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



Friday, November 16, 2018

Tweed & Fur Jacket









Jacket | Sweater | Jeans | Boots (similar style here) | Purse | Necklace | Earrings | Sunglasses

Happy Friday, friends! 

This week has just flown by, and it definitely was one to remember. Not only did I finish up a lot of last minute wedding details, but I picked up my wedding dress (it's been being made for nearly six months!), and finally got to see our custom made weddings bands. Eek so exciting! I am not going to lie, I'm currently a mix of nerves, excitement, jitters...you name it, I'm feeling it. Everyone has told me that it's over before you know it, so I am certainly soaking it all in. After so much planning, I'm not going to take this special time for granted. 

Speaking of special, how fun is this fur and tweed jacket? With the cooler weather we've been having, it's been the perfect go-to! However, last week when I actually shot this look, it was nearly 90 degrees and OTN boots, a sweater, and jacket were the last thing I wanted to wear! The quality of the faux fur is excellent, but I was a little disappointed by the fit of both the sweater and the jacket - definitely go up a size, as they run small. 

I always get asked so many questions on this purse. It's such a statement piece, and goes with everything. It can be dressed up or down, and I love that it only looks expensive. Can you believe the price tag is $30?! My jeans are also a steal, and are currently on sale for $40! They run TTS, but I typically size down because they have a lot of give (they're made with a mix of spandex material). 

I hope you have a fantastic weekend! 

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Pink Power Suit










Blazer | Pants | Cami | Shoes | Purse (more affordable version here) | Necklace | Earrings

Hello pretty pantsuit! I've long been a fan of suits, and love the fact that they're becoming more commonplace for women to wear. 

I remember growing up my dad would always wear the sharpest suits. He would look so professional, like 'he meant business.' I definitely still feel that way today, and I love when I see a woman wearing a chic and tailored suit. It is the perfect mix of masculine and feminine, and always looks effortless..

Suits are definitely associated with business professionals, but I feel like we're starting to see suits re-imagined as short sets, sport coat dresses, and in bold hues like this over-sized pink pantsuit. This blazer and pants are sold as separates, but they're both currently on sale for under $50.

I wanted to play up the girly vibe by wearing it with this lace floral printed cami. It's the perfect top to change into for date night after work, or to go grab happy hour with your girlfriends.



Friday, November 9, 2018

From Miss to Mrs - Giving You The Dish on All Our Wedding Details












Dress (similar style here & here) | Shoes | Clutch | Necklace (similar style here) | Earrings | Sunglasses 

I am so excited to finally share with you that Adam and I are getting MARRIED this month!!! That's right, I'll be a Mrs. in only a few weeks.

With all the planning and traveling that's been going on, it has been challenging to not scream it from the roof top and spill the beans. It's also been a bit overwhelming and chaotic, as well! 

We've kept it 'hush-hush' the past few months because we've really wanted to live in the moment and appreciate this time. Also, there were a lot of little details that I wanted to make sure were ironed out before I announced everything. I suppose that's the superstitious person in me - I always want everything perfect, and dotted with an "i" and crossed with a "t."

Also, as I've mentioned in the past, Adam is someone who really values his privacy, and I totally respect that. In all honesty, I'm really private as well, which I'm sure is hard to believe since I live my life on the internet. I think here's a lot to be said for maintaining a sense of privacy in a world where everyone feels like they need to blast everything all over the internet to make sure it matters. Yep, that's just not me/us. 

But, if you do follow me on Instagram, you may have had your suspicions that this news was coming (I actually was surprised how many of you messaged me asking me if I was wedding planning).  It was probably the frequent trips back and forth to San Francisco, or alluding that "big news" coming soon that gave it away! Like I said, it's been hard to keep it all in, especially considering how insanely excited I am. I really think there is going to be no day more special than this one. 

As I just mentioned, I have been going back and forth to San Francisco a lot, because that is where we are going to get married! SF is where Adam and I met, so it only seemed fitting to return to the city that we love so much, and that brought us together. There are obviously a lot more details about that date, location, flowers, and the dress that I want to share with you, so stay tuned! If there are any specific questions you have, or things you want to know about our big, be sure to send me an email or message me!

Have a great weekend:)



 

design + development by kiki and co. creative