Books

Over the past year I've been slowly starting my own book collection. Collecting books that most interest me. Majority of the books I have are fashion-related. I feel that they can look so chic laying around the room lol. To some people fashion may seem like a topic that's not knowledgeable. But it is! Buying books from the business side of fashion can expand your knowledge in so many ways. It's always good to be a well rounded person & not just know about one topic example:"How to Dress", but to actually know the production of clothes, what fabrics are stored in your favorite shirt, & the marketing side of fashion is pretty cool to know. That was me rambling on lol. Anyway, I loveee self-improvement books, that deal with positive thinking for the body, mind, & soul. <3 They make me feel so good inside and appreciate more about the little things in life. These are a few books that I bought this week from Target. 

Nicky Hilton 365 Style $15.36

(On the cover it came with a 30% off sticker-coupon. 365 Style books purchased at Target, brings an exclusive dvd of Nicky Hilton pretty much covering her wardrobe essential pieces.) This book covers some of her personal stories, style success, fashion tips, & DIYs. 

The Power $16.76

Author: Rhonda Byrne

The Power covers the law of attraction on areas such as money, health, relationships, happiness, career, etc. It breaks down the law of attraction. "What you think, is what you attract". The power to have anything you want & how to create that power.

The Secret $23.95 

Author: Rhonda Byrne

The Secret, you'll learn how to use The Secret in aspects of your life as those mentioned in The Power.

If you don't want to purchase The Power, or The Secret they do have DVDs you can buy! Or I'm pretty sure you can probably watch them on Youtube. :) 

Btw, I haven't finish reading these books so this is not a review on them. 

P.S. You can defintely get these books for a cheaper price than what Target offers! Check on ebay or Amazon. I'm pretty sure you'll see other books that are not listed in this post that might catch your eye too. It always happens to me haha.

Staying positive is the way to go! :*

Softlips Cube

After wanting it since the day it was released. I finally went to Walgreens & got a hold of Soft Lips Cube. I choose, Pomegranate Blueberry flavor. It's 5 in 1 lipcare benefits. It hydrates, replenishes, smoothes, protects, and adds shine. Softlips Cube has sunscreen of SPF 15. Once you apply it you'll notice it's really silky and makes your lips feel smooth. It gives a little cold sensation on the lips. The glass-like cube container is really cute! My only disappointment about Softlips Cube how little it really is. I just wish it was bigger so the lip balm would last longer.

Price: $3.49 

Face Products I use

Besides using lemon juice to clear any marks on my face and giving it a glow. The only products I use for my face are introduced on the pictures below! As for make-up I only use mascara.

Before bed time I use Target's name brand Up & Up,eye make-up remover which is just as good as Nuetrogena's eye make-up remover. (I promise :) &  + less expensive than too! Up & Up's price $4.59 vs. Nuetrogena's price $6.47! It's been one satisfying year since I made the switch to Up & Up. Up & Up eye make-up remover does not burn your eyes like Walgreen's eye make-up remover brand, Studio 35 beauty. (Although, Studio 35 beauty claims to say it's oil-free, I find it to be oily-er then most.)

On a cotton ball, I then apply Olay oil minimizing Toner (Normal). (I originally bought this because I was looking for something to minimize my pimples & I figured this would work because it has Witch Haze, known as an acne fighter.) As I started using it, I found out it tones by removing any dirt & make-up that builds up throughout the day on your face. I know some people who use alcohol to remove build up (which by the way is bad for your face). Olay oil minimizing toner does not strip your face as rubbing alcohol would. You'll be surprised how much dirt your face consumes a day. It's gross! Price: $4.97

About once a week, I use Bioré deep cleaning pore strips for my nose, chin, & forehead. For some odd reason I continue buying this item, although it removes very little blackheads. I just find it the fastest way to remove at least some blackheads. & I've been using this product since high school so it's kinda hard to not use it.  

Price: $7.47 for 14 strips (combo)

Burt Bee's Citrus Facial Scrub, I use once a week or whenever my face needs a mositurizer. It's SUPER mositurizing. On the days I use this facial scrub I don't even need lotion on my face! 

Price: $7.19

I wasn't ever into waterproof mascara until now probably because I noticed that during the summer non-waterproof mascara tends to run a little because the heat. Lash Out Butterfly by L'Oréal, has become one of my favorite mascaras! <3 I use color, black. It does not clump up, which makes your lashes look natural! As long as you don't apply way too much mascara hahaha. You can tell how L'Oréal came up with the name "Lash out Butterfly", when you see the wand of the mascara!

Price: $7.97

You might be thinking, "why does she have a headband included in the picture"? That's because, I find headbands useful. Keeping my bangs out of my face when applying these products. It also helps lessen your natural hair oil from getting on your face! 

Happy Saturday loves!!

Cutout Ankle Boots

The ending of last year is when my obession for cutout shoes started. This month I purchased two shoes to add to my collection of cutouts! ;D I personally LOVE ankle boots, but having boots with cutouts just gives it a fuckin' edgier vibeeee.  

I made a stop at SoHo in NYC & bought the ankle cutouts on the left. They are $20 from Necessary Clothing. Unfortunately, they no longer have them on their website :T On the right are boots from H&M find them here $35.95. 

Grand total: $55.95

Inspired by Free People's Store Decor!

I have visited online Free People website, but last Wednesday was the first time I ever walked inside the store. Free People, focuses on bohemian fashion trends. (Love it.) I took some pictures of the store's decor & figured I should share them with you! <3

When do you ever think about hanging yarn around and making it look effortless and giving off an artsy vibe? You could use this inspiration for your bedroom decor! It's cheap and timeless :)

When I saw these boots, I fell in love. They were around $340 & I was like "uh neverminddd they can stay where they belong" lol. Can't afford them right now. Since some of us may not have the luxury to splurge money on shoes, I was thinking you can sooo do a DIY on spray painting your old pair of oxford shoes = making them look new again!!

http://www.freepeople.com/

Lip Balm Addiction

I go through these weird phases, where I get in the mood to buy an item in very style or flavor I see. I noticed that these phases tend to last for about a month. Until, I move on to a new category. Each month I'm into something different. It's weird I know haha. Anyway move on.. Due to "the lip balm phase", out of all the lip balms & chapsticks I have bought I handpicked my favorite ones! 

eos (Pomegrante Raspberry). Smells great, makes me want to eat the chapstick lol. 

$3.29

95% organic, 100% natural

Shea butter

Vitamin E 

Gulten-free

Softlips Vanilla leaves your lips super soft. If you want super soft lips apply this before bed. The next morning, I promise you will wake up with softer lips. 

Prices vary depending on the store you buy it from usually around $1.99-$2.99

Lip protectant

Sunscreen SPF 20

Carmex Moisture Plus (Walmart's price $2.48) I tend to use it when I'm "going out". The reason behind that is because it's a little shiny and I think it looks best for a night look rather than day. You can apply Carmex Moisture on top of your lipstick, just to add a little hint of gloss! 

Broad Sepctrum

SPF 15/Sunscreen

Water Resistant (80 mintues)

Burt's Bees (Mango) $3.30 is a lip balm with Mango butter. It cost a little more than the others presented to you on the picture. 100% natural. It's very nourishing! Has a light fruity smell. 

Old Navy Graphic Tee's

I rarely shop at Old Navy, but when I do it's always during the summer season to buy the Women's Classic Flip Flops that are $3.94 for the beach lol. A few days ago I stopped by to find some flips. Unfortunately, barely did they had any left ;( I'm assuming it's because summer is almost all over? :T Anyway, instead of leaving the store (which would've been a good way to save some money lol) I continued to look around. I ended up purchasing 2 graphic-t's on sale. For a total of $24 ($12 each!) I'm currently in the hunt for any graphic tee because they are just so easy to wear! You could dress them up or down :) Graphic tee's are a great way to show your personality, what you believe in, and what you like! + it looks really cool & edgy if you throw on a motor cycle jacket with it too! 

The prices in-store and online are different.

P.S. If you would like to purchase these items just click on the link :)

Holy Chic shirt $10

50% Cotton, 40% Modal

http://m.oldnavy.gap.com/product.html?dn=op978701032&dv=1&shopid=1&pdn=oc1000179

Elvis Presely muscle tee $16

50% Cotton, 50% Polyester

http://m.oldnavy.gap.com/product.html?dn=op123814002&dv=1&shopid=1&pdn=oc1000179

Btw, the hat is from H&M Divided Black $17.95

100% Wool

http://m.hm.com/us/product/17633?article=17633-C#mediaType=STILL_LIFE_FRONT

Cosmopolitan Heels

  I got these classic babes from JCPenny the original price was $39.99, they were on clearance for $27! :D The heel is about 4 inches, which makes them super comfortable for me to walk in :D They are suede and patent leather.

Modern and Classic

Practically, the majority of crop tops are "skin tight." I wanted to find one that was loose, yet cropped. One that wouldn't mark every part of my upper body. This denim cropped top that I am wearing is from my favorite "fast fashion" retail store, H&M.

What creates this look to be classified as modern, are the hints of gold chain on my heels,  the statement necklace, and most of all throwing an item that's currently in (cropped tops). The black high-waisted skirt is conservative, making the outfit look "classic"!

Outfit tip: When you pair a loose top with a fitted bottom (visa-versa), the look will achieve balanced and proportion. You don't want to overwhelm the outfit and possibly loosing your silhouette with baggy clothing!

Denim Crop Top: H&M $17.95
Necklace: H&M $14.95
High-waisted skirt: H&M $24.95
Black chained shoes: H&M on sale for $20!

Stay tune for more ;D

Ashley J Loves Street Style

Today, here in the United States we celebrate, "Memorial Day". In which we are remembering the soldiers who died while serving the country's military. What I did was enjoy my day off from work and take pictures. Yesterday was when I did the whole "going to a cookout" thing lol.

Graphic Muscle T- Shirt: H&M

Plaid Shirt: H&M 

Chain Necklace: H&M

Arm Bracelet: H&M

High Waisted Skirt: H&M 

Slip on Sneakers: H&M (which were featured on my pervious blog post.) http://ashleyjlovesfashion.blogspot.com/2014_02_01_archive.html

I hope you enjoyed my 1st OOTD (outfit of the day) post on my blog! 

Love you all! 

Items Picked, for "Going Out"

Sometimes before going to work, I walk into stores and pick out an affordable item here and there. One of the main reasons behind this "impulsive" mini shopping, is to prepare my outfits to go out on the weekend lol. I hate not knowing what to wear (PERIOD) >.< ! But I really hate it when an hour before heading out your house you have like 3 outfits and you are unsure of what to wear, either because in one of those outfits you think you look a little chunky or in your eyes something isn't just looking right. So in order to avoid that stressful situation I prepare my outfits ahead of time haha ;P

& so I bought...

Kelly Green Skirt: H&M $12.95

This skirt is not found on http://www.hm.com/us/ check your nearest H&M store, or you can purchase one similar from: Windsor Store on sale for $3.43 http://www.windsorstore.com/Shop_detail.aspx?id=187894&green=166313A4-5CA4-5AD8-B88E-A6887AD1A037

(Online exclusive) Black Chain Shoes: H&M Original Price $49.95 on sale for $20

http://www.hm.com/us/product/19469?article=19469-A#shopOrigin=SA

                   Woven Turquoise Short: Forever21 $15.80
                   http://www.forever21.com/Product/Main.aspx?br=f21

   Stay tune for an OOTD post on how I style these items! Happy Saturday ;D

#GIRLBOSS

OMG! Yesterday, I ordered #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso who is the founder, CEO, and creative director of Nasty Gal. She shares her rags-to-riches story on how she made it in the business world. Amoruso, states the books as, "part business book, part life bible." Girlboss is about being the boss of your life and not necessary listening to what the world tells you to have, or the resources you need to become an entrepreneur. Anyway, I ordered the book on Amazon and it said it will arrive within 10-14 business days. Like what the heck?!? I can't wait that long, but as in right now I can't afford next day shipping lol. I was so anxious to read it, I came up with the idea to download the sample book from the iBook store. Since it's a sample book, it only previews 57 pages! ;( It has me wanting moreeeeee & now I'm even more impatient! Within the very first few pages I can sense Sophia's tone of voice towards her speakers. When I read articles, books, or anything related to fashion I like to have a connection, & that's what I'm finding in this book. I CANNOT WAIT until I receive my copy! ♡ !

You can purchase the book from:

 Nastygal: http://www.nastygal.com/accessories/girlboss-book

Or you can purchase it with other options such as:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/039916927X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1400250407&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/girlboss-sophia-amoruso/1117163905?ean=9780399169274

Cheers to the freakin' weekend!  ;*

YourOutfitToday

I feel so grateful because today I was featured & got outfit of the day on Your Outfit Today's Website! <3

 Check out their official website for fashion inspiration :) http://youroutfittoday.com/

Like their page on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=377076225741664&tsid=0.7383723990060389&source=typeahead

Follow them on Instagram: youroutfittoday

Check my OOTD on their site: http://youroutfittoday.com/leather-pants-and-slip-ons-april-29-2014/

I also took some snapshots of me being featured :)

On their Website:

 

 

 

On Instagram:

The Perfect Pair of Oxford Shoes

I believe it takes time to find the perfect "must have" or "classic" fashion item. Here's an example: you're looking for a black blazer you see them in every store, but you choose not to purchase it; because you don't feel like it's the perfect fit for you. Or maybe you feel that you would rather splurge on something that's worth the money. This is what happens to me every time I'm looking for "classic" items. (Till' this day I don't have a plain black blazer because I'm waiting for the perfect one. :O Pretty shocking right? With all the clothes I buy, you must think I have one lol.) So that pretty much sums up the situation behind purchasing these cognac oxfords shoes on finding the right pair. One day I was talking to my friend about them and coincidentally we went to DSW and she found a pair of oxfords for me. I was said,"Omg what size are they"? "I don't care if they don't fit me, I'm going to make them fit"! lol. I tired them on, I instantly love how they look, and the price was beyond amazing! These cognac oxford shoes with inside genuine leather, rubber sole were $15.90! The original price was $60 and they are Aldo shoes brand. Now that the weather is better  I'm wearing them almost everyday!  With no doubt I feel like these would go perfect with anything, denim! You could add floral print & it can give it a romantic look towards your outfit. Or you can prep them up with a nautical stripe shirt. These shoes definitely give a vintage feel to an outfit. 

I found the link to these shoes just not the price I got them for. Although they are ALDO shoe brand, I got mine at DSW for a discounted price. I tried to find them on the DSW Shoe website but they didn't have them. My suggestion to you is to check out DSW in store and see if you can find them in their clearance section. The link on the bottom is directly from ALDO's website.

http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/shoes/oxfords-loafers/95718428-babineaux/28

          My readers, have a lovely day ;*

Slip-on Sneakers & a Statement Necklace

I have seen in magazines this "sporty look". The look is tomboyish and playful. You can use hint of a neon color as it's inspired by athletic wear, or keep it simple and edgy by only sticking to black and white. Some of the elements of the look are, mesh, bomber jackets, black skirts or shorts. You could even throw on a athletic brand t-shirt that says "Nike". You can add a touch to this look, by adding slip-on sneakers. By the way, I'm seeing them everywhere right now. From magazines, celebrities, to fashion bloggers! I'm always stocking H&M's website, I ordered 2 pairs of slip-on sneakers for $29.95 each! I thought that was a good deal for some right on trend shoes. These slip-ons are roomy and amazingly comfortable!! I would definitely recommend anyone who likes these to buy them, but hurry before they run out! The black with white trimming slip-ons' soles are made from rubber, and it has elasticized sides. The same material is on the snake print version, they also added the color nude on top of the shoe, but these are not quilted.

 As seen on Instyle Magazine March 2014 issue.

Price: $29.95

http://www.hm.com/us/product/17697?article=17697-C

When I looked at them on H&M's website I thought I would like the black and white version more, but it turns out that I really like the snake print version. Probably because it's not your usual black and white shoes. The snake print shoes can play as a neutral because of its color. Along with this tip use solid colored pieces for your outfit, just be careful when it comes to mixing prints you don't want to overwhelm the look!

Price: $29.95

http://www.hm.com/us/product/17697?article=17697-C#article=17697-D

              I added this necklace to my purchase. When I was online taking a look at it, I couldn't really see much detail. What intrigued me into buying this piece of jewelry was the gold thick chain that's on the middle of the necklace. I also like the use of the different color chains to achieve this overall look. When I received it, I noticed how there's a piece a black yarn wrapped around each piece of chain to hold them together. 

Price $12.95

Here's a close up.

This was a total of $72.85!

I'm a huge fan of H&M's catalog. I've been in love with it ever since I found out about it!

Sign up for H&M's free catalog and get it delivered to your mailbox! 

https://www.hm.com/us/printedcatalog

P.S. For some reason this necklace is no longer found on H&M's website, but you can check your nearest H&M store. You can also purchase something similar here: http://fashuunvillage.com/Gold-Kiara-Set-Rhinestone-Bib-Chain-Statement-Necklace

I hope you all have a great day ;*