Tag: Fashion Blogging

OOTD: SoCal Smolder

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on OOTD: SoCal Smolder

Since I was only spending 24 hours in San Diego this past weekend- I didn’t pack much- just enough necessities to fit inside a backpack (like my makeup, my phone charger, and a fresh change of clothes for my flight home.) It wasn’t until I was actually in town and realized that I needed something a bit dressier and something I HADN’T spent 5 hours cramped onto an airplane in to wear for my plans on Saturday night- and I made it a point to make a quick pit-stop at the closest shopping center in order to pick up a new outfit to add to my wardrobe.

When it comes to going out in Southern California- I tend to dress a bit more on the provocative side- but without crossing the line into inappropriate territory. Mini skirts with a cute blouse and nice, dressy sandals? A sleeveless maxi dress with stiletto heels? Short shorts with a tattered band t-shirt and funky sneakers? I’ve worn ’em all at various points out West- so I opted for something a bit different this time around in this black and floral printed back-less, frilly mini-dress.

I love the cut of this dress. It shows off my arms, my legs, and just enough of my back to leave something to the imagination- and the fabric is so light and breezy that I was comfortable and confident the whole night I was wearing it. I picked up a long, black quarter-sleeve cardigan to wear over it, too- just in case the night got a little chilly while I was in San Diego (thankfully, it didn’t)– and also so I could get away with wearing this dress to work, too.

It’s definitely office-friendly in the front, but in the back? Not so much- so a light sweater is definitely a must.

I played up my pale and otherwise bare neck area with a red acrylic and faux-diamond studded statement necklace that I got on sale in a small boutique in Horton Plaza while I stopped in the area to get a caffeine fix and a blow-out for my hair. I wanted something to match the red flowers in the dress.

The necklace came with a pair of ruby red teardrop earrings, as well- but I skipped over wearing those since I was keeping my hair down for the evening and my hair always hides my ears. I’m saving them for a special occasion!

And finally, I wore sneakers to and from San Diego- which simply would not do with a dress this cute- so I grabbed an inexpensive pair of pointed, buckle-strap flats to tie everything together since I knew there was no way I’d be able to walk properly in high heels at a music venue or at a bar. These worked out perfectly- since they were both comfortable and practical- and I’ve been sporting these since I got back with jeans and t-shirts. I feel like they give me a sort of rocker edge without being too dramatic. They’re just the right amount of eye-catching!

Someday I’d love to do a list compiling all of my Summer dresses- although it would take forever since I have so many at the moment- and now I have one more in my collection thanks to this vacay-purchase gone right. I love this outfit, especially since I had pieced it together last minute- and I can’t wait to wear it again now that I’m back home!

xx

OOTD: Americana

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on OOTD: Americana

Every year- without fail- I bust out this fitted red, white and blue sun dress that I picked up on a sales rack at Macy’s in my early twenties to wear at some point during the Fourth of July weekend. It’s been spotted at the beach, at fireworks displays, and at patriotic bar crawls (which are a real thing around here- I swear.) This year, this dress was my go-to during a friend’s cookout over the weekend.

I don’t own a lot of patriotic clothing, save for a couple of Captain America t-shirts and tank tops- so it’s nice to have something pretty, festive (without being over the top) and feminine to wear on hot and humid days.

The red and white striped form-flattering bodice of the dress zips up the front, so it’s easy to take the dress from day to night in a flash (you know what I’m talking about- I’m talking about showing a little bit of cleavage. Nothing crazy- just a little bit!) which is especially helpful if I’m trying to even out my tan lines while I’m outdoors for any great length of time.

The skirt, made from navy eyelet fabric- is flowy and comfortable. If I’m going to be participating in any outdoor activities (frisbee and highly competitive badminton are pretty common among my friends)– I usually wear navy shorts under the skirt, too. Just in case I take a dive and don’t want anyone seeing what else I’m wearing underneath this thing!

For shoes this year, I traded in flip flops or my usual nude wedge sandals for these super comfortable (and also semi-patriotic) pair of blue and white striped flats from Primark– no surprise there. I usually try to include one piece of Americana jewelry with this ensemble but I think the shoes and the bodice are enough of a combination where matching accessories aren’t really a necessity- and not being weighed down with bangles or necklaces helps me stay more limber when I’m active, too!

A good red lipstick was all I needed for an extra pop of color on my complexion- and I was good to go! (The shade I used is MAC’s “Como La Flor” red from their Selena-inspired collection- in case anyone was wondering!)

I’m hoping those of you celebrating here in the States have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July- filled with plenty of fireworks, perfectly prepared potato salad and clear, sunny skies!

xx

– Ashley –

Favorites: June 2017!

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on Favorites: June 2017!

We’re almost near the end of the month, and one of my posting traditions back at Legally Redhead was to share the items/products/miscellaneous things that I had discovered and/or otherwise enjoyed over the previous weeks. Most Vloggers call this their “Hits & Misses” list, or just “Favorite Things”- but I don’t typically upload anything to YouTube apart from the sporadic concert clips now and then- so I just photograph and/or categorize them there!

A good portion of June was spent at various beaches around New England- typically on the weekends or afternoons off from work- so a lot of the items (particularly cosmetics and hair care!) that I got plenty of use out of this past month were surf and sun-appropriate.

Let’s take a look at those before I dive into some of the other random things I’ve been loving lately!

Sun Bum is a brand I discovered through my favorite surf shop in New Hampshire a couple of years ago- and I always make it a point to stock up whenever I’m in the area and pop by for a visit. Not only are the company’s collection of SPFs, tanning oils and hair sprays/protectors are not only super effective for anyone and everyone planning on catching some rays- but they all smell like a delicious combination of bananas and coconuts, too. If that doesn’t get you into a tropical state of mind- I don’t know what will!

Lately I’ve been utilizing two of their products more than usual- their after-sun cooling lotion, which keeps my skin hydrated and smooth after I’ve been in the salt water all afternoon- and their leave-in conditioner spray (infused with Argan Oil and sunflower seed oil). The spray has been a lifesaver when it comes to preventing my hair from getting dried out or damaged in these scorching Summer temperatures!

I’ve also been coveting those healthy, beachy, “spent all day surfing” waves (even when I’m at work!) so I’ve been turning to Not Your Mother’s Texturizing Hair Cream after my showers in the morning to smooth away frizz and define the shape of my curls a little more. This cream feels like a paste on contact, but once it’s spread evenly in the hands and fingers it glides through damp hair easily and dries quickly. The result are mattified, natural-looking waves- no salt water needed!

I recently wrote about my experience with introducing Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask into my regimen- and I’ve continued to maintain amazing results with it. This was definitely a stand-out product for me in June, and I still have so much of it left that I know I’m going to be using it throughout July, August- and maybe have enough of it for September, too!

And we all know how much I love spoiling myself with new clothes/accessories/shoes at Primark in Downtown Crossing- but I was unaware that they make incredibly efficient and surprisingly low-priced cosmetics, too. One of my favorite finds in the month of June was this sparkly, slightly golden-hued bronzing oil for the face & body. I like to mix this in with my moisturizers and body creams before applying liberally to give myself an extra boost of hydration and a natural-looking sun-kissed glow, too. For someone as pale as I am- this is a big deal!

Pssst- it’s only $4.50, too!

I honestly don’t know how I got on without spray versions of sunscreen when I was younger. They are just SO much easier to use than traditional lotions/sticks/etc. You just spray them all over, give yourself a quick pat-down to make sure everything is covered- and boom- you can enjoy your time in the sun until it’s time to reapply. This SPF50 formula from Top Care was inexpensive and is currently nestled in my beach tote for whenever I venture outdoors for any great length of time.

The formula isn’t sticky or greasy- and dries clear- which is important when you own an all black bikini like I do and don’t the fabric to get ruined or discolored!

In the Summer, I really like my lips to pop (okay, so that’s during every season, but-) and another favorite-find from Primark was this screaming neon pink lipstick/lip gloss combo from the company’s Havana-inspired seasonal collection. At $3 a tube, I wasn’t sure what to expect- but the color is so rich, so pigmented, and so long-lasting that it could easily be the best $3 I’ve ever spent anywhere.

I’m head over heels in love with the color and the creamy, non-drying formula!

One last item from Primark- I swear. I couldn’t resist snatching up these pink and gold oversized cat-eye sunglasses for my recent beach excursion with my friends this past weekend (pictures will be up shortly!) These shades seem to fit the shape my face really well and the colors of the lenses combined with the subtle sparkle of the frames are DAZZLING in the sunshine. You can see a couple of shots of the shades HERE and HERE through my Instagram.

I seriously just feel cooler than cool whenever I have these on- which has been all the time lately!

Okay, hear me out- I know that canned wine sounds a little tacky and more than a bit gross- but most of the beaches around here have some pretty strict “no glass bottles” policies (completely understandable, of course. Nobody wants to step on broken glass while they’re barefoot in the sand!) so when I want to get my rosé wine on while I sprawl out on my towel under my umbrella- my options are a little but limited.

Fortunately, though- Underwood’s canned wines are actually really, really good and well-made, you guys. These have been awesome to have stored in a cooler when I’m on the shore with my friends because they’re convenient and taste delicious (and aren’t overpriced like some bottles can be!)

I’m actually incorporating some into an upcoming Summer drink recipe I’m making soon- so keep an eye out!

I think that’s everything that I could photograph easily- but there’s still a few other things that made my list of favorites, too!

– MUSIC/MOVIES –

The Killers – “The Man” – Who would have thought that one single from a yet-to-be-released album would be my most-played track this month? Fusing a bit of Bowie with a little bit of Queen- my favorite band has returned with a bold, confident and swagger-filled anthem for the ages. With lyrics like “They kiss on the ring/I carry the crown/Nothing can break-nothing can break me down”- it’s really difficult NOT to get pumped up while listening to this. I’m so excited for the new album (and the tour that will undoubtedly follow!)

Lorde – “Melodrama” – Speaking of anthems for the ages- Lorde is back with a new album this month and it’s SO good! I’ve been jamming out to this one while I’m shuttling back and forth between the office and it just puts me in such a good mood. My favorite track varies day-to-day, but right now I’m loving “Homemade Dynamite” the best. Check back with me in a few days and I’m sure it will have changed again!

– TECH/APPS –

“Ice-Cream, Please!” – What if I told you there was an app, similar to Uber, but instead of hailing affordable transportation to your destination- it hailed nearby ice cream trucks to come to your location so you can indulge your creamsicle craving, instead? Yes- it’s a real thing. Yes- it works. Yes- it’s amazing- and yes- the app is free! I’ve been having an absolute blast with this one- especially when I get the opportunity to blow my friend’s minds by having an ice cream truck roll up to us when we’re out at any given point.

This one is gonna’ save your Summer, everyone. Mark my words!

________________________________

And I think that’s pretty much it for my June 2017 favorites! Not a bad compilation of things, if I do say so myself!

If you have any favorites from June/recommendations for July that you’d like to share- feel free to drop me a line!

xx

– Ashley –

OOTD: Athleisure

by Ashley DeLarge4 Comments on OOTD: Athleisure

I am very much an outdoorsy type of girl, and while I consider my natural habitat to be pretty much anywhere oceanside or within close proximity to the beach- I’ve never been opposed to hikes through the woods, treks up mountains, or even just a stroll through the park. Of course, New England’s often unpredictable weather tends to make some of those excursions a little difficult (“Treadmill Season” is what I usually call it when I’m confined to the indoors due to things like snow, sleet or the occasional tornado but still need to fit a workout into my schedule!) so I more than make up for lost quality time with the kinder side of Mother Nature once Spring and Summer roll around these parts and I spend as much time outdoors as I can- keeping my body moving and continue getting into and/or maintaining my shape.

… And every Summer, I like to treat myself a little bit for sticking to my guns and working towards my fitness goals all throughout the Winter/Spring by updating my workout wardrobe with a few new pieces, too!

Feeling comfortable and confident are key when it comes to owning any outfit, but especially when that outfit is going to be used for exercising- which, let’s face it- isn’t always the most glamorous thing in the world. Lightweight and breathable fabrics are a must and if you can find anything that is totally and completely equipped to handle sweat- even better!

When the good folks over at Adore Me– the go-to site for designer lingerie at awesome prices- asked me to share my ideal “Athleisure” (athletic wear that can also double as leisurely attire) now that Summer is underway- I knew right away what ensemble I wanted to spotlight. Best part? Every piece of it came from my favorite treasure trove of affordable fashion in Downtown Crossing- Primark! Can you say convenient?

What I love about these stretchy, slimming, and really comfortable purple and black workout pants/leggings is that they give me enough support without slowing me down the way other made-for-the-gym style bottoms can by being made with materials that feel way too heavy or that have any kind of shape wear (literally the most uncomfortable things in the world apart from wearing a suit of armor while doing squats) built into them. These move with my body- which means the fabric doesn’t stretch or tear. I can run, jump, roll, and lift without worrying!

And while the loose-fitting tank top I’m wearing might not necessarily look like anything out of this world- it’s actually designed with fabric that helps maintain a safe body temperature for me no matter how hot I get while I’m in the middle of a workout. Given our recent heat wave- this thing definitely came in handy while I was out and about.

Of course- I couldn’t NOT wear my favorite pair of holograph sneakers (also from Primark!), could I? These shoes go with everything and are just so comfortable that I take them with me all the time- be it to the gym, a local show/concert, or even just to a friend’s house to hang out. I love them! Always be sure you can stand walking/running in your shoes for a while before you commit to them full-time. Nothing slows down a workout faster than sore feet!

Primark has different color combinations of the pants and the tank top- and I own a few more shades so that I can alternate or mix and match while properly caring for/washing these pieces as I go. If you don’t have a Primark near you- I definitely recommend checking out their website (linked above!) to order some of their stuff online.

What’s great about these types of outfits is that I can wear them to the gym but also when I’m out just running errands because the whole thing together looks sporty and comfortable. I just throw my hair back with an elastic or a headband, toss my sunglasses on and I’m ready to go grocery shopping, grab a latte, walk my dog or check my mail.

MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES:

For these low-maintenance types of outfits, you don’t really need anything more than:

  • Some decent earbuds
  • A kick-ass, upbeat playlist to blast through those earbuds I just suggested to keep you motivated and get your blood pumping!
  • A water bottle filled with ice water so you can stay cool and hydrated- which is always so important this time of year!
  • A light wristlet to carry around your phone/keys/cards/cash/etc. There’s nothing worse than thinking you left one of the essentials somewhere at the gym and having to backtrack to find them.

If you have your own Athleisure must-haves or tips/tricks- feel free to share!

xx

– Ashley –