Gift Guide 2015

 Fashion Lover

Beauty Lover

Tech Lover

For Him

Its that time of the year when we should start checking our Christmas list and checking off gifts! Every year there are a few people on my list who seem impossible to shop for. If you are finding yourself in the same dilemma or just need a bit of inspiration as to what you want to ask for, I have got you covered! I put together guides for any beauty, fashion, and tech lover in your life!

xxAshley

New In//Beauty

With all the holiday specials that have been rolling out, I found myself at Sephora lusting over new products. For the most part I looked from a distance hoping everything would somehow magically make its way home with me, but I pulled together a little self control and only picked up a few goodies! I got a few limited edition sets, which I am over the moon about, as well a good group of samples, and a few other bits!All of these I think would make the perfect gift for any beauty lover!

If you made a purchase of $25 or more Sephora was giving away one of three different sample sets. Each set came in a good sized make-up bag and came with products varying from Origins skin care, Chloe fragrances, to Burberry make-up. The products in all three sets were great, and they are all a good size for being samples!

Sephora//Airbrush Songe

I picked up Sephora's version of the Beauty Blender. I personally don't wear foundation, but I do use concealer in some areas, especially under my eyes. What I love about Sephora's airbrush sponge is the different size ends. The bigger end would be great for foundation, but the smaller size is perfect for smaller areas like around the nose and under the eyes! Also its about half the price of a beauty blender and gets the job done just as well!

Bite//best bite rewind

The Bite set of four lip crayons was something that as soon as I walked into the store went straight into my basket. I absolutely love Bite products, so when I saw this holiday set I knew I needed it! It has the perfect variety of colors from a very wearable nude and pink, to a more bold pink and berry! Even though these are in a set, they are give a good amount of product that will last a while!
(Top to bottom: Cafe/Aubergine/Coulis/Torte)

Hourglass//ambient lighting edit

This last one was a bit of a splurge, but has been worth every penny! I had been eyeing the Hourglass ambient lighting edit since it was released, but wasn't sure if I could bring myself to pay the big price for it. What made me get it was going in store and swatching all the products, and seeing how amazing they looked in person. Hourglass has very luxurious products, and for the price it makes sense. In this limited edition set you are getting six products that flawlessly go together. I am able to look past the price for the quality of the product, knowing it will last for  along time! I've had a few days to use this and I have not been disappointed. Definitely my favorite purchase. 

Checked Days

 Bracelet: Alex and Ani // Nail Polish: Essie// Rings: Brandy Melville

 Top: Zara

Boots: H&M // Jeans: Topshop

I love this checked top from Zara. It was part of a co-ord set, but since the shorts aren't really fall appropriate for where I am, a good alternative is the classic black jeans. The pattern of this top adds a little extra dimension to an other wise simple ootd!

xxAshley

Denim Diaries

A good pair of jeans is a staple year round. If you're like me, it can be quite tricky to find the perfect pair. Over the years I have found a few stores that I know will carry jeans that feel comfortable and look good on my body type. I've narrowed down my search to four stores, ranging from affordable to a bit of a splurge, that when I am in need of some new denim I go straight to! I've Taken my favorite jeans from these stores, and showed you my favorite ways to style them!

Affordable go-to: Forever 21

Forever21 is the go to place when you are in need of affordable clothing, but it can be hit or miss with the quality due to the low pricing. However over the past year or so I have noticed a huge improvement in the overall quality of their merchandise. Before this shift, like the the rest of the clothing, jeans were hit or miss with fit and quality, but when you scavenged long enough for the perfect pair it was a huge hit! Now I have found it to be even easier to find a good pair of jeans that are comfy and won't break the bank!

Middle-Ground: Zara

Zara is my most recent discovery and addition to my favorite denim shops. I had always been a big fan of the Topshop Leigh jeans because of the comfy jegging feel while still looking like actual denim jeans. Sadly the quality no longer matched the price, so I was in search of a new place to find a jegging that I loved. This brought my search to Zara. I found an even better jegging that was of a significantly better quality and about half the price, it was a win-win! I haven't ventured from the jegging type jeans from Zara, but from the multiple pairs I own, they are a great piece to have!

Largest Variety: American Eagle

American Eagle has by far the largest selection to choose from as far as a variety of fit, size, and color. There are 17 different styles and cuts of denim, each available in multiple washes! Why I love these jeans so much is that they are the most comfortable denim I own. They get that perfect worn-in feel, and by the end of the day they have the perfect amount of stretch to them. There is a pair of jeans for everyone here. No matter what size and body type you are, American Eagle will have the jeans for you!

Investment Pair: Paige

While Paige denim is quite the splurge, it is well worth it. These are so comfortable and will last you years! Even though the price may be high, do not let it scare you away from investing in their denim. The quality is amazing, so the jeans will last for a very long time!

Designer Dupe // Adil Coat

Cardigan: Forever21//Jeans:Topshop

Watch: Daniel Wellington

Boots: H&M (similar)// Sweater: J.Crew

Lately I have fallen in love with everything Isabel Marant, however my wallet isn't feeling that love. I was over the moon when I was in Forever 21 a few weeks back and saw this cardigan that looks exactly like the Adil Coat from the A/W 14-15 Ready-to-Wear collection. From the black and white stripped detailing to the hood on the back, this is a perfect dupe for the Isabel coat but for significantly less! I love hunting for a good dupe that ends up being not only a good price, but also amazing quality! If you're on the hunt for some good designer look-alikes I would check out Forever 21 right now, who is killing it this A/W season!

xxAshley

Scarves+Suede

It's has been feeling like fall lately, so I have deemed it appropriate to bring out my oversized scarves! I  absolutly love the added warmth these huge scarves give. They feel like you've wrapped yourself in a big blanket, but its socially acceptable to wear these in public (if only wear could wear blankets everywhere)! All thats left to do to compete the most comfortable of all casual Friday outfits is to grab your favorite pair of leggings and a cardigan and you are ready to take on the last work day!

xxAshley

Leggins: Lululemon//T-shirt: Brandy Melville// Cardigan: H&M

Scarf: Forver21//Boots: H&M

Watch: Daniel Wellington

Style Crush // Something Navy

There is something about Arielle Nachmani(Something Navy) that keeps me checking her blog and insta everyday. I find her to be a breath of fresh air in fashion. She has the ability to take even the simplest of pieces and make them her own! As someone who's closet consist heavily of basics, its nice to see someone take that to a whole new level. When I see a new post on her blog  I think of how I could actually incorporate that into my outfits, which in my opinion, is something important that not many bloggers do! Fashion bloggers are meant to give us a look into what's hot in the fashion world and show us a great way to make it wearable, which is exactly what Something Navy does. Arielle creates outfits that I would never think of, and pulls it off flawlessly every time! There is not a single outfit on Something Navy that I do not love and secretly hope will somehow magically appear in my closet. She just announced that she is expecting and I cannot wait to see her pregnancy style, and later how she dresses her baby! If Something Navy is not your style crush than you are missing out on one of the most inspirational and perfect bloggers in the fashion industry! I took a few of my favorite looks from Arielle's blog, and created some looks for less! 

Polka Dot Blues

I am ready so ready for the perfect fall weather to start! It's time to bring out the ankle boots and sweaters in full force. I find that the perfect transition from summer to fall is to pair a sweater over you favorite dresses. This way you can hold onto what is left of summer by showing off some legs, yet still be prepared for those brisk autumn breezes with your sweater! It's the best of both worlds!

xxAshley

 Dress and Sweater: Forever21

 Bag:H&M // Boots: H&M

Bracelets:Alex and Ani

NYFW // SS16

Kate Spade NewYork

It's not surprise that my wardrobe is lacking color, it's just not something that I usually gravitate to, but one look at this collection and that has all changed. The moment I saw the looks of the Kate Spade show I fell in love and wanted it all. What made this collection different for me was that all the looks were very classic. There was a lot of white, pink, and yellow as well as floral and stripes!

 Zimmerman

Ruffles, ruffles, and more ruffles! Muted color combined with ruffles and crochet details owned the runway at the Zimmerman show. As expected for any S/S collection, the floral print made its appearance, but in a smaller, more subtle way. This collection should be your go-to for all your dress and skirt needs for next spring!

Jason Wu

I enjoyed the simplicity of the Jason Wu show. There were a lot of solid colors, which is something that I am drawn to because it gives you more freedom and options as far as accessorizing goes. The collection really stood out in the details. There was a lot of texture in the material for most of the outfits. The varying textures are what brought the collection to life!

Rebecca Minkoff

Fringe found its way from A/W to S/S at the Rebecca Minkoff show. Black and white dominated the runway, with some pieces scattered here and there that show cased all of our favorite spring-esque patterns. What I really loved was the loose fitting materials that flowed down the runway! Over all the collection was simple and understated with pops of traditional summer expectations.

Diane VonFurstenburg

DVF was the show to be at during NYFW where the best of the best in the modeling world all walked in the SS16 line up. The show started with Karlie Kloss opening in a very 70's look, a theme which was carried out throughout the show. With big curls, bright makeup, and bold patterns the collection had what can be best described as a more elegant 70's feel. While the patterns were bold, they we counter acted with light flowing materials. The outfits pulled together to create the perfect girly-girl looks for the up coming spring! 

Prabal Gurung

As soon as the models emerged onto the runway at the Prabal Gurung show you felt as if you were transported to a tropical paradise. The entire collection was centered around sunset hues. There were minimal amounts of big patterns, but when there we patterns they stayed in the red, orange, and yellow theme and were set on white. Overall the collection was fresh and filled with bright colors to warm you up for summer!

Tory Burch

The Tory Burch show was a the perfect mix between bohemian and beach-y with a feminine touch! The colors and patterns felt like a summer night sun set.  There was a good mix between structured pieces which were paired with items that had a nice flow to them to bring in that beach feel. The collection was full of light materials and colors and had a timeless elegance! This was surprisingly one of my favorite shows for all of nyfw!

Transitions and Stripes

Summer to Autumn Transition

We are now at that time of the year where the weather is making it extremely difficult to get dressed. Part of the day is spent feeling cold and the rest of the day you are sweating and trying to dodge the heat! The best solution for this dilemma is the dress+cardigan combo. This type of outfit helps you ease the transition from summer to autumn effortlessly!

 Cardigan: H&M // Dress:Brandy Melville

 Bracelets: Alex and Ani

 Sandals: Forever21

Labor Day Weekend // Northern Michigan

For the final weekend of the summer I headed up to Traverse City in Northern Michigan. The city is a  beautiful, scenic place. You have a lot of lakes to choose from with endless water activities, fruit picking all around, and what seems to be a winery every mile! Northern Michigan is truly a beautiful place any time the year, but especially the end of the summer season!

You get to climb up to the top of the light house that over looks the bay!

I hope you all had a great labor day weekend and end of summer. Now its time for the best season!

xxAshley