Saturday, December 30, 2017

Setting Sail Into the New Year











Dress (similar here & here) | Purse (budget friendly version here) | Hat | Earrings | Cuff | Sunglasses 

It's hard to believe that 2018 less than 48 hours away. At the end of every year, we get the chance to take a step back, and reflect on our year. From new opportunities, to pitfalls, and experiencing the unexpected, 2017 gives us the chance to grow in 2018. 

A new year gives us the chance to reinvent ourselves, changing anything we want, and embracing all the things we love. After spending a week in Costa Rica over Christmas, I am definitely walking into 2018 feeling more dialed in to the year ahead.

. We all have the desire to be our best selves, and that is truly my New Years wish for you - focus on the positive, and tune out the negative, because life is too short to not be yourself. Laugh often, love deeply, and never give up. 

As we officially close the chapter on this year, I want to say thank you to each and every one of you. I am lucky and so grateful to have you along with me on this journey. When I started Ashley Nicole Style in 2015, I never could have imagined the doors it would open, and the opportunities I would be given. I also had no idea that I would get the chance to connect with so many wonderful people - like you - and build friendships with brands I have long adored. It's also given me the chance to follow my passion, while still exploring new avenues, and growing as a brand and as a person. 

From fashion, to travel, home decor and everything in between, I can't wait to see you in January! Be sure to stop by next week for another great giveaway with Vera Bradley, and for all the details on our stay at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica - you won't want to miss it! 





Thursday, December 21, 2017

Black & Green Tweed Dress

 




Dress (similar style) | Feather Vest | Heels |  Clutch | Belt (vintage, similar style) | Chanel Earrings | Necklace (vintage, similar style) | Sunglasses

Happy Thursday, my friends! Have you gotten all your holiday shopping done yet?\

I warned you all that I was having a moment with fur, and now I've swapped it out for feathers! So festive. I love how the pop of green in this tweed sweater dress makes it a great choice for holiday parties (I'm thinking a Christmas Eve soiree), but it's also perfect for year-round wear. The sleeveless style is easy for places with warmer temps (like Houston), but the thickness is still seasonally on trend. I found this at Nordstrom Rack a few months back, but tracked down this similar style.

I'm going to leave this one short, but sweet because I have to get to packing! I am so ready for vacation mode to be in full effect shortly! Have a great day! xo  


Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Holiday Traditions + Your Chance to Win a $228 Vera Bradley Bag









Pajamas (also love these & these) | Slippers | Earrings | Blanket | Mug 



I can't believe it is already Wednesday. This week is off to a chaotic start as we gear up for the holidays. There's so much to do, and so little time before we leave for Costa Rica. I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am. 

During the holidays it is easy to lose a sense of what's truly important in life. We are constantly being inundated with messages about what we should be doing, how we should be doing it, what we should be buying, how much we should be spending, etc., which makes it easy to get overwhelmed. Trust me, I fall victim to this more times than I'd like to admit. 

That's why, when Adam and I first moved to Houston a little over four years ago, we decided that it was important to start our own holiday traditions. Of course, like everyone else, we each had our respective traditions that we'd done for forever with each of our families. However, at that time we were just transitioning from a big move (which was a huge life change), and we were still fairly 'young' in our relationship.We decided that each year, we would vacation somewhere (preferably warm), for at least a week, and make that our Christmas celebration. It would become our 'new' Christmas tradition, and is one that we cherish and look forward to. 

We definitely aren't scrooges and know it's important to be with our family during Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, so we squeeze in our vacation together whenever we can, we just make sure it's sometime over the holidays. Last year we celebrated New Years in the Dominican Republic, and it just so happens that this year we'll be in Costa Rica for Christmas. I suppose you can call us traditionally nontraditional. Due to the fact that we each have busy schedules and he's on the road all the time, make it a priority to put us first, and to reset, relax and enjoy time together 1-1. 

One holiday tradition that is probably my favorite, is getting presents!!! We all know though, that there's nothing better than the gift of giving, which is why I am giving away this gorgeous Vera Bradley Mallory Tote (value $228) to one lucky winner. All you have to do is head to Instagram (be sure you're following me) for all the details on how to enter. 

Monday, December 18, 2017

Last Minute Gifts for Everyone on Your List


Hello to all my last minute shoppers!! Christmas is only a week away - can you believe it?! I finally finished all my shopping last week, and sent out the last of my holiday cards yesterday. Now, let's get everyone checked off your shopping list, even if they have been naughty (or nice). 

I have combed though the worldwide web to find the perfect gifts for him, for her, for the home (or host/hostess), and of course, the kids! Everything is under $100, and is guaranteed arrive before Christmas!! Woo-hoo! Did I mention shipping is free, as well? All orders must be placed by noon EST on 12/21 to ensure a speedy delivery from Santa. 

For Her


For Him


For the Home


For the Kids 

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Pretty Patchwork Sweater








Sweater - only $35 | Denim | FurBooties | Purse (similar style) | Sunglasses | Earrings (similar style)


Have you been seeing a trend in my posts on the blog recently? Yep, that's right - fur! I feel like fur - real or faux - is synonymous with winter. It also makes me think of apres skiing, but that's probably because I grew up in Colorado. Even here in Texas though, I will find any excuse to throw a fur coat or scarf on with any outfit, even if it's still 70 out! It easily dresses up a simple, casual look, which you know I love. Even when I dress casually, I definitely still like to stand out!

Something else you may have taken notice of, is the fact that I have been obsessed with everything from Loft. Seriously, I think my last three posts featured something from the retailer.  I never "binge" buy continuously from the same place over and over, but I just haven't been able to resist. What's a girl supposed to do when she loves everything she sees!?! They have have super cute sweaters (like the one I'm wearing), great jeans (also wearing), fun dresses, and accessories. Not to mention, all their pieces are normally under $100, and the quality is really good. Plus, they are always having a sale. Right now, everything is 50% off when you use code VERYMERRY.

Here are some of my favorite pieces! 

Monday, December 11, 2017

How to Make Your Favorite Patterns Seasonally Chic










Dress (similar style) | Jacket (similar style here & here) | Purse | Heels (similar style) | Sunglasses | Earrings | Bracelets


Happy Monday, everyone! How was your weekend?

After a year and a half of living in our house, we finally hosted our first big party on Saturday and everything went off without a hitch. It was an ugly Christmas sweater party, and all of our guest's got so into it, which made it really fun. I went totally over the top and dressed in full elf ensemble, complete with ornaments as earrings. Check out my Insta stories for a peek at my outfit, which I'll share fully later this week.

From ugly Christmas sweaters, to office parties, and cocktail receptions, this season is full of events. 'Tis the season, right? Last week I was at three parties, and this week is going to be even busier. It's hard enough keeping up with all the parties going on, but making sure you have something to wear to them is also half the battle. If you're still looking for an outfit for an upcoming party, look no further than a floral frock.

I know I've mentioned it before, but there are ways to transition your favorite patterns from season to season. Case in point, this blush pink dress (which I scored on major sale the other week at Marshall's), looks perfectly winter chic when you add a faux fur coat on top of it! The larger flower pattern helps make it more seasonally appropriate, as well. Unfortunately I couldn't track it down online, but found a similar style here and here.

From OTN boots, to dresses and handbags, you can shop some of my favorite floral pieces for winter below. Simply click on the image and you'll be rerouted to the website, and can easily shop it from there.




$1,000 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway

'tis the season to give back! I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to give YOU a chance to win: a $1,000 Nordstrom Gift Card, to make your holidays just a little bit sweeter!

Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter. You’ll receive one entry per completion. This giveaway is open internationally and runs until end of day 12/18. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

*this giveaway is in no way sponsored by Nordstrom.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

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