Weekly Round-Ups

I can't believe I forgot to post a weekly round-up on Sunday! I guess the time-consuming black hole of college applications really is getting to me. Well, it's better late than never I always say. Here's what's on my radar this week:

1. Blown away by Ariana Grande's musical impressions.

2. A rather silly compilation of vines that I seriously could not stop laughing at.

3. Outline your textbook chapters. 

4. An affordable pair of leopard pumps that I may be ordering…

5. Adore, adore, ADORE this look!

6. Saw this Vineyard Vines cape online and loved how Grace styled it.

7. Anna Wintour’s secrets to success.

8. My fall fashion picks, if you missed it. 

9. Beautiful signet ring!

10. Elle's main and second channel are both addicting... I can't stop watching her planner videos!

But seriously, watch the goat vines. 

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 

Ashley Ann

Fall Fashion Picks

After scrolling through Pinterest for quite some time today, I realized just how great the fall clothes are, all across the board! Completely dying over Tuckernuck's fall photo shoots!!! I've been needing to stock up on some great fall basics, and invest in quality pieces that will last me a while. It may just be the right time to buy this stuff... right now. I rounded up a TON of clothes (took me forever) and accessories, all at different price ranges. 

J.Crew:

How could you NOT be in love with this look?! I love everything about it: the elbow patches on the blazer, the patriotic tee, the boyfriend jeans, the loafers, and a tiny hint of leopard! 

Other items I'm eyeing: 

Striped Suede Shoulder Tee Shirt, $78 // Tartan Plaid Scarf, $65 // Striped Turtleneck, $55 // Buffalo Check Shirt, $89 // Excursion Vest, $128 // Cape, $350 // Calf Hair Belt, $78 // Leather Loafers, $298 

Tuckernuck: 

I feel like this could be my unofficial uniform of the fall and winter! Crisp white jeans, brown booties, and a chunky knit sweater makes an easy and chic outfit. The mirrored sunglasses add an extra twist! The bag is a little pricey, but I think it could be a good investment.

Plaid Blanket Scarf, $45 // Barbour Jacket, $379 // Tortoise Shell Earrings, $79 // Ruffle Tunic, $210 // Tortoise Cuff, $30 // Leopard Flats, $190 // Camel Coat, $465 // Card Case, $75 // Scallop Clutch, $275

Gap: 

Striped Fit and Flare, $80 // Checkered Shirt Dress, $70 // Cashmere Crewneck, $148 // Drapey Top, $55 // Plaid Shirt, $55 // Pleated Skirt, $45 // Cropped Pants, $70 // Plaid Scarf, $30 and Calf Hair Belt, $30 (both great alternatives compared to some more expensive J.Crew or Tuckernuck items)

Kate Spade: 

Plaid Maise, $298 // Hunter Green Satchel, $378 // Striped Weekender, $298 // Bow Neck Coat, $698 // Bow Blouse, $248 

**Completely and utterly in love with this clear umbrella!

Vineyard Vines:  

Anchor Crewneck, $148 // Pineapple Sweater, $168 // Embroidered Silk Blouse, $168 // Scallop Top, $98 // Stripe Shep Shirt, $125 // Westerly Vest, $98 // Skinny Jeans, $98 (these are new!) // Striped Sweater Dress, $138 // Canvas and Leather Carry-All, $228 // Wool Cape, $228 // Buffalo Check Scarf, $168

J.Crew Factory: 

Flannel Popover, $65 // Dot Cap Sleeve Camisole, $60 // Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, $43 // Zebra Sweater, $79 // Diamond Sweater, $78 // Calf Hair Kitten Heels, $118

Hopefully you can find at least one thing you like out of this substantial compilation! 

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 

Ashley Ann 

50 Facts About Me!

I thought it would be so fun to do a little "get to know me" post today! Without further ado, here are 50 random facts about me: 

1. I'm a Virgo! 

2. I have ice cream almost every night after dinner and I'm not ashamed. 

3. Harry Potter is my absolute favorite thing EVER, and it will always be a part of who I am. 

4. I can't stand peanut butter & sushi! 

5. The checkout aisle at Sephora gets me every. time. 

6. Arrogance in my opinion is the worst trait that somebody could have. 

7. The sports I've played: golf, tennis, sailing and equestrian.

8. I have a birthmark in the shape of a heart on my right ring finger. 

9. I'm 5'1. 

10. I used to be ambidextrous, but then was told to "pick a hand" before entering 1st grade. I chose left! 

11. My 3 favorite cities are DC, Charleston, and NYC. 

12. I'm a night owl and most definitely NOT a morning person. 

13. I've read the Harry Potter series in its entirety exactly 24 times! 

14. I read as much as I can, whenever I can. 

15. Celebrity girl crushes include: Lauren Conrad, Beyoncé, Reese Witherspoon, Emma Watson,  Olivia Palermo, and Kerry Washington.

16. Halloween is my favorite holiday. 

17. The 4th of July is runner-up for favorite holiday-simply love the red, white and blue.

18. My favorite colors are navy and white.

19. I can't sleep unless my bedroom door is closed and I'm immersed in complete darkness.

20. My favorite seasons are summer and fall.

21. School supply shopping is one of my favorite pastimes.

22. I wear socks to bed but end up kicking them off in 5 minutes.

23. I freaking love a good grilled cheese and fries.

24. Sometimes I sleep with my dog in my bed even though I'm not supposed to.

25. I play 6 instruments, piano being my main. 

26. I care a little too much about my Instagram...

27. I want to work in social media/marketing for a major fashion company someday.

28. Can't stand raw cookie dough... blegh.  

29. I have trouble falling asleep at night. 

30. I love goldfish out of the individual packs or the large carton, but not the bags. 

31. I have an addiction to sunglasses! 

32. Kit Kats and Haribo gummy bears will forever be my favorite candies. 

33. My baseball hat collection is a little out of control... it's up to 17. 

34. I'm so indecisive about EVERYTHING. 

35. I love being petite. 

36. People mistake me for a 6th grader sometimes (not making this up). 

37. One of the best things ever, is jumping over waves at the beach. 

38. I could eat boardwalk food forever (cotton candy, funnel cake, popcorn, caramel apples, soft pretzels, fried Oreos, fresh lemonade). 

39. I freaking love getting my back cracked by other people, and normally will force someone to shake me up and down to accomplish this. 

40. I have a younger cousin who's basically my little brother & I love him more than words describe. 

41. My 3 best friends go to a different, private school without me.

42. Once I start a project, I can't stop until it's complete.

43. I have an addiction to planners and own way more than I need (which is one). 

44. Scandal (the TV show) is my absolute s***. 

45. I will drink pink lemonade whenever possible! 

46. I always spend a little too much time on Pinterest

47. I CANNOT STAND being late!!!

48. I love traveling alone with my Dad. 

49. I'm a terrible gossip (yes, I'll admit it).

50. Lastly, I always, always, always overdress.

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 

Ashley Ann

17

Turning 17 is so exciting to me for three reasons: it means I'm one step closer to college, I get my license, and I become a little bit more independent. When reflecting on what to write for my birthday, I was thinking about how I've actually been on this earth for seventeen years. Now, I know I'm still extremely young, but seventeen years is still a long time! I really feel like I'm starting to figure out exactly who I am, and what direction I want my life to go in. 

Throughout middle school and even into high school, I was not confident at all. As a young child though, I thought the world was at my finger tips. I let my mom dress me in my Lilly, stick me in cute little button downs, and pop vests on me in the fall (which is pretty much my style now, haha). But hitting middle school and being integrated into a different type of social culture made me want to get away from my true style and try to be someone I was not. (Please, burn the pictures of me in neon orange skinny jeans...) I wore uggs, oversized sweatshirts, and way too much neon for my liking. After entering  high school and attempting to mimic the "hipster" style everyone else was sporting, I made the decision to go back to my roots. That is, my style roots! 

I started wearing clothes I ACTUALLY felt comfortable in, not what I thought would help me fit in with others. And just like that, I found myself again. Sounds cheesy, but true! At the end of freshman year, I was gaining more confidence just by the things I was wearing. Sticking to classic, timeless pieces helped me stand out in a better way: by my personality. Without those overwhelming clothes, I was finally able to form friendships with people and figure out who I wanted to be known as. 

Flash forward a couple years, and we get here to 17. I have to say, right now I'm the most confident and happy I've ever been. Yes, it's a stressful year for me. Yes, last year was hard school/health wise. But I've gotten through everything with way more confidence and assurance than ever. I find myself not caring anymore about what other people think of me. And you know what? It's great. I joined clubs, starting wearing clothes I felt amazing in, and became everyone's friend. The funny thing is, "preppy" is now trending in my school. When I first returned back to my style, people made comments and made fun of the way I dressed. But now, I get compliments on my style, as I think people now realize that this is who I am. 

This year was my best year yet, in terms of confidence. I am beyond excited for the year ahead, now that I'm truly comfortable with myself. And according to my horoscope, Virgos are supposed to have a very lucky and special year!!!

I'm going out to dinner tonight with my family to celebrate, and then into the city Saturday for a little bit of shopping. Nothing too big, just a nice meal at my favorite restaurant and quality time with the family! It's going to be a nice change compared to my big Sweet 16 last year. I'm more appreciative this year of the place I'm at in my life right now, not the gifts. 

So, it's time to blow out the candles and say hello to what will hopefully be a great year ahead! Looking ahead, I know there are many great things to come. Improving my blog, applying to colleges, traveling...

I am so happy to be 17! 

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo,

Ashley Ann 

P.S. I'm 17 on the 17th. You only get one of these special birthdays in your life! If only the year was 2017...

Update: I passed my driver's test!!!

Birthday Wishing...

I'm so excited to be turning 17 tomorrow. For one, I'm (hopefully) getting my license! Sorry Mom, even though I love having you drive me around, it's time to drive myself places ;) I already got an early birthday present from my parents (a new pair of shoes), but I still am allowed to wish right?! Here are some items I would put on my ultimate birthday wish list: 

Mirrored Sunglasses // Tortoiseshell Cuff // Phone Case // Shift Dress // Quilted Vest // Signet Ring // Candle // Monogrammed Cross Body // Hunter Boots // Suede Kitten Heels 

My favorite is the olive green vest!!!

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 

Ashley Ann 

Productivity Tips

I know in high school, the studying is nowhere near as bad as college, but it can be overwhelming at times. Especially since high schoolers generally have a lot LESS time to get things done (we're in school for 8 hours a day, plus have 1000 extra curricular activities after school!). I have a few tips on how to stay motivated, organized, and able to remember the material. Studying is hard. There's no getting around it! But by changing a few simple things, it's much more manageable.

Study In Intervals | This one has helped me the most in terms of staying focused and on task. I set the timer on my phone for 25 minutes, and get to work! The time seriously flies, and when the 25 minutes is up, I almost want to keep working. But you have to make yourself stop and take a 5 minute break (no more than 5 minutes though). I'll go play with my dog, walk around my house, go to the bathroom, or grab a snack. Then, when I sit back down, I'm refreshed and ready to begin working again. 

Get Rid of Distractions | It can be really hard not to check your phone every 2 seconds when beeps and vibrations keep going off. Solve that issue right off the bat by putting your phone on airplane mode. This will prevent all notifications from coming in. I also like to "hide" my apps. I keep the clock app (that has the timer) and boring apps on the home screen. But everything potentially tempting-Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest- goes on it's own page in the back where I won't be able to see it when I switch the timer on & off. However, social media isn't your only distraction! Noise can be a big one too. If I'm at home, my mom is normally making dinner or my sister is listening to some music. The sounds can be very distracting when I'm trying to absorb information! I wear my Bose noise canceling headphones and put on my favorite app, Coffitivity. This app changed my life! It plays the background of a bustling coffee shop; basically just white noise. I cannot concentrate when it's deathly quiet- the silence is too loud for me, haha. I set the app to the "morning murmur" setting. It simulates a real life coffee shop! If you are near a coffee shop and can actually work there, even better. Try to avoid listening to music with words- I find myself focusing on the lyrics rather than what I'm studying. 

Be Inspired | Sometimes, all you need is a little extra motivation. Either go on Pinterest and search inspirational quotes, or actually read blog posts/articles on studying or productivity. I love researching new study tips on Pinterest or Google. As soon as I find a cool trick, I immediately want to try it out and start studying! One of my favorite study/organizational blogs is Organized Charm. So helpful. 

Color-Code | When you're taking notes, or making a study guide, separate different categories into colors. Maybe you'll do definitions in green, important dates to remember in red, and main ideas in pink. When you're looking back on your notes later, you'll be thankful that everything is separated and that the information is easy to find.

Summarize/Read Out Loud | I love reading the summaries at the end of textbook chapters before I actually read the whole thing. That way, I can see the bigger picture and better understand the content. I also try to read out loud when possible. Hearing the words come out of my own mouth helps the information really sink in. 

Visualize Goals | If I think about the end product, I almost always feel motivated to do the task. For example: I want to get a good score on the SAT. Well, by finishing that practice test, you're gaining MORE practice and better preparing yourself for the real test. Thus, you're more likely to get a better score. Seeing your end goal in the future allows you to realize how the smallest, most annoying tasks start to add up to the bigger picture. 

Do you have any productivity tips?! 

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 

Ashley Ann 

Weekly Round-Ups

Let's just say that this week was not my week. Sprained my left knee and tore ligaments in both knees at the beginning of the week, and was put on crutches. Then, as per usual of the first week of school, I caught a nasty cold and found myself with a 102 degree fever... On the first football game of the season... The night before I was supposed to take the ACT's. It totally was the way I envisioned my week going! 

But like everything, the show must go on. I skipped the football game, went to bed early Friday night, took 2 Advil the next morning, and went to take the ACT! It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, taking a 4+ hour test with a fever. But the most important part is, I got through it. I rewarded myself after by taking a LONG 6 hour nap and watching Friends. 

More positively, my birthday is this week! I look forward to Thursday (the 17th!). Let's get on to a much needed weekly round-up:

1. The perfect fit & flare striped dress.

2. A combination I've been wearing a ton recently: this 3/4 sleeve tee and these scallop shorts.

3. An Instagram account you should all be following, love the hints of periwinkle and lavender! 

4. Carly looks amazing in this adorable Lilly shift.

5. 10 things only sisters understand.

6. How the other 1% lives... Or travels!

7. Can I be an adult yet, only so I can order this bar cart?! 

8. Nautical sailboat scarf on sale.

9. Oh, I can't resist a good cheesy horror flick.

10. Birthday present anyone??? 

Anything interesting you saw this week?!

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 

Ashley Ann

2 Books I've Read and Loved

Before I get into the post, I just wanted to say that I'm going to be out of commission for a couple of weeks. I ended up spraining my knee and tearing some ligaments today... yikes. Not going to go into details, but I'm in a lot of pain, in a knee brace, and on crutches. No outfit posts will be going up for at least a week! Now onto the actual post:

I did a lot of reading this summer! It felt so great to get back into the adventures and stories of a different world- reading is most definitely my escape. I'm going to try my best to continue reading throughout the school year, but I know it's going to be difficult with everything I have planned for the upcoming year. I did get through 2 great reads this summer however! 

Getting Things Done: The Art Of Stress-Free Productivity: hands down this book has changed my life for the better. There were countless tips, tricks, and lifestyle changes that completely turned around the way I approached work. I can say for sure that my stress levels are at an all time low (even with college applications going on), just from reading this book. I would refer this book to anyone- even if you think you aren't stressed, you most likely are, as I found out from this helpful guide. One of my favorite things the book taught me was how to prioritize my time and split projects up into "horizontal" and "vertical" organization. Horizontal, meaning every project that needs to get done in your life, and vertical, meaning all the specific actions required to get each specific project done. 

Down The Rabbit Hole: I talked about this book during one of my weekly round-ups and recently finished it.  I found it fascinating to learn about the life of Playboy bunnies behind the mansion walls. I feel a ton of sympathy towards these girls- it wasn't all fun & games! The memoir itself was pretty long, but interesting enough. I researched Holly Madison (the author) after finishing, and loved finding out more about her. A quick, easy read that will keep you reeled in until the end! 

What were some of your favorite reads this summer?! 

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 

Ashley Ann

Weekly Round-Ups

I have to say, my weekly round-up posts are quickly becoming my favorites to write! There's no planning necessary, no outfits to shoot, no pictures to find... I can simply share what I've been reading/loving that week! 

This week was a wild one. Back to school!!! I'm not sure how I feel about it- I'm happy to get back into a routine, yet I instantly missed doing my studying on the beach. ;) 

Some of these articles are over a week old- so many good ones came out literally the day after I scheduled last week's post to go up! Here's some things I loved reading (but mainly shopping) this week:

1. Maybe one of my favorite outfits Jessica has ever done! (I have the dress & the shoes, all I need is the snail bag!) 

2. Technically, summer doesn't end until the 22nd, so you still have time to check things off that bucket list!

3. How did I just notice this scallop shirt?! 

4. Have known about this for a while, but pretty excited for Lauren Conrad's new book!

5. Procrastination tips- found this extremely helpful.

6. Dying over these flamingo smoking flats I just picked up from Brooks Brothers!!!

7. This adorable pink bow dress is only $31

8. How to stop thinking negatively.

9. Very excited for Adam Lippes' line with Target to come out. Especially loving the affordable statement pumps!

10. 7 ways to workout if you never exercise.

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 

Ashley Ann

Old Navy Fall Arrivals

While browsing through the Old Navy website last night, I was blown away. They really have stepped up their game for the upcoming fall season! I pretty much want to order everything. Hopefully I can make a trip to the mall soon, because the sales & clothes are too. cute. I especially love the bag selection this year- might have to pick up this olive bucket bag!!!

 Leather Back Pack // Crossbody Bag //  Striped Scarf // Navy Blazer // Field Jacket // Slip-On Sneaks // Suede Pumps // Trousers // Chambray Top 

What are your favorite fall arrivals?! 

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 

Ashley Ann 

Patriotic Gingham Shirt Dress

I haven't posted in a couple of days, only because I just started school! My first day was yesterday (Wednesday), and it went pretty well. It's nice being a senior: getting to go out to lunch and leaving early are good perks! 

Today, I wanted to share some pictures from a shoot we did a couple of nights ago. This shirt dress from Brooks Brothers was the perfect end of summer purchase. Yes, it is very summery and I won't be wearing it in the fall, however I will definitely be wearing it these last few weeks of warm weather! I got it on sale in stores- it was the last one on the rack and in my size!!! Don't you just love when that happens?! 

We went out to dinner the night before school in Princeton (see my post from last week!), and the Palmer Square park was the perfect spot to take pictures (only after we snapped pictures in the backyard... seen below).

I paired my usual accessories with the dress: my favorite lobster clutch, and my go-to espadrilles.

The dress is so light and airy. Perfect for really hot and humid days! I like that the dress is a little bit longer (although, that may just be due to the fact that I went a size up, a 4). The red, white, and blue gingham is so festive! I wish I had picked it up before the 4th of July. 

Shirt Dress (a similar, cute fall option!) // Lobster Clutch // Espadrilles // Pearl Bracelet // Watch // Pearl Studs // Sunglasses (old, but similar here)

I'm going to be wearing my red, white, and blue all the way into winter!

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 

Ashley Ann 

P.S. Please bear with me these next few weeks as I get settled into the craziness of the school year. Posts may be scarce!

Weekly Round-Ups

I completely freaked out at the beginning of this week, when I realized that it's my last full week of summer. How has the time flown by so fast?! I literally feel like I was just wrapping up final exams and packing my things for the beach! But, I can't keep the summer from ending, no matter how much I want it to stay this warm forever. I go back to school on Wednesday, and have been making the most of my last few "endless" days of summer: at the beach almost every day, late night swims, all the ice cream! I also need to schedule quite a few personal appointments: nails, eyebrows, hair, massage... Some major work is needed before I go back, haha. I was pretty low-maitenance this summer in terms of beauty. No plucking my eyebrows, rarely putting on makeup, and neglecting heat on my hair. Although I am excited to get back into the swing of being "put together," it has been nice to kick back in the beauty department! 

Now onto my weekly round-ups (a whole bunch this week!): 

1. Mistakes you're making in the shower. 

2. Some great tips on how to network with confidence! 

3. Love this fun & preppy off-the-shoulder look. 

4.  Tempted to pick up some of these natural beauty products in the nearby future...

5. Take a peek inside Lauren Conrad's new home- to die for! 

6. Obsessed with this white accent table- it's currently on sale 10% off. 

7. Pretty excited for the new Instagram update...

8. 2 videos: this helpful college organization advice, and this adorable engagement! 

9. I literally could not stop the tears of laughter as I read through this hilarious article! 

10. How cute is this merino wool striped dress?! 

11. Pineapples & pinstripes, ya'll.

12.  How to stop being late all the time.

13. Loved seeing all these photos from the KJP crew- really wanted to play croquet after scrolling through the pictures! 

14. 11 basic planner types and what they say about you (FYI, I'm the Lilly Pulitzer & the Day Designer!).

15. Rounding out everything with a sweet gingham and scalloped look! 

Hope everyone had a great week! 

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 

Ashley Ann