Thursday, December 27, 2018

Green Shearling Coat



How cute is this look? I love the fact that it's so casual, yet pulled together. I definitely would wear this outfit grocery shopping & out with my girl's for happy hour - don't you just love a perfect day-to-night look?

These black jeans are absolute heaven. They're a little pricier at $199, but trust me, you will see why. Not only do they hug and suck you in in all the right places, but they're also as comfy as can be. The quality is amazing too, and they run TTS! 

Both my shearling jacket and my cranberry colored floral purse are on sale, and are too perfect for this winter season!

Hope you are having a wonderful time celebrating this special time of year, and that you got lots of good presents. 

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Merry Christmas 2018










Jumpsuit (runs large, wearing size 0) | Purse | Necklace | Earrings | Heels | Sunglasses 

Merry Christmas, friends!

We started our day by watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. It was so surreal, and this will truly be a Christmas we'll never forget. 

Here are some fun facts that I found on Trip Savvy. All facts are taken directly from their website

Fact #1: Sick with grief, Shah Jahan was first inspired to build the Taj Mahal after his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died while giving birth to their 14th child. His wife was in labor for 30 hours before she died at age 40.

Fact #2: The four minarets (towers) surrounding the Taj Mahal were constructed farther away from the main structure than usual. The minarets also lean slightly outward rather than stand straight. This was done as a safety measure so that if any of them fell, they would fall away from the tomb rather than crash into the central structure.

Fact #3: With construction beginning around 1632 and finishing in 1653, the Taj Mahal took an estimated 22 years to build. Small refinements continued thereafter.

Fact #4: Construction of the Taj Mahal cost an estimated 32 million Indian rupees (the equivalent of over US $1 billion at the time). 

Fact #5: Over 1,000 elephants were used to transport heavy materials and supplies for construction.

Fact #6: An estimated 20,000 laborers were recruited from all over Asia to contribute to the massive project. Remnants of their massive encampment, bazaar, and living quarters are now a nearby neighborhood.

Fact #7: The Taj Mahal was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, receiving more than 100 million votes. Voting for the Taj Mahal actually helped push the controversial internet-and-phone-based poll into the world spotlight.

... and that's just the tip of the iceberg!

Whatever you're doing today, I hope your day is filled with love and cheer! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! xoxo



Thursday, December 13, 2018

Festive Fringe T-Shirt










You don't have to wear an ugly sweater or be dressed to the nines to look festive this holiday season. 

This outfit is a great way to wear the colors of the season, but in an understated way. Well, as understated as fringes and beading can be! Whether you're heading out for dinner and a movie, or to a friend's house for a white elephant party, this look can easily take you day to night. 

I came across this top a few months ago, and before I could snag it, it kept selling out. There's no surprise there, so you can imagine how elated I was when I saw that not only was it available, but it was on sale during Black Friday! Done & done!! It's currently available in all sizes and is 60% off. It would look great dressed up with a sequin skirt and heels. Plus, I also plan to pair it with with faux leather leggings and sneakers, for a bold athleisure look. 

If this shirt doesn't have you excited, I know this will... I have tracked down a dupe for both my belt and my bag! Woohoo! Now you totally know what you're buying yourself for Christmas, right? The belt is only $30, and the purse is $39.99 & you can get two day shipping free if you're an Amazon Prime member! 


Sunday, December 9, 2018

Holiday Gifts for Her - Under $100

Can you believe that Christmas is a little over two weeks away?! This year I am admittedly a bit behind on my holiday shopping, but hey what can I say, I was planning a wedding!;) Now that the big day is over (more on that later), I've been combing my favorite online retailers to find the best gifts for everyone on my list.

Each year, I spend roughly $50-$100 for everyone on my list, so I love to share those items with you first. Below you'll find my top 25 items for her this holiday season. I picked these pieces not only because of their price point, but also because they are practical and can appeal to a large audience.

Happy shopping!


Friday, December 7, 2018

Holiday Tablescape + Last Chance to Enter the $1000 Nordstrom Giveaway











It's that time of year. If you're hosting friends and family for Christmas, you are going to want to be the perfect hostess. 

Decorating the dining room table for an intimate dinner or for holidays with the family, is definitely one of my favorite things. I love decorating with the colors of the season and the holiday in mind. Whether it's silver and blue for Hanukkah or green and red for Christmas, it brings out the holiday cheer. The simple red, white and green color scheme is not only perfect for Christmas, but through the winter season as well. The Santa & Mrs. Clause candlesticks, plaid placemats, and tree napkin rings, will make all your guest's nostalgic and reminiscent of the past. 

These Santa wine glasses are the perfect way to add some holiday fun to your table. They come in a great stemless version too, which would be perfect for water or eggnog! Also, my placeholders are an easy (and inexpensive) added touch. Simply buy some candy canes, glue them together, and tie or glue a bow on the top. Trust me, they're a fun conversation piece. 

What are some of your hostessing tips? I would love to hear them. Also, if you have any questions on last minute tips for the holidays, don't hesitate to ask! 

We're making a list and checking it twice! I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to give YOU a chance to win: a $1,000 Nordstrom Gift Card, just in time to complete your holiday wish list!
Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter. You’ll receive one entry per completion. This giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada only and runs until 12/14. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!
Void where prohibited. By entering the giveaway you acknowledge that you are agreeing to complete each task, which involves following, liking and subscribing to newsletter's.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, November 30, 2018

Holiday Decorating Tips + $1,000 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway!










Decorating for the holidays comes with a lot of cheer, but can cause a lot of stress, as well. There's always so much going on in November and December, that is's hard not to get overwhelmed (ahem, I can't believe tomorrow is December 1st)!

Decorating can be stressful and become tedious, but here are some of my tips for making it go smoothly, and having it be a fun experience!

Plan ahead. Make a to-do list, and shop for decor early. If you find something you like and are worried you may need more of it (think ribbons, plates, ornaments, etc.), buy it. You'd rather have more than less, and you can keep your receipt and return them. 

When you begin decorating, be sure to set the mood. Light a holiday scented candle, turn on Christmas or festive music or holiday movies, light the fire, and decorate in your favorite cozy jammies - even if it's midday! 

Enjoy some yummy eggnog, with or without the spirits. I love eggnog, but I hate how fatty and bad for you it is. I tracked down a delicious and healthy(ish) version this year by Blue Diamond that's made with almond milk. The calories and the saturated fat are way less, making it easier to enjoy more! A must try!  

Take decorating one step at a time, because it's easy to overdo it. Delegate family members to help with certain tasks, and enjoy this time as a family or with friends. 

Put up the tree first, but decorate it last. It takes the most amount of time, but you can easily hang ornaments during the day, or at night, while enjoying a holiday movie!

Clean up and do a thorough sweep/vacuum before laying down your tree skirt, or setting up anything that goes on the ground. This may sound obvious, but there's always an abundance of tinsel, pine needles and glitter all over, that you don't want covering your feet for weeks. 

Put some presents under the tree. This is of my favorite things to do and something I encourage you all to do if you don't already, especially if you decorate early. I have {fake} wrapped gifts and overflowing gift bags that I put under the tree every year. Yes, faux presents. Seeing the "presents" really sets the mood, because no one wants to see an bare tree! 

To make buying presents this season a little easier on your wallet, I've teamed up with a group of bloggers to give one lucky person the chance to win an $1,000 gift card to Nordstrom. 


We're making a list and checking it twice! I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to give YOU a chance to win: a $1,000 Nordstrom Gift Card, just in time to complete your holiday wish list!
Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter. You’ll receive one entry per completion. This giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada only and runs until 12/14. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!
Void where prohibited. By entering the giveaway you acknowledge that you are agreeing to complete each task, which involves following, liking and subscribing to newsletter's.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Color Block Pleated Dress









Dress | Fur | Shoes | Purse (similar style here) | Necklace | Earrings | Sunglasses

Happy Tuesday, friends!!

Can you believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner?

This dress would be great to wear to your in-laws this Thanksgiving, or if you are enjoying turkey out at a restaurant. It is sophisticated and dressy, yet subtle enough that it doesn't look like you're trying too hard. Don't you love that? I love when I wear an outfit that looks effortlessly pulled together. 

The fur shrug is a perfect nod to the winter season. The muted pastel bag makes the look a bit more airy and bright, so that it isn't overly heavy or dark. This is a great tip to remember when you wear a {semi} monochromatic look. 

So, have you prepped your stomach for Thanksgiving? I think I've said it before, but turkey and all the fixings actually are not my favorite. Now don't think I'm a scrooge, Thanksgiving food has grown on me over the years (I actually enjoy it now), I just never have pined for it like I know so many do. 

What I most look forward to is recognizing what this day symbolizes, and truly giving thanks for all the great things in our life.We often take things (and people for granted) and don't always say thank you or acknowledge things. It's a great time to look within and around, and appreciate what one has. For instance, I am so grateful for each and every one of you, and appreciate you following me on this journey. Your support of Ashley Nicole Style, and my little nook of the web means so much to me! xoxo



 

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