Decoding Dress Codes

Throughout our lives, we will get invited to a countless number of weddings, birthday parties and other festivities that require us to follow certain dress codes. It's easy to get confused with it all and not know what to wear. I thought that it would be helpful if I showed you a few ideas for each specific dress code. I hope it can make your search for the perfect party outfit a little bit easier.

Casual

Casual is definitely the most simple dress code. Though, it can still be a bit confusing, as you never know how casual to be. Here is a bit of advice: This does not mean it is appropriate to wear jeans and a t-shirt. The safest bet is to wear a simple dress with heels or flats that aren't too fussy. Most Casual weddings tend to be outside, so make sure your outfit is appropriate for the setting.

Cocktail

Cocktail is one of the easiest dress codes. Whether it's for a wedding or a birthday party, Cocktail is about fun and cute party dresses. Short dresses are a must, because long gowns can look way too formal. This is your chance to wear something colorful, unique or cute. Heels are probably the preferred shoe for this dress code. Cocktail is also very similar to the "Semi-Formal" dress code.

Black-Tie

When dressing for a Black-Tie occasion, think of a red carpet look. Long gowns and incredible heels are the only way to go. This dress code also is the perfect opportunity for glamorous accessories such as a fur (faux of course) and a beautiful clutch. One of the main things to avoid is not to look scandalous. Elegance is the key word.

White-Tie

By far the most extravagant dress code is White-Tie. White-Tie is not a very popular dress code however, because it is up to the caliber of dressing for a royal wedding or the most stunning ball. But if given the chance to dress for an event like this, pull out all the stops. This is your opportunity to dress in full glamour ball gowns and incredible jewelry. White-Tie often requires satin gloves for ladies, so pick either black or white.

xx
Ashley

P.S. I just want to thank everyone that has been reading this blog and looking out for my posts. There is so much more to come!

Fashion Bloggers

I thought it would be a fun idea to show you guys my biggest influences when it comes to fashion bloggers. These are the girls whose blogs I follow religiously. They all have very different and unique styles, but they are similar in that they are all ruthless fashionistas that dress for only themselves. I think that is something important to live by when it comes to fashion: only wear things that you feel amazing in and don't dress for anyone but yourself. Without further ado, here are my favorite bloggers.

Danielle Bernstein
WEWOREWHAT

Nicole Warne
GaryPepperGirl

Jessica Stein
TuulaVintage

Be sure to check out their amazing blogs!

xx
Ashley

The 5 Must-Have Shoes in Your Wardrobe

I am a girl who has a bit of an obsession with shoes. Anyone who has seen my closet knows this, for sure. Despite my above average height, I absolutely love wearing very high heels although it makes me taller than almost everyone in the room. In my opinion, a girl (or boy) can never have enough pairs. Now although I have a wide array of different kinds of shoes, these are my top 5 must haves for every girls wardrobe. All are neutrals and all are similar to ones I actually own.

#1 - Ultra High Black Pumps - Giuseppe Zanotti

#2 - Brown Riding Boots - Frye Boots

#3 - Black Heeled Booties - Topshop

#4 - Brown Oxfords - Poste Mistress

#5 - Fun Flats - Kate Spade

kate spade new york Pilar Flats (see more patent shoes)

xx
Ashley

Kate Moss for Topshop

The long awaited Kate Moss 2014 Spring and Summer Collection has finally arrived at Topshop! This was probably one of the most hyped collections in the history of Topshop. Every piece inspired by Kate's own personal style. The festival-like collection is fresh and very on trend at the moment. Ranging from fun party dresses to easy printed caftans. I absolutely love the whole collection because it is all so easy to wear, nothing too fussy. Supermodel Kate Moss has done a lovely collection for Topshop before, but it was no where near as stunning as this. Topshop is one of my favorite shops because it brings a high fashion look to an affordable place. If you've never shopped there, I highly recommend it.

Be sure to check out the collection here

xx
Ashley

Celebrity Style: Lana Del Rey

Those who know me at all, know that I have a fascination with celebrities and their style. So i've decided that I want to do a couple of blog posts monthly on celebrity fashion. First writing about a celebrity I am very familiar with: Lana Del Rey. I've become more interested in her lately due to my brothers idolization. And, after seeing her perform at Coachella both weekends in her amazing vintage dresses, I knew that I had to write about her. Lana is a classic beauty. She has a way of blending retro and vintage pieces in the most beautiful way. She has undeniable sex appeal, but she handles herself in such a lady-like way. Whenever Lana is on stage, she goes for pieces that have a beautiful sense of retro glamour, which is a very different look than her every day casual style. Either way, she manages to look amazing both ways. Some of her trademarks include her stunning hair and big lips. In the beginning of her fame, she wore flower crowns on stage. You can still see girls trying to recreate Lana inspired looks at music festivals all over the world. Overall, Lana is inspiration for anyone who wants to try vintage or retro looks.

Listen to her new song West Coast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/west-coast-single/id859340306
xx
Ashley

Coachella 2014

With the First Weekend of Coachella starting tomorrow, I thought it would be a fun idea to share a playlist of some of my favorite artists playing!



And here are some of my festival essentials and fun looks for the 3-day event. Coachella is all about easy, breezy, boho chic. It's so much fun but the heat can get a little unbearable, so covered clothes are not recommended. Take a risk and have fun when dressing for festivals!

If you are going to the festival too, either this weekend or next, make sure to have fun, be safe and stay hydrated! If you aren't going, Coachella will be live streaming from their website all weekend! http://www.coachella.com

I'll be posting my looks from each day really soon!
For photos during the festival, make sure to follow me on Instagram: avgumm

xx
Ashley

Have fun guys!!

Skingraft Fall 2014 Fashion Show

Skingraft was the last show that we attended at NYFW Fall/ Winter 2014. And it was by far my favorite. Anyone that knows me, knows that black is one of my favorite colors. Its edgy but keeps you chic at the same time. That is the exact definition of the Skingraft collection. Designer Jonny Cota knows how to use leather perfectly. He has an amazing style for himself as well as his collection. The models for the show were also amazing, everyone being so incredibly unique. Overall, Skingraft just has a cool factor that was undeniable.

xxx
Ashley