Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Little of bit of this & that

Sorry loves for my absence.  Last week was a bit crazy.  I had something going on every night and then the bridal shower I've been diligently planning was on Sunday.  I'm soo happy with how it all turned out and the bride loved it too!  I can't wait to share it all tomorrow for Wedding Wednesday.


Here's a sneak peek of the cake


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 Here I am at Easter hiding the eggs for the kiddies to find!


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one of our only finished doors.  LOVE our new knobs!


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my latest H&M purchases.  I don't normally do this well!  [pink dress]


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Here's some link lovin'


1. Great list of red wines & white wines under $20 via A Beautiful Mess


2. It's barely Spring but Summer is next.  Here's a fun Summer Bucket List.  I may try and check off a few of these!


3. adorable elephant themed birthday party!


4. love this quote!


5. beautiful bedroom via The Love List


Stay tune for tomorrow's post on the bridal shower. Timing worked out perfectly to include this shower for my Spring Wedding series!


xo, ash

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Spring Weddings Part I - Suits & Tuxes featuring Bonobos

Happy Wednesday loves!!  I've decided to do a new Wedding Wednesday series but this time it won't be about my wedding.  Instead it will be all about Spring Weddings!  It's that time of year again when most of the weddings start to take place due to warmer weather or some of you may be starting to plan a warm weather wedding, destination perhaps?


This week I'm kicking things off with suits & tuxes.  Now I don't know about you ladies (and gents) but this was something that was not easy for my husband and I and also something we put off as long as we could.  Personally, I think the suit & tux market for weddings is slim, especially if you go the rental route.  And even slimmer for warm weather weddings.


So when Bonobos contacted me about doing a feature on their new cotton & seersucker suits for Spring, I was thrilled!  Their goal is to make affordable clothing while maintaining a high quality of material and style.


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The Foundation Suit in Cotton Navy is part of their new Spring collection.  It's 100% premium cotton twill and is perfect for those warm weather weddings, whether you are part of the wedding or going as a guest, you will be cool and comfortabe!  It also comes in Grey, Olive & Stone.  The stone color is also a great summer option, perfect for a beach wedding!  In addition to the cotton suit is the The Foundation Suit in Blue Micro-Stripe.  This suit is not cotton however it is crafted with Italian Super 110s wool at a lighter tropical weight making it breathable enough for the heat.




[caption id="attachment_1027" align="aligncenter" width="400"]94a543258b7c6bf75a1a875ec4a2c8bf images via Bonobos Pinterest[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1028" align="aligncenter" width="560"]3673acdce81a0ffc05d485c04b529fc4 Credit: Amber Gress Photography[/caption]

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If you love the look of The Foundation but are looking to stand out, try the seersucker, also part of Bonobos' new Spring collection.  It comes in classic navy and blue & white stripe.  This might be my favorite of their Spring line.  It screams summer to me!  I can see the groom in a blue & white seersucker and the groomsman in the navy seersucker!  The seersucker also has a vest option if you are looking to add a bit more formality.  Did I mention this suit starts at $400?  Such a great price!


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[caption id="attachment_1021" align="aligncenter" width="560"]cba1501bbee4461df624570f7456d4e3 image via Bonobos Pinterest[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1022" align="aligncenter" width="560"]f31349fdf6b7b97ea11282c0ff1c8b7c I love how he paired his blue & white stripe seersucker with a bow tie! image via Bonobos Pinterest[/caption]

 If you need help choosing a suit or tux for your big day, Bonobos'  guideshops offer  "Groomservice" for all grooms and his groomsman.  Why not make things easy - and stylish - by coming by the Guideshop? From tuxedos to chinos, "I do"s to honeymoons, your own personal Bonobos Guide will make sure you have everything you need to make your wedding extra-special and absolutely spectacular.  Click here to find the closest location and schedule an appointment.


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Maybe your are not planning a warm weather wedding or don't have to worry about the heat, Bonobos still has you covered!  Their Capstone Suit is the absolute pinnacle. Crafted from the finest woven wool, this is the top of the Bonobos tailored line and is offered in a legendary four-season fabric.  The Capstone is also offered in a double breasted style which I think would be perfect for a Gatsby themed wedding!


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And of course Bonobos carries a classic black tuxedo.  Theirs is a bit more modern with the option of either a gingham lining or polkadot lining (my favorite)!  This tuxedo is perfect for the best black tie affair in town whether as a groom or guest.  Every man should own this tuxedo!


Bonobos also carries an amazing line of accessories including shoes, ties and pocket squares.


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They also carry casual shirts, dress shirts (that pair perfectly with all of their suits), casual pants, shorts, blazers, their own line of golf attire and much, much more!


I hope you fall in love with their clothing as much as I have!!


Browse their site or check them out on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.


xo, ash

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

High or Low - Bows


Happy Tuesday Shoesday!



With Spring upon us I thought it only fitting to feature wedges in the latest High or Low.  Who doesn't love wedges?!  I don't wear heels often since I'm already tall so when I do I much prefer wedges to heels.  I feel more comfortable in them, ya know like I'm not going to fall a break my ankle :)  I've been seeing these Kate Spade wedges all over the blogs recently and I love them!  So I found a more expensive version and a verrry inexpensive version.



Like I said before, since I don't wear heels a lot I'm not sure I'd pay the full price of the Kate Spade's.  I would most definitely wait until they went to factory or major sale or buy the just as cute Dollhouse pair.


High or Low - Bows









Which ones would you take home??



Hope you're having a great week so far!! And don't forget to enter the Luna Marin giveaway!!




xo, ash

Monday, April 21, 2014

Giveaway: Luna Marin

Good Morning lovelies!!  I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter and that your Monday is off to a great start!  To make your Monday even better, I have an amazing giveaway for you today, my first one ever (so exciting!).


By now it's pretty obvious that I love a good statement necklace but what you don't see is me sharing are many bracelets.  One reason for that is because I spend 75% of my day typing so chunky bracelets tend to get in the way and make it harder for me to type.  Luckily, I found the perfect solution and I've partnered with Luna Marin to give a bracelet away to one lucky reader!!


Luna Marin is a new jewelry company whose pieces are handmade in New York and feature unique, tangle-free bracelets with interchangeable strands you can switch up as often as your style.  Think of it as the modern girl's charm bracelet!


Luna Marin Build Your Bracelet


What I love most about these bracelets is that they make a statement without being too bulky for everyday wear.  There are nine strands to choose from and your set can be two, three or four strands.  My favorites are love, letter charm and the cross.  For a behind the scenes peek into how these bracelets work, you can watch the video here!


Luna Marin Tangle Free, Interchangeable Jewelry


For your chance to enter to win one of these amazing bracelets (a $44 value!), follow the link below to fill out the Rafflecopter!  And don't worry, for those who don't win (or can't wait!), Luna Marin is giving all Sparkle & Soul readers 10% of with code LoveLunaMarin today through May 7th.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Luna Marin Official Giveaway Image


For even more chances to win, CLICK HERE to earn additional entries!


Good luck!


xo, ash



*this post has been sponsored by Luna Marin but all opinions are my own*

Friday, April 18, 2014

Work It, Girl!


Who loves workout clothes minus the workout?  This girl right here.  I don't claim to be a fitness/health guru but I do try and keep a bit active (does once a year count?!).  And if all else fails, pretend you work out and look cute ;)



Work It, Girl!











Like I said, I don't workout often and in the winter even less, if at all.  I'm not a gym person but once the days get longer and weather gets warmer, I am known to go for walks with my dog.  Who doesn't love a nice, long walk?  But I also have to look cute and I feel so many think that it's not possible.  Well girls, it is!  Enter yoga pants and fun colored sneaks!  We all know by now I love sneakers but I also LOVE yoga pants, specifically the Victoria Secret line.  Are they not the most comfortable pants, ever!?  And how freakin' adorable is this "I like the way you work it" tank by Ashley Brooke Designs?!  Of course a few other essentials to a good walk include water for hydration & music for motivation.



There are no rules that say just because you don't work out, you can't wear active clothing.  So go ahead!  No one is going to judge you here.



p.s. can anyone relate?




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xo, ash



Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Easter is coming...

But first this is about how I feel today.


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No but really, I woke up to ice on the ground and temps in the 30's.  C'mon Mother Nature!


Anyways, onto Easter.  I really wanted to make some pretty eggs this year but life has been so busy lately and we are actually going out of town this weekend.  There is going to be an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids which I'm excited to watch and yummy food of course.  It will be a more laid back day than I'm used to but I'm okay with that since I will also be driving home on Sunday (boo!).  However, if you're still looking for some fun Easter ideas I wanted to share the ones I've found and love!



Style Me Pretty recently shared some amazzzing DIY easter eggs.  Check them out here!




[caption id="attachment_953" align="aligncenter" width="560"]533317bd4537e$!600x image via Style Me Pretty[/caption]


If you're looking to add a little personalization to your table, why not place-cards?  This adorable DIY is perfect (and edible!)




[caption id="attachment_954" align="aligncenter" width="560"]Easter_Placecard06 image via Oh Happy Day[/caption]


Maybe you will be making breakfast or bringing a treat.  Why not try these ideas!



Bunny Egg Dish


bunny brunch via Worth Pinning


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Peeps S'mores via Linen, Lace & Love


And if you need to put together a last minute gift, why not add these adorable bunny tags (template included)!




[caption id="attachment_957" align="aligncenter" width="560"]chalkboard-bunny-tags7 image via Hellobee[/caption]


Happy Hump Day!


xo, ash

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Insta Life

Sorry it's been quiet around here.  I haven't had much time lately and even less coming up.  I have a bridal shower to finish pulling together and I will be away this weekend.  Such is life, right?!


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top (in black)//necklace


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shoes//Express sweater//watch//bracelets - 1,2,3


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flats//top//necklace//pants


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sweater//pants//watch//bracelets - 1,2//necklace//Aldo loafers



I hope you're having a great (non-rainy) Tuesday!


xo, ash

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Midi, Midi, Midi


Midi dresses and skirts are all the rage lately and I am not complaining.  One reason I am so into this trend is because I'm tall, 5'9 to be exact.  Let me explain.  All through life, trying to find shorts, dresses or skirts that were school or work appropriate wasn't easy.  Remember the fingertip rule?  Yea, I rarely passed.


This length is probably a not really a "midi" on me due to my height but that's okay.  They are still very work appropriate which makes me extremely happy and even though they are longer, I think sometimes they can be sexier than a mini!





Trending: the Midi






I LOVE all of the ones shown above but here are a few others.

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Are you loving the midi trend as much as I am?


Happy Hump Day loves!


xo, ash



Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Insta Life

Happy Tuesday loves!! Last week's Instagram was filled with bright colors & statement necklaces.  {if you're not following me already, click here!}



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beautiful fresh flowers at Trader Joe's


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shirt//JCrew crops//shoes//necklace



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skirt//cardigan//necklace//JCrew top (old)//Target flats (old)


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chocolate sprinkle donut treat  before a midterm.  (the sprinkles made a heart <3)


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LC Lauren Conrad leggings for Kohl's//loafers//Forever 21 blazer (old)//Express dress (old)//Stella & Dot necklace (old, bought on Ebay)


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GAP shirt & sweater (old)



Hope you're having a great week so far!  It's a bit rainy here today but still warm so I'm not complaining.


xo, ash