Tag: Fashion Blogging

OOTD: Feeling Crabby…

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on OOTD: Feeling Crabby…

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone!

In exactly one week I’ll be soaring above the clouds on my way to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada to embark on a much needed vacation and road trip through the desert with my West Coast Wife- but before I do that- I’ve got to get through this work week, first!

This past weekend, although cloudy and a bit chilly- marked the 29th annual Seafood Festival at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. It’s a bit of a tradition for myself, my mother, and my cousin to attend at least one of the three days of the festival together every year- and after scoring this crab sweater from ModCloth on sale near the end of last month- I knew well in advance I’d have an appropriate (and fun!) outfit to wear for the occasion!

This sweater, knitted and fitted- features white stripes along both sleeves and a bright red crab front and center. It kept me warm, sure- especially when we stopped along the shore to watch the waves for a while- but it was also a huge hit with other attendees and vendors who kept asking me where I got it.

I’m a big fan of Nautical style, which is pretty prominent along the coastal towns in New England. Anything with anchors, lighthouses and seashells automatically catches my eye- but I’ve been really feeling anything with sea life print, too. Crabs, octopus, seahorses, etc. When done subtlety and simple- like this sweater- they can look so cute!

I paired this new wardrobe favorite with a simple pair of white lace shorts and my white and silver glitter slide sandals so I could stay comfortable while I was scarfing lobster and scallops and looking through the racks of the seaside shops for great deals and steals. I found some fantastic stuff- which I’ll share a little later on this week.

And now, like every Monday morning- I’ve got to throw back some coffee and get to work. There’s even more to do this week since I’ll be out of the office by this time next Monday- so I’ve got to stay one step ahead!

Later on this week I’ve got a haul post where I’ll share some of my finds from the Seafood Festival- and yes, plenty of photos of the food itself. I’m also putting the finishing touches on my Autumn Playlist- which seems appropriate more than ever since the forecast calls for some rain and brisk temperatures over the next few days. Fall is officially here- and I am ready for it!

Here’s hoping you all have a great start to your week and that we make it through the next few days unscathed! One step closer to Friday!

xx

– Ashley –

OOTD: She’s a Rainbow…

by Ashley DeLarge1 Comment on OOTD: She’s a Rainbow…

Good Morning and Happy “Hump Day” everyone!

Two OOTD (Outfit of The Day) posts in one week? As Summer winds down and I try to get as much wear out of my hotter-months-wardrobe as possible, I have more and more pieces and ensembles to share before they go back into storage and I have to break out my sweaters and boots for the Fall again!

It goes without saying that I wear a *lot* of brighter colors in the Spring/Summer- and when I stumbled on this bright purple mini-skirt in my closet last week, I knew I had to find a top bold enough to pair with it. This multi-colored, striped, billowy blouse I picked up a couple of years ago (and typically wear with jeans and flip flops when I’m out running errands) was perfect.

Not only do the shades remind me of the tropics with the aquas, pinks and green/yellows- but I can wear my go-to flowered sandals for the Summer and look seasonal while staying comfortable at the office or out with my friends after a long day at work.

As far as makeup goes, I always believe in keeping it simple for the Summer- and turned to a tangerine-toned lipstick from Maybelline I had picked up back in May in preparation for the season. My nails are presently a really bright sea green color, too- so I didn’t think any jewelry was necessary. As much fun as I have in this outfit- I didn’t want to over-do it.

I’m going to miss this top and the skirt so much when I have to put them away again for the Fall/Winter.

But I digress. On Friday, before I head out for the weekend- I’m taking a look back on the past few days (including beach trips, rainy day hangouts and some late night cookie cravings)– and preparing to share a couple more recipes and Summer spots around New England while it’s still hot enough outside to enjoy them!

Enjoy your Wednesday, everyone! We’re almost to the end of the week!

xx

– Ashley –

OOTD: Polka Dot Pin-Up

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on OOTD: Polka Dot Pin-Up

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone!

The weekend never feels quite long enough for me. Especially when it rains most of the time. Although the cooler temperatures were a nice break from the stifling heat and humidity we’ve been dealing with as of late- having to spend the majority of my days off indoors or beneath an umbrella can feel like a waste during the Summertime!

Yesterday afternoon, the sun came out just long enough between torrential downpours for me to enjoy a quick brunch with friends. Having spent the majority of Saturday in yoga pants and a hoodie to run errands- I wanted to dress up a bit- and found this navy blue, polka-dotted pin-up number from Betsey Johnson I had been gifted after a fashion show a few years ago in the back of my closet.

The dress, which still fits like a glove (and I’m so thrilled that it does!) has a fitted bodice, with a zipper up the side- and flowing skirt that accentuates my figure and gives me a fun, vintage pin-up look.

Although my sense of style continues to evolve and change as time goes by and I get older, dresses like these- which draw inspiration from some of my all-time favorite fashion icons like Bettie Page and Tura Satana- will always be welcome additions to my wardrobe and worn as often as possible.

And, with any pin-up-style dress, they can be easily accessorized with simple pearl earrings, or a pearl necklace- and comfortable pump shoes. You can’t see my pearl earrings underneath my hair, but my navy pumps (re-used from a previous Peggy Carter cosplay for Comic-Con!) matched the dress perfectly.

Finally, with a few coats of mascara and a swipe of my red/orange cream lipstick I’ve been wearing all Summer- I was ready to go.

I’m looking forward to wearing this dress a little later on this week for post-office dinner and cocktails since it’s pretty versatile! It’s work-appropriate (with my little white cardigan fastened over it to keep me covered and protected when the office AC is on full blast) and will look so cute when I’m out on the town at night!

But with yet another Monday underway, I’ve got to get started on catching up on my e-mails, voicemails, and cases- as is my usual Monday morning routine. I’m already anxious for Friday to get here and I’m hoping for a sunnier week ahead!

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful start to your week. I hope this Monday is easy on you!

xx

– Ashley –

OOTD: August Brights

by Ashley DeLarge1 Comment on OOTD: August Brights

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone!

What a whirlwind weekend I had. Literally. While I was spending time with my mother on Saturday morning, a F1 tornado touched down in her town and caused some pretty significant damage to the Main Street/downtown area and surrounding side streets. Thankfully, there were no deaths or injuries reported- which is a big deal considering we’re not used to (or particularly prepared for) twisters in rural Massachusetts- but quite a few people were displaced in the aftermath.

Saturday’s storm/tornado is the second I’ve narrowly dodged since a F3 swept across a highway I was traveling on back in 2011- and the one thing that still sends a chill up my spine to this day is the sound it made. While taking cover in my mother’s cellar with her and Oliver (who was such a brave little dog throughout the ordeal!)– it sounded like a freight train was speeding by eerily close to where we were sitting. It was the same noise I had heard on that highway back in 2011. It lasted only a few seconds- but it was pretty insane and intense.

My mother’s home wasn’t damaged at all, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that- and yesterday’s weather was clear and sunny- which made it a lot easier for those performing cleanup to the affected areas. It could have been so much worse, but we got really, really lucky.

Yesterday afternoon, after running some errands and taking a much-needed breather following such a close call- I met up with friends for a late lunch/early dinner to decompress and get myself back into a good state of mind. It was pretty hot out- so I opted for this bright aqua sun dress with subtle silver beading along the straps to stay cool and comfortable.

I can’t remember where I got this dress, honestly. I’ve had it for years- but instinct tells me it was probably up at Hampton Beach and more than likely during their annual Seafood Festival. I usually find really cute pieces for amazing prices when I stop by during that time.

I just know I love the color, which was flattering back when I was a redhead but seems to really look lovely and Summery now that I’ve got blonde curls going on. To keep things bright and cheerful, I paired the dress with my pink floral sandals from ModCloth and matched my lipstick shade (Urban Decay!) to the shoes to give my face a flush of color.

I’m hoping to get some more wear out of this dress before the end of Summer- and since it’s pretty versatile- I have a feeling it’s going to be making an appearance in my office within the next week or so. If I need to cover up the beaded straps for any reason- I have a white, short-sleeved cardigan I can pull on over it.

And now with a brand new work-week underway, I’ve got to dive right into my voicemails, e-mails, and caseloads to try and get my schedule clear by Friday and not have to worry about a thing!

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful Monday and a steady, easygoing week ahead!

xx

– Ashley –

OOTD: In The Navy…

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on OOTD: In The Navy…

Good Morning, Happy Friday- and Happy Friday The 13th, everyone!

Before I finish up early at work, head out to stock up on bug spray and snacks, and venture out into the woods for an overnight Jason Vorhees-inspired camp out to commemorate this most creepy of dates with some friends- I wanted to share one of my favorite Summertime pieces that was under $10! Yes, you read that right- under $10!

This navy blue, cotton, strapless dress- courtesy of Primark– was unsurprisingly intended to be a bikini cover-up. But, when the temperatures soar and I want to be able to be out and about without sweating through or sticking to fabrics- this little number comes in handy!

This dress is lightweight and stops mid-thigh, making it easy to accessorize with sandals/flats without having to worry about it getting even shorter. I also love the crocheting around the mid-section, which makes this look super flattering!

I wore this dress this past weekend during my afternoon excursion to Georges Island- and paired it with a simple tan Panama hat and comfortable navy and white striped flats to make maneuvering around Fort Warren and the surrounding beach a little easier and safer.

And, as usual- I framed my face with my favorite pair of cat-eye shades from Quay Sunglasses! I was comfortable (even when exploring a spooky abandoned fort) and looked ready to go from beach-to-yacht-to-seaside-dinner in no time at all!

If I’m wearing this dress out at night, I tend to wear a little more bling with it to make it feel a bit more fancy- and if I’m feeling more daring- I’ll skip the flats/sandals and go with a modest wedge heel that isn’t too high.

But for under $10- this dress was a great buy that gets a ton of use in the hotter months!

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your Friday and a ton of fun this coming weekend! If you’re superstitious- be extra careful today. And, if you’re not superstitious- try not to wander into any abandoned Summer camps anyway, okay? You never know what (or who) is lurking out there!

See you all on Monday!

xx

– Ashley –