Casual Friday

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Cheers to casual Friday!  Here's a little inspiration for you!

Neutral Plaids

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I'm craving fall something major right now!  I'm so over this heat!  Bring on the crisp air, pumpkin spice lattes (#PSL) and FOOTBALL...Go Gamecocks!  This girl is ready!

This is my first inspiration board and thought it was appropriate with fall slowly approaching.  I've really been loving all the plaid patterns popping up lately but especially the neutral tones.  I think plaid is so universal.  Dress it up at the office with some heels or wear it casually with your favorite distressed denim!  A neutral plaid scarf is also a great way to spruce up any basic outfit!

What are you looking forward to this fall?

Comfy Casual in Asheville

TOP: Caralase via Jane.com | DENIM: Express | SANDALS: Target ($10!) | BAG: Tory Burch (love this one!) | SUNGLASSES: Cheapies (Ray-Ban versions) | WATCH: Michael Kors (similar on sale! #nsale) | NECKLACE: SwirlStudioDesigns | BRACELETS: Handpicked (multiple color choices!)

This past weekend, the hubs and I decided to have a little weekend getaway to our favorite place ever - Asheville!  We normally go about 2 times per year - once in the spring and again in the winter, but we haven't had the opportunity to so far this year.  I don't think we've ever gone during the summertime quite honestly.  It was perfect though...super quite up there which is NEVER the case in Asheville.  I guess everyone was at the beach!

We ended up staying at the Grand Bohemian Hotel outside of the Biltmore Estate entrance and it was AMAZING!  We've eaten several times at The Red Stag Grill, which is located inside of the hotel, but this was the first time I've stayed there (Jeffrey's stayed once before without me).  It was perfect because the two places we had dinner (Red Stag and Rezaz) were right there inside and beside the hotel.  Plus, there's a Starbucks across the street...score!  Although I didn't end up going to Starbucks while we were up there...totally unlike me!

Jeffrey and I explored the Biltmore Village (located outside of the actual estate) Friday when we got into town and I convinced him to take some photos of my outfit for me.  Nothing fancy, but what the heck, ya know?  I love being comfortable especially on road trips - even if it was a short one!  I like this top because it's long enough in the back if you wanted to wear it with leggings.  This was a random find while perusing Jane.com one day.  If you haven't visited that site, I definitely recommend it!  You can find some really great deals on there.  Also, I've been wearing these sandals from Target non stop!  They were $10 and come in multiple colors!  I only got them about a month ago so you can probably still find some in the stores.  I was tempted to get the gold pair too!

I'll try to share a recap of our Asheville trip.  We've been so many times and I love it every single time!  Maybe I'll even do an Asheville guide!  I'm no expert, but I can share a thing or two! ;)

Have a fantastic week!

Love,

Ashley

Keratin Express

Friday, I decided to bite the bullet and get my first Keratin treatment.  I didn't go for the big kahuna though!  I decided to do the Keratin Express treatment.  Since I have fine, naturally curly hair (with frizz) and not a lot of it, my stylist, Ellen, told me that the express treatment would be perfect for me.  I have been coloring my hair since I was in middle school and when I lost a bunch of weight years back, I also lost a lot of my hair.  It's grown back some since, but not completely.  I take biotin, but it doesn't make my hair grow warp speed.  I figured between all the coloring I've done over the years, that my hair could use a little TLC.

If you have very thick, crazy hair then maybe the more aggressive treatment would be better for you, but for me, the express was the ticket!  Basically to start, your hair is stripped with a clarifying shampoo.  After that, a serum is applied to your hair and sealed in with a blow dryer.  Last, your hair is flat ironed.  Your hair looks fantastic afterwards - so smooth and silky!  It's definitely strange at first!  You're basically having conditioner blow-dried into your hair.  With the express treatment, you can't wash your hair, put it in a ponytail, ANYTHING for 24 hours!!!  The not being able to pull my hair back part was the struggle.  #thestrugglesisreal.  When I get home, the first thing I want to do is throw on comfy clothes and pull my hair back.  I knew after spending the money though, that I was going to follow the rules.  FYI, if you get the full fledged treatment, it's 72 hours and double the cost!  Ellen also told me the longer I could wait to wash it, the better my results would be.  She recommended straightening my hair again later that night before going to bed.  It's recommended to use a keratin-based sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to ensure you get the most out of your treatment.  The shampoo and conditioner were about $20 a piece, but may vary by salon.  

I managed to make it all weekend without washing my hair but Monday morning I caved and had to wash it.  Usually I can go 3-4 days without washing and my hair doesn't really get greasy.  However, since the serum had been blow-dried into my hair, it became greasy much quicker.  I have some dry shampoo (specifically for the treatment) that I used Saturday and Sunday to help out some, but I felt I needed a good washing.  After I washed it Monday morning, all I did was blow dry it and the end result was amazing!  My hair was soooo soft and manageable.  Usually to get my hair looking the way it did, I have to straighten as well.  I didn't have use my straightener at all and it looked like I had!  No frizz!!!

I won't lie...it was expensive!  The express treatment was $185, but I definitely feel like it's been worth it so far.  To skip an extra step in the morning is #winning in my book!  It's hard enough trying to get out the door and be to work on time.  Ain't nobody got time for that!

If you are interested in the keratin treatment, have questions or hair styling in general, check out my stylist Ellen!  She's also a fantastic makeup artist!  Her info is below:

Ellen Smith

Intrigue Salon by Lucy

1231 Lincoln Street, Suite A

Columbia, South Carolina

www.ellensmithbeauty.com

Summer Makeup Routine + Essentials

During the summer it's hot and caking on a bunch of makeup is the last thing on my mind.  Let's face it though...a girl still has to look good!  Doing my makeup is one of my favorite things!  I could be wearing my pajamas with messy hair, but my face is still going to look good!  I've managed to come up with a routine that really works for me in this hot, humid South Carolina weather.  It doesn't take me too long and my skin always looks fresh and feels good.  Listed are some of my essential products for my summer makeup routine.  

1. L'Oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer - This primer is perfect for prepping my skin for foundation after I moisturize.  I use THIS to moisturize my skin and THIS to moisturize around my eyes prior to applying my primer.  I love this primer because it always gives my skin a glow.  Perfect for summertime!

2. MAC Face and Body Foundation - I picked this foundation up at the Cosmetic Company Outlet months back and I have been loving it ever since.  It's says it's a sheer coverage foundation, but it's totally buildable!  It provides a satin like finish.  For me, it's the perfect summer foundation.  It feels light on the skin and adds to that summer glow.  I can't stand a cakey feeling foundation!

3. Sigma F80 - Everyone should already know how amazing this brush is, but if you don't...GO GET IT NOW!  This brush is perfection when it comes to blending in foundation.  I do use THIS to smooth out certain areas like around my nose and eyes.

4.  MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - I use this to set my foundation with THIS brush.  You could even use this as foundation alone if you don't care for liquid.  THIS would be a good brush if you are using this as a foundation.

5.  ABH Contour Kit - I've been a huge contour freak lately!  It just adds so much dimension to your face!  You can make your face look 100 times slimmer by contouring.  Hate your nose because you feel it's too big?...CONTOUR!  I use the Light to Medium kit because let's face it's...I'm lily white!

6.  MAC Fix+ - I love this product!  This is what I use to set my makeup!  I like to do it prior to applying mascara though! TIP: After spritzing your face with Fix+, use a hair dryer to dry your face.  I can't stand waiting for the Fix+ to dry on it's on and have found this works like a charm!

7.  ABH Brow Wiz - BEST BROW PENCIL EVER. PERIOD.  I have very thin, sparse eyebrows so if I don't fill in my brows, it looks like I don't have any!  Brows in my opinion are the most important thing!  They frame your face and make you look 100% better and more youthful!  I use the brow wiz in Light Brown and found that it's perfect whether I'm a blonde or brunette.

8.  ABH Clear Brow Gel - Gotta set those brows!  If you are going to take the time to draw those things on, you better set them honey!  I luckily don't have out of control bushy brows, but in this humidity, better safe than sorry!

9.  Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick (Summer Angel) - This has been my go to lipstick and shade for the summer.  It's a pretty sheer nude with a bit of shimmer.  It's very moisturizing!  It's not the best at lasting power, but I don't mind having to reapply because it feels so nice on the lips!

I always switch up what eye makeup, blush or highlight I use depending on what I'm wearing or my mood for the day.  Some of my favorites lately have been MAC Eversun Beauty Powder Blush (I think this was limited edition - possibly could find it at the Cosmetic Company Outlet though!) and MAC Soft and Gentle for highlight.  Sometimes if I'm being lazy, I'll brush some of the Soft and Gentle on as my eyeshadow.

Favorite mascara combo of the moment is THIS + THIS.

What are you go to makeup products for the summer?

Love,

Ashley

My Monogram Necklace

If you follow me on instagram, then you may have already seen this.  If it's one thing we Southern girls are notorious for, it's monogramming everything.  I don't think we can help it, it's in our nature! It's a fun way to personalize your items and always adds that special touch.

I follow several fashion bloggers and one item seems to keep popping up everywhere I look...the extra large monogram necklace.  I really love it because the ones I've seen in stores have been really small.  I always wanted something a little larger so I was excited to finally see an option.  It's the perfect everyday necklace in my opinion.  Unfortunately, when I went to look at the price of the one that I've seen other bloggers wearing, $220 just wasn't going to cut it.  Not that I can't afford it, but I could buy multiple necklaces for $220.  I was determined to find one at a better price point though.

I don't know about you, but I am just a tad bit obsessed with HGTV.  My favorite show of the moment is Flip or Flop.  I just love seeing the transformations that Tarek and Christina make.  I think one of my favorite things about the show though is Christina's style.  It is always on point!  I noticed her wearing one of the larger monogrammed necklaces and was able to track down where she got it from thanks to their Facebook page.  Turns out that she purchased it from an Esty shop, SwirlStudioDesigns.  I ended up purchasing one myself and chose the 2" Oversized Monogram Necklace.  It's the perfect size and actually measures a little over 2" according to the description.  There are 5 different chain length options, but I chose the 18" and it's perfect!  The best thing about this necklace though is the price...$89!!! Score!!! The quality is amazing for that price!  I purchased the gold, but definitely plan to purchase the silver as well.  I highly recommend checking out this shop if you've been eyeing one as well!

You can see more pictures of me wearing the necklace on my instagram, but here's a close up below!

Love,
Ashley

You've gotta start somewhere...

Hey everyone! I'm Ashley and I guess you can say this is my first official blog post. How exciting!  I've been reading blogs for the longest time now and have finally decided to make one myself.  I love beauty and fashion.  You could actually probably say I'm obsessed.  College days though... I knew every MAC collection by heart.  Sad, but true.  Fashion has become a recent passion of my over the past few years though.  A little back story as to why...

Up until about 2010, I was overweight.  Really overweight.  I was close to 300lbs.  Seriously!  Since then, I have lost a bunch of weight.  If you've ever been overweight, then I'm sure you know the challenges in finding cute clothes that actually fit well!  I think these days there are SO MANY MORE OPTIONS, but back then, it didn't seem like it.  That's why I became obsessed with accessories...handbags, shoes, sunglasses, etc.  The beauty of accessories is ONE SIZE FITS ALL (except shoes), duh!  I still struggle finding that perfect pair of jeans though!  Big thighs, big hips, small waist...#thestruggleisreal.  If I can find a pair that fit on my big ol' thighs and booty without that waist gap...PRAISE!  Girls with your skinny, toned legs, I'm jealous!  We are all beautiful in our own way though.  It's taken a long time to be comfortable in my own skin and I wouldn't say I'm there 100%, but I'm trying!

  Anyways, I hope you'll follow along with me!  My husband says I'm crazy and I have way too many shoes, but I'll let you be the judge of that! :)

Love,

Ashley