Imagination vs. Reality

Sometimes I don't get dressed. I go to work (in uniform) come home and never quite make it into real clothes. Right now there are relatives here so I'm half visiting, half packing... but I'm secretly dreaming of Matt and I being downtown at SXSW walking around and taking in the sights. In my mind, I'm wearing the following gorgeous outfit, all found on Anthropologie:

Nevermind that I can't afford any of the articles in the picture (a $200 cuff anyone?), but I love them. It's a perfect Ashley outfit.

Instead, I'm a little (okay, a lot) less Anthropologie and a little more... hobo-ish:

Victoria's Secret

Alright, I WISH I looked that good right now. Imagine pink striped pajama pants, a dark purple tee and non supermodel hair. More dirty, messy bun hair. Example:

Cup of Jo

There you have it. Yes, I know... there is only one word to describe me right now. Winning. 

Nathan Russell Photography Photo Booth

It's me... again. Just saw that Nathan Russell posted some pictures from last night on Twitter and I thought they were too funny not to share. Enjoy!

TxSCC Party at Bo Concept

Hey all, it's Ashley. I mentioned earlier that I went to a Texas Style Council event last night. Professional photos won't be up for a few days, but I wanted to give you a glimpse of what Bailey and I did... which actually wasn't too much. Tonight we were going to attend the Fashion Show, but the 45 minute drive downtown, the $10+ for parking, the walking, the crowds, the... well, you get it. I just wasn't up for it. Plus, I was about to have to begin going commando if I didn't put at least one load of laundry in the washer. And trust me, NOBODY wants that to have to happen.

Back to last night. TxSCC was holding a dance party (though there was no dancing, it was more of a "meet some boutiques, interact with some bloggers, play games, drink free alcohol and get some swag") and I took full advantage of that. Three pomades for Matt, anyone? 4 free lipglosses? Oh... just I did that? Whoops.

Before we go any further, I'd like to introduce you to Mallary. In the past week I've mentioned her a time or two. Here is a face to the name:

Bailey, Mallary, Me

Mallary and her husband Alvin own The Unique Closet, an online clothing boutique that offers FREE SHIPPING every time! The Unique Closet was a sponsor of TSCC, and so they were able to have a booth at the party. Bailey and I went with Mallary to help her promote TUC (I like acronyms) and meet other bloggers. Here is a glimpse of what we did last night (though I'm a terrible blogger and wasn't snapping photos all throughout the night. Whoops!)

See the baby in the background of the next picture? I held that baby. And it made me want one. Sorry, Matt.

Bailey got a TON of comments on her shoes!

Mallary is wearing the Blue Eyed Flowers Dress

Orange Spice Lace Dress

Simply Refined Frill Romper

It was a great event with a ton of bloggers there. I was able to meet Kendi of Kendi Everyday Indiana from Adored Austin, Jessie from The Concrete Catwalk, Laurel from Trophy Boutique, Penney from Maybe This Door, Katy from Kansas Couture, and many more. Thanks for the laughs and good conversations, ladies! Minus the old, crazy, drunk guy who cornered Bai and I for 10+ minutes, I would say the event was a success!

Free At Last

Sweater: Gap, Skirt: Old Navy, Boots: Zigi Soho, Scarf: Gap, Bracelet: Lulu's (won at TSCC), Belt: J. Crew

Done. Finished. Fin. Completed. The end. It is over. Winter 2011 30 for 30, I am done with you forever. I'm not quite going out with a bang with this outfit, but I'm going out nonetheless. I had to get this out of the way to make room for more fun things such as the Texas Style Council Conference.

This outfit wasn't very inspired. In fact, it was very uninspired. I just wanted to get the 30 for 30 over with. I... win and fail at the same time for this one. Such is life. Husband is wanting me to take a nap with him since Mr. Daylight Savings Time ruined our sleep last night, so I think I'm off to do that. I will try to upload pictures of some TSCC things a little later, but that depends on if I decide to go to the grand finale of the conference tonight. Oh la la!

The Wind Will Blow

Top: Gap, Skirt: Anthropologie, Boots: Zigi Soho, Necklace: Anthropologie, Watch: Fossil

It was windy when these pictures were taken if you can't tell. Beautiful outside, but windy. So windy I didn't even put on lipstick and lipgloss because I didn't feel like having it stick to my lips the entire day. It was a good day though. Matt and I went to GAP, went to et at Waterloo Icehouse, got a little fro-yo, went to HEB and now he's at work and I'm getting ready to head on over to the Texas Style Council with Mallary from The Unique Closet. While my heart is joyful in that sense, it breaks for the people of Japan and for those affected by the earthquake and tsunami. I will continue praying for strength, hope and comfort for those related to the event in some way.

I like this outfit and someone besides Matt told me I was "really pretty" today, so I think it might be a keeper. I love this skirt to pieces, but I need to go get it altered because it's too big and sits too low on my waist. Someday I will do that. Maybe I'll learn to sew and do it myself. Maybe. By the way... one more outfit to go. HOORAY! Best thing ever. The rest of my closet looks lonely.

My awkward face but funny photo for the day:

Another Day, Another Dollar...

I wore this to work yesterday. I'm trying to spice up my work attire with belts and things. It gets hard, especially when you have a cold office. You just want to be covered more than anything. Well, and comfortable, which is also hard when you're trying to look professional! but anyway... Here, I combined a lot of neutrals. Navy, white, grey, black, and brown... does it work? I think so... There used to be rules about mixing blacks and browns and I think that rule has been overturned, right? well, it has in my life... not that means anything :)

When?: March 9,2011
Where?: Work
Top: American Apparel
Sweater: Forever 21
Skirt: Express
Shoes: Toms
Belt: Lulus
Necklace: Forever 21

Counting Down

Shirt: Gap, Skirt: Old Navy, Belt: J. Crew, Boots: Zigi Soho

Shirt: Gap, Jeans: Gap, Scarf: Present from MIL, Belt: Gap, Boots: Steve Madden

I was supposed to have the day off today. But instead, I'm going into work at 4pm in exchange for Friday off and getting out of work early Saturday. I suppose that's okay. I haven't really done much today anyway aside from unloading/loading the dishwasher, packing a few minor things and sitting here. FAIL. At least this post helps accomplish the 30 for 30 challenge. Two more outfits to go and then I can start looking at my other clothes again. Huzzah!

So, my outfits. One says, "I'm running about town and want to get things accomplished." The other says, "I want to look pretty with a bit of edginess thrown in." Both are relatively simple, comfortable and figure flattering. Which look do you prefer?

And for your viewing pleasure... the picture I titled, "The Brightness.":

Group Therapy

Top: Gap, Jeans: Gap, Belt: Gap, Scarf: Gap, Boots: Steve Madden.

Matt and I went to a home group tonight and really enjoyed it. There were great people, good conversation and I was given some delicious dessert. What more could a girl ask for? Oh, I know... a day off! Which I also have today. I'm hoping I can get some stuff accomplished. Organizing, laundry, organizing and packing. Our room is large, and it is super crowded right now. Maybe I'll show you a sneak peek later on. Maybe I'll also show you a sneak peek of my awesome craftiness the other night. Just maybe though. If you beg.

This outfit wasn't inspired by too much. I wanted to try tucking in the shirt to jeans, realized it needed a belt, and then realized I wanted to wear a scarf. Ta-da! I'm a big kid now (boom, boom). Okay, off to start my day. All of you 9-5ers, I'm strangely jealous yet oddly not jealous at the same time. Good luck to you today. By the way, I just realized I'm a walking advertisement for GAP in this outfit. They should give me money. GAP, can you hear me?

Mexican Dinner

A tiny sampling of my outfit. I know you can't see my face very well in this last pic, but i had to get a full body pic. You know what my face looks like already anyway, right? I came home from work, ran, and then got ready to have dinner with an old friend and my second family :) This T-shirt is so versatile. It would definitely be in my 30 for 30, if I participated. The color is neutral and it is thin so it layers well. This scarf my mom bought for me from Urban Outfitters. She knows what I like! I wear scarfs an awful lot. I'm sure you've already figured that out. I love how they're warm, but they also add a lot of character to any outfit. This was a perfect outfit to a Mexican outing.

When?: March 8, 2011
Where?: Dinner
Top: Express
Pants: Forever 21
Belt: Lulu's
Scarf: Pins and Needles
Shoes: ecote