Color Parade

Photos by Lauren of Lauren Beatty Photography 

SheIn dress ℅ | Trina Turk coat {similar style here} |  Miu Miu heels {similar style here} | Alexander McQueen clutch {budget friendly style here} | NEST necklace | Kendra Scott bracelets


Happy Monday!

 What better way to kick off a new week then with a colorful dress. Since the Oscars were on last night, I was itching to feel a bit red carpet ready myself, and this body-con dress from SheIn helped me do just that!

Who all watched the awards? I tuned in a bit late since we grilled steaks for dinner (my favorite), so I was able to buzz through the show pretty quickly since I got to skip over the annoying commercials. Thank goodness for DVR. I had originally planned to host a party, but with leaving on Friday, it was going to be just too much, unfortunately. There's always next year!

We caught up on a lot of the nominated films this past weekend, which was perfect and just in time for the show. Room and The Danish Girl were among my favorites. I've always loved movies, but I clearly watch the Oscars for the fashions more than anything. I swear, Cate Blanchett can do no wrong in my book. She's definitely my celebrity style icon. Her sea foam dress with the feathers and floral applique was so stunning. And bravo to Leonadro DiCaprio for finally winning an Oscar. Lady GaGa stole the show with her incredible performance that left me speechless. It was truly a profound moment, and as much as I loved it/her, I was thrilled to see Sam Smith win best song (we saw him live a few months ago, and he was awesome).

If you haven't caught up with your movies (or fashion), now is the time! See you in a few days:) 

An Updated Classic

Photos by Lauren of Lauren Beatty Photography 

Molly Bracken blazer ℅ | Forever 21 sequin top {similar style here} | Frame Denim jeans | Chanel handbag {budget friendly style here} | Tosca Blu sneakers {purchased in Paris, similar style here and here} | Zayver Designs earrings & necklace | Quay Australia sunglasses

Is this outfit perfect for casual Friday or what? I love the idea of pairing something formal, like a tweed blazer, with uber casual, distressed denim. 

Layering this cream Molly Bracken blazer over the sequin tank-top, enhanced the gold detailing in the jacket. I'm always hesitant about wearing distressed denim because I feel like it isn't really my 'look.' The simple (and small) holes and rips in this pair of Frame Denim jeans, was just enough to make me feel confident with this trend. The comfortable, yet stylish tennis shoes were the icing on the cake. Who else loves the fact that sneakers are now in style?

This is my last weekend in Houston before I leave on vacation. I am so excited for Easter Island - I can't even begin to tell you how thrilled I am. It's going to be the trip of a lifetime! Definitely stay in touch, and follow along with me on Instagram - there'll be lots of photos to come!

Until then I have a busy few days, and a fun weekend ahead. On Saturday, we are going to the Bar-B-Que Cook-off at NRG Stadium (future host of Super Bowl 51). The cook-off kick starts rodeo season, which brings tons of headliners to town. Last year I was lucky and got to see Tim McGraw perform before I left for Paris. On Sunday I'm getting brunch with my girlfriend's so we can have one last pow wow before I leave, and next week is all about getting everything done, getting everything is in order, and tackling packing!

See you Monday!

Printed Shift Dress

 

Dress {similar style here, here, and here}  | Vintage belt | Ferragamo 'Varina' flats | Elaine Turner purse (on sale!) ℅ | AIBI watch ℅| Zayver Designs turquoise bracelet | Henri Bendel gold and silver bracelet | Accessory Concierge spike bracelet ℅ | Kendra Scott earrings 

It's been a rainy past few days here in Houston. What is it about the rain that makes you feel so tired? It's crazy! With rain comes humidity, and then comes bad hair! haha.

I wore this outfit last weekend when we went to see the new exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts. I am a museum junky, and as a member, I love getting to see the exhibits before everyone else gets to. I guess that's one perk of the yearly dues! This exhibit showcased Art Deco cars and motorcycles from 1929-1940. The cars were unbelievable and in pristine condition, but I may have cared more about learning about how the arts at the time influenced the automobiles. Anyone that knows me, knows that if I didn't have to own or drive a car ever again, I would be as happy as a clam, but in Houston that's like having fries without ketchup - it's out of the question!

On our way to the exhibit (which we followed with a delicious late lunch at Helen) I said to Adam, "I think I wear this outfit every time I go to the museum." Do you guys have any outfits like that? As much as a love a new getup, I never tire of my old favorites. It's one of my favorite dresses because I can swap out the vintage belt for a statement necklace, trade in the flats for wedges and the dress is comfortable and doesn't wrinkle. Plus it also doesn't ride up when you walk. I find that to be a big problem with casual, fitted dresses - I'm constantly pulling them down. I've tagged three other shift dresses above that are weekend-ready - let me know what you think! 

See you Friday! 

Mustard Hues

Photos by Lauren of Lauren Beatty Photography

 J.McLaughlin plaid shirt ℅| J.McLaughlin white pants ℅ | Fedora {similar style here} | St. Nicola 'Taylor' purse ℅ | Dolce Vita booties {similar style here - under $100} | Ohbon necklace | Forever 21 earrings | David Yurman bracelets {blue topaz, peridot, onyx. & pearl}

Can you believe that we're approaching the last few days of February? As March gets closer, so does the official start of Spring (although it never did feel like Winter around here anyways)! I love the Spring - flowers blooming, Easter, pastel colors, and Cadbury Bunny eggs. Cadbury eggs are my absolute favorite, it is hard to keep control of myself as soon as they hit store shelves. I'm trying to eat up as many as I can before I leave on my trip because I have a feeling come April, they won't be available anymore.

This plaid shirt and white pants, both from J.McLaughlin, are a great way to transition the popular Winter print, into a Spring ready hue. I just love the color mustard. I feel like it plays up every skin tone and is a little unexpected. When I came across this over-sized satchel from St. Nicola, I was overjoyed because I had been needing to replace my current mustard tote that had seen better days for a while, but was having difficulty finding a purse in the same shade. This bag has a detachable shoulder strap to make it hands-free and crossbody, and has tons of interior pockets and room for all my essentials, plus my laptop! What is it about women and their handbags? I swear we put everything but the kitchen sink in them. You just never know when you may need something! haha.

Have a great Monday and I'll see you soon:)

Jumpsuit for Joy!

Photos by Loren Ferguson of Elysian Fine Art

Diane von Furstenberg jumpsuit - on sale!! (sleeveless version here) | Elaine Turner clutch {previous season, similar style here - available in 10 colors} | Steve Madden heels - on sale & comes in tons of colors | Zayver Designs necklace & cuff

Hello Friday! The weather has been amazing here in Houston this past week - 70-80 degrees, and low humidity - one of the perks of living in Texas during the winter! Sorry for all who have single digit temps and snow.

I couldn't wait to share these pictures with you. I first wore this jumpsuit about a year and a half ago for the launch party of Ashley Nicole Style, my wardrobe consulting and fashion styling business (the blog didn't start until several months after that, in June). I bought the jumpsuit, had the pant legs altered (they were insanely long), and wore it to my party, all in the same day! To say I was a bit panicked would be putting it mildly. 

As you can guess, the one piece was a huge hit. Seriously, I don't think I have ever received so many compliments. I rarely wear black, but when I do, it has to be something that a) I love, b) is a huge statement maker, and c) probably didn't come in any other color. This fell into all those categories. I actually think the color made the piece as it was still evocative of the '70's without looking costumey. Plus, it has a very streamlined and elegant aspect to it, and is elongating. 

Pulling off the one-piece trend is actually easier than you may think. Don't shy away from this look until you've tried a few of my tips:

- Break up the big block of solid color with a lightweight jacket or blazer in a fun print or pattern (wear it open or drape it across your shoulders). A faux fur stole or shrug would also be a great addition.

-Add a belt to define your waist (this also helps break up the monochromatic look)

-Just add heels. Even the most utilitarian or casual jumpsuit can be amped up with booties or wedges

-Go for a flowy fabric. Jumpsuits aren't meant to be overly form fitting

-Embrace the deep-v neck. If a lower cut jumpsuit makes you self-conscious, easily cover up the area by wearing a lacy bandeau or large statement necklace