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Outfit: In Full Bloom

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, floral, outfit, Spring, style

dress (available for pre-order here) // trench (also here) // hat (similar, and I need this one) // sunnies // bag // wedges (similar)


Spring is in full bloom in Tampa. I swear every street I stroll down in my neighborhood is more beautiful than the last. Kelly found this particular street the other day and immediately called me to let me know that she found a great spot for photos (love her!). It did not disappoint. I mean, look at that purple-covered sidewalk and those gorgeous pink roses!

I stumbled upon this stunning green, floral print dress while scrolling through Tuckernuck's new arrivals (they are currently sold out, but Revolve is taking pre-orders for the same dress). I love dresses with sleeves, and I have never been able to figure out why they are so hard to find. So when I saw this one, I pounced. I sized up (to a M) because I've never tried this brand and it looked very fitted. I am glad I did. The quality of the dress is great - the cut is lovely and it's fully lined - but the zipper was not strong enough to handle the heavy-weight fabric and cinched waist. Luckily, Kelly is an amazing seamstress and she helped me replace the cheap invisible zipper with a stronger gold exposed one. Never underestimate the power of simple alterations.

This dress just feels like spring. Now, if only spring last for more than a couple weeks (if that) in Florida. Temperatures have been climbing steadily and I fear all of these gorgeous blooms won't last long. Oh, and if this trench looks familiar, that is because I loved the striped version so much, I ordered the basic trench version too. It's a great trench.

Anybody else love spring (and spring style) as much as I do?

Outfit: Coming up Roses

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 featured, floral, Kate Spade, outfit, sewing, Spoonflower, stripes, style

Zara jacket (similar here and here) // top // skirt (sewn, inspiration piece here, fabric available here) // bag // Celine sunnies (similar) //  heels (very comfy!)

I am so excited to share this outfit because it features my very first sewing success - this rose print box-pleated skirt! I basically fell head over heels for all of Kate Spade's most recent release, but I especially loved the abstract rose print. So I decided to make something similar! Once I digitally painted the roses, I created a repeating pattern and uploaded it to Spoonflower. They printed my custom fabric and when it arrived, I immediately got to work.

After watching tons of Youtube tutorials on pleating and skirt pattern making, I settled on a simple, large box pleat design. This skirt was surprisingly easy to make, and despite my first try coming out way to small (measuring is hard), my second skirt was close to perfection! I think I am officially addicted. With the ability to design your own fabric and my new found sewing skills, the sky is the limit! Next I will be tackling a cropped, short-sleeve top and matching full skirt.

The good news is that Spoonflower allows you to publish and sell your fabric designs. So if you're interested, you can purchase this fabric here!

So what do you guys think? I have to admit, I am pretty proud of myself!

Sunglasses Addict

By: Unknown on 9:00 PM / comment : 0 Dagne Dover, Ditto, featured, floral, outfit, style, sunglasses

dress (worn as a skirt) // sweater (old, similar) // sunnies (via Ditto) // tote // shoes (on sale!)

Hello, my name is Ashley and I have a sunglasses addiction.

Growing up in Florida with light eyes, sunglasses were an essential. I never leave home without them. Over the years, however, practical eye protection turned into an accessories obsession. Nothing completes an outfit like a great pair of sunglasses. They make you look instantly chic and add that finishing touch to any look. So needless to say, I have amassed quite the collection over the years (especially while in Italy where I discovered designer frames were cheaper).

The problem is designer sunglasses are expensive and my wallet can't keep up with the latest trends and colors. I am not one of those people who wears the same basic pair with every look. I like to experiment and match my sunglasses to my outfit, or even my mood.

Well, there is exciting news for people like me... I recently discovered Ditto's Endless Eyewear. It's like Netflix for your face!

Basically, you sign up and pay a monthly fee, which gives you access to unlimited designer glasses and sunglasses. Hello heaven! So, for less than the cost of these pink Prada lovelies, which retail for $385, I can have a year's worth of all the Prada's, Karen Walker's, Dolce and Gabbana's, Illesteva's, and Zac Posen's I want (plus many more).

What I love most about this idea is the flexibility and fun you can have with it. While I love these pink Prada's, I would never buy them in real life. If I was going to spend more than $300 on sunglasses, I would get something more neutral that would go with everything and look a bit more timeless. But now I can have my cake and eat it too. I can try all of the latest trends with zero commitment. I just send them back and pick out something new when I get tired of them. Seriously, why didn't I think of this?

Want to try? Ditto is offering one month free with the code HISTORYINHIGHHEELS. I promise, you will be hooked. The hardest part is figuring out which pair you want to try first. But don't worry, they have an online try-on system and personal stylists if you need help.

Is anyone else as excited about this as I am?

PS - It is so nice to be able to wear heels again!


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Outfit: Sweater Weather

By: Unknown on 10:15 PM / comment : 0 fall, featured, floral, outfit, pink

I don’t know about you, but I am pretty much in denial that it is already November! If it wasn’t so chilly outside, I would not believe it.

It has definitely transitioned into sweater weather here in Florence. But at least, except for a couple days here and there, the sun has been shining, and we’ve been enjoying crisp, cool fall days.

I wore my favorite pink sweater over my currently-on-repeat floral dress last weekend for a day of exploring the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens. I also recently picked up this adorable Furla mini bag in the perfect pink shade for winter and fall - they call it winter rose. I have a serious weakness for mini pink bags! Wearing dresses as skirts is one of my favorite ways to double your wardrobe and keep warm during the fall and winter.

Have a great Monday!