2.22.11

J.Crew (outlet) Sweater in Crushed Berry (similar here)

Ann Taylor Loft Polished Denim Skirt (buy it here)

Old Navy Navy Tights (similar here)

Old Navy Leopard Print Flats (similar here)

I have wanted to take pictures on top of one of these concrete balls since I started my blog, but it's always been a really busy place with lousy parking, so I haven't had the chance. Then I finally had the chance last week and all the pictures where I'm actually ON the ball gave me 300 chins and you could see up my skirt...so that's depressing.

Life long dreams just came crashing down, folks.

Speaking of life long dreams, the Oscars were last night. Only I'm actually writing this post last night, so the Oscars are right now. And my mom has already cried FOUR times and Tom Hanks just presented the first Oscar of the night. My mom and I hosted an Oscar party, which, in our house, is code for Ashley Cooks Dinner and Drinks Half a Bottle of Wine While Her Mom Cries All Night.

So...Cheers. Happy Monday, everybody.

2.18.11

Banana Republic Navy Dress (similar here)

The Limited Peach Cardi (similar here)

Forever 21 Cream Socks (similar here)

Nordstrom BP Brown Braided Belt (similar here)

BCBG Brown Leather Boots (similar here)

American Eagle Gold Hoops (similar here)

Umm...somehow my posts got out of order. So this is an outfit from last Friday. And today is Friday. So we've got a nice bit of symmetry right there.

So...that's that. Anyway, I thought that in honor of the 11 day anniversary of Valentine's Day, I'd share some true stories of dating years past - plus it's Friday, and this will be fun!

- In Kindergarten, my "boyfriend" and I charged other kids a nickel to watch us kiss each other's cheeks in this tunnel on our playground.

- The boy I was in love with in first grade moved away at the end of the year. He moved back in high school. He was very rude, very fat, and very mean.

- In 6th grade a boy asked me out. I told him no because he wasn't popular (I was a jerk, okay!). In high school he became one of the star football players and was very popular. Yup, that's karma alright.

- My high school boyfriend broke up with me on my birthday after we had been dating for a year and a half because he didn't want to buy me a present.

- Freshman year of college I dated a boy who's last name was Morse. One weekend he got a HUGE tattoo over his whole back...of a bar code (I think it was the bar code to Kraft American Cheese, actually). He even had "Morse Code" tattooed under it. I promptly broke up with him.

- During Rush Week my sophomore year of college, my boyfriend of 6 months broke up with me via AOL instant messanger. WTF.

- Sophomore year of college I went on two dates with a guy until I realized he was just trying to get me to do his homework. Seriously. So weird.

- Later in the year, I went on a first date with a different guy. When we got to the resturant he told me I had to order a water and couldn't spend more than $10 on my meal because he only had $15. I mean...we were in college...but still.

What are some of your dating (horror) stories?

2.20.11

Anthropologie Network Dress in Red (buy it here)

Target Teanna Sandals (buy them here)

Forever 21 Gemstone Earrings (similar here)

Hi buds! This is what I wore last weekend when it was 74 degrees out. Yup, 74 degrees.

I was so excited I had to bust out these new Target sandals. They are awesome because when I wear them, I don't have to get on my tippy toes to kiss my boyfriend. And he doesn't get a neck cramp from bending down to me. It's like we're an averaged height couple instead of a short girl and a tall boy couple.

And I also wore this brand spankin' new red dress I grabbed from the sale section at Anthropologie. I somehow tricked Jeremey into going shopping with me last weekend and when I tried this little number on he said I looked smokin'. So it would have been basically against the law to not buy this dress. And I love law. And order. And Law and Order (but not Law and Order: Criminal Intent - worst L&O EVER!).

And I also wore these earrings I bought forever ago but never wear because they are heavy and make my ears hurt. But they're cute so I tough it out every once in a while.

So it was a pretty fancy outfit for a Sunday. But it was not wasted, folks, oh no. I wore this outfit to sit on a patio and have two sips of the most disgusting drink ever created - TGI Friday's Skinny Blackberry Margarita, aka WhatVomitWouldTasteLikeIfItWereMixedWithRottingEggs.

So yeah, won't be ordering THAT one again.

2.17.11

H&M Periwinkle Bow Tee (similar here)

Anthropologie Alena Skirt in Navy (similar here)

Charlotte Russe Grey Cardi (similar here)

Forever 21 Grey Lattice Tights (buy them here)

Old Navy Silver Flats (similar here)

So I bought this cute tee after seeing it on Sara - it's got little bows all over the neck and they're adorable. I would have taken a close up picture of them...but we'll get to that.

These tights also have a lovely lattice pattern on them. I would have taken a close up picture of that....but I'll get to that.

So...what exactly am I getting at?

Well, after work last Thursday, I parked my car in one of my usual spots for picture taking, grabbed my camera and tripod, and trekked up a hill to a fairly secluded wooded area. So there I was, snapping away, when I heard some footsteps. I stopped because I was in a an area without any paths, so it was strange to hear footsteps.

The I heard more.

So I stuck my head out, and saw this:

Yup, those are men in full-on camo, carrying weapons (my dad later said they were more than likely air soft guns made to look and feel like real combat guns). These guys are doing army crawls, hand signals and making clicks just like in the movies. It was crazy.

So I headed to opposite direction of these guys, only to see another group of men army crawling up the back of the hill.

It was the weirdest thing.

By the time I got back down to my car, I heard from farther off in the distance this guy SCREAM "BANG! BANG! BANG!" and then some of the guys pictured above start yelling out in pain.

I'm guessing it was an ROTC group or something, but seriously? War games in the middle of a public park? I think there are better places for this. Besides, they totally cramped my picture-taking style.

(PS, you know what doesn't cramp my style? Giveaways! Sara at You, Me, and Anthropologie is hosting a $50 Anthro or J.Crew giftcard giveaway in honor of her birthday! How sweet!)

2.16.11

The Limited Bow Top (similar here)

Old Navy Black Skinny Slacks (similar here)

Old Navy Yellow Cardi (similar here)

Charlotte Russe Black Flats (similar here)

Forever 21 "Turquoise" Earrings (similar here)

The Limited Skinny Black Belt (similar here)

If I were one of those creative bloggers who titled each post something to do with my outfit, I would call this one "Copycat". Or "Cheater". Instead, I'm sticking with 2.16.11 because I like consistency.

But I am a copycat. Or cheater. Because I totally stole this outfit idea from Kimmie. See it on her here? Isn't she cute? We're twinsies. She just doesn't know it.

Have I reached a level of creepy that you are uncomfortable with yet?

I have?

Okay, good. I'll stop.

I leave you with a real conversation I had with my boyfriend.

Jeremey: Hey, are pirates fashionable now?

Ashley: Huh? Uhh...no....I mean...stripes are....

Jeremey: Because you've been wearing all sorts of pirate shirts lately.

Ashley: Oh...uh, these are bows. And yeah, I have a lot of shirts with ruffles on them.

Jeremey: Yeah, pirate shirts. So is that in style?

Ashley: I guess.....

Boys...they just don't get it.

Wishlist, revisted

Happy President's Day! Or, if you don't live in the United States, happy Monday!

I generally don't post on days I don't have to work, but I was talking to my mom about my wishlist and it made me remember this post I did a few weeks ago about my spring wishlist. I thought it might be helpful to go and update it for any of you who were interested in some of the stuff I posted.

Oh, and for those wondering - for me, making a public wishlist like this REALLY helped me not shop as much - I have bought a few things that weren't on my list, but for the most part have really stuck to it!

Anyway, here was my original list:

I already bought this dress from Express - although I put it on to wear yesterday (it was 74 degrees out!) and didn't have the same love for it that I did when I bought it. It's just BARELY long enough for me to wear to work, but it might end up going back. Just like everything else at Express, I sized down (I typically wear an 8 in dresses and I got a small).

I tried this skirt on and it didn't work, much like I predicted - I did, however, get a J.Crew outlet floral pencil skirt that I love (after discounts, I think I paid $40 for it) and will hopefully be wearing soon!

I bought a pair of these Gap City flats in black to replace my worn out embellished Charlotte Russe flats. I sized up a half size after reading the reviews and am glad I did. They are pretty comfy, but they aren't that cute - they're plain black flats, though, so it's what I expected. I don't think these will become my replacement flats, but I am going to keep them - they fit perfectly in my purse for back-up shoes!

These Target wedges were a huge disappointment. The ankles straps were HUGE on me, and I think I have average-sized ankles and calves. They were comfortable, though, and fit TTS/maybe a little big so if you have problems with shoes fitting around your ankles, I do suggest these!

I bought these on sale at my local Target the other and LOVE them! The strap that goes across the toes was a little tight at first, but I have high arches so that's normal for me. I wore them around the house with some thick socks and now they're perfect - I can't wait for some warmer weather to wear these all the time! Fits true-to-size.

I LOVE this belt from the Gap. I've worn it a few times already (for some reason none of those outfits have ended up on this blog), and I've gotten so many compliments on it. I'm not a huge fan of pink, but it's the perfect little pop! I bought a small, and it fits and my waist and hips.

I bought this fish wrap in the pink/white colorway on Friday - it was on sale and there was an extra 25% off on top of that, so it was over half off the original price. I love it, and it doesn't overwhelm me like a lot of large scarves do.

The website is sold out of my size, and NO stores in St. Louis carry this style any more. I might have to try these similar Gap pants out.

I did find a new black cardigan, and it's great, but it's not perfect. I might have to get another!

Now on my wishlist? A pair of bootcut jeans - I'd love to try those super wide '70s style Gap flares, but I know I just wouldn't wear them much...After a few years of skinny jeans only, I'm ready to let my legs breathe a bit! I'd also love to find a pair of strappy, nude, wooden heeled sandals.

2.13.11

Charlotte Russe Grey Tee (similar here)

The Limited Skinny Jeans (similar here)

Forever 21 Necklace (buy it here)

Steve Madden Gold Flats (similar here)

Oh...it's you again.

Just kidding, I like you guys. But it's Friday (FINALLY!), and the FBFF questions this week are about body image. This is such a sensitive topic for so many people, myself included. I think that by talking about difficult/sensitive things, though, there is a greater level of acceptance, so let's get crackin'!

1. Since you started blogging has your image of yourself changed?

Umm...yes and no. I've always been a very confident person, and I've spent my life surrounded by supportive people, so I've always had a fairly good self-image. However, before I started by blog I was feeling very melancholy - I was bored, didn't have a creative outlet, and just very "blah" feeling about life in general. At the time I didn't realize it, but looking back I know this was affecting a lot of stuff - I wasn't caring as much about what I looked like, I wasn't sleeping well (either not at all or way too much), and I was a lot more argumentative; picking fights with my boyfriend over nothing - which are all signs that I may have been a little depressed. My blog has been a wonderful release for me, and I've been feeling a lot more confident lately - it's easy to do when you get comments telling you how awesome you look and how funny you are (seriously, you guys are awesome!)!

2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it or do you post it/talk about it anyway?

Oh, sure - I've gained a few pounds (probably about 10 - which may not sound like a lot but I'm 5'3", so it's a lot on my frame!) since I graduated college - thankfully it's mostly settled in my...um...chest area, but I'm really self conscious! I've always had a curvaceous figure, but there are days when I hate my hips...and my stomach. And arms. And chin.

And this is absolutely insane, but when I smile, my right eye gets smaller than my left eye (it squints more). I am SO self-conscious about that - that's why I'm looking to the side in most of the pictures I post on here!

3. Based on how you are feeling now, what do you think the future holds in the evolution of your body image?

Hmmm...well, considering that within the next 5 years I hope to go through some major life changes (get married and have babies!), my body (and my body image) will probably change a lot. I mean, I'd love to loose weight before I get married (duh...who doesn't?), and I don't want to gain 400 pounds when I get pregnant. I hope to always have a positive body image, though, because I really want to be able to pass confidence on to my children.

4. Do you photograph yourself for your blog? If so, how do you feel about the experience when you're having your picture taken? If you choose not to post pictures of yourself, what prompted that decision?

I do photograph myself - and I love it! I can be completely insane and self-critical and there's no one there to hear me. I would be SO much more embarrassed doing this if someone I knew was photographing me. It's also taught me a lot about my body and how to pose - I'm learning all sorts of tricks so I'll look HOT in my wedding pictures one day!

Also, I know this comes up a lot on self-photography blogs, but when random people stop and stare while I'm taking my pictures, I've really gotten to the point where I don't care. It took a while, and a lot of self-confidence, but seriously? If a girl walking her dog wants to stop and stare at me while I'm taking my picture, she's the weirdo, not me!

5. What would you want every person who struggles with body image to take to heart?

Quit it.

No, but seriously - everyone has some body image problems...even smokin' hot celebrities and models. So enjoy your Oreos and know you look good.

(I have quite a way with words, don't I?)

2.15.11

 Forever 21 Black and White Polka Dot Tee (similar here)

Old Navy Black Skirt (buy it here)

New York and Co. Red Cardigan (similar here)

H&M Skinny Silver Belt (similar here)

Target Merona Premium Opaque Tights (similar here)

Charlotte Russe People Toe Booties (similar here)

Anthropologie Swirling Drops Earrings (similar here)

Oh my gosh, you guys - I have been going completely insane at work. I wasn't in the office at all yesterday because I went to a conference and then I did a presentation at a local college, so I just have felt completely behind because of that. I had TWENTY SEVEN voicemails this morning. 27. That is just wacky.

Then, to top that off (because really, what's worse than voicemails?), THREE people showed up for interviews today that, according to my Outlook, are actually scheduled for tomorrow. Since I couldn't figure out if it was my mistake or theirs, I went ahead an interviewed them, but that just made me more crunched for time.

Not to mention that thanks to the warmer weather, we've been busier, so all of our managers are FREAKING out because they don't have their entire summer staffs hired yet. Gimme a break, it's February. It will get cold and snowy again, and then you won't need all that staff.

Ugh.

In other news, Jeremey and I saw Just Go With It last night - it was SO funny! Very predictable, but very lighthearted and cute.

Also, you guys are the freaking best. I got so much helpful advice in my last post, I'm going to have you guys make all my decisions for me from now on.

(and check out my sassy look in that photo! I clearly failed Modeling 101: The Smeyes (or is it Smize?))

2.14.11

Charlotte Russe Lace Tank (similar here)

Ann Taylor Loft Grey Skirt (similar here)

Charlotte Russe Pink Ruffle Cardi (similar here)

Forever 21 Crochet Tights (similar here)

Hush Puppies Silver Mary Janes (via DSW, similar here)

Forever 21 Pink Rose Earrings (similar here)

This is what I wore on Valentine's Day. Yup, I realize it's two days after Valentine's Day already, but if you guys haven't noticed I tend to post my outfits in a completely delayed fashion. Or fashionably late. Or whatever.

Anyway, back to the outfit. I originally wanted to wear something else, but the skirt I wanted to wear was at the dry cleaner at apparently dry cleaners aren't open on Sundays. So I improvised. Mostly I wanted to wear these cute little $1.50 flower earrings I got my last day working at Forever 21. So for me, they were only $1.35, because I got a 10% discount.

Yeah, don't ever work at F21 for the discount.

Anyway, I need some advice, you guys. So, I'm gonna ask questions, and if you have an answer or an opinion, let me know!

1) I want a new camera before I go on my trip to London/Paris. I'm going there in about 5 weeks, and probably won't buy a camera for another week or so. My heart says DLSR, but my brain says a "fancy" point and shoot. I can afford a DSLR, and I'd love to have one, but I'm worried 1) I'll drop/break/loose the camera, or worse, pit pocked 2) I won't have enough time to learn how to properly use all the features I would want a DLSR for (mostly how to manually set a camera properly for the correct conditions). What should I do? Are there "nice" point and shoots? I really need to go to a camera store to figure this out, but I feel bad going in and looking and not purchasing, and I'll be honest - I'd rather buy online so I can use ebates or something.

2) So I'm going to London and Paris. I'll be in London for 3 and a half days, and 2 and a half of those days I'll be completely on my own while my friend Sam is in school/work. So what should I do?

3) Also related: I'll be in Paris for 2 days. Would it be completely insane to go to Paris and not go in the Lourve? Because I kinda don't want to.

4) I'm thinking about adding little "previously" links on here so you can see the last time I wore a cardi or skirt or whatever - would you guys be interested in that or do you normally just scroll over it?

2.12.11

Ann Taylor Loft Dusty Blue Silky Tee (similar here)

Old Navy Black Jeggings (buy them here)

Connie Black Patent Pumps (via Famous Footwear, similar here)

American Eagle Silver Beaded Necklace (similar here)

This is what I wore Saturday when Jeremey and I went to a local casino - I had a $60 slot credit from when my mom and I went waaaaay back in August. I got a little gussied up because it was Saturday night, and we were going to a casino.

But then I remembered I live in Missouri, not Las Vegas. So when we got there I switched the pumps for flats (I always keep a pair in my car) and put a sweatshirt on. Because I keep it real, Missouri-style.

But anyway, yesterday was Valentine's Day. And it was an awesome day, ya wanna know why? Because it was nice out. And when it's nice out, my work gets busy. Like really busy. Like last Monday we had 427 people come through our gates (and there were probably 300 people working...and the gates can't tell that we're employees and not visitors). This Monday we had 3,000.

And with large crowds of people comes cute little kids.

And for some reason, people with those cute little kids like to wear fanny packs.

And it's usually not the most stylin' people rockin' the fanny packs.

So thanks, fanny pack people, for making my Monday a little brighter.

Also, I went to Subway for lunch and I got a free cookie because it was Valentine's Day. Does life get much sweeter than a free freshly baked chocolate chip cookie? I think not.

2.11.11

Anthropologie Blueberry Peplum Blouse (similar here)

Ann Taylor Loft Denim pencil Skirt (buy it here)
Old Navy Purple Tights (similar here)
Target Kachiri Boots in Taupe (buy them here)

I would like to publically wish my BFF, Mother Nature, a happy Valentine's Day. Because this year, she really outdid herself. It is in the 50s, and it's supposed to get up to the 60s this week. In February. In Missouri. So, here's to you, Mother Nature. Keep on rockin'.

(and I worked late all last week so my picture was really dark. Apologies.)

1.7.11

Land's End Blue Oxford (similar here)

Ann Taylor Loft Grey Skirt (similar here)

The Limited White Cardi (similar here)

We Love Colors Tights in Hunter Green (c/o We Love Colors, buy them here)

Target Kachiri Taupe Boots (similar here)

Anthropologie City Safari Belt (yeah, I've got nothing for you. This is a pretty unique belt)

Katy's FBFF questions this week are all about adding punches of color in your wardrobe. We Love Colors, one of the most blogger-supportive companies out there, even offered a few members of FBFF a pair of tights to review to help add a punch of color to our winter wardrobes. I was one of those lucky bloggers, and even though a review wasn't part of the deal, I'm giving it to you anyway!

Now, I am normally very faithful to Hue or Target Merona tights - I have a few other brands, but those two brands definitely dominate my hosiery wardrobe.

Not any more.

I LOVE these tights (mine are the Nylon/Lycra Microfiber Tights in  Hunter Green) - they are really soft and stretchy (and no "shaping panty" that really just creates lumps and bumps), and thick! I actually caught my cat wrestling with them (bad kitty!) yesterday and there are no holes or snags in them at all, and my cat has all her claws. They are just as opaque as my other favorite brands, and definitely warmer than the Hue Opaque tights. I was right at the point (5'3" and 135lbs) where I could have ordered the S/M or the M/L, and I went with the M/L - they weren't too big at all, but I could have sized down and been fine.

The only downside is that since everyone's monitor is different, the colors might read differently on your screen than they look IRL -  I just Googled the names of the colors and "We Love Colors" and found quite a few bloggers so I could see real-life photos - plus the WLC Blog is really helpful to see more pictures. You guys, I'm totally ordering more. They are SO worth it - plus if you google a bit you can sometimes find a coupon code!

If you have any questions about WLC, let me know and I'll try to answer them (just keep in mind that my experience with them so far is limited to this one pair).

Now, on to the FBFF questions!

1. What color dominates your closet?

Shades of blue, definitely. That's absolutely my mother's influence (she hardly wears a color besides blue), plus fair skinned blondes with blue eyes look awesome in blue, if I do say so myself! In general, I tend to gravitate towards bright, saturated colors as opposed to pastels.

2. If money weren't an issue how would you change the color emphasis in your closet?
I don't think I would - I think at this point in my life my closet reflects my color style quite well. I would like to add more patterns to my closet, though.
3. What is your mantra about mixing colors?
More is more...within reason :). I love pairing complimentary colors together (x, x, x), as oppose to analogous colors. I also like triads of colors (x, x).
4. For you, how do you incorporate color into your outfits?
I have a lot of basics in a lot of colors - when shopping I tend to gravitate towards items that aren't black, brown, and white, which could make getting dressed a bit more difficult. For me, though, it just makes it more creative!
I think for people just getting started in wearing colors, it's key to stay a little comfortable - maybe you have a patterned scarf you love, so start with a bold blouse in a similar color. Or maybe you always get complimented when you wear that navy blue top - so try a rich cobalt shade. Or start out with a classic color combo - navy, red, and white. It's one of my favorites, and so easy to wear in a chic, understated way. Colors don't need to be scary!
That being said, I am always jealous of women who can rock a muted, pastel color palette, or all black - those color schemes don't come easily to me at all!
 5. Which blogger(s) do you think do a good job of incorporating color into their wardrobe?
I always love the color combos Jessica from What I Wore comes up with. She's famous for a reason - girlfriend knows how to dress.
Kristin at Crimson Rosella is always wearing colors in unexpected ways.
Heather at Simply Sunstar wears earth tones a lot, but still makes them pop with golds and rich textures.