Ashley DeLarge

Summer with The Vanderbilts…

August 28, 2019September 2, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Afternoon and Happy Wednesday, everyone! I love these mid-week moments!

It’s a bit of a late posting day for me- since I’ve been in an absolute flurry at work since about 7 a.m. today- but I’ve just finished for the day and am getting ready to run a couple of heavily procrastinated errands I can’t put off any longer, prepare for dinner and to say farewell to my dearest friend’s apartment since he’ll be moving out of it this weekend. We’ve had so many wonderful memories there- and respects must be paid!

It’s blowing my mind that we’re nearly at August’s end- with September looming just ahead this coming Sunday. While I’m undoubtedly excited for the Fall and all the Autumnal activities there are to do here in the Pioneer Valley- I’m still very much in a Summer mood and am trying to spend as much time as possible in or around the water before it freezes over.

This past weekend, with the temperatures cooling comfortably and my Sunday freed up after my usual early morning laundry and coffee run- I opted to head down to Newport, Rhode Island for one final Summer weekend coast-side in a community I’ve grown to love dearly over the years. While there, I visited The Breakers- since it had been quite a few years since I marveled at the architecture, the artwork-adorned walls and ceilings- and the spectacular views of the Atlantic.

I took plenty of photos of the grounds and surrounding Cliff Walk- which you can make bigger by clicking below!

It was a beautiful day and a lovely way to sort of bid farewell to Summer- although the official goodbye comes when I head up to New Hampshire for the annual Seafood Festival in a couple of weeks! Can you tell I’m excited for crab cakes and discounted beach clothes?

Sorry. I’m getting ahead of myself here. On Friday, I’ll be talking about some of my favorite odds and ends from August- products, finds, buys, etc. There’s some real gems I discovered/stumbled across that I’m very much looking forward to talking about.

And then on Saturday- before I head to the Indie617 studio to host my show- I’ll be giving Summer 2019 a thorough review and the proper send-off it deserves.

Until then, enjoy your “Hump Day” and keep your heads up! Friday is nearly here!

– Ashley –

OOTD: On The Lake…

August 26, 2019August 31, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone!

As we get ready to head into another work week (and the last week of August- if you can believe it- because I certainly can’t!) I have been preparing the inevitable wardrobe “switcheroo” or transition into heavier, more Fall-friendly layers. We are, of course- going to see plenty more scorching and humid days ahead- since Summer in New England never tends to bow out particularly gracefully- but it’s been a bit chilly the past few days/nights, and I like to be prepared!

I’ve been picking up some lightweight sweaters/cardigans and not-too-heavy leggings in recent days, and as I had mentioned last week during my Tax-Free Weekend Haul reveal– this “lake” sweater was/is going to be ideal for those kind of cool/kind of warm days that tend to show themselves on and around Labor Day.

I actually had the opportunity to wear it this past weekend when temperatures dipped into the high sixties (and where it’s been about eighty degrees and higher in recent weeks- we could definitely feel the change!) but still made it a point to keep it Summery with a pair of distressed denim shorts, a grey cotton tank top, and flip flops- which are not pictured since I don’t wear shoes in my apartment!

With my color-changing moonstone ring, I was ready to go about my weekend errands, as well as some unexpected travel to Rhode Island- which I’ll get into a little later on this week. I took a LOT of photos.

I’ll also have my monthly “Favorites” roundup ready to go on Friday morning- and Saturday, as is tradition with the last day of the month- I’ll take a look back on this August that was before we jump right into September!

Until then, I’ve got some work to do at the office- and I best get to it!

Enjoy the start of your week, everyone!

– Ashley –

Brunette Birdie?

August 23, 2019August 29, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone! We made it yet again!

It’s funny and fascinating what changes in your life- big or small- can do to you. They can completely turn your world upside down, or have you re-examining and reevaluating your priorities and your goals- or rejuvenate you, refresh you and set you on a new path you may not have even known existed.

There have been a lot of changes in my life in recent months. A new apartment, a new community, new neighbors and friends. There have been changes in my job(s), changes in my personal relationships- and I’ve been attempting to navigate those changes as gracefully as possible while simultaneously reassessing so many of my wants/needs and clumsily preparing for whatever is going to happen next.

Not all of the changes have been good ones. Some have been heartbreaking. Some have been infuriating- but they’ve all shaped the person I am becoming in this new chapter of my life. It’s a scary thing sometimes, but it’s also exciting in a way- because I’m learning so much about myself, what’s truly important to me, and my resilience in the face of the unknown and uncertain.

And lifestyle/personal changes affect you physically, too. While the first month or so after my move was sluggish and had me feeling tired with daily commutes to work, waiting for the arrival of much-needed furniture, not exactly eating or sleeping the best due to long hours- I’ve since got a handle on things and have been actively and regularly working out, preparing better-for-me-meals and sleeping through the night undisturbed (especially now that I’m no longer living near the city!)

And this past Wednesday, when it came time for me to update my blonde curls yet again with help from my stylist- I decided to go bold, try something new- and ditch the golden hues for a more chocolate-inspired look, instead.

That’s right- I’m a brunette again!

I’m still getting used to the new look, which has been well-received by friends, family and co-workers- and it feels like a fitting way to wrap up Summer 2019 and prepare for impending Autumn and the next chapter of my life I’m preparing to write.

And no, I will not be changing the title of my blog from “Blondie Birdie” to “Brunette Birdie” or any variation anytime soon. I’ve grown quite accustomed to my nickname and my little corner of the internet- and I intend to stay here!

Next week I’m going to be visiting one of my favorite coastal towns here in New England, sharing my favorite things from this past month- and getting ready to leap into September after taking a look back at all the highs and lows of August!

Until then- enjoy your weekend, everyone!

– Ashley –

OOTD: Busy Bee…

August 21, 2019August 28, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Halfway-Point, everyone! We’re almost to the weekend!

Although this week has been pretty busy so far with work, meetings, side hustles, etc.- I’m excited for this afternoon since I get to take a little bit of time off after I leave the office and indulge in some pampering (see: touching up my hair.) I’m in desperate need of a trim and my roots are long overdue for a little TLC- and today seemed like just as good a day as any to treat myself!

And although I’ll be changing out of business-casual wear and sliding myself into some sweatpants or something for this afternoon’s touch-up, I wanted to show off a shirt that made an appearance on Blondie Birdie earlier this week when I picked it up over the course of Tax Free Weekend.

I adore this bee shirt, which I paired with some jeans and dressier sandals since I was wearing it to work- but you can best believe I’ll be throwing this on with some shorts and flip flops during the last weekends of Summer 2019, as well!

I’m hoping to get back to Bridge Street Bazaar before we roll into September since I’m sure a good bulk of their Summer tops and skirts will go on sale and I’d like to stock up for next year. That, and I love any reason to venture into Shelburne Falls for an afternoon!

Maybe some of the stuff I buy will make it into a future OOTD post? They sure do have a lot of cute things there!

But until then, I’ve got to get some work done and count down the minutes until I’m restyled, refreshed and rejuvenated.

Enjoy your “Hump Day,” everyone!

– Ashley –

Tax-Free Splurges…

August 19, 2019August 26, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone!

As my life and my posting schedule falls into some semblance of normalcy (as normal as it can, anyway)– I’m recovering from a bit of retail therapy from this past weekend where I dipped into some local shops in-between working on a couple of my side jobs and projects.

Saturday and Sunday was our annual “Tax Free Weekend” here in Massachusetts- and it’s exactly what it sounds like. For two days, there’s no sales tax on anything- and considering we typically get taxed quite a bit on any other day (they don’t call us Taxachusetts for nothing)– it’s the perfect opportunity for people to buy those big ticket items they’ve had their eyes on- like furniture, home goods, electronics, etc.- and still be able to save a bit of money.

And while I’m all set with furniture, appliances and TV sets- there were a couple of recent fashion/accessory items I’d spotted in storefront windows in and around my neighborhood that I thought I’d snatch up while they were not only on sale- but not being taxed, too.

I didn’t go completely overboard, of course- because a girl still has to eat- but I am loving what I was able to buy and couldn’t wait to share them here!

The first is this crop-top/sweater from ENJOY. in Shelburne Falls. While I’m definitely going to be pairing this one with a blue or white tank top underneath (I don’t think I’m fully ready to embrace the crop-top lifestyle just yet)– I can’t wait to wear this near the end of Summer/beginning of Fall when it starts to cool down a little but we’re all still spending as much as time by the water as possible.

The cure little “lake” written on the front in white was what sold me. Designed by Wooden Ships– this was marked down considerably from $112. Sold!

Also from ENJOY. is this stainless steel necklace that I’ve been eyeing for quite some time. Designed by Close 2 Ur ❤, this durable pendant depicts two bears in the forest- and is made in the USA. How cute is this?

This is another piece I’m going to be sporting a lot in the late Summer/early Fall since I spend a lot of time out in the woods photographing the foliage and change in the season!

Down the street from ENJOY. is Bridge Street Bazaar, another little local boutique with the cutest tops and accessories. Right away I spotted this light, thin white tank top- covered in the most adorable bee pattern- on one of their mannequins and popped in to snatch it up.

I want to say that the company who makes these tops might be a mass-producer ala Primark (I couldn’t locate an official website)– but it was $19.00 and without tax- that’s good enough for me to have something fun to wear in these last few weeks of Summer.

And finally, a Bridge Street Bazaar original was this moonstone statement ring that turned colors as I was holding it in my hands (it sort of reminds me of cotton candy- since it fluctuates between bubblegum pink and sky blue.)

On sale and without tax- I gladly parted with my $10 to have a new ring to wear to work and out on the town. It’s so pretty and fits perfectly on my finger- no adjustments needed! You can see a photo of it on me HERE.

With under $100 spent and no tax- I’d say I made out pretty good with two cute new tops and two new pieces of jewelry I’ll be incorporating into my growing wardrobe here in the Valley. I’m very pleased- and so is my wallet! I can’t wait to do it again next year. Maybe by then I’ll be in need of a new mixer or a TV or something.

But until then- I’m off to work! Enjoy the start to your week, everyone! Let’s push through to Friday!

– Ashley –