Trendy Classic

Jeans: Billabong - Button Down: Forever21 - Vest: Old Navy 

I don't know about you but when I go to write a blog post, my mind drifts and wants to just talk about what's going on in life instead of fashion. Some moms have asked me if I always look like this; dressed for the day, ready to go. Heck. to the NO. As a stay at home mom, I often can be found in my PJ's or gym clothes. They're comfortable and ready for combat. By combat, I mean snotty noses and food residue. I feel that I can organize, play outside with the babes, and do projects when I'm 'run down' in sweats. Every mom can relate to me when I say that sweats and the like are the best for dealing with our daily tasks. 

     When I do leave the house, though, whether it's for a play date for the babes or meeting a client for some shopping, I will be a little more "polished". That doesn't mean I'm fake. I believe that you should dress for the occasion. If I'm scrubbing toilets, MOST of the time I'm not wearing heels or diamonds. If I'm meeting a client for decor or fashion, you probably won't find me in sneakers with no makeup. 

     A lot of women just aren't into 'the girly stuff'; the clothes, the makeup, the shopping. And that's TOTALLY fine. You do your thing, girl. However, I've heard many mommas say they used to look cute before they had kids or 'when they were younger'. Every woman goes through different seasons, so if you're in a schlump, that's fine, too. But, if your schlump has turned into a few years, it's a strong possibility you've grown too comfortable with where you are. A lot of moms feel guilty for taking the time to do their hair and makeup, or quite frankly, they're just too tired. Believe me, I totally understand! I've learned the extra hour of sleep is more valuable than curling my hair. I'm still five years behind on sleep. God, give me rest! ;) 

      I've been thinking about making videos specifically for mommas who want to be encouraged with where they are at, and where they want to be. Please email me and let me know if you want to see that. Feedback is my only way of knowing if you would watch it. If so, email me with questions you want me to answer, generally or specifically. 

I so look forward to hearing back from you!! Have a splendid day!!

->Ashley

Shoot with Natalie Broach Photography Pt. 2

I hope y'all enjoyed the first half of my pics, cause the second half is pretty much awesome, too! :)

When Natalie mentioned the style being etheral and elegant, I knew I wanted to wear my wedding dress. Yes, this is what I wore when I said "I do" my to husband. Loved it and don't regret it!

The backdrop was so "Lion King"-esque. The marsh blending with the trees and the hazy sky.......Yes, and Amen!

My dress is from Cache. I was never too fond of their style, but when I saw this dress in there, I knew it was the one. Ironically, I don't like the color pink very much! Here's a link to a similar one here and here

Shoot with Natalie Broach Photography Pt. 1

Natalie has been a good friend of mine for many years. In fact, after we met, we realized our growing up had intertwined with each other. Mutual friends, churches, and coincidences that make you wonder how we had never met before. That's Natalie! She has done our family photography since we had Robey and we love her style. She's willing to go with my crazy idea like we did last year.

Since Natalie is a professional photographer, she's always been too busy to create shoots that she comes up with. Her work is usually families, babies, weddings, etc.. So when she talked to me about doing a fun, quick shoot that was her idea, I was THERE, baby!
       Here is the first half of photos we shot.

Natalie was going for the etheral, sweet, and almost Ralph Lauren look.

The location was beautiful, and it was storming all that day so we were SO grateful the sun came out at the last minute.

I got a lot of good experience in for picture taking. I tried the serious 'Ralph Lauren Look'. It takes some serious talent to achieve that look so I hope I somewhat got it down!

Okay, let's talk about it! This pic is by far my Fave!!! It's like it should be hanging up in a surf shop or something, in my opinion

I couldn't decide which one I liked better, the color version or the black and white so I posted both. I have to be honest, not vain, and say my hair totally rocks here!! haha Natalie's photoshop skills are impeccable!

My sister made the flower crown using twine and fake blossoms from around her house.

I loved working with Natalie! She is always THE SWEETEST and knows what she's doing. The funny thing about these pictures is they came out looking so peaceful and sweet, but every take we would break to shake our whole bodies to get the gnats away. Oh my goodness, they were DREADFUL!! But I would totally do it everyday if I could. It was a blast
Natalie found the dress last minute at Forever 21 and it was very comfy. The bell sleeves, I think, made the whole look. A little too short for my every day living, but it totally worked for the shoot. I didn't find the exact one, but here's one that's pretty darn close.

Natalie's site, Natalie's Facebook page
Thanks for looking!

->Ashley

Day to Night

DAY

To NIGHT

Shirt: J. Crew - Jeans: Billabong, similar here, but keeping my eye out for these bad boys - Sweater duster: Banana Republic via Salvation Army - Scarf: Forever21 

Outfit 2: Shirt: Same - Blazer: last worn here - Leggings: Max Studio via TJ Maxx - Shoes: Bandalino, similar here and here - Shades: Forever21

Hey y'all! So I recently fell in love with this scarf while sick in bed and shopping online to ease my nausea....side note: it doesn't help. Anyways, I found this beautiful, classic printed scarf at Forever21 and thought it would be perfect to add some sass to a day time outfit and switch it up for a night time look. Forever21 has so many great scarves(and even more in-store) that could polish off any look. They're so inexpensive, but add a nice, chic look to almost any outfit. While there are tons of ways to tie and wear a scarf, I always end up just crossing it over once and wearing it like so. 

        Scarves are the perfect piece to wear for transitioning into spring. You're already used to wearing the thicker, warmer scarves; switching it out for a lightweight, spring colored piece is any easy switch.

Have you gotten any scarves recently? What's your favorite way to wear them?

->Ashley

the hair

Top: Gift from grandparents' trip to Italy, similar here - Leggings: Max Studio via TJ Maxx, similar here  - Boots: ROSS, similar here - Necklace: Forever21 old, really digging this and this

Hey y'all! As you've noticed, I've been changing up my hair a bit. It grows extremely fast so, while it is still short, it's now long enough to put it in curlers. I know I have so many people asking me to do a hair tutorial video and I promise I am hearing you!!!! My computer webcam SUCKS! And I've tried it with my iphone. It didn't go over well. I'm waiting to get a good camera so I can get good video as well as possibly incorporating some home decor in, cause let's face it - good quality cameras make such a difference in home decor. If I do get a camera in the near future, you can bet I'll be saying goodbye to my hotness of a garage for the most part. :) In the meantime, do you have any great quality camera suggestions??

Toodaloo

->Ashley

daytime sequins

 

Jeans: hand me down - Top: Target - Jacket: Express via Marshall's, similar here - Shoes: old, similar here - Bracelet: hand me down - Necklace: Christmas gift from parents. It has a tightly rolled paper with a verse on it. Love it!

I'm sorry I haven't been posting lately. Sickness has consumed our home for the last 3 weeks and we are finally in the clear. It's the typical time of year that germs are spreading everywhere, but it was also my son, Robey's, 6th birthday. I know everyone says it, but I truly cannot believe he is 6!!! Do you understand I was going to marry Wes Sellars when I was six?!!! Robey's 6. He can now view women as their potential life partner. I highly doubt that relationship will actually sustain itself through 15 more years, but there's a possibility. :)


->Ashley

Universal

 Trousers: GAP, similar here and here - Tunic: Choies - Bag: Cynthia Rowley, similar style - Earrings: Express - Bracelet: TJ Maxx

So, I totally feel great wearing this outfit. I feel best in wide legs and longer, looser tops. It feels so Rachel Zoe to me. I like it best because I feel on trend without showing too much skin. These days, the more skin you show, the better. I think it's great to beat a challenge by wearing something trendy without compromising.

Big girls, I'm here for ya!

How to wear this outfit:

You ready for it? Are you sure? Okay:

Don't change a thing

• Isn't that great?! The bell bottom gives the illusion of length and, combined with the longer tunic, actually narrows your width....AKA: it makes you look thinner. I've heard many women say they don't wish they were taller when, in my opinion, I think taller is always better. :) 

• The best choice of pants would be the darkest wash and try to get ones where the bottom hem skims the ground. 
•  NEVER wear pants that leave 2+" of shoe heel showing. It makes your waist look wider. 

->Ashley