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!