OOTD: Keeping Up with the Addams-es…

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I’ve been a firecracker of productivity this week- slaying at work and getting all sorts of things done post-office before I eventually fall asleep at night. I had said before that October tends to be a busier-than-usual-month for me, what with all the Halloween-related festivities and all- and this year is no exception to that tradition. It feels like I’ve been going non-stop!

After work tonight, some friends from the office and I will be venturing down to Rhode Island to enjoy some hard cider and see a famous annual Jack-O-Lantern exhibit I haven’t been able to make it to in a couple of years- so I’m pretty excited. It’s a fitting event for the final days before Halloween.

But today I thought I’d share one of my coziest, warmest, and potentially spooky ensembles I wore earlier this week to work. Between the over-sized black and white sweater and matching socks- a friend who had recently seen me try this on in my apartment joked that I looked like Wednesday Addams. I think it may be a combination of her and Lydia Deetz from “Beetlejuice”- but either way- it’s super comfy.

I wish I could remember exactly where I got this sweater from, but knowing me- I think I can safely assume it was Primark and I was probably getting ready to go on a trip or something when I bought it!

And the faux-leather boots are from Vera Wang. They’re super comfortable, match well with anything and everything- and have a bit of a chunky heel on them that gives me a little height and makes my posture look much better than it normally does when I’m standing/walking.

I’ll be back on Friday with some photos from tonight’s festivities before we break for the weekend and I take some time to put the finishing touches on my Halloween costume(s). I’m very, very excited to share them with you all!

But until then- enjoy your “Hump Day” and stay warm and spooky out there!

xx

– Ashley –

OOTD: Feminine Flannel

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I know I sure did- and I’ll be posting up all the details, photos and shopping splurges a little later on this week. Before I do that, though- I wanted to show off a simple, comfortable, but oh-so-cute “Summer To Fall” transitional piece I sported this past weekend during a family outing in New Hampshire!

Certain fabrics have always screamed Autumn or Winter to me- wool, cashmere, fleece, so on and so forth- but one fabric I’ve noticed regularly goes underappreciated in these “not too hot, not too cold” days that fall between late August and early September- flannel.

I’m a self-proclaimed aficionado of flannel sheets and the occasional over-sized hoodie as the temperatures begin to drop- but sometimes it’s nice to have a lightweight shirt you can throw on for early-Autumnal activities with a simple pair of leggings and comfortable moccasins. Such was the case with this long-sleeved, button up flannel shirt I recently picked up in the Valley that has a bit of an unexpected twist to it- a lace cutout along the back to allows for an easier time keeping cool under the sun.

The varying shades of brown and red scream “Fall!” to me- but the lace is a nice little reminder that it’s still warm out, too. I wasn’t pouring sweat in this thing- but I also wasn’t shivering by the time the sun began to set, too. It was the perfect top for perfect weather!

I’m sure I’ll be wearing a lot more of this as we continue to gradually move away from Summer’s heat and humidity- and I know it’s going to look great with a pair of fitted jeans and some new ankle boots, as well! I love pieces I can easily mix and match with other things in my wardrobe- and this shirt definitely fits the bill.

But with it being a Monday and my scheduled time at the office beginning right about now- I’ve got to head on out for the day. I’ll be back with a weekend recap this coming Wednesday- highlighting this year’s Seafood Festival and sharing the incredible deals I was able to find during my sidewalk sale perusing.

Until then, enjoy the start of your week, y’all!

xx

– Ashley –

OOTD: All Tied Up

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Two of my favorite trends from my childhood/teens have made a comeback for Summer 2019- and I couldn’t be more excited to revisit them (sadly, I’m still waiting for butterfly clips to return in all their glittery glory.)

I’m talking about neon and tie-dye- which often go hand in hand. While I’ve been sporting some pretty bold glow-in-the-dark shades on my nails, my eyes and with my accessories as of late- this tie-dye dress has been sitting in my closet for years. The last time I wore it was on a trip to the Cape in my mid-twenties- and I still have the photos of me posing with my friends on the beach while I had it on to prove it!

I can’t remember where I bought this dress, unfortunately- but if I had to take a guess I’d say it was probably up at one of the local beach-side boardwalk shops and I more than likely grabbed it because I desperately needed something with some color to it in my wardrobe for a spur of the moment event/party.

Now that tie-dye is officially having another moment I can wear it again without shame- and I’m so glad it still fits properly and comfortably!

Also, I’m loving the “blink and you’ll miss it” hearts that are printed along the bottom/side. They can easily get lost in all the bright hues mixed together- but they are there!

As usual, I paired this dress with my bright pink floral sandals from MODCLOTH and finished off the look with a pop of neon green eyeliner from FENTY. I feel bright, cheerful, fun and Summer-y in this dress- and I am going to be living in it until tie-dye eventually fizzles out and is replaced by the next resurgence of a long-forgotten trend.

And I’m going to enjoy every second of it while I do!

Before we break for the weekend in a few days, I’ve got a really fun, super tasty- and totally chill- dessert recipe to share on Friday. Until then- it’s off to work/meetings/appointments!

Enjoy your “Hump Day”, everyone!

xx

– Ashley –

OOTD: Your Best American Girl…

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone!

I hope those of you here in the States had a wonderful Fourth of July. Mine was exquisite- spent in the company of both longtime and new friends at various little get togethers, gatherings and potlucks. I’ll have a full recap of my night (and this coming weekend) within a few days- but first I wanted to share my spin on dressing patriotic without looking too over-the-top.

When I was a little kid, my mom liked to dress me to the nines for whatever holiday we were celebrating. Color-coordinated shirts/dresses, shorts/tights, shoes and hair accessories. For the Fourth of July- I was decked out in more Americana, red white and blue stuff than any clothing store had any business selling.

Now that I’m older- I’m all about looking festive but staying comfortable and practical. I want outfits that are easy to take from an afternoon cookout to evening fireworks- from evening fireworks to post-fireworks cocktails. I don’t want to look like I raided a novelty shop or catalog for the cheesiest America-themed pieces around- but I still want to show a little patriotism despite my current political views and opinions on this country not being exactly favorable at the moment.

For yesterday’s 4th of July celebrations- I figured two out of the three American colors wasn’t bad. I chose these little navy blue lace shorts (companions to the black ones I wore in my last OOTD post) and this slouchy, deep red billowy top with bell sleeves. The fabrics were lightweight and comfortable- which was a necessity since temperatures skyrocketed to the high 80s yesterday afternoon and humidity was at an all-time high.

There was no way I would have survived in denim or anything other than breathable cotton without pouring sweat!

For my shoes, I donned my favorite patriotic pair of flats that I’ve had for a few years now (and are still in mint condition) to incorporate some of the white in my red, white and blue.

And for those who saw me without sunglasses yesterday afternoon/evening- I utilized my blue FENTY liquid liner for an extra pop of color!

I’m sure next year I’ll try something a little different, like red and white or all white with pops of blue here and there- but we’ll see!

This weekend I’m heading to the beach, chilling a recipe for Summertime sweets I’ll have up a little later on next week- and getting some overdue errands done in-between time in the sun and surf!

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend ahead of you. Stay cool, stay hydrated, wear SPF (and reapply it often)– and stay safe!

See you again on Monday!

xx

– Ashley –

OOTD: Daily Affirmations

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday, everyone!

It’s a “sleep in” kind of start to my day today, since I took it off from work- but a little later on this afternoon I’m having the last of my furniture delivered to my new apartment and before they arrive- I may venture into Northampton for some coffee and some strawberry picking if the rain can stay away long enough!

Regardless of how my plans (weather permitting) turn out, it’s definitely a lounge wear sort of day- and keeping up with both familiarizing myself with and supporting local brands/businesses and artists here in the Valley- I treated myself to a little present on Father’s Day with this comfy, soft cotton tee-shirt by Secret Holiday & Co. that I picked up while perusing the super cute goods at Grapefruit in NoHo.

The mauve “BE BRAVE” written on the front is needed right now- not because I’m living alone in a new part of New England and it can be a shock to my system at times or because I’m in any sort of turmoil- but because someone very near and dear to me is. I’ve been worrying myself sick about the emotional and psychological toll the stress of the past couple of weeks has taken on him.

When I get exhausted or frustrated with the whole situation and everything that is causing him unnecessary pain- “BE BRAVE” is a nice little reminder to keep moving forward and to never stop doing the right thing for someone in distress regardless of how insurmountable the odds seem. It’s nice to have it on a shirt to remind other people to keep pressing on, too.

I’m pairing this cozy shirt with something equally comfortable- my black lace shorts (no denim for me today!) which are just as lightweight and breathable- especially since it’s going to be pretty humid later on!

A little later on this week I’ll have some updated photos of my new place and some more glimpses into the neighborhood before we break for the weekend! June has been FLYING by, you guys- and I haven’t even gone to the beach yet! There’s going to be so much to cram into the next couple of weeks before we get to the Fourth of July!

I intend to have a fun and productive “Hump Day”- and I hope you all do, too! See you on Friday!

xx

– Ashley –