Friday's Fancies: A Country Concert

Happy, Happy Friday!  I'm happy because my bestest friend in the world is visiting me from Portland this weekend!  It's been a year since we visited with each other, so we have lots of catching up to do!  Tomorrow night we are heading to the Kenny Chesney Concert.  It is at the Crew Soccer Stadium... so an outdoor affair with tailgating before hand!  So excited for sun, beer and music!  Below is an outfit inspiration for a summer country concert! Hop on over to {av's} blog {here} for more Friday's Fancies inspiration. PS. Check back soon for a sneak peak of 'ashley gale photography' photos from last weeks mini sessions, as well as some big news in my life... :)  

polyvore created by {ashley gale}

Color Crush: Fushia and Orange

Loving the look of these two colors together!  Especially color-blocked like a couple of the fabulous images below... so dramatic! Have you been wearing these colors lately?  They are perfect for summer! PS. Check back tomorrow for Friday's Fancies and if you haven't had a chance to enter in my Summer Blog Giveaway yet... click {here}.

All images found via {pinterest}

The Sunday Bag!

I am hosting a fun summer giveaway from {Ladybird Boutique}!! How perfect is this  classic monogrammed bag?!  Thought I would show you some more colors that this bag is offered in!  Click {here} to win your own in your choice of color and with your initials!!  Also makes fabulous gifts! :) xo!

You can find me at {Sprinkles on Everything}

Happy OFFICIAL first day of Summer!  I was very excited when Emmy from {Sprinkles on Eveything} asked me to guest post about my summer staples!  Below are just a few of the summer staples that I could not live without!  Hop on over to her blog to read more! :)

polyvore created by {ashley gale}

SUMMER GIVEAWAY: Monogrammed Tote

Happy first week of Summer! What better way to kickoff the Summer than with my first blog giveaway!! Let me introduce you to {Ladybird Fashion Boutique} a local favorite in Columbus, Ohio!  We have teamed up to give one lucky reader a fabulous canvas and leather tote that was featured in {Daily Candy's} gift guide!  It's a classic bag that comes in fun colors and is perfect for anything...

This monogrammed (optional) tote [$143 value] is a definite summer essential!  It is perfect for the beach, the gym, work or travel!  Anything you want to use a medium sized, stylish tote for - this is it!  And, it comes in your choice of fun colors as well... black, navy, cherry, orange, lemon, caramel, green, blue and white!  What is your favorite color?

How you enter to win a monogrammed tote: 

There are 8 ways to enter...

please leave a comment for EACH entry!!

Mandatory Entry

{1} Be a follower of a {little} dash of ash... [to your right]

              ...leave a comment below with your favorite color and initials

Extra Entries

{2} Become a follower of Ladybird's Blog {here}

{3} Follow Ashley on her blog's [new] facebook page {here}

{4} Follow Ladybird on Facebook {here}

{5} Follow Ashley on twitter {here}

{6} Follow Ladybird on Twitter {here}

{7&8} Tweet about this giveaway:

enter to win an awesome monogrammed tote
at http://tinyurl.com/5rrun3b via @ashleyrgale and @LadybirdFashion

One winner will be chosen at random on Thursday, June 30th at 6pm!
Open to all readers of a {little} dash of ash... near and far!

Good Luck and Thank You for reading my blog!! xxoo :)

Fab 5 Friday: Week 7

Happy Friday!  I am soooo happy it is finally the weekend! :)  Do you have any fun plans?  I have photo sessions booked all day tomorrow and then I am heading home to see my Dad for Father's Day on Sunday!  I thought for this Fab 5 Friday, I would share five fabulous ideas for the next time you entertain or host a celebration! Enjoy! xxoo  PS. Check back next week for a few exciting things...

♥ mini tacos and tequila shots

♥ fruit and veggie bar

♥raspberry mojitos
♥ wedding cornhole

♥ corn on the cob cupcakes

Images {1} {2} {3} {4} {5}

Painting with Pastels

This weekend when I was out shopping, I noticed a big trend in my purchases - lots of creams and pastel colors! I've always been a fan of super brights... but lately I have been gravitating towards the softer shades of some of my favorite colors!  Even in home decor... how fresh does this pink bedding look!??

{Urban Outfitters}

Pastels have always reminded me of little girls clothing, but not after seeing these fabulous looks! 

{via}

I've always loved the vintage look that is often associated with this color palette...

both images {via}

...and this table top below is just perfect with all of the different hints of pastel!  

{via}

Guest Post: {Ashley Nicole Catherine}

Let me introduce you to another guest blogger - ashley from {ashley nicole catherine}.  I have been following ashley's blog since I began my own in February, and it quickly became one of my daily reads!  She has a great way of recapping the runway trends and ALWAYS has the most beautiful high fashion photos ever!  You know I love series... and one of my favorite series is ashley's "wear it with'... Check out an example of this series below and check her blog weekly for more great combos!  I'll be back tomorrow with a post of my own!  xxoo, ashley

hi, everyone! this is ashley of fashion and style blog, ashley nicole catherine.  a big thanks to ashley for having me today and featuring my "wear it with" series.  each week i pick an article of clothing or accessory and suggest two ways to style it.  this week's installment features wide leg jeans.

wear it with: wide leg jeans by ashleynicolecatherine featuring michael kors handbags

Sheer top
$45 - modcloth.com

Abercrombie Fitch lace tank
$48 - abercrombie.com

Hudson Jeans wide leg jeans
$132 - shoplastyle.com

Sperry cork wedge heels
$90 - sperrytopsider.com

ALDO platform high heels
$110 - aldoshoes.com

Dooney bourke handbag
$268 - nordstrom.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors handbag
$178 - michaelkors.com

Cutler & Gross glass shades
£298 - aubinandwills.com

Italia Independent velvet sunglasses
€145 - colette.fr

this week i went with presenting a polished and a playful look, with some affordable pieces in each.  which way would you wear wide leg jeans?

thanks again, ashley and check back on ashley nicole catherine next week for the next "wear it with" installment!

Guest Post: {Sprinkles on Everything}

Hi Friends!  Let me introduce you to Emmy from {Sprinkles on Everything}!  I first found Emmy's blog from her super fun and eye catching name!  I mean... who wouldn't want to put Sprinkles... on literally, everything!  I would!  However, after following her blog for some time, I have fallen in love with her 'Color Combination Series'!  Check out her blog for other great posts... I promise she does not disappoint! xxoo, ashley

Hi everyone, I'm Emmy from Sprinkles on Everything and I am so excited to be guest posting today for Ashley! I am rather new to the blogging world and love to read a {little} dash of ash daily to get inspiration on everything from fashion to interiors, thanks for having me Ashley!

When thinking of ideas for guest posting, Ashley suggested I share with you one of my color combinations which I thought was a perfect suggestion (check out more here and here)! I don't know how many of you have heard of Pinterest but it is a m a z i n g. If I'm ever curious what is inspiring me I just check my boards and the answer always pops out at me.

About a month ago I went on a vacation with my family to St. John (read about it here) in search of coral reefs. My dad has an obsession with them and we plan our vacations based on where the coral reefs are. If you didn't know, coral reefs are slowly dying and the amazing natural colors you see in books and on TV are dwindling (very sad). We have become determined to scope out a picturesque coral reef before they are all gone. So far, unsuccessfully.

When going through my board the other day I noticed all the colors, patterns, and pictures I was being drawn to had one thing in common, coral reefs. It's no wonder, the fact that these colors exist in the wild and under water none-the-less, really is spectacular. Check out some of my coral reef inspired images below:

(All images via)

I love pairing coral with a bright blue or pale green. It really allows the color to pop and brings in the ocean feeling.

Outfit Inspiration: Coral Reef

Coral Reef by sprinklesoneverything featuring a ruffle dress
*************

Things that make me happy today:
1. Guest posting, thanks again Ashley!
2. Meeting new friends
3. Bright colors

Friday's Fancies: Playing Tourist

Happy Friday!  I am off to the East Coast today with my mom and sister for a little girls weekend!   We are headed to Philly and then NYC!  Today is going to be a day of travel and then a lot of walking around the city, so I need a good outfit for the plane ride and being a tourist!  Despite the fact that I think it is pouring there... I am going to pretend that it will be a nice, breezy 75*!  I've been inspired by the classic colors and easy look of this photo all week.... so naturally, I had to incorporate that into my outfit inspiration for today!  Hope you have a great weekend... and stop by {av}'s blog for more {Friday Fancies} inspiration! :) 

polyvore created by {ashley gale}

Happy 75th Birthday...

to my Mama! :) Who is one of the coolest, 'most hip' grandmas alive! :) I think it's safe to say, she is aging finer than wine!  ... and her style - one of a kind, but will always love!! Happy, Happy!! :)  xxoo

Wednesday Workspace

Still one of my favorite series by {Little Bits of Lovely}.... I had to share some amazing workspaces I have been crushing on lately!  How great are these rooms!!!  I love that they are all so different from each other, but each so special in their own way :)

This room is to die for :)  First, a mixture of my two favorite spaces: a bedroom and an office! Second, absolutely love the eclectic chair, as well as the empty vintage frames above the bed!  The small vase of flowers is the perfect pretty touch to the dark wooden desk! 

{via}

Not sure what I love most about this next office!  The lighting is just fabulous!  The flowers and garland are an excellent touch and that dog.... too cute!!  There is just something about dogs and offices that I am loving these days ;)  More to come on that....

{via}

What I would do for this to be my office.... and my daily view!  I think the photo speaks for itself!  But even if the Eiffel Tower was not outside - LOVE those beautiful windows that open up like that... and the gorgeous tufted seat!!!  Only a MacBook could make this workspace more perfect!  #dreaming

{via}