This one's for The Dogs

Hat // Shirt // Jeans // Sandals

     It's been so long!  How are you?? As for me, work started to get really crazy, I found myself in a funk, and then I really didn't know what to write about; but I'm here now! 

      I was inspired to write this post because my 4-legged nephew is the cutest ball of fluff I've ever seen, and I was able to help dog sit him while my brother went on vacation.  This also happened to be around the time that I found Doggy Style Clothing on Instagram.  They have no idea I'm writing this, and I bought the hat from these photos based on a random Instagram post my friend sent me.  The minute I saw the hat, I knew it was made for me...a liquor rep with a serious love of dogs (yes I want to pet your dog and they will be the first ones I meet at any party).  Their site offers a variety of items like hats, mugs, and even beach towels.  All fun and Insta-worthy finds. The best part, is that each purchase from their site goes to feeding rescue dogs!  From each sale, they donate part of the proceeds to non-profit animal rescue/advocacy organizations across North America.  I had to share, because I know my fellow dog lovers will love their site as much as I do.  If you don't love dogs...well, I don't think that's possible ;)  Before you hop over to their site and fill up your cart, enjoy these precious puppy pics!

 Internet, I introduce to you Rocky the Bernedoodle.

Cheers,

Ashley

Winter Blues-Tale of a Statement Coat

Coat (similar) // Crewneck Sweater // Sheer & Solid button down (white option) // Pleather Leggings // Embellished Booties // Liquid Lipstick-Icon // Vintage Mouse Pin (belonged to my grandmother)

Photos by Renee Jean Photography

Hi there!  Hope you all had a warm and relaxing weekend!  This week is about to get crazy with work, but I love to keep busy, because it honestly keeps me productive!  Which can be a little difficult in January.  

Dressing in the cold can be challenging. You want to look put together and show your style, but it's more important to be warm!  My biggest tip, is to kick up a neutral outfit with a fun statement coat-this amazing blue one that is under $100.  It's selling fast, so I've also linked a similar option.  If you wear a lot of neutrals and darker tones in the winter, like I do, a fun colored coat can kick up your outfit.  Any color will do, as long as you feel good in it.  If you're unsure, look for a color that people compliment you on when you wear it.  A fun shoe is another outfit elevator and it was love at first sight with these babies!  I kept my outfit pretty basic, with a classic crewneck sweater (under $20!), faux leather leggings that go with everything, and a button down with a twist-it has sheer and solid pieces, is a looser fit on its own, and I love how it peaks out of the sweater.  You can even pop a tank underneath the shirt for extra warmth-more on winter layering here.

For this look, I partnered with a new photographer and she was wonderful!  I get nervous around people I don't know, but I felt at ease, and I think the photos are fantastic!  If you're in the market for some photos, I've linked her Facebook & Instagram below. 

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding style or posts, let me know!

Renee Jean Photography

Facebook

Instagram

Cheers,

Ashley

Navigating the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

http://shop.nordstrom.com/

Hello there!  Hope Summer is treating you well!  Of all the many reasons I love Summer, it doesn't hurt that this is when Nordstrom holds their yearly anniversary sale.  I wait all year for this!  If you're not familiar, it may sound silly, but this is a very unique sale.  Not only is it NEW Fall merchandise available before the season starts, but items are heavily discounted AND it encompasses everything from designer pieces, beauty & home, to shoes & apparel for the whole family.  If you're a Nordstrom cardholder (credit or debit) you get early access from July 14-21!  I love having the chance to scoop up treasures first, but if you don't have or want a card, the sale opens to everyone July 22 and then ends August 8 when all the prices go back up.  This is only my second year shopping the sale and I have to admit that it can be overwhelming, and certain items tend to sell out fast!  I've put together some shopping tips and top picks to help you along!  

Tip 1-Know what you need- I do regular closet clean outs, but before this sale, I like to go through my cold-weather wardrobe and pull out what I'm no longer loving (I sell or donate these items).  I look for "holes" in my wardrobe; pieces I've wanted for a while or items that would help me pull more outfits together.  I like to purchase items that I'll get a ton of wear out of.  I personally look for a great pair of boots in the sale because they're always high quality, comfortable, and I'll live in them during the colder months.

Tip 2-Set a budget- It's easy to get carried away with a sale like this, especially one that so many of us shop and post about.  Even though there are great deals, you don't want to spend more than you have and pay interest on your credit card!  I like to set aside a little money throughout the months prior, and I also carefully keep track of my online orders and in store visit(s).  I usually limit myself to one trip in store!  It's easier to get distracted and be more impulsive in store than online, at least for me.  I love Nordstrom's online wish list feature, which basically lets me bookmark items and think it over, before adding it to my cart.  This year, I printed it out and brought it in store where a delightful associate helped me find my items!  

Tip 3-Make it a date- You can absolutely make this a fun day for you and your girls, but sometimes its nice to take yourself on a little date and just focus on you.  I enjoy this time by myself.  This is my big shopping adventure for Fall, so I want to enjoy it, get what I really love, and treat myself to a little lunch.  I have to mention, that this Chicken Caesar wrap from Nordstrom's Cafe is delicious and worth trying! 

Tip 4- Take the plunge- A lot of people tend to think that Nordstrom only carries expensive brands, but that's far from true!  They are a quality retailer with an amazing selection.  The service is great and everything is easy to find.  I recommend checking it out, especially during the sale.  The greatest thing I think they offer are free shipping and returns.  Even if I buy a piece during the sale, if I don't love it, I return it in store without any hassle!  

Here are some of my top picks:

Socialite dress
nordstrom.com

Rails button front shirt
nordstrom.com

Leith open cardigan
nordstrom.com

Socialite cross front top
nordstrom.com

Halogen over-the-knee suede boots
nordstrom.com

Nadri earrings
nordstrom.com

St Tropez sun care
nordstrom.com


Though I'm singing their praises, this post is not sponsored by Nordstrom, I'm just a huge fan!  I'll update you all on my sale finds and reviews, once my online orders come in.  Let me know what your fav finds are!  

Sit & Shop...Cyber Monday Deals

For those of you that still have a little shopping left in you, I've rounded up some Cyber Monday deals.  I have to say, there are some great ones!  Heat up some leftovers and finish up your holiday shopping without having to fight the crowds or wait in line. ;)

Express-50% off everything (excludes gift cards, Express edition collection & featured brands) Starts Sunday at midnight; discount taken at checkout

Forever 21-21% off when you spend $21 with code: CYBER21

H&M-20% over $25 with code: 2020 + free shipping /30% off when you spend over $50 with code: 3030 +free shipping

J Crew Factory-Everything is 50% off + 15% off & free shipping with code: TODAYONLY

Macys-Free shipping over $25 & an extra 20% off with code: CYBER (They also have a ton of items on special in various online departments)

Nordstrom-Extra 25% sale items & other great deals starting Nov. 30th

Old Navy-40% off everything with code: BESTCYBER

The Impeccable Pig- 30% off with code: CYBERMONDAY

The Limited-60% off Online Exclusives, 50% off Everything Else (in store & online), extra 15% off purchases over $100 & free shipping with code: CYBER

Target-30% off clothes, shoes & accessories (discount already built in to the items)

Happy Shopping!



*This post is not sponsored and these recommendations are my own*

Cyber Monday Sale favs by ashleycole-i on polyvore.com

Nordstrom Anniversary sale picks 2015

I'm sure by now, you've heard that Nordstrom is having an Anniversary sale.  Well, I must admit, this is actually my first year hearing about it.  Crazy, I know. ;)  If you're not familiar, it's a huge deal because you get brand new Fall items at amazing discounts BEFORE the season starts.  There are deals in beauty, fashion, home, and it's for men, women, and kids!  They do have a preview of the sale for cardholders, but it's open to everyone now. After August 3rd those prices go back up!  Items sell out fast, so happy shopping and let me know  which deals you couldn't pass up!

Nordstrom Anniversary sale picks 2015 by ashleycole-i featuring black leather booties

This stunner is the only item here that isn't part of the sale, but it called to me.  The colors and print are so beautiful and I can't wait for it to arrive! 

Charles Henry crepe shirt dress
nordstrom.com

I purchased the plaid and loved it so much, (probably due to the cashmere in this patterns blend) that I went back for the blue.  I'm 5'4" and I went for the petite and love the length!  This is ideal for my lazy Fall days with a t-shirt and leggings (my weekend uniform) or I can pair it with a pencil skirt. SO soft!  Ladies, you will want to sleep in this. 

Halogen long open cardigan
nordstrom.com

This seemed like such a great staple piece and the purple was so rich.  The fabric quality was great, but I had to take this one back.  I ordered it online and it just did not lay right on me.  I know I could have worn it open, but if it doesn't lay right when buttoned, it really doesn't fit.  I'd rather hold out for pieces that make me feel like a rockstar.

Caslon long blazer
nordstrom.com
 

I was drawn to these because I wanted to pair them with the Halogen cardigan above.  They are designed as workout wear, but they have a great feel to them and are opaque, so Why not?! 

Zella pants
nordstrom.com
 

Check out all the goodies for yourself.  You only have until 8/3 before the prices go up!

Nordstrom
nordstrom.com

I had these on my wish list for a while.  My local Nordstrom doesn't stock them and I really wanted to try these on before investing.  I was worried how they would look on a shorter gal.  Well, I decided to take the leap, based on the 5 stars and positive ratings from fellow fashionistas.  I have a feeling I will love these for leggings or a dress. 

Louise et Cie black leather booties
nordstrom.com
 

These did not appeal to me online, but in person they rock!  I guess it's because I never really got in to the Valentino Rock Studs that I feel inspired these.  I went with the black Stingray print leather and they are such a unique feel! The quality is impressive!  Just a heads up, I did have to go a 1/2 size down for the ideal fit. 

Halogen studded flat
nordstrom.com

Normally I stick to places like Forever 21 for my hats and super trendy pieces, but  this beauty is ONLY $17in the sale and I'm digging the burgundy.  I went for it, since this color wouldn't be as easy to find as a classic brown or black.  Burgundy is sold out online, but they still have a luxurious Camel color (my other fav), classic black and Heather Grey.

Leith crown hat
nordstrom.com

Pallets baby!  I love a good makeup pallet because I feel like they are such a deal!!  Nars is one of my favorite brands and I know this will be ideal to travel with-bronzer, blush & highlight all in one case.  The brush itself has a huge following, so I'm excited to give it a whirl.

Nars cosmetic
nordstrom.com

My hands down favorite self tanner. I use a body mitt with it, apply in a circular motion and NEVER streak.  I've never tried the face mitt, usually I just mix a little with my moisturizer and apply with my fingers (and wash my hands right after).   It gives me the most beautiful golden tan every time! By the time I found out about this set, it was sold out online, but my store actually had 2 left.  Once you see it, you'll know what a deal this set is; you get the body applicator mitt, face mitt, 13.5 oz. mousse, & a 1.69 bronzing mousse.   An 8 oz. mousse alone sells for $42! 

St Tropez beauty product
nordstrom.com