I have learned throughout my life how important it is to just open your Bible and read! There is scripture to be found for every season of life. It is so amazing how God speaks to us through his Word.
4. Take chances.
Who says you can't do it if you never try?? Apply to your dream college or for your dream job.
5. Do not fret if you don't have it all "figured out" as a freshman in college, or a senior in high school, or even after you've graduated college. Don't fret if you don't have it all figured out by the time you're 18, 22, 26, or even 29.
I always knew in my heart of hearts I wanted to work in the medical field as a primary care provider, when my love of science blossomed beginning in the 6th grade (and I highly thank my GPS all girls school education for helping nourish this love from 7th-12th grade). To make a long story short, I graduated UTK with a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, but through lots of prayer and seeking God's will for my life, decided that my role in the medical field should be as a Nurse Practitioner. So, first step, going back to UTC and earning my bachelor's degree in nursing. Next step, before I had graduated nursing school, applying to Vanderbilt's Family Nurse Practitioner program, and being accepted!! This took me time to figure out God's will for my life. It was worth the wait!
6. "Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17
I have to say that this is the ONE pearl of wisdom that has helped me through countless events in my life...stressful events, anxiety filled events, sorrow, etc. I have been blessed that my Mom, Dad, and grandparents all taught me that my faith in God is the most important aspect of my life. Through my faith, I have learned that praying no matter my circumstance has lead to many doors opening (and closing), but no matter what, I have seen God's will in my life by asking Him through prayer to show me His way.
7. Treasure time with your loved ones.
Two of my precious grandparents passed away in 2008 and 2009. I know that they are in a much better, happier place; but I would be lying if I said that I don't sometimes wish they were around so that I could have just one more meal with them, hear my Daddy Jack's laugh one more time, or give my Mamaw a huge hug and kiss, and so that they both could have met my hubby (because I know they both would have LOVED him). All of that being said, I have learned how important it is to truly treasure and take advantage of the time you have with your loved ones. Pick up the phone and call your Mom (for me this is no issue because I think I may call my Mom 20 times a day lol but you get the idea). Go on a dinner date with your Dad. Have a sleepover with your Nana (I'm SO fortunate to still have my Nana around and that she is in such good health. I spent many summers in college going over to have a sleepover with her during my time at home). Invite your nephews over for a pizza party. You won't ever regret spending time with your loved ones!!!
8. Don't marry someone just to get married. I repeat: DO NOT marry someone just to get married. Take time to marry the Prince Charming who God prepared for you!
Trust me, it is MORE than worth the wait. Without going into too much detail, I will just say that waiting on the Lord is always the best option and He will bless you! I thank the Lord every single day for the husband He prepared for me. I love you KT!!!!
9. Sometimes your timetable may not be God's timetable, but God's plans are the best.
See #5 and #8. Trust God's timing! He can see the big picture that we as humans can't. Which also reminds me of this verse: Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
10. Know your worth.
You are worth it, girl! Don't ever let anyone make you think otherwise. God created you in His image (Genesis 1:27), and He has a purpose for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Don't believe anyone who makes you feel any other way! "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" -Eleanor Roosevelt.
11. "Always stay sweet and good on the inside too-and you will have the world by the tail."
These words were written in a precious letter to me by my Mamaw. This is literally some of THE best advice I have ever received. Always be kind to everyone!! Be appreciative and do not "expect" anything. For example...just because you're the bride does not mean you can be bridezilla and everyone has to do exactly what you say "because it's your day." BE KIND to these people who you call your friends and appreciate every effort they are making to be there for you on your special day!
12. Study hard in school and work hard in life. Do your best.
Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." My parents have always been excellent examples of working hard and doing your best no matter what it is they were doing (being husband/wife, being parents, working at their own business)! Also, Mom always taught me to do my best. "Just do your best" (she still texts me this even now as I am studying and preparing for my boards). This is a lesson I will carry with me the rest of my life.
13. Know when to say "no" and don't pile too much on your plate.
Sometimes it can be easy to spread yourself too thin and give too much of yourself to too many people. Set your priorities in your life, and stick to those. It's ok to say no to make sure that you take care of your top priorities first.
14. Invest time in giving back to others.
As I have finally finished school, I am so looking forward to finding a place to volunteer in my free time. There is so much value in giving, and there is so much opportunity out there in our community to do so!
15. Worry is a big thief of joy, and besides, why worry because oftentimes you're stronger than you give yourself credit for (thanks to God)! "Don't worry, be happy!"
So, confession. I tend to worry....sometimes a lot. Especially when there is uncertainty in life, which, let's face it, I'm pretty sure the definition of "living" = uncertainty. Worrying definitely can rob you of joy, so instead of worrying, I try to have faith and pray about my fears. Then I am reminded of all the times that God has brought me through trying times in life through trusting in Him. So, why worry?
Matthew 6:33-34: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
16. Listen to the wisdom of those who have gone before you.
My Mom literally has THE best, most practical, and just seemingly perfect advice no matter what I'm calling about (oh yeah, have I mentioned I call my Mom like 20 times a day? haha!). She has "been there, done that," so to speak, and her advice no matter what stage of life I'm in has ALWAYS been spot on. Take advantage of those around you who have had many life experiences! They are full of wisdom that you can carry with you when you just don't know what to do about a certain situation.
17. Make your family your top priority.
God gave you 1 family, treasure them and love them with all your being! Spend time with them above others. Be there for them no matter day or night. Help them when they need help. Love them when they need love. Encourage them, support them. Give them good advice when they need it!!!
18. Floor nursing is not for everyone but the experience it gives you is irreplaceable.
God bless floor nurses!!!! Trust me when I say it is 100% one of the hardest jobs on planet Earth. It is an honor and a privilege to care for others in any capacity in the medical field. As a nurse, you witness a wide array of emotions, emergencies, and struggles that are indescribable unless if you've been there. So as a previous floor nurse, I have to say that I have the absolute utmost respect for my fellow nurses, and I am SO thankful for the amazing experiences it provided me in my career!
19. Sometimes people can be mean, but this does not define you.
When I say it does not define you when people are mean, I am just saying that it does not make up who you are as a person. It is someone's opinion, and that's it. Smile, nod, and don't dwell on it (yes I know, easier said than done right?).
20. Stop procrastinating.
There's no better time than the present! Stop saying "tomorrow" and switch your vocabulary to "today."
21. Drink more water.
I'm still working on this one, but as I continue into my last year of my 20's, I will definitely strive to do this every day. Here's the truth: water is not my favorite drink. I may or may not really like Diet Coke. HOWEVER, guess what doesn't like Diet Coke? My kidneys. Or any of my other organs. I am not here to give medical advice, but in my life so far and the things I have seen in the medical world....I have learned how important it is to drink water and lots of it!
22. "Book the plane ticket and go!"
This summer, my Aunt Melissa gave my husband and me some of the most AMAZING advice. She said, "When many people travel, they have this idea that they are never going to go back to that place, so they feel the pressure to do everything all at once. They see 5 countries in Europe instead of taking a trip just to see one. Do not have the mentality that you will never be back there. Instead, ENJOY and SAVOR where you are. Spend time to fully live it up and know that you WILL be back. Just book the plane ticket and go!"
23. Go to concerts and lots of them! Oh and, sing & dance your heart out!
Well if you know me, you know I LOVE country music. I have seen Kenny Chesney in concert 10 times and countless other artists as well. I love to try to schedule a concert every few months. Next up this month is Tim & Faith in Knoxville on September 14th and I CANT WAIT....::fan girl::...which brings me to my next point in #24.....
24. Never lose the magic. Never be afraid of what others will think of you.
Yes, I am 29 years old and LOVE Disney (and still wish I could grow up to be Princess Belle). Yes, I'm 29 years old and if I meet a celebrity I am literally the biggest fan girl ever and NOT cool at all, in the slightest. Nor do I pretend to be. Live it up, have fun and don't care if other people think you're a dork. Because trust me, you're having way more fun than they are anyway. 😉
25. Pay your dues. No one owes you anything in life.
I am a firm believer that being entitled is just not a good way to be! Never expect that anyone "owes" you something. Be willing to put your time in and "pay your dues" so to speak. This takes time, hard work, faith and prayer.
26. The biggest compliment I could ever receive in life that is I am like my parents.
Talk about hashtag GOALS. I have learned through my parents and their amazing love, support, and endless encouragement of me and my dreams, that I want to be the EXACT same way with our future children one day. What's more is not only are they kind, giving, and supportive, but they also work HARD for what they want in life! I have so much inspiration to aim for in my life!
27. Have girl time with your friends. Shopping and road trips are 2 things you'll never regret.
The summer of 2014 is one I will never forget. My best friends and I went on 2 different beach trips to 2 different concerts (Kenny Chesney and Kip Moore), literally a mere month apart. Take advantage of these times during your life when you can just get up and go! I realize that this is not a practical thing for everyone at every stage of their life (even for me now, I wouldn't be able to take this time off!). However, looking back I am SO grateful I had this time with my girlfriends. Even now, I love being able to meet friends for lunch and a shopping day. Take the time to do this when you can, it is SO refreshing to reconnect with your besties!
28. Be prepared & buy an agenda! Make checklists, set goals for yourself, and get busy checking things off!
I don't know about you but I LOVE me a cute agenda! Also, I love being organized and trying to accomplish things off of my to do list. Sometimes when you write the list down at first, it seems overwhelming to say the least. But I have learned that instead of being overwhelmed, start with #1, and before you know it you will have the first item checked off. Repeat this until you've accomplished all you have on your to do list. My Mom always told me (here she is with her great advice!), "don't look at the big picture, just start with the first thing."
AND.....if you've read all the way down here I am SO impressed and THANK YOU. My last and final pearl of wisdom I've learned....
29. Embrace and enjoy the age you are!
I'll be honest with y'all, I think it's sad the way our society views aging. Also, confession: I used to be sort of embarrassed that I'm almost 30. I have decided that this is just sort of ridiculous and that I should embrace it. My Mom has also told me her 30s and her 40s were the BEST years of her life. Well, all I have to say to that is, bring it on!!!!!!
Thank y'all SO much for reading. I love you all!!! Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.
P.S. Check out the widget below to shop my look above and for some of my other current favorite culotte jumpsuits.
XOXO
Ashley
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