How I Style: Midi Heels

I might be a little late on the band wagon, but I just discovered my love for midi heels. On yesterday's Nordstrom Rack haul, I scored a pair of Sole Society heels with a cute little tie and a 2.5" heel. I have NEVER been one to wear such a short heel, my 5'3" frame needs a serious lift, but these were calling my name something serious! lol. 

My Sole Society mid heels (sold out) similar styles below.....

Not only were they cute buuuuut....comfortable too and with a $35 price tag, I just couldn't turn them down. After some major thinking and pondering on how I might incorporate these heels into my wardrobe, I think I figured it out! Below are some outfits I think best showcase this heel height and style...I am thinking midi skirts and cropped skinnies or distressed shorts.

A little outfit inspiration...

Bag / Peasant Top / Shorts / Belt / Bracelet / Heels

If you are loving this style as well, check out the below options I found! 

More Sole Society...

My Life: Accoringing to my iPhone

Hi ladies! I hope everyone has enjoyed their weekend and are refreshed for the upcoming week! This past week has been a hectic one work wise, so I took advantage of the weekend with some cooking, (I find cooking relaxing, weird I know :) ) some golf, and some shopping. 

From left to right: Spring Veggie Pesto Gnocchi / A day at the Country Club / car selfie, en route to a work function / Shoe shopping find Sam Edelman / ugh, the STRUGGLE :)  / raw food read / Asparagus, truffle goat cheese fritatta in the making / gym life / work function held at Dapper & Wise, a local Portland coffee roaster, where we did a coffee tasting. 

How do you spend your weekends? 

Color Coveting: Cayenne

Nothing sizzles more in the summer than vibrant red! Cayenne was a huge hit on the runways for this season but I feel like it is a color that is always relevant, no matter what is "trending." I think i love it best in the summer months, especially paired with sun-kissed skin. 

I love wearing this hue with both white and black for a modern / timeless look. If wearing such a bright color isn't your thing, try it on your nails, lips or accessories! 

Julia of Gal Meets Glam in a red short suit

 

Julia from Sincerely Jules in chic red 

Loving this color as well? Check out my Cayenne summer must-haves below!

1. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream $6 2. Nasty Gal Ibiza Bikini Top $48 3. Komono Sunglasses $60 4. Kate Spade "Live Colorfully" Perfume $75 5. Superga tennis shoes  6. J. Crew Necklace $135 

7. 7 For All Mankind Skinny Jeans $178 8. Opening Ceremony Cross Body Bag $545

What is your go-to color for warm weather months? 

Secretly Crushing On: Overalls

Is anyone else feeling tempted by the overall trend right now?! While they instantly bring me back to my childhood days, wearing my Gap Kids, slightly high watered version with strange denim patches...if you are envisioning full on Farmer Joe, than you are envisioning correctly...:) The new styling of these coveralls has me seriously intrigued.

While I do love denim, I am also loving the styles for night as well; think satin or leather, slightly slouchy and peg legged. So chic! Here are some looks and versions that have me inspired, along with styles that are currently available.

How would you style overalls? casual or dressy?

Mira Duma looks chic in her ACNE leather cropped overalls

A fun pattern is cool for day and night

 Annabelle Fleur from Vivaluxury dresses up her denim with metallic heels

Danielle of WeWoreWhat looks amazing in all white. I love the beanie and heels, they give the look an instant cool, casual feel.

You know you want a pair! Check out the below versions I found at every price point:

More Black Orchid...

My Life: According to my iPhone

A few photos from my phone this past week, like I mentioned, I didn't take a ton of pictures in Vegas.

The weather was fabulous and I managed to wear almost everything I brought! I am a terrible over-packer so this was a huge accomplishment on my part! :) The last night of my trip was my favorite, we got dressed up (see my fancy cat eye makeup below :)) and spent a relaxing dinner at the Bellagio where we dined at Jasmine, amazing Chinese cuisine with a beautiful view of the fountain. Here Jake surprised me with a new Louis clutch/cross body purse. It is the perfect size and I couldn't be more grateful to have such a thoughtful guy!

 Hope you all are enjoying the weekend! 

Pinterest-ing Fridays

Hi ladies! Phew! I am back from a whirlwind Vegas trip and am ready to get back to reality! As nice as a getaways is...the return home is sometimes just as sweet. I will have a couple of recap pics on the blog this weekend, to be honest I didn't snap as many photos as I thought I would. 

I consciously decided this trip I would go sans technology (besides my phone) no ipad no laptop. So catching up on some Pinterest action is always fun! Here is what I am currently pinning...

How delicious does this pasta look? I am a girl that can get after a serious plate of noodles, let me tell ya! This one is a fun summery spin on the classic spaghetti, it includes fresh strawberries! Recipe here

These With Lavender + Lace iphone cases scream Summer with their pretty dried flowers and clear casing, I cant wait to get my hands on one.  

Still swooning after these Rag and Bone beauties

perfect satin crop for a date night, the triangle top adds some sexy:) Leather version on sale here

Last but not least...a quote that speaks to me especially this week! When a vacation requires a vacation, MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF! I am planning on some serious tub soaking, catching up on some reality TV and maybe even a little online shopping! 

xoxo

Ash

What to Wear: Las Vegas Edition

Jake and I are fortunate enough to be leaving for another warm weather getaway today, we are off to Las Vegas this time! Since we don't often get time off together, when we do we relish in every minute of it!

While we are not 21 anymore (ahhhh the days...) we do still plan on going out at night, I mean come on, it's Vegas after all! Being in my late twenties, I find myself second guessing my "going out attire"  every year...Is it appropriate to wear this or that? Am I showing to much skin? Do I look like I am Trying to be 21? lol the list of rediculous thoughts go on and on. So what does an almost thirty chick where in Vegas to still feel "hot" all while staying classy? Well ladies...I have a few ideas! Below are some "going out" ensembles I think would work perfect for any occasion you are wanting to showcase your classy side! Keep in mind, what really matters is how you feel in the clothes you wear...There is nothing more sexy than a woman who exudes confidence!

For this trip I am planning on bringing fitted pencil skirts and pairing them with simple tanks and crop tops. I am loving the look of matching seperates right now. Below is a compilation of winning options if you too are searching for key "vegas-esque" peices.

More Express...

What is your "go-to" night out style? 

My Life: According to my iphone

Just a few random snaps from the ol' phone...

There is nothing that screams "Summer!" more than sunflowers. I have been all about spreading the sunny flower love around my home. 

iced Green Smoothie from TJ's 

This sweet little pup is our fur-child Luna, she is one loved little pittie! 

Fresh white nails for summer

a quick couple's car selfie before dinner last night...getting a pic outta this guy is like pulling teeth ;) thanks babe! 

Pinterest-ing Fridays

Just a few Pinterest favorites from this week…

How fun is this cozy kitchen nook? I am a huge fan of eclectic décor for the home and this shot from designer Michael Dawkins is exactly that. Love the mix of the chairs and huge unexpected piece of art. 

How STUNNING is this shot of LA stylist Simone Harouche and her son Dash? some serious baby fever just from this photo happening over here....Found this photo on Pinterest and had to find the source, which took me to The Glow. If you are wanting to see some beautiful mamas with their kiddos, check this site. :) 

Loving this bucket bag. Perfect boho summer sack IMO

Alright ladies... let's face it, we have all tried dozens of Pinterest recipes and actually liked, what? maybe a handful?!? THIS banana Ice cream is a winner!! and shhhh...don't tell tell your significant other that it only consists of 1-2 ingredients (2 if you love peanut butter) ;)

Are you following me on Pinterest? If not, please do! If there is one thing I can promise, it is there will be new pins everyday. My name is Ashley. and yes, I am a pinaholic... 

Summer Whites

I love how crisp white looks in the summer, and there is just something so chic about a head to toe white ensemble. I am definitely on the hunt for a few key, white pieces this season that are on trend but also timeless and can be incorporated into my closet year round (I am a firm believer in white after labor day;))

 1. a white blazer 2. a white jumpsuit 3. the perfect pair of white denim. 4. a crisp white button down. 

Here are a few images from Pinterest Land that are inspiring this hunt....

If you have your eye on summer whites as well, check out the below accessories and clothing options in stores now, and all under $300! How are you ladies incorporating white into your wardrobe this season? 

More Rachel Zoe...

What's On My Plate Wednesday: Lentil Beet Bowl

As of almost a month ago, I decided to make a change in my diet, cutting out all meat. Many vegetarians and vegans have their reasoning for why they choose not to eat animal protein, whether it be for animal rights reasons or for health benefits. My reason was as simple as I felt my body wasn't functioning optimally. Having been raised on a low-fat "well-rounded" diet consisting of meat since I was a child, I have always considered myself extremely health conscious. Yes, I will admit I am a calorie counter through and through! Even with my efforts to eat clean and exercise, I wasn't happy with my figure and had struggled with a lack of energy for quite some time...literally wanting to crawl back into bed the minute I got home from work, having neither the energy or want to go to the gym. This wasn't the life I wanted to be living. Having had mono as an adolescent, I always just blamed the illness on my lack of energy.

A vegan friend of mine was always speaking so highly of the health benefits of nixing animal products as well as the benefits to the planet. So...I decided to try it. While many people slowly start cutting out certain foods, I went cold turkey and can honestly say I haven't had a shred of meat in almost 30 days. My energy levels, skin, mood and body have changed drastically. The most prominent change being my energy. While before I couldn't imagine a day with caffeine, I now feel just as energized in the morning as I do in the afternoon and evening. THIS is HUGE for me. While I would never push a lifestyle change on anyone, I highly recommend researching and trying a new diet. It is amazing what your food choices can do for the mind, body and soul. 

With all that being said...today I am featuring a protein rich, earthy, warm Lentil and Beet bowl I made Monday night for dinner. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I am a "bowl" lover. Throw a bunch of stuff in a bowl, mix it up, and voila! Meals don't get easier than that! 

ps...can we just talk about the colors in this meal?! I mean come on, so pretty! If your plate has every color of the rainbow on it, you know you are doing something right! 

Below are just a few Trader Joes ingredients that I picked up for this meal. I love that TJ's has such great ingredients that are pre-cooked and ready to use, such as these lentils and beets. Saves some serious time! And I HIGHLY recommend the Cruciferous Crunch salad...so YUM!

What you will need: 
1-2 cups of Kale salad mix
1/2 cup of cooked lentils (warmed)
1-2 cooked beets
1/4 cup of crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup of raw pecans
1/2 cup of shredded carrots
1/4 cup of diced red onion

Dressing: 
1 T coconut oil 
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 T crushed garlic
sprinkle of cinnamon

Directions:
Add all of your ingredient to your prettiest, deepest bowl while heating your dressing over medium heat until oil has melted and mixture is bubbly. Pour warm dressing onto salad, MIX and ENJOY! 

Splurge vs Steal: Black Ankle Strap Heels

You will soon come to find out that I am a TOTAL bargain shopper. Although I lust after high end brands, leave it to me to find the exact look for half the price. Of course I am a believer in spending more on quality pieces you will wear over and over again, some things I just can't justify.

Normally shoes are something I tend to hawk up the cash for but while in Palm Springs we happened to make a quick trip to good ol' Targét. Because it is inevitable that you leave with much more than you intended to buy at Target…I left with not only sunscreen but a great pair of simple ankle strap black heels. SCORE! I had had my eye on many a pair of black "summer" heels during that time so seeing these there with one pair left in my size and an enticing price tag of $29.99…was I going to turn them down? Absolutely not. So now I own a pair of Target heels and ladies, I'm not even mad about it :)

Mossimo 

Below are a few inspiration styles along with some more bargain versions...

Splurges: 1 /  2 / 3 / 4
    Steals: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

What pieces do you ladies splurge on and what items do you bargain shop for? 

Destination: Palm Springs R&R

For a native Oregonian, there is nothing more necessary than an early Spring getaway to somewhere dry, and with an average temperature higher than 50 degrees. Last month, Jake (my bf) and one of my best friends and her bf took a little mini vaca to the land of mid century desert awesomeness also known as, Palm Springs California. We happened to be going during festival season, not intentionally but the fashion inspiration was rampant non the less. 

This vacation was mainly a trip of relaxation and sun worshiping...under a few coats of SPF of course;) We enjoyed many a homemade margarita (which happens to be my inner-mixologist specialty) as well as some fantastic food from local restaurants such as Farm, Birba and Warehouse Kitchen and Bar. 

Here are a few images from the trip...

My girlfriend and I decided while the guys were out golfing we would enjoy a "ladies who brunch day" we did exactly that at Farm...this is a shot from one of the many tiny dinning rooms decked out with beautiful eclectic decor. The charm was real people! 

This is another interior shot from Farm, amazing right?!

The lemon crepes @farm were to die for. literally speaking....I would die for these...just sayin'

love to add bling to tees, here I paired a chunky necklace with a crop tank from F21 for a day of shopping

Before Dinner @ Birba, Jake and I ventured off on our own for a tasty Serrano chile margarita @Workshop Kitchen and Bar. The interior of this spot was also so chic and minimal, another look that I love. 

A little selfie action on the patio @Workshop

Birba was another fantastic Italian restaurant where we indulged on some delicious wood oven fired Pizza and of course I continued the jalapeno margarita theme;)

Where is your go-to getaway when you need some R&R?