Author

Ashli

Transitions and Long Sleeves

written by Ashli

dear mother nature, fall doesnt officially begin until September 22 so why was it that the DAY after Labor Day temps are now chilly, people are looking forward to their pumpkin spice lattes (CAN WE HAVE A NEW TRENDY DRINK NOW PLEASE DEAR GOD) and i’m pretty sure i saw someone in a fur vest which, yes, also way to early but it HAPPENED.

i’m equally not ready to say goodbye to summer and still looking forward to fall weather but that’s just the thing – FORWARD. so whats the best mix of summer and fall? easy. you’re favorite one piece romper that you wear until its JUUUSSSSTTTT too cold not to anymore. although featured here is my favorite romper of summer, i’ve also linked long sleeve options below that you can wear in the fall as is, or even in the winter with a fur vest and over the knee boots.

GET. IT. GIRL.

no really you can get the exact one clicking here and a similar one by clicking here.

as we move from fun exciting lighthearted summertime into a new season, we experience a renewed sense of self – an opportunity to always check in with yourself, your future, your morals, your mindset, etc. let’s all continue to move forward, optimistically and, if you’re me, in my new favorite transitional piece.

Processed with VSCO with q9 preset

asafasf Processed with VSCO with m6 preset

hope your summer was as wonderful and fulfilling as mine – cheers to the beginning of a refreshing and brand new season

xx Ashli

September 8, 2017 0 comment

PERSONAL STYLE

Control + Choice

written by Ashli

if i had a dollar for every time someone called me a “type A” personality, i would organize all 6,000 of those dollars so they faced the same way, would google ways to invest 6,000 $1 bills and document who gave them to me in an excel spreadsheet. i am “Type A” to the max which normally works to my benefit in the sense that this type of personality is normally linked to ambition and high energy, but not so much that i can tend to over-dictate how my life should go.

but doesn’t the beauty of life lie in the fact that we never really know what’s coming at us? i’ve learned in the past few years that a lot of what i try to control is just, in essence, wrong for me. whether its staying in a relationship because you “want it to work out” or a friendship because you have tons of mutual friends … whatever it is. i’ve found so much joy and so many better things by letting things go, as cliche as that sounds.

the hardest part for me was HOW to let go. how do you drop something – a habit, a way of doing things, a mindset, a friend, an ex, whatever it may be? if you’re a close friend of mine, you’re probably sick of hearing me consistently say “if you control your mind, you control your world” and its TRUE. the best way for me to let go of things was simply to continually remind myself that sometimes i’m trying to control the WRONG situation, when the RIGHT situation is just around the corner. some things are out of my reach.

all i can control is myself.

i can’t control what anyone thinks of me, i can’t control what people expect from me, i can’t control how people react to me or act towards me or speak to me, etc. i can control my reactions, my thoughts, my actions, etc. and i do! i choose my life. thoughtfully.

don’t worry though, i fail all the time. i still try to control my life, but the grip is lessening and the wonderful things i never could have expected have shown me i’m on the right track.

Happy Monday to you, my loves!

(PSSSSSSSSSSST – my dress is WAY ON SALE and you can find it by clicking here, for now there are other floral dresses below too!! xx)

August 7, 2017 0 comment

MUST HAVE PERSONAL STYLE

Safety Net

written by Ashli

we’ve all been there, friends. you sleep past your alarm. the guy/girl you like texts you to meet for drinks last minute. you *completely* forget one of your good friends birthday dinners. a friend gets dumped and needs a night out to forget.

LAST MINUTE PLANS. i can always get my life together in a jiffy, thankfully enough. “WHERE DO I NEED TO BE AND HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE?! 10 mins?! ok bye!” we all do it. and we all figure it out. the toughest part of all of this is finding yourself that last minute look to race out the door in. any girl has her full makeup routine and her “oh shit” 2-minute makeup routine. so what do you have for your go-to outfit?

this one is mine, my beloved, my saving grace. my “always works” throw it on and go outfit (tip: always better if its a dress!). if it looks good at work, on a date, and out with your friends, you’ve mastered the art of finding the “safety net” outfit. CONNNNNNNNGRATS.

my particular one is from Zara and sold out (womp womp) but here are others that i stand by as solid options for all three previously mentioned last minute occasions. now whenever you wake up an hour late for work, then forget you have happy hour at 6:30, which turns into a night on the town, you’ll be all set 🙂

xx Ashli

July 26, 2017 0 comment

MUST HAVE

EYE SPY: Slide On All Your Nights Like This

written by Ashli

if you don’t get that the title of this post is from a Calvin Harris song, then like….i mean, i’m judging you…

…but its fine you can stay. i forgive you, time to Mulan this thing so let’s get down to businessssss.

MY NEW FAVORITE SHOES and the biggest shoe trend definitely in the streets of NYC are what we in the bizzz called a “slide” or a “mule” and they go with LITERALLY everything. i used to be such a jeans + white tee kind of girl so i could jazz up my accessories and acquire a “balance” but now i say EFF the balance, and have embraced “more is more”. that red satin pair? sure you can wear that with a white skirt and a black cami, fine – do you. HOWEVER – would it not look gangster as HELL to rock it with a hot pink dress and a purple bag? layer on that color girl -it’s SUMMA TIME.

i own the top left and wear them…consistently. top right? maybe my favorite shoes that have ever been created. especially with a black romper. all of these are knockouts and you can find them in the links belowww 🙂

tan slide // red satin // black pointed // black slide // grey suede // black lucite

HAPPY SHOPPING

xoxo Ashli

July 21, 2017 0 comment

FASHION LIFE PERSONAL STYLE

keep it simple, stupid.

written by Ashli

life is simple. as. SH*T. guys.

EASY. PEEZY.

it’s NOT HARD.

yet we are humans and we complicate things we have emotions and things arent black and white and we are complex creatures and we have many instances in life that make us differ from one another. sure, yes true, fine, TINA. you’re correct.

BUT.

i think i found the simple solution to a happy life. i know this differs for everyone but after all of my findings (aka opinions) this is what works for me. i don’t mean to be dramatic or act like the car accident i got in was the worst thing ever. i get that it could’ve been way worse and i am so thankful it wasnt, but it did affect *me*. especially in a way i am thankful for. which made me realize.

while looking out over the East River? k sure, but i realized before too. keep scrolling.

i truly believe that the secret to happiness is to stay grateful, truly grateful. and yes, i know how corny that sounds. but THINK ABOUT IT. what do you wish you could change right now? your relationship? your job? your apartment? think of all the time you spend thinking about how you wish it was different, how you can change it, how you want to get out. NOW think about those hours per day (because you know for some things, you reflect on this EVERY DAY), what if you spent that time thinking about the parts of it that make you feel lucky? to feel thankful?

you chose that apartment because of all of the other ones, thats the one you wanted. you chose the job because after interviewing you thought “i could see myself there”. you chose the relationship because you felt seen, understood, butterflies, whatever. this applies to your closet, the city you live in, etc. etc. etc.

you CHOSE the life surrounding you, the life you tend to complain about from time to time. we CHOSE these parts of our lives. sit back and observe how many hours you devote to internally hating on something in your life for a week, then next week, challenge yourself to spend that SAME amount of time thinking thankful thoughts, doing something above and beyond, telling your job/relationship/friends that you appreciate xyz about them. do things that say “HEY THANKS” and watch your perspective change.

i’ll do it along with you and we can test this theory together. worst case scenario, we all put a little more gratitude out in the world. <3

xo Ashli

July 16, 2017 0 comment

MUST HAVE

[MUST HAVE] It Bag – Cult Gaia

written by Ashli

here’s the thing: i’m the child of two early adopters. my house growing up was always chock full of the first versions of things, from technology to music and so on. it’s no surprise i would grow to love fashion, trendy pieces, and seeing styles that others might think are bizarre and knowing the potential they had. i call it a gift! just like my ability to eat a magnitude of carbs in one sitting without having a heart attack.

cut to last summer when the slew of bloggers i follow on Instagram all starting wearing this one bag that i couldnt recognize (and thats coming from someone who works in handbags) but also totally needed immediately. i scoured the internet, found the new love of my closet only to see it was on a waitlist of a few months. UGHHHHHHHHHH FINE. its like a boy who doesnt text you back now you just think about it MORE. i signed up for the Gaia’s Ark bag in Natural, the Small Size.

AND THE HEAVENS OPENED AND THERE IT WAS

so then the waiting game ensued. of course there were other options like the ones before but i wanted the original. square 1. first edition. the classic man, ya know? even though these did all give me the emoji heart eyes

needless to say, i now have my bag and im OBSESSED with it! i can wear this with a date night dress or jeans and a tee shirt, what more could you ask for?? i personally bought the Small and think it’s the perfect size – the Large looks …awkward to me honestly and can only be worn in certain ways. the Small Natural Bamboo is $150 and worth every penny ! you can buy it by clicking here or any of the pictures above. it’s currently on Pre-sale on Cult Gaia and sounds like you’d receive in August – still enough time to enjoy in the summer and early Fall!

let me know if you choose one! i’d love to see you pics of whichever one you choose 🙂

xo Ashli

July 12, 2017 0 comment

FASHION INSIDE SCOOP LIFE MUST HAVE PERSONAL STYLE

Introducing: INSTANT SHOP!!

written by Ashli

EXCITING UPDATES MY FRIENDS!

i don’t know about you but when i’m creeping, i mean, scrolling through Instagram and i see someone with a super trendy outfit, or an InstaStory in a room with awesome decor, or an Instagram post of a few friends who all have cool “looks”, i go full on Veruca Salt screaming “MINE” in my head and wondering how i buy it and where and assuming they spent $900,000 on whatever they’re wearing because that is JUST MY LUCK.

well PROBLEM. SOLVED. friends! some of you may know the service LiketoKnow.It which sends you an email of Instagrams you have “liked” but you have to wait til the end of the week to get it and not all bloggers are involved with them. when I started weighing my options of LiketoKnow.It or Shopstyle, I figured, why not make this EASIER for you and give you instant access to any snapchat, InstaStory or Instagram post i upload? who wants to wait til Fridays?!?! #nobodygottimeforthat

NOW there’s a new nifty part of my site called “Shop my Instagram” which will have all of my looks available LIVE at the time i put up the pictures. YES. AT THAT MOMENT.

but wait, it gets better. instead of going to my site, clicking the button, etc. all you have to do is click that little link in my Instagram bio and BOOM you’ll have instant access to the outfit I’m wearing as well as some alternatives.

BUT STOP. THERE’S MORE?!?!? HOW??!?! listen, i’m a Missouri girl born and bred, and although i have friends in the industry who can help me get some super nice designer pieces from time to time, i still spend a good chunk of change at Forever 21 and Zara. for that reason, no matter what i’m wearing or showing to you, there will ALWAYS be a less than $100 option. I SWEAR. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT. i can, cause it’s true baby boo.

no signing up for a service. no emails. no waiting. just instant access to yours truly and you can get your shop on.

hope you enjoy and can’t wait to hear how you love it! give it a shot, and check it out by clicking the link in my instagram bio!

xoxo Ashli

July 10, 2017 0 comment

FASHION PERSONAL STYLE

summa lovin

written by Ashli

HI FRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIENDSSSSSSS ITS SUMMAAATIIIIIIIIIIIIIME FEEELIN FINE HAAPPPYYYYY AS A CLAMMMMMMMMMMM

alright cut it out ash, simmer down, lay off the coffee, even though i’m not drinking coffee anymore? i’ll hold that for another day.

HI. can you tell i’m excited its summer (and that i got REALLY good rest last night)!?!?!? with summer comes many things: white wine, rooftops, baller sunglasses, my fave wardrobe season (yes even better than fall) and of COURSE a summer bucket list!! i dont know what it is about new seasons that always makes me feel the need for a baller bucket list but i’m a goal setter and type A personality so it’s in my blood LET ME LIVE.

step 1 of bucket list. never make this ^^ face again. ew? can we all agree? k great.

SO WHATS ON THE LIST you ask?? hmm. good question. have yet to get there, myself – lets do this together shall we? i like to incorporate a few things into my summer schedule: travel (whether if thats a different suburb i don’t normally go to or leaving the country! your call!), culture (a new art exhibit, a genre of movies to try, learning more about music, etc), trying new things, doing “true” summery things that i look forward to in freezing cold times and just generally expanding my boundaries! on your marks, get set, go!

attend some NYC summer activities that are annual and make me excited every year like the Bryant Park HBO film festival and the fashion exhibit at the Met
visit the top of the WTC – still haven’t been! maybe when i have an out of town guest?
i’ll be traveling so much with work to places i normally frequent, so maybe try something NEW in each of those places! how is that?!? yes?
check out a new rooftop in the city for drinks! perhaps a new drink all together!
take time to sit back, reflect and refocus on my plans and my path
check out City Winery – sounds like so much fun and perfect summer spot!!
see 2 Broadway shows – aggressive goal since i’ve seen 2 in 6 years! eek!
go to the new Whitney – can’t believe i still havent been. i’ll def be recuriting my gay bestie for this one
LOOPY DOOPYYYYY – coolest NYC bar that serves popsicles in it’s cocktails/wine
hmm… what is 10…. lets say…. BLOG MORE. i’ve been neglecting you guys and i know you may not care but i do because i love doing this, and i love your continuous feedback 🙂

also summer goals: have more fun with my wardrobe! what better time for COLOR, LOW CUT and BRIGHT?!?! ya know?!?!?

June 23, 2017 0 comment

FASHION PERSONAL STYLE

rainy days and mondays

written by Ashli

hi friends and happy Monday! how was your weekend? glorious and perfect?

it’s been rainy and grey here in good ol NYC but i spent the weekend with equal parts relaxation, productivity and being social. great way to do it right?

i did fashion the “right” way this year and bought some summery pieces back in February when it was way too cold to wear them but knew i would be LOVING them come summer. it’s still not FEELING like summer but i’ve WAITED LONG ENOUGH YA KNOW. let a girl LIVE. plus i got my pretty new summer bag that needed a summer dress to pair with <3

simple tip from the pros/me who isnt a pro: if you have a summer dress you’re dying to wear but fear you may still be chilly, just pair it with a teeshirt underneath! i was actually still chilly in this and could’ve paired with a large oversized cardigan if we’re getting TECHNICAL but im here to help.

BONUS POINTS FOR POCKETS IT CHANGES EVERYTHING

ALSO if you follow my instastories (THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU @ashli_p – sorry had to plug) then you saw i just got these new shoesies!! i <3 them and they feel like flats but have a teeny heel which is perfect for days that you spend at brunch with friends then shopping around. also GREAT for wearing around the house in a silk kimono acting like Mrs Roper from Three’s Company but i dont know that from experience.

more to come on the bag pictured – but guys. this one is a must-buy!!

enjoy your weeks and hope that although they may be rainy, we see the rainbows!! corny? good. that was my mission.

June 5, 2017 0 comment

LIFE

six years.

written by Ashli

memorial day, 2011. everything changed when my close and dear friend Chelsea + I packed up a U-Haul and drove our butts to NYC with very little money, no jobs and no secured apartment.

and yes we got our U-Haul stuck in a hotel parking garage, but it’s not a big deal.

i know i know WHAT WERE WE THINKING. who moves across the country?? without much money?? and NO JOB?? AND NO APARTMENT??!??!!? well, we did. and we did just fine. we ate popcorn for breakfast lunch and dinner, had no money to do anything fun so we had to be really creative about how to enjoy the city, and yes we loved EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF IT.

i have learned that the way you know you’re on the right track to exactly where you need to be is that the universe opens up opportunities for you and everything just seems to … happen. seamlessly. we found an apartment on the drive out and signed the lease the day we arrived. check. we both went into restaurants in Times Square the next day and got jobs. check. we got the bare bones for our apartment and a metro card and set ourselves up. cheeeeckkkk.

we made it happen. we made it work. we turned what we sacrificed into opportunities to have fun and laugh and enjoy the moment instead of complaining about what we didnt have. lack of air conditioning turned into times when we would hilariously cover ourselves with cold wet compresses to bear the summer heat. only eating popcorn made us so excited for real meals and we appreciated them infinitely. we enjoyed the “free” events in the city and saw parts of the city we wouldn’t have if not for our dwindling bank accounts.

so what were we thinking? we were thinking we’ve always wanted to be in this city, to give our dreams a shot, to test it out, to try, to take the leap, to … go for it. i think we actually had it way more figured out then than i have since. now 2 arm tattoos and 6 years later, i call NYC home, and it’s definitely where my heart is.

happy weekend lovelies

xx Ashli ft. my girl Chelsea 🙂

May 28, 2017 0 comment

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