All posts in: Style

5 European Summer Style Trends

[THIS POST OF 5 european summer style trends CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. IF YOU MAKE A PURCHASE I MAY RECEIVE A COMMISSION AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THIS WAY!]

I’ve always admired European style and wanted to emulate that effortless elegance. From Paris to Milan to London to Madrid, it’s like they were all born with an eye for fashion. Europeans always appear so put together without overdoing it or trying too hard. Me? I have to work at it. I have to find what I like, copy it, and maybe embellish with my own unique take where I can. So you better believe that when I was recently traveling in Spain, I was observed and noted the summer style trends to bring home and replicate. Check out my roundup of the 5 European Summer Style Trends we can all replicate at home – wherever that may be!

1) Monochrome

One chic European summer style trend that I saw everywhere was monochrome. I spotted this look on women walking into their office buildings, having a late night cocktail, and also just doing some casual shopping. This was typically executed with a monochromatic set like this one from ASOS. So many fabulous European ladies were rocking trouser pants like this option from Express paired with a matching extra long blazer or button up blouse. The colors ranged from elegant neutrals to bold jewel tones like this emerald green monochrome set.

2) espadrilles

I’m sure your next question is, “well what shoes were they wearing with these outfits?” Loads and loads of espadrilles like these cuties. But like I mentioned before, I was in Spain, which is the birthplace of espadrilles (true fact!). So keep in mind that espadrilles will naturally be more prevalent there. They ranged from wedge espadrilles versions like this to simple flat espadrilles like this to more intricate lace up versions like this, which definitely seemed to be more of a European summer style trend. There were massive lines outside of the espadrille making shops where you could pick your height, color, heel, and strap and get a totally customized pair of espadrilles – the perfect souvenir and summer staple!

3) linen

Not unique to Europe, but certainly more prevalent, I’ve included Linen in my 5 European Summer Style Trends. I noticed many women wearing either linen slacks like these or linen shorts like these. But also cute linen sets like this one! These linen outfits really seemed to elevate any look, while also offering a LITTLE relief from the insane Spanish heat! The most common linen wardrobe staple were the classic white linen pants, which would look SO cute paired with these classic yet edgy espadrille heels.

4) Neutral Sneakers and high tops

Another European summer style trend that I noticed and swooned over was the popularity of simple sneakers. They were paired with dresses, trousers, shorts, and everything in between! These were by far the most popular pair of little white sneakers worn with everything. Some pairs had cute embellishments like studs or foil and some were super simple. I also saw a ton of ladies wearing my favorite Converse high tops, which I had actually brought along so I felt like a local. Surprisingly, sandals really were not a big thing being worn in Europe, but I’m not sure I can give those up as much as I’d like to appear European chic 😉

5) satin dresses

The last of my 5 European Summer Style Trend roundup is satin dresses like this and satin maxi skirts like this. I loved the pairing of a sexy satin summer dress paired with cute little white sneakers. This is the epitome of that effortless fashion sense I was talking about before! The satin dresses that really caught my eye were bold colors like this one or subtle texture prints like this or bold florals like this one.

Whether you’re European fashion obsessed like me or you’re just looking for some Summery outfit inspiration, I hope you found some styles you’d like to recreate in your own wardrobe! If you enjoyed this roundup of 5 European Summer Style Trends and would like more summer outfit inspiration then check out this post on Amazon Summer Neutrals!

Thanks for reading!

Xx, Ashley

5 Ways to Style Amazon Spring Neutral Outfits

[THIS POST OF 5 WAYS TO STYLE AMAZON SPRING NEUTRALS CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. IF YOU MAKE A PURCHASE I MAY RECEIVE A COMMISSION AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THIS WAY!]

Are you ready to transition from heavy flannels and dreary colors to the easy breezy fabrics and hues of Spring? Me too! Typically, I’m one for fun florals and pastels, but this year I’m gravitating toward neutrals. I used to think that dressing in neutrals was boring and lacked creativity, but now that I’m playing around with them, I’m realizing how wrong I was! If you’re interested in how to style Spring neutrals, then check out these beautiful Amazon Spring neutral outfits I’m loving and my 5 ways to style Spring neutrals!

1. Texture Mixing:

Avoid your spring neutral outfits going “blah” by mixing up the textures to add a little more intrigue. This Amazon Spring neutral outfit is put together with a white eyelet crop top and a nude pleated midi skirt. Both textures are delicate and complement each other to maintain the softness of the colors. You could also do this with satins, linens, denims, and chiffons.

2. Surprising Accessories:

Another way to jazz up your Spring neutrals is to add a surprising accessory! Here I have paired a delicately feminine Amazon Spring dress with some little white cowgirl boots – an unlikely pairing that elevates the look and makes it more interesting. Another shoe I love to pair with sweet dresses are this pair of high tops. You could also try a silk scarf in your hair or around your neck, statement earrings like these, or fun bag like these.

3. Same Pieces Multiple Ways:

It’s easy to fall into the habit of wearing one piece of clothing the same way every time your wear it, but break that habit to maximize your wardrobe! Below is an example of styling this Amazon Spring neutral crop top for a dressier occasion vs. a more casual occasion. I’ve also taken this neutral graphic t-shirt and styled with the same denim jacket and high tops, but different bottoms. Avoid the wardrobe rut at all costs!

4. Dresses with Details:

Spring neutral outfits can easily become boring so keep an eye out for pieces that have interesting details. Take this neutral maxi dress for example, at first look it’s just a tan maxi dress, but look closer and you’ll see the beautiful white details on all the hems – which also makes it look a lot more premium than something you found on Amazon. Another example is this ombre hi-low dress. The cut of the hem paired with the ombre neutral colors make the dress way more fun than hi-low that’s all one color or an ombre dress that’s just a midi length.

5. Black is Neutral:

Maybe this is common knowledge, but it took me a minute to realize that black is considered a neutral color – and hallelujah because it’s one of my favorite colors to style. Here are two creative ways to make black interesting: this fun Amazon Spring jumpsuit and this maxi skirt that I hiked up and styled as a dress. Yes I’m serious! See the picture above 😊

I hope this was helpful and gave you some inspiration for how to style your Spring neutrals! Even if bright colors and prints are your thing, it’s fun to change it up from time to time! If you loved this post of 5 ways to style Amazon Spring Neutrals then what is something else you’d like some tips on styling? Let me know!

xx, Ashley

FESTIVE HOLIDAY OUTFITS FOR MIDSIZE GALS

[THIS POST OF festive holiday outfits for midsize gals CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. IF YOU MAKE A PURCHASE I MAY RECEIVE A COMMISSION AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THIS WAY!]

Have a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party on the calendar, but nothing to wear? Here are six festive party outfit ideas all from Amazon so they can get to you quickly if you’re pinched for time! Each outfit is very affordable coming in at $50 or less! Bonus is that all of these festive party outfits are midsize gal friendly. Don’t hide those curves, flaunt them!

1. Hollywood glam christmas party dress

This gorgeous red velvet wrap maxi dress is under $50, but looks way more lush. I’m wearing a size 14 here and am usually a size 12 so be sure to size up one size. This dress offers some warmth too so if it’s cold where you are during the holidays it will be perfect. I totally get Hollywood glam vibes and I love that. I’ve paired with some sparkly, dangly earrings, a sleek hair syle, red lip, and comfy but cute heels. This pair of heels with the bow detail would look so good with this dress and are under $40.

2. edgy meets festive christmas party outfit

You may already have everything needed to recreate this festive party outfit for midsize ladies. Pair your favorite faux leather skirt with a festive flannel and some fun jewelry for an edgier festive look. If you don’t already have these things on hand then I recommend this faux leather skirt and be sure to size up. If you don’t have a red flannel then this is a great option for $24. I’m obsessed with these faux crocodile black combat booths with buckles, unfortunately they are sold out. But this pair of shiny black combat boots are super affordable ($35) and super similar to mine shown here! Also, don’t forget the red and green Gucci inspired headband for a little more festive flair.

3. Baby spice festive party outfit

This is one of my new favorite dresses because it is so versatile and so flattering. I love off-the-shoulder dresses to add a little bit of allure, but the a-line silhouette and bubble sleeves adds a fun and girly vibe. This cute dress is only $35 and comes in quite a few colors. The red or green would be super festive too! I’m wearing a size L. I’ve styled the black dress with a pair of maroon mary jane heels and festive headband!

4. New year's eve baddie

This was a fave on my instagram @sweethomeashley! I won’t lie, when I put this outfit on to film my reel and take photos I was feelin myself. I strutted around the house with no where to go for a solid few hours lol. This festive holiday outfit is perfect for my fellow midsize gals as the long blazer makes us appear a little taller. This cape blazer is such a unique piece and shockingly only $44! Sequins are always festive and so on trend this year. These sequined leggings are so fun and only $30. Don’t worry, they aren’t as scratchy as they look! I styled this outfit with this lacy white tank top and love the mixing of textures. I promise you this outfit will immediately make you feel like the confident, baddie that you are!

5. Classic Emerald Christmas dress

This emerald green wrap dress would look great on any body type. I love that it is a faux wrap sewn together to keep all your bits in place. The emerald color is so beautiful you’ll be sure to catch some eyes. This festive holiday dress would be perfect for a professional Christmas party or festive family gathering. It’s $33 and runs true to size. I’ve paired with a classic nude heel like this pair.

6. chic & cozy sweater dress

For those chillier nights try this beautiful wine red sweater dress. I recommend sizing down one size. The fabric of this dress is so luxe that it’s hard to believe it’s only $45! This would be another great option for a professional holiday event, or a family Christmas dinner. I’ve also paired this with a classic nude heel.

All of these festive holiday outfits for midsize gals are under $50 on Amazon. If you still need something to wear to an upcoming Christmas event then these will be perfect if you have Amazon Prime! Which one is your favorite?

Also! If you are still looking for the perfect Christmas gift for anyone on your list then check out my blog post which includes all of my gift guides!

XX, Ashley

A Review: Amazon, Target, and Walmart Wardrobe Basics

I love name brands as much as the next gal, but I love affordable fashion finds even more! There’s something super exciting about feeling as though you’ve scored an awesome deal and it’s so fun to share those finds with all of your friends! I’ve always been the type of shopper that buys a lot of items at a lower price point than buying one or two high price point items. Sure, sometimes you get what you pay for, but I really feel that stores like Target, Amazon, and Walmart are seriously leveling the playing field when it comes to value, quality, and style. To put this to the test, I decided to review wardrobe basics at Amazon, Target, and Walmart and what is more essential than jeans, white t-shirts, and flip flops? Keep reading to find out which brand really shined when it came to fit, feel, style, and price on affordable wardrobe basics.

I’m going to go in alphabetical order to avoid any spoilers… but if you just can’t wait then skip to the end! 😊

Amazon Wardrobe Basics

Jeans: 0/5 Stars, Love the wash, but the fabric is quite stretchy and loses shape.

It was a little bit difficult to find cute enough looking skinny jeans that were the Amazon Essentials brand, but I finally did! Fair warning, the sizes go in and out of stock quite quickly so don’t get discouraged if you have your sights set on these. Truth be told these jeans are going straight back because they just didn’t fit my body quite right. I purchased a size 12 and probably could have tried either a 12S or a 10. They are quite stretchy and this led to weird bunchiness on my calves (and I have huge calves). They felt and looked cheap and so I do not recommend these at all.

T-Shirt: 3/5 Stars A forgiving fit, good for lounging.

I am of the opinion that you can never have too many plain white or black t-shirts. Even when they all look similar, they aren’t all the same. I love when things come in packs of two! Sure, I know I’m paying for both, but I feel like I’m not! I bought the Amazon Essentials t-shirts (which came in a pack of one black and one white) in a size large without realizing how stretchy they were. I could have gone with a medium, but the oversized fit is super cute tied in a knot to add a little shape. They would also make great lounging shirts. I gave them 3/5 star rating because they are not outstanding, but for the price, quality, and feel I thought they were worth keeping.

Sandals: 5/5 Stars, SO cute and SO comfortable, buy these right now!

There are not enough words to describe my love for these sandals!!! They are so stinkin cute, so comfortable, and so affordable (~$30). I will be wearing these all summer long. I went with the white pair, but without a doubt will be buying at least one more pair. I am just now deciding between the brown and the black or maybe both! These would be great for walking around the beach, a festival, a walk around the neighborhood, or even dressed up. They’re a must-have wardrobe essential.

Target Wardrobe Basics

Jeans: 5/5 the perfect fit, feel, price – I bought two pairs!

I’ve always been quite pleased by Target’s Universal Thread denim line and this pair was no exception. This particular pair is the curvy midrise style, which has a little extra room in the thigh and booty area and so they really complement my figure. I loved this distressed pair so much that I got the same style in a regular, non-distressed wash. They were only $25, which blows my mind. They feel like they will last for multiple seasons, were extremely affordable, and are quite stylish.

T-Shirt: 5/5 great fit, not too stretchy, quality fabric

I have two words for you: eight dollars. EIGHT DOLLARS for this adorable, simple white t-shirt. I love the fit and feel of the fabric. It’s not too stretchy, but not too structured so you could easily dress it up or down. The only negative about this t-shirt is that it shrunk ever so slightly in the dryer, so I’d recommend letting it air dry. If you like to have multiple, great quality white t-shirts on hand then I’d highly recommend stocking up on this piece.

Sandals: 2/5 very cute style, but not great for wide feet, very odd fit

I love the style of these sandals. I so badly wish I could love them, but they are a terrible fit. I have to pull the crisscross straps to slide down the wide part of my foot, but even then they still slide around and aren’t quite secure. They are seriously so cute though and I can tell they are great quality as well. They look much more premium than just $20! I do recommend these summer sandals, but only if you do not have wide feet.

Walmart Basics

Jeans: 5/5 absolutely love the fit, wash, distressing, fabric, and price!

This is the first time that I have ever tried the Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara at Walmart and I am completely in love. The fit, the wash, the feel, the style, the price – there is nothing not to love about these jeans. They are literally my new favorite pair. I think they would be particularly flattering on anyone with a little extra hip or booty, much like the Queen Sofia Vergara herself. I ordered this pair of jeans on Walmart.com and they arrived in two days – so quite comparable to Amazon Prime!

T-Shirt: 1/5 fabric is a bit see-through, more of what you’d expect from an under shirt

Like I said before, love a good two-pack, but these plain white t-shirts were disappointing. This was one of those moments when you do, in fact, get what you pay for. They were 2 for $10, but are a lot less like a basic white t-shirt and more like a men’s undershirt. I’m giving them 1 star because they aren’t bad enough to return, especially for the cost vs. hassle, but I wouldn’t recommend and I won’t be buying again.

Sandals: 4/5 super cute, very comfortable, don’t stay on very well

I love the look of these sandals! I love that you can get a super trendy summer sandal for only $14. These WOULD have been my top sandal choice, but I wore them to walk up the hill to a neighborhood restaurant and they were a bit hard to keep on my foot. I think they’d be perfect to wear out for a date or a picnic, anything that doesn’t involve a lot of walking. They’re seriously so cute and affordable, but just not the most practical.

the final results

So if you skipped ahead, want the Reader’s Digest Version, or just a brief summary – here is my review of wardrobe basics at Amazon, Target, and Walmart:

The best skinny jeans: The Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara at Walmart were such a pleasant surprise. I cannot believe that these jeans are only $24. They are so stylish, the fabric feels so nice, and I really think they will hold up. I ordered these online and they only took two days to arrive – so quite comparable to Amazon Prime! An added bonus is that as a girl with curves, jeans shopping can be quite brutal, but these felt like they were made for me. They make me feel sexy and I love them. I highly recommend.

I’ll also say that the Target pair were an extremely close second and I gave them 5/5 stars, but I just preferred the Walmart pair as far as fit and style. The Amazon Essentials jeans are going to be returned – enough said.

T-Shirt: The plain white t-shirt from Target was hands down the top choice. Each brand was comparable in price, but Target by far had the better quality and shape. The Amazon and Walmart white t-shirts were a bit more like undershirts rather than an everyday shirt to wear.

Neither of the plain white t-shirts that I got from Amazon or Walmart were very impressive. Or at least the particular ones that I selected were not meant to be a casual t-shirt, but rather more of an undershirt.

Sandals: No question, the Amazon Essentials sandals were my top choice hitting high marks for quality, comfort, price, and style. I can’t say enough about these sandals – I am smitten. I’ll definitely be purchasing in other colors! They were slightly more expensive than the Target and Walmart sandals but only by about $10-$15.

I really loved both the style, quality, and price of the Target and Walmart sandals, but they were not very comfortable or practical. They’d be great for a date or anywhere that you don’t need to do a lot of walking, but definitely not strolling down the beach or up to the pool.

I believe that when a brand puts effort into the basics then you know that you can trust everything else that you get from them. The only big miss out of everything that I tried were the Amazon Essentials jeans, but overall I was quite impressed by these three big retailers. The sandals were by far the most impressive pieces from style to price at all three retailers, I’d honestly recommend all of them. And I absolutely can’t wait to try more of the Sofia Vergara collection from Walmart.

I hope you enjoyed this review because I really enjoyed pulling it together for you! Is there anything you’ve been wanting to try, but not sure if you should complete the purchase? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to be your resource.

Xx, Ashley

A beginner’s guide to navigating the NSALE

Happy NSALE season – the sale is now open for all cardholders!!

As a lifestyle blogger, it’s slightly awkward to admit that I’ve never shopped the NSALE before, but it’s true! The reason is that previously it was never a place that I regularly shop as I find the prices to be a little outside of my budget, so I was never sure when the sale actually happened. But this year I have been ALL about it. So as an NSALE beginner I’m sharing a beginner’s guide to navigating the NSALE!

First Step!

First and foremost, I saw that if you signed up for the Nordstrom credit card and made a purchase you would get a $60 bonus note, so that was a no brainer. I applied for the card, bought an Adidas pair of leggings I needed/wanted, and received my $60 bonus note to shop the sale (this literally paid for a pair of sneakers I’ve had my eye on forever!). If you’re not already a cardholder then this is well worth it!

Secondly!

Secondly, as with any big sale, there’s a few things that I consider: budget, needs, wants, gifts. What’s my budget? What do I truly NEED if anything and what is just a want? Are there any holidays or special occasions coming up that I should buy a gift for?

I’ve seen a lot of bloggers advise that if you’re on a tight budget you should stick to only buying staples. I completely understand that rationale, to invest in good quality staples, but I do have a different take. Why not invest in awesome, fun, splurge items that you wouldn’t normally get to splurge on and get whatever staples you may need at Target or even Amazon – because we can all agree that their quality is much better than expected and you can find great deals. And who likes to spend all their budget on blah staples? That’s like buying a new roof, you only do it because you have to.

If the NSALE isn’t how you want to practice some self care then check out my blog for 5 ways to practice self care for much more affordable options!

Third!

Thirdly, it’s time to build that wishlist! I literally have been adding to my wishlist every day since the sale began and obsessively checking back to see if the items I love are still in stock. I definitely didn’t get everything I wanted due to sell outs and also budget constraints, but I still got some amazing deals! AND don’t let sell outs discourage you – there will be returns and occasional restocks, so definitely set up alerts to get updated if anything comes back in stock!

Breaking down this huge sale by category

If you have been following the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (NSale) or follow any fashion influencers on Instagram, then you may be at the point where you’re tired of hearing about it. It’s a lot! There are so many amazing products in so many categories and everyone has their special way to navigate the sale – it’s hard to even know where to begin. So let me break down a few categories for you and also show you what I actually bought, because let’s be real, my wishlist is extensive 😉 Shop by category for the best way to navigate the NSALE as a beginner!

House Picks

My husband and I just bought a house (woohoo!) and moving from a small condo to a big house means we have a lot of furnishings to purchase. Of course I want to splurge and buy all of the pretty things – so this was a big priority for me in the NSALE. I’m completely obsessed with anything copper because it’s basically rose gold so all of these decanters were a must have for me! They’re on sale for $45 from $75. I may need only buy one for now, but I’ll slowly build the collection. Can’t wait to set up a bar cart!

BAGS!

I do not own a Tory Burch bag YET and this one is so classic and cute, can’t beat the price either. However, I will admit that as much as I wanted it, I’ll have to save it either for next year or my birthday wishlist. While a great price, it was still too much of a splurge for me. Coming from a beginner’s perspective, I will definitely save up next year to be able to get items like this.

I already own this Longchamp bag and you should too! I take it on EVERY trip. It is the best bag to grab and throw so much stuff in that you may or may not need, but at least you have it! If anyone commutes by train to work a backpack is a must-have and it’s also perfect for the gym.

Fun and Funky Sneakers

Fall is coming and I will literally be wearing a cute pair of sneakers almost every day. I love how versatile they are to be styled dressy or casual. I love booties too, but sneakers are my fave. The first pair in the carousel is the pair I kept making sure was still in stock. Cannot wait to get these delivered! They were my #1 pick from NSALE! But, I definitely wanted all the others. Depending on how much bling you like – there’s an option for everyone!

booties

Everyone needs booties for Fall. It’s definitely a staple to splurge on. I opted for the edgier, more funky versions rather than the classic brown leather bootie. So for that reason I got the first pair in the carousel and I’m so excited. They give me Doc Marten vibes without the price tag, they’re under $50!! I definitely wanted the white pair, but will have to save for later 🙂 The brown booties are so cute and classic and I already own very similar options that are great to pair with jeans or even cute Fall dresses.

Jewelry picks

For whatever reason, I always think of jewellery as a splurge item rather than a staple even though some very classic/expensive pieces are absolutely staples. If I’m at a checkout line and need to cut down on my total, I always get rid of the jewellery first. So for that reason I really wanted to get some nice jewellery pieces in the NSALE. They had so many awesome pics, but these were my favourites.

Edgy outfit pics for fall

I usually opt for an edgier vibe in the Fall – I have no explanation for this lol. The NSALE had some great options to go with my edgy Fall vibe. I got the black wide leg jeans and the cheetah sweater. I had my eye on some oversized flannel, but sadly it sold out 🙁 So, I’m making sure to check back later to see if there were any returns. If you’re shopping the NSALE as a beginner, definitely think FALL! Because it’s right around the corner 🙂

Sunnies!

My first experience with QUAY was via a FabFitFun box and they are truly great quality sunnies. I have an aviator version, but I’m loving these cat eye styles! $35.00 for a quality pair of sunnies is quite a steal. It’s not a need to have, but a nice to have (arguably), but that’s the whole point of this beginner’s guide to navigating the NSALE!

Best of Loungewear

This starry set was also a must-have for me. I rarely treat myself to fun pjs, but these are so darn cute and will be perfect for winter! This set flew out of stock so I had to order larger sizes than I’d prefer, but it may just make them extra cosy! They still have other prints available too!

Treat yourself to a cozy loungewear set – especially during #stayathome!

cute coats

You could argue that coats are a staple for sure, but statement coats are a little more of a splurge. Regardless, it’s a great time to invest in winter coat and save! I LOVE this powder blue wool coat and it’s still in stock! If my closet was big enough I’d buy all of these, but for now I will just admire and hope you might be able to snag at least one!

Sweaters!

This color block fleece sold out like crazy, but there are still a few sizes left, and I’m hoping it gets restocked because I’m obsessed. I’d even buy this full price! I am totally here for animal prints, they’re not a staple, but they’re so fun and I really hope the trend stays in style!

bras!

A good bra is always a good investment so this is a little stray from my method behind this beginner’s guide to navigating the NSALE! but still! Even if you already have a closet full of great bras, you can always splurge on another good one! I especially am loving this black spanx bra that could be worn to the gym or just an ordinary occasion.

Adidas Picks

If you’ve been following along with me for awhile, you know I LOVE ADIDAS. So of course I had to scope out the best Adidas picks. I think these leggings are fierce and edgy – which I love and they’re under $30! The sweatshirt just looks so sweet and cosy. And of course who doesn’t need a classic pair of black kicks?

what i ended up buying at the NSALE!

True to my plan for navigating the NSALE as a beginner, I ended up purchasing basically one splurge item from every category. I wish I could have purchased every single thing on my wishlist, but I’m so excited to receive what I did buy! I’m also keeping an eye out for a few things to potentially come back into stock, but if not it wasn’t meant to be! I hope you like some of these items or are inspired by them. Don’t feel any pressure, just have fun!

How to Distress and Acid Wash a T-Shirt

Street style with acid wash — My first acid wash T!

Learn how to distress and acid wash a t-shirt with me!

Who here went through a low-key, Avril Lavigne, punk rocker-ish phase back in high school? I definitely did and I never left it 100% in the past! My personal style never has and never will have a category or label. I bounce around from extremely preppy, to euro-chic, to grunge/punk, to whatever we’d classify Zooey Deschanel (love you Zooey!). I’ve never fallen into one category, it’s just too limiting for me. I can’t predict what my mood or a certain occasion will inspire and that’s what makes fashion so fun! You can be whoever you want to be, whenever you want to be. The only drawback is that being versatile requires a very large closet. 😉

Like so many of us, I’m loving the tie-dye trend and really can’t get enough. However, since I’m trying to limit spending during these uncertain times, I didn’t want to invest in a tie-dye kit and fresh white clothing. So, I decided to embrace my edgy high school days and try my hand at distressing and acid washing shirts that I already had in my closet. I’ve always loved the distressed acid wash look, but buying those pieces can get pricey! If you prefer to buy rather than DIY here are a few cool options that I found: this one and this one. But if you’re up for a little DIY project then let me tell you how to distress and acid wash a t-shirt!

You will need

Bleach
Water
Spray Bottle
Plastic Garbage Bag or Table Cloth
Q-tips
Scissors
Rubber Gloves
Rubber Bands (optional)

get prepped

Rep Acid Wash T-Shirt — Acid Washed T on Black

Pinpoint a few items from your closet that you’d be willing to totally redesign. (I chose this rep T-Shirt that I bought to wear to Taylor Swift’s Reputation tour – best concert ever). I recommend finding items with bold colours because then you’ll really be able to see the acid wash magic. Keep in mind that black items won’t necessarily bleach to white, they tend to go a bit peachy/orange no matter how much bleach you pour (see mine as an example).

Once you’ve decided on the item/s you want to distress and acid wash you will need to set up your DIY area. Since this project requires A LOT of bleach you’ll need to make sure you’re working somewhere that won’t be destroyed by the chemicals. I chose my kitchen counter and laid down some garbage bags as an extra precaution to protect the countertops.
Now it’s time to prepare the solution. I used an old spray bottle and mixed one part Clorox bleach with one part water. You can also use pure bleach, but I found that you get similar results both ways so why not save some of your chemicals for cleaning. 🙂

How to distress the fabric

You can absolutely skip the distressing and go straight to the acid wash in Step 5, but if you want an even more grungy aesthetic then I recommend trying out this step. Distressing the fabric just means that you are creating tiny holes, rips, and tears to get a more vintage vibe. It’s actually a lot easier than you’d think! I did most of the distressing around the collar, the chest/shoulders, and toward the bottom of the shirt. I also scraped the “rep” letters to make sure the distressing looked cohesive. I also cut off the hems of my sleeves to get an even edgier look, I thought they just seemed too perfect otherwise. There are two ways to do this, I went with Option 2 because it was quicker, but you do you!

1. Pinch the fabric and cut tiny little holes wherever you desire. The bigger the pinched fabric, the bigger the hole. *This method is more calculated, but also takes a lot longer. If you want to make your tiny holes bigger you can simply wiggle your finger in the hole and spread it out. I watched this video for some extra help!
2. The scraping method is so much quicker, but much less predictable. Open your scissors as wide as possible and then press the blade against the fabric and begin scraping the fabric with the sharp edge with a pulling down motion. You will quickly see the tears and tiny holes. Watch your fingers! Just remember that you can always go back and add more holes or more bleach, so start with less and work your way up from there.

How to acid wash the fabric

Once you’re happy with the distressing you can move on to the acid wash. Be sure to put on your rubber gloves before bleach so that your hands don’t stink afterwards. 🙂 There are a few ways to do the acid washing, it all just depends on what look you have in mind. You can do the traditional spiral that you would do with rubber bands when tie-dying or you can do more of a splatter look (like mine). Personally, I think the splatter look is best with distressing and acid wash. Simply lay your t-shirt flat and then mist in various spots with your spray bottle. I sprayed closer to the fabric in places that I wanted to be more saturated with bleach. The bleach will change the fabric’s color almost instantly so you’ll easily be able to see what design you’re creating and where you need more of the solution. For more dots and drag dots you can dip your q-tip into the solution and place where desired. I also flicked the q-tip to create a splatter look. Don’t forget to do the back too! Some of the solution will soak through to both sides, but you’ll still need to go over it to improve the design.

Finishing touches

When you love your new design, rinse the t-shirt (or whatever you’re acid washing) with water to remove any excess bleach.
Wash and dry your t-shirt by itself for the first wash or two to make sure you don’t bleach any of your other clothes.
Style your shirt with a pair of distressed jeans or jean shorts and some fun jewellery for the perfect, edgy look!

Now you’ve successfully learned how to distress and acid wash a t-shirt! If you try this method be sure to let me know how it went in the comments! Any other DIY projects you’d like to see? Let me know and happy DIYing!

xx,

Ashley

Target Long Sleeve Eyelit T-Shirt, Spring Style

Target Must-Have Styles for Spring & Summer

Scroll down for Spring and Summer style at Target!

Picture this: it’s a day ending in “-day”, you wake up, brush your teeth, maybe brush your hair, put on some tie-dye lounge-wear, do a a little bit of work, maybe a run if you’re feeling sassy, eat copious amounts of snacks, and browse the internet until you fall asleep. THEN you wake up and do the exact same thing. We are all living the same day on repeat and while many places are starting to reopen, Chicago is not one of them. Before I continue, I do want to note that I am in no way insensitive to the immense hardships many people are facing. My family has been hit both financially and physically, it’s a very difficult time and my heart goes out to all of you. I just hope this article adds a little levity to your day.

There are so many things that I miss being able to do and I know I’m not alone in this, which is actually really and strangely comforting, that we aren’t alone. [Whoever you are, wherever you are – please know you are not alone! We’re in this together. xx] I’ve realized that the things I miss most aren’t necessarily what I would have guessed, but are much more the little every day things that I take for granted. The Italian in me just wants to hug literally everyone at all times (more about me)! I really miss that human touch. I miss my family, my besties, that little Indian restaurant around the corner, and so much more…. like shopping! Yeah, yeah I know I can go online, but there’s something about browsing a store, finding hidden gems I didn’t even know I needed ;), that I really miss!

SO MANY GOOD SALES

In this uncertain economic climate my brain knows that I should be saving, BUT EVERYTHING IS ON SALE! I’ve truly found some absolute gems and amazing deals. I’m realizing that perusing the liketoknow.it app, following influencer stories, and scrolling through favorite store’s website has become a solid replacement for browsing in a real store. It’s definitely a welcome escape and I get so excited when the packages arrive. It’s like the opposite of instant gratification, but it makes the joy last even longer and I love that.

TARGET DRESSES

Summer Camo T-Shirt Dress from Target — Camo T-Shirt Dress

Summer Lilac Midi Dress from Target — Lilac Midi Dress

I ordered these affordable Spring dresses from Target during their sale about two weeks ago. I’m wearing the camo t-shirt dress in a large. The dress is extremely comfy and could definitely be dressed up with some nude/tan wedges and a tan moto jacket, cute sandals and a jean jacket, or even dressed down as a beach cover up! It runs a little large, I could have gone with a medium. For reference, I’m 5’2″, 38D, large booty! It’s currently $20.00!

This lilac midi dress comes in blue, green, burgundy, and white. I nearly got white, but I’m really happy with this fun color. It looks pink on the Target website, but is much more lavender in person. I recommend sizing down as it’s a bit over-sized. It’s super floaty and soft, I can’t wait to wear this to a thousand places, a thousand different ways. It’s currently $34.99, but I purchased it on sale – so keep an eye out! One thing I love about Target is that you can set alerts for sales and even to get notified when your favorite styles come back into stock.

THE CUTEST EYELET TOP YOUR CLOSET CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

Spring and Summer style isn’t complete without the perfect white tee. I bought these daisy jeans recently from abercrombie and I knew I wanted to pair them with a plain white tee, but then I came across this gorgeous eyelit long sleeve t-shirt from Target and had to have it. The sleeves are so beautifully structured with a slight poof at the shoulder. The body of the top is light and flexible. I want one in every color! It comes in red and rust, TTS, only $19.99. I think this compliments my new, fave jeans so well and is perfect for Spring when there’s still a slight chill in the air.

GRAPHIC T-SHIRTS AND DISTRESSED SHORTS

Taylor Swift Lover T-Shirt — Taylor Swift Lover Graphic T

Guns N' Roses Graphic T — Guns N’ Roses Graphic T

Your Spring and Summer wardrobe isn’t complete without a few classic graphic tees. I cannot say this loudly enough: Target’s graphic t-shirt selection was amazing even before it was trendy. THEN they came out with this Taylor Swift Lover t-shirt. I swear I’d buy multiple just because I know I’m going to wear this one so much it’ll be tattered one day, and that day will be a very sad day. I bought this in an XL because I wanted it to be over-sized and it’s perfect. I think I’ve worn it three days this week #sorrynotsorry. Then I found this Guns N’ Roses t-shirt that I’ve seen circulating Instagram and it’s also fabulous, I’m wearing a L. Both were only $14.99, you really can’t beat it.

The distressed shorts with the Taylor Swift T are super stretchy and have a lot of give, which is great if you overindulge at a summer bbq. I really like the longer inseam because I can’t stand when my shorts ride up between my legs. This pair is a size 12, but I would’ve preferred a 10, unfortunately they were out of stock and I needed something quickly. I’ll make them work!

Thanks for checking out my favorite recent Target purchases. So affordable, great quality, and extremely versatile which is everything I look for in my clothes. I hope this helps your future Target run! Happy shopping 🙂

xx,