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...

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? 

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...

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? 

My Life: according to my iphone

Welcome to THE Plum Bucket. Blogging isn't something new to me...in fact I have off and on blogged for a few years now. And just as you occasionally have to do in life and love, sometimes, you just need a fresh start. So here we go....

Since I first started blogging a lot has changed, including my perspective and style. If you are a lover of fashion, food and all things beautiful, your at the right place... Here you will find homemade healthy dishes (mostly vegetarian), fashion on a budget, home inspiration and a whole lot of everyday life happenings. 

Let me introduce you to The Plum Bucket with a few snaps of my life lately according to my iphone.

I LOVE to cook, and you will soon find out I am a "bowl" adict anything you can mix together in a bowl is a-ok with me. I am also a new vegetarian, stay tuned for recipes and other healthy diet posts. 

Wet Spring streets in Portland cant keep me from wearing my favorite budget friendly open toed heels and boyfrind jeans...also knows as my "uniform"

My love and I in Palm Springs, stay tuned for more on this trip! 

These Sam Edelman beauties are everything! I was inspired by one of my favorite bloggers to make this purchase and I am so glad I did, I imagine these will go with everything in my closet... well worth the money if you ask me! 

I am in LOVE with fresh flowers and Trader Joe's literally forces me to purchase blooms every time I go there. CANT.STOP.WONT.STOP

I hope you will follow me on my fresh start and gather inspiration from The Plum Bucket just as I do from all of you lovely bloggers, this community is such a great place to interact with fellow bloggers, do please dont be shy! Introduce yourself and leave your blog link in the comments, cant wait to check out your blogs as well!
xoxo, Ash