Ashley Nicole Style : February 2017

Thursday, February 23, 2017

All Laced Up

Photos by LA Photography

I think this sweater (and similar styles) has been the most popular thing I have seen on every blogger, and everyone I know this season. I've seen it paired with over-the-knee boots and a suede mini skirt, and also with leggings, riding boots and a winter fedora. Why is it so popular? It's the perfect pairing of casual, with a sexy edge. Not to mention it's super comfy! At the end of this post, I've tagged my five favorite lace up looks!

On a different note, we're off to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and I am soooo excited! We were in New Orleans a few years back for Adam's birthday, but I've never taken the plunge and actually gone during the biggest party of the year. Truth be told, I loathe crowds and hate being surrounded by people, but it's been on my bucket list. Would love any tips you have on places to see or go!

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Jumping into Spring

No winter blues over here! Spring is just around the corner, and so are some fun new trends that you must add to your closet. So what's trending for Spring/Summer 2017? Lets find out!

Stripes

An always popular pattern, we're seeing stripes in updated, warmer weather silhouettes. Think shorts, tailored pants, flowy skirts, and swimsuits!

Yellow

Always a favorite color of mine, we are seeing yellow pop up everywhere for spring. In a washed out butter hue, to dark mustard - buy a dress, jacket or off the shoulder top in this season's hottest color.

Fanny Packs

Remember your bff in the 80's and early 90's? Well dust it off because the fanny pack is having in comeback. In a sleeker, more refined shape, this trend is everywhere.

Jumpsuits

For day or night, this piece is popping up in all styles and materials. Wear it for an effortlessly chic, cool girl look during the day, or jazz it up with a form fitting, v-neck style at night.

70's Prints

From oversized floral patterns, to geometric prints, the 70's are back.

Statement Earrings

Now we're talking! A favorite of mine is getting an over the top edge - think even bigger and bolder.

Platforms

Feet rejoice! No longer are we seeing the stick straight stiletto, platforms and flatforms are all the rage.

Hot Pink

Another summer ready color was all over the runways. Go all out, or keep it simple with by wearing just accessories in this girly hue.

Metallics & Sequins

Not just for the holidays anymore. Go buy a pleated gold metallic skirt, or cropped sequin blazer to be on trend this season.

Check out the lookook below for inspiration!

Photos by LA Photography

Friday, February 17, 2017

Perfect Pinstripe + Some Big News

Photos by LA Photography

TGIF everyone!

It's been a great week here! Yesterday was one of the best days. Why? Because I officially received the March/April issue of Arthritis Today....and I'M ON THE COVER! Eeek, it's so surreal.

Remember last month when I talked about some great things in the works that I couldn't wait to share with you? Well, this was what I was talking about! I had to be so hush hush about it (which is hard for me), but it has been beyond rewarding.

I was approached by the Arthritis Foundation in December. They wanted to know my story and more about me. They were aware of my involvement on the board of directors, as well as being the adult honoree at last year's Bone Bash and how I am chairing this years event, but they wanted to hear how the disease affects my work and my everyday life.

It was only a few weeks before Christmas, but they wanted to arrange a phone interview, and wanted to see when they could have their corporate creative director and photographer travel in from Atlanta. I tried to act all cool, like no big deal, but I was jumping up and down and my heart was beating out of my chest. Omg! Omg! Omg! I know, you're like Arthritis Today, really, you were that excited? The answer is YES, times a million. When you battle a disease on a daily basis, it is obviously part of your life, and to be recognized by the largest organization in the world fighting against it, truly is an honor and one of my proudest accomplishments.

Getting the magazine, reading the article and holding it in my hands yesterday was so surreal. I am looking forward to celebrating with my family and friends at the beginning of next month at my cover release party. I mean, you have to throw a party when you feel like a celebrity right?;) haha. I only wish all you could be there. I can't wait to share photos with you and tell you the rest of the story after the party! Until then, let me know what you think of the cover!

Monday, February 13, 2017

Valentine's Day Style

Happy Monday everyone! Sorry this post is a bit late (typically I post in the morning), but with a crazy busy weekend, I didn't have time to get around to the blog until now!

From co-hosting a baby shower, to completing a to-do list five miles long, the weekend just seemed to slip by! We did have a chance to go out and grab some Tex Mex on Friday, and watch Manchester By the Sea (yes, it's now On Demand)! But other than that, the weekend consisted of a lot of work. I feel like we're still getting situated in our new place, and there's always something to do, or something we haven't finished yet.

As an obsessive organizer (it's one of y favorite things), and homebody, I never mind having some downtime at home. I'm definitely trying to enjoy it now, because starting at the end of this month, through April, I have three trips scheduled, with a fourth on the horizon. Cheers to living out of a suitcase! ha.

Having just celebrated my birthday in Vail, and with our anniversary coming up the beginning of March, we sometimes overlook Valentine's Day. Don't get me wrong, I love flowers, stuffed animals, chocolate and jewelry, but we prefer to take the holiday at face value - one where you appreciate being with one another.

In my case, I surprised Adam last week with a candlelight dinner, and home cooked meal. I made chicken fajitas from scratch, and they were super easy and delicious. Click here for the recipe. He's super busy with work this week, so I wanted to make sure I carved out some time for us, and wanted to do something special and unexpected for him. It may have been a week early, but it ensured that we both gave one another our devoted attention. Sometimes the simplest things can be the most meaningful. All you have to do is make them uniquely you. Plus, a cute dress never hurts either!

Photos by LA Photography

Now…it’s time for a fabulous giveaway! I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to give YOU a chance to win: a $500 Nordstrom Gift Card, just in time for some spring shopping!

Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter. You’ll receive one entry per completion. This giveaway is open internationally and runs until 2/20. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, February 10, 2017

Welcome to Friday's Fab Five

Photos by LA Photography

TGIF!!! And welcome to Friday's Fab Five!

I am so excited to finally share this fun project with you!

The concept for Friday's Fab Five came about over lunch with my BFF Robin Beltrán several months ago. After bantering back and forth, filling one another in on our lives and businesses, we realized that not only did our friendship and admiration for one another run deep, but so did a desire to work together. The concept was to bring together her tv personality and match making skills, and mold them with my fashion styling and lifestyle expertise. Thus, FFF was born.

Friday's Fab Five is the melting pot of our five favorite things. Whether that's our five favorite places to have brunch on the weekend, to our favorite book club reads, or the top five items we are lusting for, it's all about what's on trend and hot right now. What better place to start then with our first true love - fashion. For the debut of FFF, we are bringing you our top five date night looks, just in time for Valentine's Day! Enter all the heart eye emojis!