I’m excited to share my second guest post today and introduce you all to my amazing friend (and former bride!) Ashley. This girl is just oozing with talent and creativity and it has been so fun getting to know and collaborate with her over the last few years as she chases her vision and establishes her own businesses. On top of it, she is a thrifing master and knows how to put together the coolest vintage-inspired outfits. So without further ado, read along to hear about her style and inspiration!
How would you define your personal style?
I guess I would classify it as “grungy vintage prep”. I am obsessed with that sort of classic preppy style (loafers, cardigans, button-up collared shirts under blazers, etc.), but I am also a child of the 90s alternative scene, and it will forever have a hold over me. Plus, I love how certain pieces can easily have elements of both styles. Like pleated skirts. And obviously anything plaid. So I love mixing those elements together to create looks that feel very much like me. My current favorite combo is camouflage and pearls.
Where do you find most of your style inspiration?
My number one source of inspiration is my mom. She had the BEST style in her twenties and thirties. Like a Southern version of Princess Diana. I realized recently that the pieces of my wardrobe that I have the most connection to are basically manifestations of the memories I have of her closet and the pictures of her in photo albums. Other than that, I look to vintage ads and magazines for really excellent fashion inspiration. 80’s Ralph Lauren – SWOON. And pictures of celebs from that same era- Brooke Shields is a HUGE influence. Princess Diana, Lauren Hutton, Diane Keaton, and Christy Turlington are also some of my faves.
What are your top 3 favorite places to shop?
This is kind of a tricky question for me, because 80% of my wardrobe is vintage, and the rest was obtained through clothing swaps with friends. So number one would have to be thrift stores. I love wearing things that are unique, and thrifting is the best way to find items that are truly one of a kind (at least in this day and age!) Plus, I get to feel good knowing my money is going towards supporting community programs and stuff. My second favorite place to “shop” is probably my own closet. A few years ago, my parents decided that I was old enough to keep all of my childhood memories at my own house (meaning they really just wanted to turn their attic into a rec room) but going through all that stuff was THE BEST. I rediscovered all this jewelry I used to wear in like 6th grade that is so IN right now (we’re talking turquoise earrings with dangly silver feathers from a family vacation to the Grand Canyon, and more gold hoops than I could ever dream of.) Plus, super cute floral and leather purses that I use all the time now. Who knew?!? And for my third place, just to show that I am a little bit normal and occasionally buy new things, I guess I would pick H&M. I hate how much I love that store.
If you had to choose ONE favorite item currently in your wardrobe, what would it be and why?
I have this vintage wide-wale corduroy blazer from Ralph Lauren. I just about died when I found it. At a Goodwill. It has elbow patches and woven leather buttons and I wear it with basically everything. It is like everything I love about fall, all rolled into one excellent piece of clothing.
Isn’t her style so fun and creative? Be sure to check out her vintage clothing shop Dreamboat Darling as well as her shop for the most adorable hand-embroidered items, Party O’Clock and follow her on Pinterest and Instagram for constant style and creative inspiration!
