Summer of Prep: {In Honor of Design}

This is such a fun series, and I am thankful to Ashley for asking me to be a part of it! My name is Anna, and I blog over at IHOD. When I think of prep, I think of pink. One of my favorite ways to style pink is with navy. Its a classic with a little edge. I hope you enjoy these Room to Wear pairings! 

(via Spearmint Baby & Kendi Everyday)

(via Katie Armour & Ruche Boutique )

What is your favorite preppy color combo?

Summer of Prep: {Fabulous K}

Hello, darlings!  I'm Kelly from the lifestyle blog, Fabulous K.  When Ashley asked me to participate in her 'Summer of Prep' series I was thrilled; preppy style has always had a soft spot in my fashion heart.

Although the outfit I put together could be worn for a number of occasions from a trip the the ballpark to a 4th of July picnic, I'd likely wear it for mimosas in the park with friends and my puppy, Tucker.  I have a thing for stripes and chambray together, and the tortoise shell sunnies, straw fedora, daisy earrings and gold topsiders raise the prep factor.   There also has to be plenty of monogram action, so the custom iPhone cover and picnic basket are perfect.  Let's not forget the seersucker; my pup would look perfectly handsome in bowtie collar. Lay down a picnic blanket, pull out a good book, or play a little badminton and you have a perfectly preppy summer day.

Thanks so much for having me Ashley, this series is delightful!

Summer of Prep: {a creative day}

 I'm Eileen and I write at the blog a creative day. I was so excited when Ashley asked me to be a part of this series, I've grown up in the deep south my whole life where preppy is a lifestyle. I was dressed in monogrammed bows and smocked dresses growing up for longer than I care to admit, and there is still something about a good monogram that makes my heart go pitter-patter...

Danielle's outfit via avs pinterest

 blaire. perfection

 prepfection via / via

 erin ever after via

lonny via

Now lets add some to our lives, shall we?

 

sources

 Alex posted this fabulous source for monogram pillows, (which look crazy like these expensive ones I've been wanting for years) and I'm planning to order some for my bedroom stat.
Thanks again for having me Ashley!
xoxo
eileen
a creative day

Summer of Prep: {Little Bits of Lovely}

Hello lovely readers of a {little dash} of ash, its Rachel here from Little Bits of Lovely and I'm excited to be here today sharing my take on Summer Prep! The first thought that popped into my head when thinking about prep was stripes; stripes are synonymous with anything preppy, but then I got to thinking about other things that were synonymous with prep and realised there were loads: think blazers, denim, ballets + basically anything tailored. So today I have rounded up a few favourite looks, along with my essential preppy picks which are all easy to mix and match together to create the perfect outfit.

Image Credit: 1 | 2 | 3

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine

Summer of Prep: {MadeByGirl}

Hi! This is Jen Ramos from MadeByGirl blog - I'm here participating in the Summer of Prep series, which is a bit unusual for me. You see, I've never been the preppy type. In fact, I think I'm quite the opposite. So, with that in mind, I thought I would choose a variety of pieces that would reflect my current style, yet still remain preppy. My favorite piece from this entire outfit are the bright pink pants. Bright colors are super popular this year, so I thought adding the pink pants to this outfit would make it trendy without compromising it's overall preppy style! 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

Hop on over to MadeByGirl for more on fashion, design, art, food & pieces of my life!

Summer of Prep: {Brunch at Saks}

Hi lovely readers! Annemarie here from Brunch at Saks. I was so excited when Ashley invited me to be a part of her blog today because a {little} dash of ash is on my daily must-reads. In keeping with her gorgeous series of all things nautical, I thought it would be fun to see a few themed bedrooms in this decor scheme. To be honest, I used to think nautical was synonymous with red, white, and blue, but after a bit of searching for these photos I realized how wrong I was! While deep navy, rich red, and stark white certainly feels like classic nautical, muted blues, greys, and any other color can give you the same exact feel. Here are a few nautical bedrooms I'm loving: 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

If you're wanting to create a nautical decor scheme in your own room, or are tossing around the idea, here are a few classic pieces I found to get you started:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Summer of Prep: {Stripes + Sequins}

I was excited when Ashley asked me to participate in this series because summer is when I really let my prep flag fly. I grew up on Cape Cod, have a penchant for navy blue, and never met a Breton tee I didn’t have to have. That’s really all you need to know about me… now, onto the good stuff – a few of my favorite prepster essentials! I put together a cheeky little ensemble. Feeling adventurous? Wear them all together. I love how stripes look when layered over gingham! 

A perfect Breton tee

A hair bow

A gingham button down

Bright shorts 

Rose gold Sperry’s (a fun take on the original)

Classic pearl studs

A paisley scarf 

For extra credit, make yourself a rope necklace and a nautical tote – you’re ready to go! A big thank you to Ashley for having me. If you’re feeling inclined, pop on over to Stripes + Sequins and say hello!

Summer of Prep: {with a C.H.}

Hi, a {little} dash of ash readers! I'm Christin from with a C.H. and I'm so excited to be participating in Ashley's Summer of Prep series!

I grew up in San Francisco which admittedly, is not the most preptastic place on the universe but since living on the East Coast, I have definitely learned the lay of the prep land. I decided to not go overboard and pick a bunch of pieces with anchors on them but you didn't get off easy. I did include stripes and a lobster. It's not preppy without a lobstah. Got it?

 finnegan top // patti short // perfect striped loafers // tylar dress // cashmere lobster sweater // mini monogram // sailboat jute pouch

What are some of your favorite preppy looks? 

Now, if any of you want to buy me any of these items as a belated birthday gift, you just let me know and I'll send you my mailing address.

Thanks again for having me, Ashley! Hope all of you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Summer of Prep: {The Peak of Tres Chic}

Hello prepsters!  I'm Sam and I blog over at The Peak of Tres Chic about interior design, fashion, entertaining and travel.  I'm so delighted to be sharing a little preppiness with you today.  Ashley's blog is a personal favorite of mine and getting to post here today is quite an honor! 

Growing up in the south and attending a southern college, preppy inspiration was never too hard to find.  In fact, I wore Sperry boaters, khaki shorts and a Ralph Lauren baseball hat just about everyday for those glorious 4 years of undergrad.

{via}

Thankfully, my style has matured a bit since those days, but I still have a preppy flair in my everyday wardrobe.  Working in a professional environment, I wear a lot of blazers and collared shirts paired with pencil skirts and capri pants.

{via}

{via}

In the summer months, I often switch out pants and blazers for light dresses and shorts.

Here are a few of my favorite preppy pieces that I'd love to add to my wardrobe this summer...

Juicy Couture Fiji Striped Dress/YSL Sunnies/Equipment Tank/ Chloe Bag/Tory Burch Red Shorts/Oscar de la Renta Scalloped Heels/American Beauty Coffee Table Book/Leopard Loafers

Of course I had to put lots of red, white and blues in the mix for the upcoming 4th of July holiday!  What are your favorite preppy looks?

Thanks for having me, Ashley!  I hope you will all come say "hi!" at The Peak of Tres Chic.

XOXO, Sam

Summer of Prep Kick-off

Hello + Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!  I had a great trip to NYC and will be counting down the days until Friday when I head back up there again!  In the mean time, I am super excited to kick-off my Summer of Prep mini series.  If you missed my post on Friday, I have lined up a little summer series with these fabulous bloggers:

a {little} dash of ash // The Peak of Tres Chic // with a C.H. // Stripes + Sequins // Brunch at Saks

MadeByGirl // Little Bits of Lovely // a creative day // Fabulous K // In Honor of Design

I love that "preppy" is in right now - stripes, polkadots, navy, colored chinos, woven shirts - I can't get enough! However, my favorite inspiration is the true, never go out of style, kind of Prep! Not only do I look at this clean inspiration for apparel, but also for home decor and other elements of styling.  Here is some of my inspiration for her:

images via {pinterest}

Beautimous! ...and now onto my inspiration for him.  I'm obsessed with men's apparel. Obsessed. And... the preppier the better!  I can't even walk into J.Crew or Vineyard Vines without buying something for Alejandro. Seriously. And, I just completely stay out of Ralph Lauren ... because I know the same thing would happen. Here is some classic inspiration for that guy in your life:

images via {pinterest}

Well, that is my take on preppy! What is your favorite element of prep? Can't wait to see what the other girls post about!! Have a great week!! xxoo.

Everyday Happy

Hi Friends! In case you missed my {guest post} over at Eileen's blog last week, check out some of my Everyday Happiness! Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!! xxoo, ashley

Everyday Happy: House Edition
I dream about re-doing my space daily! I am loving cozy, sunlit rooms in white and grey! How gorgeous is this cozy little chair?  I want to redo my room just like that!

images {via}

Everyday Happy: Closet Edition

I am having a polka-dot moment and these are two of my most favorite purchases lately! 

{buy the shirt} / {buy the jeans}

Everyday Happy: Morning Edition

Unfortunately, my alarm is what gets me out of bed in the morning - after I hit snooze at least fifteen times!  On weekends, I look forward to homemade waffles! I'm spoiled ;)

image {via}

Everyday Happy: Relax edition 

I always feel very relaxed after a great yoga class! I also love a glass (or two) of wine at the end of a long day! That will put me into total relaxation mode any day! :)

images {via}

Everyday Lust: Shopping Edition 

Anything with stripes or neon!! Loving the combined look for a little extra pizzazz!
And... colored jeans (and shorts)! I can't get enough!

images {via}

Everyday Lust: Pin Edition

Pinterest is the greatest invention EVER! I am seriously on there 24/7!  You can see all my recent pins {here}, but a few of my most recent favorites are:

images {via}

 

Everyday Lust: Travel Edition 

It is my dream to go to Paris! After 30 years of dreaming about it... I am finally going in March of next year!  I can't wait to have macarons {from Ladurée} and get kissed in front of the Eiffel Tower! Haha, have I mentioned that I am a complete hopeless romantic! ;)

images {via}

Everyday Read: Blog Edition

You can see the full list of my favorites on the right hand side of my blog!

Happy Weekend + Mini Series

Happy Weekend!!! Well, almost. I'm heading to NYC after work to see my guy (hopefully)! I say "hopefully", because those ibanking hours are grueling!  So far, he has worked 90 hours this week and he thinks he'll have to work this weekend as well! But, if we can squeeze in at least one meal, a hug and a kiss... I'll be happy! :) The good thing is he has a nice little roof I can layout on - and how wonderful would it be to have this {towel} to let the world know that "I am busy"... please do not disturb ;) 

buy one for your self {here}

So... next week I am going to start this little thing called - "eat healthy & potentially working out!"  Yah, I know, I say that all the time... but after eating cereal and ice cream for dinner every night this past week, my body is craving some greens (and not green marshmallows)!  I was thinking... if I had these amazing fun {running shoes}... I would be more interested in working out too!!  **Calling all best friends who work at the Nike headquarters!! ;)  

I am really excited to announce a MINI SERIES I am hosting on my blog beginning next week!  As you know, I am loving all of the preppy trends out there... so I have asked just a handful of my favorite bloggers to participate in a two week series called SUMMER OF PREP! I will kick off the series on Monday, but check out some of these amazing, fabulous bloggers I have lined up!  :)

a {little} dash of ash // The Peak of Tres Chic // with a C.H. // Stripes + Sequins // Brunch at Saks

MadeByGirl // Little Bits of Lovely // a creative day // Fabulous K // In Honor of Design

Are you pumped?! I am! Check back next week to see all kinds of preppy inspiration - fashion, home decor, wedding, etc!  Have a great weekend... and lots of love. 

Baignade Interdite

This editorial from {Vogue Paris} is nothing short of ahhh-mazing!  It's making me crave shades of pink and of course the beach!  Ahhh... and her hair -- should I?  Go short?  Love. 

Can't get enough.... amazing blues and greens! Have a happy Thursday!! xxoo.

baignade interdite: magdalena frackowiak 

by claudia knoepfel and stefan indlekofer 

for {vogue paris} june/july 2012

Guest Post: {His & Hers}

Hello lovely a {little} dash of ash readers! I’m Ashley’s friend and blogging buddy Meredith from His & Hers, a personal style and fashion inspiration blog for both ladies and gents. Like you, I too am a HUGE fan of Ashley’s charming little corner of the interwebs. It’s chock-full of beautiful inspiration, imagery, and style! So, you can understand my excitement when Ashley asked that I share some of me and my mister’s latest favorite fashions for summer!

For summer, we’re craving classic neutrals and patterns ~ like shades of blue and plaids for {Him} & black plus blush and polka dots for {Her}. They’re colors and prints that not only transcend time but also season, which means we’ll be able to make the most out of our warm weather wardrobe. So, without further adieu, here are just a handful of the classically sleek pieces we’re currently coveting…

{ His } 
1. Topman Blue Short Sleeve Oxford Shirt, $40 
2. Fossil Jason Dark Brown Belt, $35
3. Aubin & Wills Striped Washed-Cotton Shorts, $110
4. 1901 “Wing It” Oxford, $99.95
5. Diesel Watch, $200
6. 1901 Woven Cotton Tie, $39.50

{ Hers } 
1. Forever21 Polka Dot Dropped Waist Dress, $22.80
2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Long Pave Link Necklace, $158
3. Orly “First Kiss” Nail Lacquer, $5.99
4. Asos Helena Tie Up Espadrille Wedge, $29.83
5. American Apparel Large Leather Clutch, $102.73
6. Michael Kors Chain-Link Watch, $195

*** 

Thank you, Meredith! Love that watch!! :)

Hop on over to her {blog} for more his + her inspiration! 

xxoo, ashley

Baby Spaces

Not pregnant. No babies.  But... my pinterest board {kids + baby spaces} is slowly filling up!  And I had to share my favorite little nursery with all of my mom-to-be friends (seriously, EVERYONE is prego right now)!  I love this room because it looks like a grown up room, but with touches of baby written all over it!  Oh, and its absolutely perfect as a gender neutral nursery.  Add a chalkboard wall... and the room would be 100% complete. Seriously, how adorable is this room??? Must file away for future reference! xxoo.

view more images {here}

view more images {here}

Color Queen

It's no secret that I love color.  And... the brighter the better!  But did you know that the Queen loves color too??  I think her favorite color is blue... but, I just made that assumption based on the photo below... looks like she wears some shade of blue about 3x more than any other color! :)  How fabulous is the Queen and how fabulous is the color in her wardrobe!?

{Vogue}

And... now on to some of my favorite colors. I splurged on these {sandals} and absolutely love them!  They are ridiculously comfortable and the color pop is just the perfect amount to go with almost any outfit.  I bought the coral combo... what color is your fav?

{Shop}

Gift Guide: Father's Day

With Father's Day coming up this weekend, I thought I would put together some quick 'last minute' gift ideas!  I celebrated with my Dad a little early - we got to catch up on Saturday while in Maryland for my cousin's grad party!  I don't know about you... but my Dad is the hardest person in the world to shop for!  Maybe because he has everything he needs/wants, and if he doesn't have it... he buys it - leaving no room for gifts or surprises!  Hmm, as I typed that, I realized why people think I am hard to shop for too! ;)  Like father, like daughter!  My sister and I split a present she picked up for him at the Memorial Golf Tournament last weekend... but here are some other fun ideas for that important man in your life: 

{baseball bat bottle opener} {warby parker glasses} {j.crew tie clip} {michael kors iPad stand} {burberry tie} {malin+gotez razor} {sperry top-siders} {bonobos dopp kit} {owen & fred belt} {callaway golf balls}

Happy Father's Day WEEK to my amazing Dad! The only person I know who is fantastic at everything! Seriously, I'm still amazed at how you can go from being a {successful}... ok, {super successful} business man one day to an {award winning} builder of custom homes the next day!! ...while at the same time being a {'semi-professional' golfer}! ;) I only hope I can follow my dreams as well as you have followed yours! Enjoy your day on the golf course!!  xxoo.

PS. It's kind of amazing what you can find when you google your family members... loved all of the articles I found about my dad... above! :)