Farrah

So...this jumpsuit, y'all. I found it at this darling little store in Dallas (checkout Lion + Witch in the Oak Lawn area if you're around!). I was looking for a laid-back cool, NYE outfit, and when I saw this, I was inspired! It has that boho, 70s vibe that I'm all over these days. In fact, they call it their "Farrah" jumpsuit! Can't you just see the blonde bombshell and her big curls rocking this at a party back in the day? I love it because it's flowy, comfortable and a little bit sassy with the cutout back and metallic detailing. 

To top off my look, I found some art-deco style earrings, added my leather moto jacket and ran with this retro vibe.

If you're looking for something different this holiday, try out a jumpsuit. I'll admit, I'm sometimes skeptical, but ultimately they are SO fun, chic and stylish! 

Jumpsuit: Lion + Witch Dallas (@lionandwitch); Jacket: Nordstrom

Photography: Connor Wade Phototography

A Grand NYE

A few weeks ago, Fairmont Hotels reached out & asked me for my take on a fabulous outfit for their upcoming Grand NYE party at their San Diego Grand Del Mar resort. This little getaway is constantly voted in the Top 25 most luxurious resorts in the country each year! After browsing the photos of this gorgeous location, I was immediately inspired by the mix of Southern California cool + luxurious style. Since every gal opts for sequins on this holiday, I knew I wanted to go against the grain and do something a little out of the box. I loved the look of the striped umbrellas by the pool and the sultry vibes of the lounge area, so when I was looking for my outfit, I kept these two images in mind. 

I found this darling little striped dress with a high neck, low back and full, flirty skirt. To me, this dress really embraced a juxtaposition of structured, chic, NYE-appropriate cocktail style with a playful, laid-back cool west coast vibe. Had it been all black or red, this would have been your typical chic frock, but I think the stripes give it something unexpected and fun for the holiday occasion. I love the way the black and white really pops against the muted colors of the resort and its desert surroundings. 

I definitely went subtle on accessories, since the bold print really was the statement maker. I knew I wanted to show off the cut-out back, so I did a simple retro style curl and pulled my hair to one side. Then, I added this suuuuuuper fun sparkly ear climber ($5 at Forever 21!) to my exposed left ear for that extra pop of playful glam. I kept it simple with some patent leather shoes from Zara and added a slight pop of color with some plum purple lipstick.

Voila! A fun striped little number that keeps me festive, comfortable and ultra chic for a So-Cal NYE soiree. Don't be afraid to add a little faux-fur shawl or even an edgy leather jacket to cover your shoulders if your event is outside. 'Tis the holiday to embrace fashion, glam & fun!

What are you planning on wearing this NYE? Also, don't you want to be admiring the sprawling desert mountains while sipping on a glass of champagne on the balcony of this fabulous resort this season? Me too.

(Big thanks to Connor Wade Photography for partnering on this post!)

Dress: Lion + Witch (Dallas) Visit their Instagram here: @lionandwitch; Shoes: Zara; Jewelry: Forever 21

Photos: Connor Wade Photography

Textures

Stripes +leopard print go together liiiiiiike PJ&J. Like Tim & Faith. Like my couch & reruns of The Real Housewives of OC. Like all fabulous pairs.

Don't ever be afraid to combine the two! 

I found this fabulous pair of faux-leather leggings from Express and I'm beyond obsessed. They're sleek, comfortable, warm and trendy! Definitely a must-have this time of year. I threw them on with my favorite sneaks, this long striped tee and then topped my look off with a cozy cable knit since the temps are a bit chilly in Dallas right now! 

All & all, the combined look had some great texture and print. I got compliments all day long at the unexpected pairings! 

Don't be afraid to step out of your fashion boundaries...you never know when you'll surprise yourself and feel fab!

Sweater: H&M; Tee: Old Navy; Leggings: Express; Sneakers: Steve Madden; Watch: Michael Kors

Flares

Remember when you went off to college and this "skinny jean" thing came out and you were like whaaaa?? How unflattering! I would never! Flares all the way! Give me my Abercrombie jeans! Then you suddenly found yourself wearing skinnies all day errrrday and then 10 years later you swear you'd never go back. Is that just me? Well, flares are back. That's right. Hello again, 2005. Actually, it's more like, hello again 1973. Fashion is cyclical, y'all. 

So I've been eyeballing the style but not totally sure if I could commit back to it, but when I found a certain pair at Express, I couldn't resist. It's hard for a taller gal like me (5'7) and anyone taller to find a flared style that fits just right in length, and these do just that. The flare also does a great job of balancing out the hip and thigh so they're ultra flattering! I'm more into the mid/high rise style because it's definitely more committal to that retro vibe, but the hem lines are totally up to you and your taste! Distressed, fringed, dark wash, high rise, low rise....options are endless!

My tip is that you wear them only with boots or heels, and find a pair that can cover up your shoe for that super 70s vibe. 

In honor of Cyber Monday, I've rounded up a few great styles that are on sale today, including this fab pair (pictured below) that I recently got from Express. 

Here are a few more great finds today:


Bloomingdale's (At least 25% off!)

Nordstrom (Up to 40% off!)

Shopbop (10% off or more!)

Gap (take 40% off!)

Dillard's

H&M (At least 20% off!)

This sweater.

You know when you're all like ahhh it's cold outside and I have this thing to go to and I want to look cute but like be comfy and be warm but too hot because I don't want to be uncomfortable inside and I don't want to look bulky or frumpy but like maybe I've gained a few pounds and I'd like to disguise those trouble areas and I think I want to wear leggings, not jeans, but it's hard to find a shirt long enough to cover my backside.. blah blah blah. Yes you have to run all of those thoughts together because let's be honest, that's about what it sounds like in your head when you're standing in your closet trying to decide what to put on. #storyofmylife

This is your new sweater to solve those problems. Your new best friend, if you will. It's long enough for leggings, but thin enough to be flattering. It can be cowl neck or off the shoulder, so you can wear a regular bra or go for the strapless style. It's a great neutral color that goes with both brown and black. It's warm, but lightweight so it's comfy for both indoors and layering on the coats outside. It's the perfect one for cozy mornings with coffee or a date night out on the town! 

Oh, it's also less than $25 and comes in 3 colors. So..you know...Merry Christmas to you.

Shop it here, sister:

http://www.hm.com/us/product/00645?article=00645-M#article=00645-M


Don't forget to find me on Instagram for more outfit inspiration: @blaineashley

Fall Uniform

I love that the 90s are coming back around in full force with all things denim. I think it adds just enough of that casual-cool vibe to any look. Dresses any outfit down just to my liking! I'm big on vests lately, and I think a go-to denim one is just the right piece to rock this trend and give you that "outfit finisher" you might be looking for! You don't have to fully commit to those sometimes (ok most times) bulky denim jackets, but you still get the look! I threw mine over a simple cotton tee and my distressed black skinnies. I added the red plaid scarf because, well, #fall. Duh.

I wore my comfy ankle boots to run errands around town, but you can easily take this into the evening hours by throwing on a pair of tall heeled boots or some chunky pumps! 

This is definitely a go-to look for this season for me!

Tomboy

I bought this came sweater from the Men's section at Target a couple of years ago. It's so comfy and it gives me that little bit of boyish edge to an outfit when I want it! I usually wear it with some leather skinnies and boots, but this time around, I threw it on over my Gap denim button-up and some distressed white skinnies. Anything is great over a chambray button-up, y'all! It's a great way to dress up an otherwise casual sweatshirt! This is a look that I could wear with my ankle booties during the day, then throw on some strappy heels to make it a bit sassier for a night out!

Stripes + Nikes

Short & Chunky

So. I've said this 8937 times before, but I love me a good mini skirt. I'm not talking hoochified, sneaky peek type mini, but you know, the I'll show my leg and not have to deal with shorts bunching up type mini. Ya feel me? Any who. I bought this skirt at Gap Outlet like a week after I had my baby last year. It's a little big now, seeing as I no longer have that extra baby weight, but I kinda like it better this way. Little more relaxed & easy. Though this skirt is definite a summer piece, I love the color it brings, and even more so, I love incorporating bright color into a season when everyone wants to gravitate towards black. (Myself included). 

The trick to rockin' a mini this time of year, is to pair it with a heavy, chunky knit and those tall boots. You can add leggings, too, if you want, but Dallas is still rollin through mild temps right now, so I didn't need the extra layer. I always tell people that the key to showing skin is to do it here or there but not everywhere. A short skirt with a heavy, conservative top. A fitted crop top with wide leg jeans or a full skirt. Low cut with high waisted. You get it.

Happy fall, y'all!

#goto

I am LOVING the fact that ponchos have made their oversized way back into our little lives this season. They give any gal an excuse to wear a glorified blanket out on the town!

This black window pane print one is from Old Navy, and it's a favorite of mine for so many reasons. It's comfy, cute & versatile! I bought mine in a size up because I liked the ultra oversized feel! My husband, not so much, butttttttttt #sorrynotsorry, honey buns. 

This outfit is quickly becoming my go-to look each week. OK, by each week I mean each day. Can you blame me!? You can wear it over a cotton tank like this look today, or you can dress it up by layering it over a chambray button-up with a tan wool skirt and some over the knee boots!

Versatility...comfort...style...ability to hide the 15 lbs I'm going to gain around my midsection in the holiday weeks ahead....check, check, check.

Follow me on Insta! @blaineashley

That LBD for day or night

So. I've been doing some closet cleaning and simplifying lately. I'm really wanting to hone in on pieces that I can wear a zillion ways and get rid of the rest. This presented a bit of a challenge, which excited me because I suddenly started playing dress up trying to figure out all the ways I could wear all of my favorites. Have you ever done this? I challenge you to do so. 

Anyway, I bought this darling little lace dress for a steal at Nordstrom Rack a few weeks ago. It's Free People, so you know it's flowy, bohemian and flirty. The back is see-through black lace so it's a bit sassy, BUT that didn't stop me from seeing all the potential in this bad boy. A little lace dress goes a long way any time of year. You can dress it up for a special occasion when you want to be sassy or you can layer it up and give your casual outfit an unexpected pop of lace detail. Maybe you're not a lace person. In that case, you can take this tip for any of your little dresses that you love so much.

Here are two ways I wore the same dress, giving it two very different looks. 

I belted it with a studded belt the first time around. I love the juxtaposition of the feminine lace + edgy metal studs. Any look that combines feminine + edgy is my jam.

I threw on my favorite chunky heels, but you could always go more classic with a simple black pump. I wore my hair up to show off the lace detail around the top and back!

As you can see, I'm ready to dance the night away!

To dress this thing down for a casual fall night, I focused on layers. You know, all those layers we all talk about during fall! Plaid adds an unexpected print & some color, and the denim jacket makes it super casual. Together it's a laid back, relaxed look I can wear out around town during the day or for a date night with my man! Of course, I couldn't resist my favorite felt hat & ankle booties. Don't be afraid to mix your casual pieces like these with your dressier pieces!

Voila! Would you have ever guessed this was the same little dress? That's the beauty!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for more daily outfit inspiration: @blaineashley

A Week of Summer Staples

So for anyone who follows me on Instagram recently, knows I love sharing a good piece of clothing or outfit. This last month has been blistering hot, so I've been all about the comfy, lightweight, functional go-tos.  

ABOUT MY LOOKS:

This first blue dress is a must-have from Target. It's something that wasn't overly appealing online or even on the rack, but something spoke to me and I had to try it on. It was a definite YES, as it's so comfy and has the off-the-shoulder style that's so in right now. This is something that's great for a patio date night or a beachy vacation. You can pair it with strappy gladiator sandals or dress it up with a chunky heel! 

The striped mid skirt was a sale find at Gap. It's a stretchy cotton (almost sweater-like) fabric and it IS SO COMFY! It's something that can be worn high waisted or down on the hips. I love the midi-length and high slit because it adds a fun detail! (Side note: midi skirts can shorten the legs a bit, so if you're wanting to really look taller, this may not be the style for you!) I tied up a simple white tank and loved every bit of this look. I wore it for a backyard BBQ my husband and I attended recently!

The black t-shirt dress is another win from Target. I'm all about the shirt dress these days, y'all. Literally the most versatile, comfy thing you can own! I love the shirt tied around the waist because it adds a laid-back cool detail that's effortless and easy! This is a look you might wear to the mall, or out for errands, and then switch out your comfy sandals for a pair of heels and a bold statement necklace and your look is now nighttime ready! I think I wore this dress 4 days in a row recently. I'm not kidding. And in the Fall, I'll be layering it over some leggings and tall boots! Can't wait!! Don't walk, run to get this bad boy before it's off the shelves! 

Can't wait to share more looks with you next week!

Jackson Hole Dreamin'

Disclaimer: This post has way too many pictures. 

So there's this place waaaaaay up in the mountains of Wyoming not far from the Idaho border, and I think it may very well be Heaven's existence on Earth. Jackson Hole sits at the base of the Grand Tetons and is surrounded by everything we do not have here in North Texas. (Read: Mountains, wildlife, clean air, authenticity) We had the opportunity to visit this little dream of a town and let me tell you, there's nothing quite like it. It was our first family vacation in quite sometime, as we grew up going to Vail, CO, every year, but haven't been in a while. It's hard to get all of us together these days. Especially now that we have husbands in the picture, too. We thought we were going to have everyone this time around for once, but my sister's husband had a last minute work obligation come up, so we were minus 'ole Dustin. But it was a great time with the fam!

We spent our days on hikes, bikes, strolling around town or just lounging around the immaculate house we were so lucky to spend the week in. It's nice to have family friends who own sweet vacation homes, y'all. It's even better when said friends give you the keys to their home for a week!

The house was beautiful - several old cabins that they combined into one gigantic 6 bedroom, 7 bathroom mountain home on like, 70 acres of beautifulness. The evening we arrived there were two moose in the yard. Just chilling.  Obvi we had major STOP THE CAR RIGHT NOW SO I CAN TAKE A PICTURE tourist moment. No shame. Apparently moose and bears roam around this place like the $40,000 millionaires around Dallas. They're everywhere. There's even signs on sidewalks around town warning you not to be strolling around the outskirts before sunset because that's bear feeding time. I mean..not tryin' to be anyone's dinner tonight, y'all. 

Anyway, clearly we obeyed and did not get eaten by a mountain creature. As I said, we did all the cliche mountainy things and loved every minute. Our child actually cooperated and sat tight in the baby hiking backpack carrier seat everyday, too. Miracles do exist.

We hiked a few hours up each time, getting high enough in altitude to be surrounded by snow patches in mid-June! I decided to put on my big girl panties (one might call them stupid panties, too) and dip into Ski Lake, a small lake we reached about 2 miles up the mountain one day. There was snow on the shore so I should have known better. But you know, when in Rome. Or Jackson. Do as the locals do, right? I don't really know if they swim in this lake. They probably do not. It is COLD. I got a mild bout of frost bite at the base of my big toe and it was good and purple for two days as a result. But hey, I made a memory. And got a natural ice bath to give my muscles the boost they needed after three days of uphill hikes. One of the days we piled in the 'burban and drove down the road to Yellowstone National Park. We didn't hike there, but we did spend two hours browsing around the geysers and hot springs bubbling up everywhere. Yellowstone is MASSIVE, you guys. Who knew? Well, maybe you did, but I certainly did not. We're talking like you need 4 days just to see it all kind of massive. It's a good reminder of just how small and minuscule we really are. (Deep, I know.)

The last day we took a two-hour raft trip down the Snake River and that was neat. There was potential for all sorts of cool wildlife sightings, but of course no one came out to play for us. We did see some serious Eagle nests, but no sign of the bird itself. (We also found Sandra Bullock's house, but no sign of Sandy, either) The Osprey were flying about, but you know, they were kind of the JV version of the Eagles. No offense to any Osprey reading this. 

Anyway, Jackson Hole is the place for any outdoorsy adventurous peeps looking for a getaway. It's beautiful, the weather is perfect (high 70s/low 50s) this time of year and it is a soul-cleansing breath of fresh mountain air.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from our trip: