Fashion Friday

Hubs gave my this ILY Couture "wifey" tee for Christmas this year, our first married Christmas.  How cute is he?!  The feeling and quality is awesome and it's totally adorable!  With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I thought I'd share two ways to wear this tee whether you're having lunch and running errands or going out for a date night!

Outfit #1 - tee//chambray on sale!//jeans//wristlet//watch//sneakers

Outfit #2 - tee//blazer on sale!//jeans, another option//clutch//earrings//necklace//pumps

p.s. be sure to check out all of ILY Couture's clothing and jewelry here!

Happy Friday!

xo, ash

Wedding Wednesday!

sorry for the late post, we've been working away at the office.  p.s. made this tonight and it was delicious!

Josh and I opted to do a first look for a few reasons.  We knew that the entire wedding day would be all about socializing and attempting to soak it all in before it's over, hard to do by the way.  During all the fun, we wouldn't have much time for just the two of us.  We wanted that.  It was our own special moment, just us and the photographer.  The other big reason was time.  Our ceremony started at 5:30pm, cocktail hour at 6:00pm and reception at 7:00pm.  That didn't leave much time for pictures.  So we did them directly after the first look.  It was so much fun!

these were a few shots prior to the first look once I was in my amazing dress.  It's actually two pieces and it's by Watters.  I had the label made on Etsy and it was one of my favorite personal touches.

all photos by Mandy Mayberry photography

I think the pictures pretty much speak for themselves.  It was verrry emotional.  I started to get choked up as soon as I walked out of the hotel and once I put my hand on Josh's back, I could feel him start to cry.  It was so perfect and I do not regret seeing him before our ceremony.  I still cried walking down the aisle.  Another favorite personal touch, our wedding date sewn into his suit.

I was going to share the ceremony tonight as well but have decided to wait, I think there are enough pictures here ;).  It might take a year to share our entire wedding with you but I'm so excited to relive this amazing time in my life!!

xo, ash

all about The Office

no not the show.  Our home office.  Since buying our house in May we've done quite a bit but nothing is completely finished.  Last weekend we found some motivation to start yet another project but this time we will be finishing it, hopefully by Sunday.  At least the furniture and painting part.  No room is ever done right?  We went to Ikea and bought two of these, four of these and one of this.  We also grabbed a few accessories, one of which is a table lamp that I am obsessed with (see below)!  I am hoping to show before and after and progress pictures with you guys soon!!  In the meantime I wanted to share our inspiration and some of my favorite office accessories.

An office for two with lots of inspiration artwork!

this map wall and those ghost chairs are amazing!

 

clean and beautiful space.

I have to do my best to mix feminine with masculine while still pleasing both of us.  The walls will be grey with accents of black, mint and gold.  We will incorporate a chalkboard wall, hopefully shelving similar to this and I would like to do this inside the closet, as well as making space for a guest.  It's a tall order and I can't wait to show you guys the results!

1. This lamp is amazing! It's the one I mentioned above.  Nickel, gold and a striped cord!!

2. Everyone needs the perfect coffee mug.  This one would do as well!

3. Last night I scored a Sugar Paper for Target calendar in mint!  Mint to be ;)

4. This will be perfect for all my washi tape.

5.  Of course you have to have the matching stapler.

6. pretty pretty pencils making writing more fun

7. These are sold out but these are the ones I'm eyeing.  So fun.

8.  The hubs has been wanting a globe for the longest time and this one just might fit the bill.

happy Wednesday.  be back later with more wedding goodness!!

 xo, ash

Hip Hip Hooray!

It's Friday!

Here are my web favorites this week!

1. Loving this home tour with an amazingly strong woman featured on TheEverygirl!

2. The most adorable bridesmaid brunch and DIY bridesmaid gift on StyleMePretty.

3. Loving this wedding at Haiku Mill (I've already decided my vow renewal someday will be here).

4. This robe is gorgeous!

5. Made me laugh :)

 

Have a great weekend!

xo, ash

the rest of Wedding Wednesday!

Sorry guys!  Time got away from me last night.  I was meeting at a  bridal shower venue with two other bridesmaids and then I got home and had to cook and eat.  Ugh!

But I'm here and I'm so excited to finally share the best day of my life with you. WARNING: picture heavy

I want to start first with some paper products, namely our Save the Date, Thank You cards and Christmas card.  I LOVED all of them so they can't be left out.  I will share our amazing invitation at a later date.

 

Our Save the Dates and Christmas cards were both from Minted.  For our Thank You cards I wanted something that matched our invitations and included photos.  I found West Willow Designs on Etsy and worked with Sonya to create this custom design.  I LOVE the way they turned out.  The bottom picture is the back of the card where I wrote notes to the recipients.

Now onto getting ready!

I looooved the way my hair and makeup came out and getting ready with my girls, my mother, step-mother, grandmother and niece was so much fun!  You saw in yesterday's post that we sipped on mimosas in pretty sparkly wine glasses while getting ready.  My gift to Josh was the watch you see him wearing and I also did a boudoir shoot and made a book for him.  He loved it of course.  You can see I am crying opening his gift to me.  Couldn't even read the card.  I was a mess.  He gave me a beautiful watch, new perfume and my new initial, "K" necklace.  It was perfect!

The kraft boxes you see are actually the groomsman gifts.  I wanted to make the presentation as nice as the gift, but not too girly.  I bought kraft boxes, black and white stripe ribbon, black shredded paper and used black stickers from home for their initials on the top.  Inside were alcohol, ties, favorite team socks and one personalized gift.  I think they came out great!  My gifts to my girls were the sparkly hangers you see (I made them!), a clutch that I felt matched their style, and Kate Spade knot earrings or bracelet depending on which I thought they would wear more.  They also received cards I had made on Etsy.

Overall it was a perfect morning that only got better as the day went on.  Next week, first look and ceremony!

xo, ash

Wedding Wednesday Sneak Peek

a full Wedding Wednesday post will be up tonight!!  In the meantime, here's sneak peek!

mimosas in pretty sparkly wine glasses leftover from my bridal shower!

xo, ash

These Boots Were Made for Walkin'

through snow that is.  It's still very much winter here in New England.  We are expecting MORE snow tonight and tomorrow.  Summer, where are you!?!

Anyways, it tends to be difficult to find cute and practical snow boots so I tried to do just that for you today.  Two pairs are rain boots but who says rain and snow don't mix?!

1. Joules Navy Woodhurst Muck Boots - love the pink in the laces and the inside is pretty floral print.

2. SOREL Tofino boot - love the bright colors and fur

3. Classic L.L. Bean duck boots - how can you go wrong?

4. Sperry Top-Sider for JCrew flannel  - Sperry is never a bad idea

5. Original Hunter Rain Boots - a must have

6. Joules Rain boot - DYING over these!!

I actually own these boots in black and I must say, while a tad bulky, they are still cute and get the job done.

Have you scored any new, cute winter boots lately?  Or are you lucky enough to be wearing flip flops...wait, don't answer that.

xo, ash

It's Friday...

hello indeed! and it's a three day weekend!

Until Monday, here are my favorite pins of the week! Enjoy

1. Organizational Tools for Bloggers with Day Jobs via IFB

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup (hoping to make this weekend!)

3. these gorgeous shoes!

4. must buy sequin blazer!

5. this mani has me excited for Spring

xo, ash

Shop Talk Thursday

Two posts in one day!  [ more like trying to play catch up]

Wanted to share a new Etsy shop owner I found just last week.  I am in LOVE with her work!

Her name is Emily McDowell and her Etsy shop is called emilymcdowelldraws.

One of her products is already in my bag for Valentine's Day and I can already think of a few others I'm adding to my wish list including the grocery tote!

 

Her hand lettered and illustrated designs are fun, fresh and perfect when you're looking for something unique!

How funny are these tea towels!

all images via Emily McDowell

I love finding new places to shop with unique items because it makes gift giving that much more exciting!

Go check out her website, Etsy shop, her blog or even her Instagram.

xo, ash

Wedding Talk

I wanted to get this post up yesterday but that didn't happen.  I need to get better at preparing posts ahead of time.  It's not the "actual" wedding so it's okay if it's not up on Wedding Wednesday right?  Just agree with me :)

I was married September 14, 2013.  It was the BEST day of my life.  Today I'm sharing the events which led up to the said best day of my life.

My bridal shower took place 7/27/13 at the country club my parents belong to.  It was perfect and my Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids did the BEST job!  Everything was so thoughtfully planned and they put so much effort into it with a lot of DIY projects.  For activities we did "who knows the bride best", toilet paper dress and a clothespin game.  I'm currently in the midst of planning my Maid of Honor's shower so pressure is on!  (bottom is myself and a friend and in the pink dress is my Maid of Honor).

Next up, bachelorette party.  The girls decorated my car first and then the hotel room with streamers.  My Maid of Honor gave goodie bags to each of us which included some next morning remedies, champagne and funny sunglasses.

  

There were only 3 others besides myself and that was totally okay!  We went into Boston for the night, had a delicious dinner and then went to a bar afterwards for dancing and more drinks.  I had such a great time!

My last work day was a Wednesday and work gave me a donut cake in bride form!

Thursday before my wedding my mother, grandmother, MOH and I went to the nail salon.  A co-worker/friend/2nd mom brought some goodies and made it so special! End result was the most perfect wedding mani!

I don't have too many rehearsal pictures, or good ones at least. It was held at the same location as my bridal shower.  It was only family and bridal party.  It was fun and relaxed.  Josh and I gave each set of parents frames for wedding pictures along with individual gifts for each of them.  They loved everything!  After the rehearsal, the girls and I went back to the hotel where we would be getting ready the next morning (I booked a suite) and we just hung out and talked until we fell asleep.  Great end to the events that led up to the most important day, WEDDING DAY!  Can't wait to start sharing the wedding next, on Wednesday, promise.

Be back later with Shop Talk Thursday that I'm really excited about!

xo, Ash

Everyday Beauty

I thought it would be fun to share my everyday beauty routine along with my favorite products.  I've used most of these products for years now because I love they way they make my skin look.  I have sensitive skin so I don't like to change my foundations or concealers very often.  I do however frequently switch out eye shadows and mascara.

First up, skin care.  Super important.  I've had skin problems all my life and only until I started using Dermalogica and getting regular facials, did I notice a different.  I will never use any other skin products again. The daily microfoliant is by far my favorite skin care product ever! I use the clearing skin wash at night and the microfoliant in the morning.  My face lotion is by Neutrogena and I've used it for years but have since added the Dermalogica multivitamin power firm eye cream.

Next, the face.  Again, due to skin issues I like to stick with lightweight products.  I start with the MAC concealer (color NW20) for under eyes and touch ups.  For my foundation I use the bareMinerals matte.  I also use the bareMinerals all over face product in "warmth" as a bronzer followed by MAC mineralize blush in "dainty".  Simple and easy.

Lastly, the eyes.  I start with an eyebrow pencil since mine are blonde and barely noticeable.  I do have and LOVE the Urban Decay eyeliner however lately I've been using black eyeshadow with a small brush.  My two favorite mascaras are the MAC Opulash and Maybelline Rocket Volum'.  For daily use, I choose one, for nights out I do both.  I have multiple MAC eyeshdows in singles and quads but normally for work I don't wear eyeshadow and if I do it's something neutral.

Do you have and love any of the same products?  If not, share some of your favorites.

xo, Ash

Polkadots & Stripes

I don't know how to say this.  I am addicted to polkadots & stripes followed closely by leopard & sparkle.

If you follow me on Instagram you've seen at least five separate occasions where I'm wearing one or the other or sometimes...both.  I think what I love most about both prints is that they are so versatile.  Polkadots & stripes pair well with lots of other prints along with going together perfectly.  You can dress them up or dress them down and my addiction doesn't stop at clothes.  I like stripes in my home, polkadots in my accessories and the list goes on.

In honor of my addiction I've decided to share some of my favorite polkadot and stripe pieces with you today!

dots & stripes (JCrew sold out)//navy stripe//black stripe (on sale!)//pink polkadot

polkadot tights//striped socks//polkadot KEDS

striped dress// polkadot jeans//striped blazer

And for fun here are some non-clothing related things-

1.  striped ceiling and DIY corkboard.

2. Mani and pillows.

So tell me, do you love polkadots & stripes as much as I do or is there another print you can't get enough of?

xo, Ash

Style Sunday

Happy Sunday!!  Here to share my casual sunday look!

I'm working on taking better pictures so please bear with me.

Express jeans//GAP vest//GAP scarf//Target sweatshirt//Sperry Top-Siders//MK watch

Enjoy what's left of the weekend!

xo, Ash

Happy Friday

Just wanted to leave a little cuteness for you on this snowy Friday (here in New England).

image via Pinterest

Have a great weekend!!

xo, Ash

The Liebster Award

The Liebster award is given by fellow bloggers to new blogs with smaller followings but huge potential; it is a great way to find new blogs as well as support one another.

 

I was shocked and honored to be nominated by Juliet over at Jules, Truly!  Thank you so much!!

 The rules of the Liebster award are as follows:

>Mention the person who nominated you with a link to their blog

>Answer the eleven questions they asked

>Nominate eleven other bloggers with a smaller following but a lot of potential

>Create eleven of your own questions for them to answer

>Notify your nominees

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Here are my answers to Juliet's questions:

1.  Why did you start a blog?

I wanted a place to share my love of fashion and all things beautiful with others who enjoyed the same.

2.  Favorite place ever visited and why?

Sadly, I haven't done too much traveling, something I hope to change.  Of the places I've gone by favorite would have to be Vegas!

There is always something to do  or see and the weather doesn't hurt.

 3.  What is your can't-live-without beauty item?

Toss up between blush and mascara.  You can put either on and instantly feel polished without having to put a full face on.

 4.  Number one goal for 2014?

Can I have two?  Blog and travel more =)

 5.  Something your readers probably don't know about you?

I'm a legal assistant by day.

6.  What's the most adventurous thing you've done thus far?

I bungee jumped as a kid.

7.  What would be your "dream job"?

A professional pinner ;)  All jokes aside, something in the fashion or wedding industry.

 8.  Early bird or night owl?

Night owl.

 9.  Favorite pasttime?

Shopping of course followed by experiencing new places and things with my husband.

 10.  If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would be your first purchase?

oo that's a tough one.  A bigger house, maybe.

 11.  Favorite alcoholic drink?

Vodka tonic

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Fun fun!!  And now my nominees:

 1. Jilian of Love Hard Lift Heavy

2. Kayla of A Darling Dream

3. Nioby of The Chicest Ambry

4. Ema of Our Love in Bloom

5. Gina of Classy Ever After

6. Emily of JustJEM

7. Brittany of The Chic Magnolia

8. Ashley of Polka Dots & Sailor Stripes

9. Amelia of Bold Meets Basic

10. Stefanie of Life on the Squares

11. Madison of Madison Lane

My 11 questions to my nominees:

1. What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

2. What is your favorite pair of shoes?

3. Color you tend to wear the most?

4. Who is your style icon?

5. One thing that may surprise your readers?

6. Facebook or Instagram?

7. One thing your most looking forward to in 2014?

8. What are your favorite stores to shop at?

9. What is your favorite season?

10. What is the one thing you cook the best?

11. Beer or wine?

Can't wait to see all of the responses!

xo, Ash

Shop Talk Thursday

Today I want to introduce you guys to Ashley Brooke Designs.  She creates beautiful & witty coffee mugs that I just love!

In addition to her coffee mugs, she does has notepads, note cards, prints and more!

all images via Ashley Brooke Designs

Head over to her site to check out her products and follow along on her blog!

x0, Ash

Bloglovin

Follow me on bloglovin!

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11280745/?claim=3ugmpb9hpch">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

xo, Ash

Christmas Goodies

I'm back with some Christmas gifts that I received and some I bought myself after the holidays.  Aren't after Christmas sales the best?!

Ok first up, gifts from the hubs.  He did good this year!!

This black & white check shirt and color block sweater (similar) are perfect!!  He bought them never realizing JCrew styled them together.

The shirt will go with everyyything and I love the double zippers and color block details on the sweater!

The heart sweater from Express would not have been something I picked out but let me tell you, I LOVE it.  It's so comfy and the perfect length for jeans or leggings.

The wifey tee needs no intro.  And let me tell you, sooo soft!!  It's perfect for dressing up or keeping casual.  Also fitting since we were just married in September! 

Lastly, he bought me the Kate Spade sailor's knot bracelet & earrings.  I bought them for my bridesmaids and wanted them so badly for myself.

I love love these makeup brushes from none other than Target.  They are the Sonia Kashuk line.  They are soft and the gold makes them a little fancy!

Now for what I bought myself!  This is not all of it but not all of it is online so I don't want to be a tease.

These sweaters are from Maison Jules & Bar III collections at Macy's which is part of their impulse brands. Amazing!

The first isn't like it's pictured other than being grey and long.  It's soft and more see through and PERFECT!

The blue is a nice navy color with orange sparkly polka dots.  It's warm but not too heavy.  Great transition piece into Spring.

I was on an orange kick (I bought an orange dress as well) when I grabbed this sweater.  It's fits perfectly and the gold jewels add the just the right amount of sparkle!

Hope you enjoyed my gifts from the hubs and to myself! Have a great night!

xo, ash