FROM LA TO HALLMARK MOVIE
/
SNOW FALLING an hour outside of Los Angeles.
Read MoreBEANIE saves the (bad hair) day
/
Hi y’all.
It’s cold here for Southern California standards. I don’t feel well (clearly these photos were taken a couple of days ago). Hayden isn’t 100%. He’s staying home from school today just to be safe. I mean, this kid gets vitamins and eats so well. But it is just the nature of pre-school, I guess. And his friends have all been battling cold and flu season.
So, home from school, we’re trying to get in the holiday spirit over here. Doing a few things that make Hayden happy, like having hot chocolate with snowman marshmallows this morning, oatmeal and bananas. He is obsessed with marshmallows, so my mom sent these and he lives for them.
And I’m doing finishing touches my gift guide. Hoping it’ll be up by the end of the week. In the meantime, I do LOVE this scarf/beanie set I’m wearing in these shots. For under $40, it’s such as sweet gift. Comes packaged beautifully. The hat is soft… just a great buy. Also comes in black and white for your non-pink friends! I have many!! Beanies are just genius remedies for bad hair days! Or tired mama days.
And I was searching for a comfy, white sweater. I found a few, but really do like this one I’m wearing here. Got a medium for the oversized effect. For $39, it’s perfect and comes in several colors.
And I just found pink (I AM a pink person!) rain boots that I might splurge on for myself. It’s suppose to rain a lot the next few weeks. These Hunter boots are pretty amazing.
And one Black Friday sale going on that I’m eyeing: Gap is 50% off of everything if you have a gap card, 40% off for the rest of us. Off of everything! EEP! Here is my current cart:
I have to share this: Hayden woke up verrrrry early this morning immediately asking how Santa was going to find him. I said, well, he knows where you live. He said, “But we don’t have a fireplace. He won’t be able to come down the chimney.” It’s true, our new space doesn’t have a fireplace. I assured him I would get up in the middle of the night and let him in.
That seemed to suffice for a bit. Then he said, “I have a great idea. Just amazon a fireplace, mommy! They will deliver it. And can you have them bring a tree, too!” AHHHH. If only… Ha. Actually, Alexa, can you do….;)
Hope y’all are having a HEALTHY pre-thanksgiving day.
xoxo
AAJ
Featured
Party Pretty In Pink Season
/
A FEW THINGS: First of all, it’s only in the high 50s at night, but we’ll fully call that winter coat season for Los Angeles! I so many DMs about this long cardigan type coat I posted on instastories recently, I decided to write it about here for those interested! Not sure if it’s been my time recently on a show about fashion, Bold and Beautiful, but my style has been more adventurous the rare times I’ve made it out of the house. And finally, I haven’t done many “fashion” posts lately, so I’m wondering if y’all still enjoy these? (Regarding other DMs, I’ve also been getting a considerable amount about Parker on GH! I know the character was mentioned recently;)
Laughing at that picture above. I was trying to get Hayden to run to me, but he was more interested in the squirrels. I know the jacket is a bit of an investment, but lemme tell you why I like to do this once in a while. It’s a fun statement piece that will stand the test of time if you take care of it for certain, but here are the other standouts: pockets, check! Not harming animals, check! It’s faux fur from Australia. It hangs almost like a cardigan. It’s supporting small businesses worldwide, check. I got it via Shoptiques. And comfort level high, check! It covers the bum for a easy night out. I’m wearing an XS for reference.
I didn’t have a chance to take some shots last time I wore the coat out dressed down with converse, but I like the versatility. I also am wearing it with a dress in heels to a charity event next weekend!
The shoes are compliments of my bestie Kaley Cuoco. The pop of color is not something I usually do, but LOVE. I found a few options linked below. I’m digging the hot pink idea!
So, if you’re feeling adventurous with your style, what standout piece do you wear? Accessories? Shoes? Coats?
Circling back around to answer the DMs and emails I’ve been getting about Parker….I have no idea if she will resurface on your screens. I don’t like giving hope where there may be none, but I can tell you this: Frank Valentini (and everyone at GH) and I are on great terms. So, if it’s meant to happen at some point, it will. I cannot thank the fans enough for your continual support of that character and other characters I get to play. (You even get excited for me when Bridget pops in at weddings on Bold and Beautiful!).
On another note, gearing up for gifting season (and Black Friday). If you’ll be surfing online, what items are you looking for??
I really happy to tell you about my collaboration with Makers and Goods (tomorrow morning I’m announcing). If you wanna peek, I’m probably not suppose to do this….BUT LOOK HERE!!
xoxo
AAJ
Statement Pieces big and small
SMACK! A few favorite pieces from the Winter Sale
/
I would've NEVER thought a floppy hat would be a staple in my closet. Joel gave me this for Valentine's day (he did a "French themed" gift with candles and bath salts, etc.). At first, I was thrown. A hat? I wasn't sure I'd really wear it. But, I've worn it more than I could've predicted. Bad hair days (or I simply didn't have time to wash and dry) are covered up- quite literally. Since it's still cold in LA right now, I put the hat with a black, cozy turtleneck, but I fully plan on wearing it in spring with a maxi dress or jeans. I found a the exact one and a few other options for y'all if you're in the mood for an affordable, easy hat. Even if you're like me and never thought you'd wear one! The exact one is sold out at Nordstrom, but NWT on eBay... click the first one below. AND only $20.
If you read my instagram post, you know I was up with this little angel boy at 3:30am and then couldn't go back to sleep. So, I did a little online browsing and found some other pieces for our wardrobes.
This Lush Tunic is a staple. And now on sale for under $28. It comes in several colors (so I had to buy the black). Check out the reviews-- a ridiculous number of great reviews!
I just ordered this easy-circle cardigan. It's 40% off and under $45. I can see it with jeans and a white tee and converse, or over a dress, like pictured here.
I don't have this color in this everyday cardigan, but I love the way it's paired with the shirt underneath. Just seems easy and comfy! It also comes in black, which I ordered. OH and it's ONLY $27!! Seriously?!
I LOVE this Rails top. Rails is hardly ever on sale, so grab them while you can. I have their Hunter button down in several colors. Kaley wore this shirt as Penny (in tan colors) on the Big Bang Theory at the taping last week, which prompted me to search. Rails is just so comfy and soft.
The long side split t-shirt is simply at staple. It comes in several colors, some solids. And at $15!!
The Topshop black dress is so cute- I read the reviews and ordered it. Under $50! Love the back detail.
ok... enough for now. Just wanted to share my middle-of-the-night online Nordstrom finds. HA! But quick question: what pieces are you looking to add or update in your wardrobe? Curious to know!!
xoxox
Dogs, Beanies and Boots
/During a recent shoot for a holiday gift guide, Oscar snuck outside and decided he wanted to be in the photos, too. (The third picture below shows my panic when he first darted out! But he quickly came right to us.) I've been carrying "baby weight" on my hip long before I actually had Hayden. This picture makes me laugh because Oscar will not be ignored. He loves to join the party wherever it is. Look at that face! HA. This day did make me realize I need to spend a little more time playing with him. The good news is Huck and Hayden keep him pretty occupied, though.
I love that it's beanie season again. I might be too old to wear beanies, but I don't care. They are awesome on bad hair days (or when I wait too long to wash!). Dry shampoo (a life saver) can only do so much for so long. Beanies are one size fits all and great gifts or stocking stuffers.
I've been wearing this sweater lately, too. It's a bit oversized and super comfy. Also, I can wear it with leggings, boots and a long necklace for a dressier look, or with jeans like I am here. Win-win.
Last but not least, these Lamo boots are comfy and you can find certain styles on sale for great prices. I'm wearing the ones with the detail on the back, but the simple version here are under $40.
Forgive the lame title... my brain is not creative today. I might be trying to do too much. Working on a few DIY Christmas gifts. I'm also working on a holiday gift guide for the blog-- and one for the Soap Digest Column---started the "under $25" section so far. Take a peek! Who all is on your list this year? Leave a comment (and any great ideas you have!).
I gotta go run errands for Thanksgiving. And start dinner (chicken in the crockpot). By the way, thank you to those of you that have shared your recipes. I'm attempting to make some of them and then share with everyone else. Thank you!!!
1. Grey Sweater Dress 2. Varsity Striped Beanie 3. Lamo Boot (pictured) 4. Lamo Boot (different style)
GIRLFRIENDS and Sunday Casual
/HEY y'all... I was scrolling and posting pictures of recent events when I found this one with my girlfriends Amy and Ali. This photo is from the post HERE about Awair and the Creative Coalition.
I decided to do a separate post about the outfits for those of you that want to know;)
You've already seen me wearing this sweater in my insta stories on instagram. I kinda fell in love with it because it's like a party all by itself. Still subtle, though, not loud. It's on sale at JCrew right now. And due to the fact items have been selling out so fast, I'm adding this link HERE where you can also get the sweater. I'm wearing the same earrings you may have seen me wear recently, too. The jeans are ones I've had for a while and love. They were pricey, but I always feel like they look clean and polished and "hold me in," so to speak. I even wore the maternity version of them while I was pregnant and filming GH.
photos by HollyBrownVisuals.com for @Ographr
I really like Ali's over the knee boots. I've seen her wear them a few times and they look so chic and still comfortable to walk. And this adorably cozy poncho is under $50. I love it. What a great gift for someone in your family or circle of friends.... sister, babysitter? Or, for you! I appreciate gifts that are one size fits all- much easier!
Amy's holiday dress is so sweet on her and very Christmas-y. Eliza J makes the best dresses. We have all worn her designs. I added the earrings above because I think they would work with any of our outfits. I ordered them recently for myself. Merry Christmas to me;)
I was thrilled to have Ali and Amy there--- (You might already follow them on their socials and sites, but if not, click on their name to see their blogs) thanks ladies! Your support means a great deal!
Featured
TWINNING in the $37 Peacoat!!
/Our babies were so little! That's what I think about when I look at this picture below. Molly and Hayden were barely crawling. Now... well, life is mobile! Things have changed! And life goes by so quickly now, too. Some things stay the same...like some of our favorite outfits.
This picture also reminds me of my sister trying to get this Peacoat and it sold out record fast! I got many DMs from you all about that, too. These coats are back and have the most beautiful colors this year as well. When I saw it was back in stock, I had to let you all know asap! Check out the first post (it's WAY more detailed) HERE I wrote about this coat earlier in the year. (And again HERE in this post!) With the large tortoise shell buttons and oversized collar, it's even more in style now. Plus, a lot of the times we are wearing in these photos are back in stock. Scroll down for cliff notes;)
photo: Ashley Burns Photography
PHOTO: Ashley Burns photography
1. Necklace (on Ali- I have this one, too!) 2. Nameplate necklace 3. Bracelet
Happy shopping. xoxox
ps- got your messages about sweaters… a few favorites right now below
Holiday Feels and Sales
/Life never seems to slow down on its own... at least not with young kids! So, it's up to us to take a moment wherever we can. Sometimes that moment might even be in the car when I'm alone for a second. Or first thing in the morning when I'm praying in bed before the day starts. Really gonna try to carve out more moments like this before the holidays. I'm learning it happens for me in the earlier, crisp part of the morning. Things still seem new, and still. The clean canvas of life ready to be painted for the day. I love fresh air in the early morning.
Now, on to the fun part..the fashion of it all. The perfect holiday sweater!
I must sound like a broken record about my love of "fun" sleeves, "party" sleeves and the likes thereof. I'm a sucker. Now that it's chilly enough in LA to wear sweaters, I'm indulging. This sweater is so easy because it makes the whole outfit. The bright red is so festive, it's the centerpiece so to speak.
I paired it with my usual jeans and black boots (mine are last season, but the brand has the new version this year and they're on sale), but I think it'd look just as cute with sneakers, too. Or heels and dressier dark jeans at night. I'm wearing the same earrings over and over lately- these delicate hoops. Again, just letting the red be the focus.
And this grey tote has been going many places with me. It's actually a diaper bag doing double duty. My diaper bag/purse seems to often become one. This one from Petunia Pickle Bottom is easy to clean and chic and durable. Flowers not included;)
1. Red Sweater ($75) 2. Black Tall Boots (on sale $236) 3. Grey Tote ($139)
4. Threaded Hoop Earrings ($28)
So Hayden is up with me and just finished his breakfast. We're on to the next part of the morning. And I'm seeing my roommates from college today for a charity benefit for Pepperdine.
PS: THE QUICK UPDATE
I had to add this... the fun "party sleeve" shirt I loved this summer is on sale in red and black for $32. I think it'd be a great holiday top with jeans and a coat. And while I'm here, I adored this dress earlier in year (in this post) - and it's on sale for almost $50 in many colors... another great holiday dress I'll be wearing. For this price, another one might be in store! It comes in several color options. And last, but not least--- the peacoat I wore HERE in this post is back in stock and on sale for $37! Last year, it sold out in most sizes and colors so quickly, I wanted to give a heads up. I LOVE SALES!! xoxo
Rare Moments (and leopard prints)
/Hi! Jotting down a few lines before I head out for the day. After seeing how crazy fast the green sweater is selling out I posted about earlier this week. I wanted to share some of my favorite sweaters before they starts to sell out, too. I have received the DMs about the green sweater. I will let y'all know as soon as I hear it's been restocked. Fingers crossed.
This cardigan sweater caught my eye. So glad I snagged it. I love the color scheme and the way the blue pops. I paired it with jeans, a white tee and boots for a casual look, but it could easily be dressed up, too. I'm wearing the same earrings I wore earlier in the week...the delicate threaded hoops for only $28.
side note: I just read in the comments this sweater is already selling out (!). I added this note:
Ugh! How did it sell so fast? When I posted this they had EVERY size. Ok.... first of all, I just checked my sweater. It's a 2. I saw that it looks like it runs small, but in my opinion, I liked the size I got (and I usually wear a 2-4, sometimes 6!). But, since it's more of a cardigan, I think there's some wiggle room there in sizing.
Great thing is there are free returns!! I also found it HERE (free shipping both ways). It comes in tall and petite on that website.
BTW- (giving a lot of info here) that site works best with chrome. Safari sometimes does't work well. (you could cut and paste to put in chrome if need be).
Joel and I had a very rare moment without kids to say goodbye before he left for work. It looks so posed, but it was actually real, or at least started out that way discussing schedules for the next few days. Life gets busy before the holidays!
I had just given him this new messenger bag that doubles as a diaper bag for dads. He loves it. For those moms that would like a gift for dad this holiday--- this is a great one from Petunia Pickle Bottom. His laptop fits perfectly (along with all his other stuff he totes around, too).
all photos by @Ographr
Got a lot going on today... what's up with you guys? Have a great Thursday!
TWINSIES in different colors ($37 PEACOAT?!) YES, PLEASE.
/I met up with Ali Fedotowsky for coffee to help plan a little Bachelor get-together for tonight. (I know, how lucky am I to get to watch with a former bachelorette?!) Lo and behold, we were wearing the same jacket, just in different colors. I take this as a pretty big compliment because Ali has a fabulously approachable style. I've blogged about this jacket here before (and the jacket sold out), but now that it's back in stock, it's worth mentioning again. I seriously get stopped about this jacket on the street. It's warm and cozy, but still looks sleek with it's clean lines and buttons. I like wearing it buttoned up, or open like Ali is wearing it (and don't you love her coat color? It also comes in black and hunter green).
We both kept our looks simple, but funny enough, both had on our namesake jewelry. My nameplate necklace says HAYDEN on it, and Ali's says MOLLY. Ali usually has a statement piece of jewelry on as well. Today, she is wearing a pretty fabulous necklace -- I might need to borrow this or just get my own here or here. And I wouldn't be a decent blogger if I didn't admit I've asked her several times about her leggings. Every single time, she's wearing these compression leggings. I have my own go-to leggings (that some of you now love, too!), but I might add these compression leggings to my wardrobe, also.
We both tied our looks together with comfy, easy boots. Ali is wearing over-the-knee boots that I know she enjoys wearing often. And in case we might have forgotten, my coffee mug reminds us that we are not regular moms, but totally cool moms;). Yeah, right. Maybe she is!
1. MY JACKET 2. MY BOOTS 3. COFFEE CUP
4. ALI'S JACKET 5. ALI'S LEGGINGS
6. ALI'S BOOTS 7. ALI'S NECKLACE
I didn't get a good photo of the fun, stackable bracelets I'm wearing today, so I pulled a photo from a previous post. My sister wears her "she believed she could, so she did" bracelet all the time. I love the reminder on my wrist to simply believe! And if you have a friend expecting, a great shower gift for a mom-to-be or a new mom (or a new bride!) is this custom "all because two people fell in love" bracelet from The Silver Loft.
So, HAPPY NEW YEAR... and to those of you tuning in for The Bachelor, have fun. Check back tomorrow with some thoughts from our viewing party tonight. #momsnightout! Thanks, hubby! xoxo
GIVE THE GIFT OF WARMTH! Snugglicious options!
/
We're home this morning (now, it's already afternoon) doing some last minute cyber shopping for Christmas. I swear every year I won't do this, but alas, here I am again. Life happens and time creeps up on us. And I have to give myself a break! Hayden and I are finding some pretty cool deals, though. I'll be posting the last minute gift guide very soon.
Let's start off with the girl friends in your life. (Or even just the perfect low-key Christmas outfit). The sweater I'm wearing above can still arrive before Christmas (free shipping) and is $27. I'm wearing an extra small, but would have been just as happy with it larger, too. It's so soft to throw on with leggings and boots and cuddle up in (read the reviews, you don't have to trust me)! Hayden fell asleep on me all nuzzled in my chest while I was wearing this yesterday. This one is fairly long (with side slits that I like) and not meant to be form fitting. This one can also be worn off the shoulder, too. (see pic below).
At this price, I'm fine letting the dogs cuddle up on me, too. I enjoy giving and getting cozy, affordable sweaters because girls love them! If they are oversized (like this one- that also comes in several other colors... I think I need the black one!)- that's even better. What girl doesn't love to snuggle up and watch the Bachelor in something so cozy? The sweater I wore HERE in this post is now on sale for $23. I mean, really? There's also this black cross- back sweater for under $30 that I mentioned in the Black Friday post that I think would make a great gift. Oh, and I just have to throw this in there in case anyone is a big fan of unicorns and wants this--- I did treat myself to this Unicorn Sleigh Tee to wear Christmas Eve;) - I also wore it to the Big Bang Theory Christmas party--- more on that soon!
Another fun option are planet wraps and throws. This one pictured below that I'm snuggling up with Hayden (and Amy and Lennox!) comes wrapped in leather straps (like a picnic blanket) but is ideal as an oversized poncho. (One disclaimer about this particular one... it is warm and it is beautiful and soft, but it sheds, at least this color does. There are other color options that may not).
And continuing on with the gift of warmth, I am giving this insanely soft throw as a gift this year to some girlfriends. (Shhhh- it's under $40). I love the color options, but mostly LOVE how soft it is. Scarfs are always a great gift to receive, too. This scarf that I have written about several times (and wear all the time) is now on sale for under $10. May be the best gift idea ever!
Hope this last weekend before Christmas is going so well! Keep calm and keep in touch:) ps- we have received comments and emails about gift suggestions for family members (like Hayden). Hoping to have it up this evening! Shop items mentioned in this post below!
Finding the best deals for you today! $39! Happy Monday!
/
Hi everyone! Busy day today. Learning lines, running to a meeting and audition, running back home to nurse, errands, etc. But, had to share the deal I discovered and received in the mail this weekend. A cozy sweater for only $39? Yes, please. I love being able to put together looks without spending a ton. I'm wearing a size small. When I find something that works for me and my lifestyle, I also get it in other colors, so you'll see me wearing this sweater in black-shown below- and green. Ha! I actually got this plaid, soft flannel to go under it, adding a bit of a collegiate feel. And LOVE adding interest and a modern flare with THIS NECKLACE. (The necklace I'll be wearing with a variety of outfits. Such a fun piece for the holidays. The soft pastel color palette balances the sparkle, so it's not too blingy). The black faux leather and suede clutch is $25! Love these deals.
It's finally raining a bit in LA, so I'm wearing rainboots! This is an exciting experience for us in Southern California because it's rare. Carrying around Hayden so much, I'm all bout the flats, too! I'm just about to wear out my flat boots! Speaking of rainboots--- how adorable are the ones below? The dogs!? It might be a purchase I need to make!
PS- use the "search" box up in the top right to search "nursing" or "breastfeeding" to find better options for NURSING MOMS. ps- check back in later tonight. I'll be here blogging about the past week, Hayden's 5 month birthday (!!), appearance on Dr. Oz, answering questions, etc. THANKS for all of you that commented and watched and supported!
xo Ashley
SNOW FALLING an hour outside of Los Angeles.