Party Dresses

I already started looking for the perfect New Years Eve dress!  I know it might be a little early, but with all of the holiday dresses out there right now, it's hard to ignore the bedazzled, gorgeous dresses in front of my face! :)  I'm loving all of these styles... help me pick which style I should lean towards for a dinner date at a chic wine bar (followed by a lot of champagne drinking) as we celebrate the fun times in 2011 and say hello to 2012! :)

{a} {b} {c} {d} {e} {f}

Which style dress should I choose for NYE?

Just Saying...

Alejandro just sent me an email and said, "I know how much you like the Beatles and how much you like to be happy!.... Thought you might like this"!  And... I love, love, love it!  Enough to stop what I am doing to put it on my blog!  Just a great reminder that happiness really is the key to life.  :) John Lennon was a smart man!  Hope everyone has a fabulous day! xxoo.

Brrr Baby, Brrr!!

I think my biggest winter weakness is cold weather accessories.... oh, and starbucks lattes, {hunter boots}, {fairisle socks}, holiday candles from {co bigelow}, christmas tree ornaments, and cuddling... but today, we'll just focus on cold weather accessories!  Every year my "winter accessories" basket grows... (who am I kidding, basket should be baskets - I think I am at 4 now)!  I love all scarves, hats and especially mittens!  Here are some of my Kate Spade favorites for this year....  my absolute favorite, favorite are the taxi mittens... how fun are those!?!

  {Kate Spade Bow Ski Hat} {Kate Spade Sunglasses Hat} {Kate Spade Taxi Mittens} {Kate Spade Prize Ball Pop Top Mittens}

Monogram ♥

I had fun browsing {West Elm}'s new monogram shop after receiving their email blast today!  It reminded how initials can make any simple gift just perfect... oh, and it reminded me how much I secretly love anything with A's on it!  What can I say... A is my favorite letter! ;)  Check out their shop for some great gift giving ideas!

Instagram: Tailgates and Birthdays

Hi! Sorry I have been kind of MIA since last Wednesday - it was a crazy week that left me absolutely exhausted in the evenings! But, I was able to relax and have fun this weekend!  On Friday, I went to this amazing, modern Israeli Restaurant with Alejandro and all of his best friends from college.  The food was insanely delicious... and so unique and photo worthy - however, I didn't snap any instagrams because... well, it was the first time I was meeting most of the people and I didn't want to scream, "hey, I'm a crazy blogger" on the first night! So... Alejandro promised me he would take me back just for my blog photos (he's the best)!! Have I mentioned yet that Philly has ahhhh-mazing food?!  It's NYC quality, but you can always get a reservation!!  

{insert future instagrams from Zahav}

On Saturday, we tailgated for the UPenn vs Princeton game (since Alejandro has now gone to both of those schools)!  At first this was kind of funny to me... coming from Ohio where the buckeyes really know how to tailgate (and usually know how to play football)!  But... I love day drinking so I had to give it a try!  Verdict = a Princeton football game is nothing like a big ten game, but the tailgate was actually really fun and a great turnout... and all of his Princeton friends are awesome!! :) 

On Sunday, I was so excited to get an extra hour in the morning!  Love being lazy on Sundays before the crazy work week starts back up again!  Below are just a couple of my favorite things I love to do on Sunday mornings... (oh, and even though I loved the extra hour this morning, I did not like when it was practically dark out at 4:30pm!)

How pumped is everyone that the red cups are back at Starbucks?!  48 days until Christmas!

Ohh... and last but most definitely not least - I must give a BIG birthday shout out to my number one blog fan... Happy Birthday Mom!! Hope it is fabulous!!! :) 

DIY: {Shellac Nails}

The first time I got shellac polish on my fingers (for my sister's wedding) I fell in love! It was the most amazing manicure of my life... and it lasted for weeks! The second time I got shellac... I was ripping it off of my fingers two days later because my nails hurt so bad! Not sure what the little nail lady did when she took off my first shellac polish... but whatever she did left my nails damaged and so thin that they hurt all day long! So after that... I think it is safe to say, I was not a fan!! However, today my friend {Casey} blogged about DIY shellac and talked about how this does not ruin your nails! So, of course, I immediately emailed her for the details and in one quick email back she convinced me that I need to try this myself!

Materials: 

(all products available on Amazon)

UV Light * Shellac Base and Top Coat * Shellac Nail Color * Acetone * Rubbing Alcohol

Click {here} for step-by-step instructions. Have fun!

Roller Cowgirl

Not sure if you saw this already on {Honestly WTF} - but I am obsessed with these roller skates by way of cowboy GIRL boots! Absolutely ahhhh-mazing!!  Wonder what people would think if I started skating around Philly in these!?? :)

{via}

Here are some other fun roller skating photos that caught my eye.... reminds me of my childhood and how much I loved my skates (even though I broke like 4 bones in my leg and was in a cast for like 9 months in 3rd grade due to a minor rollerskating accident ;)!  Don't worry, I was back in skates the day that cast came off... wish I could say I was still that fearless little girl! 

images {via}

Instagram: Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!! :) Even though halloween was much more fun as a child... I still secretly kind of love the holiday!  Usually I celebrate for a couple nights (in costume of course)... but this year was a little more low key!  I did dress up last Thursday night for a party... as a pirate!  But on Friday I decided to stay in for the night with my boy, some mummy dogs (see below) and scary movies (much warmer choice)!  However, Saturday night we braved the cold (and snow/rain) and went out for pizzas and beers...  as we pub hopped, we got to costume watch!  Most popular costumes in Philly... for sure Waldo, Pee Wee Herman, Mario (and friends), and Willy Wonka!  Hope your Halloween weekend was fun as well!!

{instagram}

images {via}

{instagram}

Style in Seven

Hi Friends! Happy Friday!! Just in case you missed my guest post over at {Bijou and Boheme} this week, I thought I would share with you my 7 style staples!  My 7 styles are all interchangeable between fashion and decor and tend to be on the classic side with a few pops of surprises! Hope you enjoy and have a fabulous weekend!!! xxoo.

Stripes - This simple pattern is a staple in my wardrobe and home decor!  Stripes are so classic, they just seem to fit so naturally - and they work off all kinds of other patterns - especially florals (another favorite pattern of mine)!  Oh, and if you didn't notice, I'm a sucker for black and white stripes!

Cozy  - with fall already in full swing and winter slowly approaching, cozy is a must have in my life! From an oversized sweater, to thick wool socks, and an intimate spot in your home with a lot of pillows and texture - there is nothing like being warm in cozy during the colder weather! 

Navy - A classic color that can pop any outfit or room!  I love the simplicity of navy and how it never looks as harsh as black! This simple color can 'ground' anything and works with every color imaginable!! I don't know what it is... but I always have to have it if it is cute and navy!

Lace - Pure perfection!  I love the lace trend out there right now and the girl-y detail it adds to any outfit!  My absolute favorite love right now... lace shorts :)

Jewels - Jewelry is the perfect accessory to any outfit!  I never leave home without something around my wrist and a some sort of statement ring(s)!

Details - It's all about the details with me - always!  From little accents in my home decor to the perfect adornment on a present!  I say it best with small, unique details.

A Touch of Girl - I have a few different styles... but no matter what I always add a hint of girl! :) It's usually the final touch...

Thank you!

Hi Blog Friends!  I didn't have time last night to put together a post because I was prepping for a big meeting at work today... however, I wanted to say thank you so much for reading my blog daily!  And... to my new followers (20+ just this week)... I hope you enjoy reading my blog!!  You guys put a huge smile on my face yesterday when I saw that my blog was viewed over 3,500 times in one day!  That is definitely the most in one day for a {little} dash of ash!!  So again...

And, on a completely random note - I laughed out loud when I saw this... because I seriously thought I was the only one!! I feel completely naked if I don't have a rubber band around my wrist  [at all times] - even if my hair is in a ponytail! :)  Happy Thursday!

Dear Santa... Just Sayin'

I've been a really good girl this year and since I learned to cook... I think I shall receive my very own custom kitchen aid mixer courtesy of {Un Amore Custom Designs}.  I've only been talking about a pretty kitchen aid mixer for 5 years (even blogged about this {beauty} back in february) and you told me that once I learned to cook you would allow me to add it to my list... well, the day has come! :)  I know you reached out to me via email just yesterday telling me that my Christmas wish list is getting pretty pricey.... but don't forget, I don't have a brand new husband or a dog (that is treated like a grandchild) that you need to buy for this year ;)  Just kidding.  But seriously... how cool are these?

all images {via}

Guest Post: {Style Me Swanky}

Hi Friends!  Let me introduce you to Megan from {Style Me Swanky}!  I found Megan's blog a month or so ago and instantly fell in love with her inspiration... she has amazing taste!  You might know her previously as "My Two Cents....(before I spend it)" - but she recently did a blog revamp and changed her name to "Style Me Swanky"!  What does Swanky mean?  You will have to hop on over to her {blog} to see for yourself :)  xxoo! - ashley

Hello dolls! 

It's Megan from Style Me Swanky.

 Ashley is so sweet to have me for a visit today.

She left the floor open for me to pick whatever I'd like to discuss. After much contemplation, I've decided to throw out a plan & just see where it goes.

First of all, I'm a born & bred South Carolinian - currently living in this gorgeous place:

via

Charleston, SC

 If I had to pick one word to describe this historic city, it would be "charming."  If you've visited (or live here!), then you're probably familiar with the cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages, small shops, the skyline full of church steeples, beautiful water views, award-winning restaurants ...okay, I could go on all day! I went to the College of Charleston & stuck around after graduation to work for the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital.  We plan fundraisers & get to see our efforts thrive -so amazing!
 

My heart belongs to this guy.

He was my first boyfriend.  

Found him when I was in 8th grade.  

Actually, he told me I had nice legs when I was in sixth grade.  Needless to say, this little modest girl would have nothing to do with him after that comment until a couple years later. Guess he got me with his "charm" again. We've dated ever since! 

Okay... time to quit the chit-chat. Let's cut to the chase.

Today, I'm going to talk about some of my favorite fashion/beauty items for fall.  

I know there has been buzz all over different blogs about fall fashion and it can get a bit repetitive. Still...I have to share because these are the items that absolutely get my engine revving!

#1. faux fur. 

Honestly, I never got into the fur trend last year.  I tried to find a faux fur vest, but it was just not working.  This year is a different story.
I've been lucky enough to find a faux fur vest & a jacket at Saks Off Fifth --both amaze!

I love the way these ladies have styled their faux fur pieces.

images here and here

#2.  a red lip.

images via, $7

A red lip is something else that I never loved until the past year or so.  This year, I'm gaga over it!  
I just purchased L'Oreal Refined Ruby & I must say, it's perfect!  

Talk about a lip color that doesn't budge & is the perfect not-too-blue/not-too-orange shade.  

#3.  baubles.
 Bring on the accessories!  Chunky rings, chunky bracelets, chunky necklaces, heck-
I want everything to be chunky except for my thighs!
(and well, my waist & hips & arms -you get the picture).

images via

I love this chunky bracelet by M+J Savitt,18k gold plated.

Was $210, now $129.

#4.  yellow  mustard yellow.

images via

I'm craving mustard yellow pieces.  

Like this sweater, which has a bit of neon to it.

As mah girl, Rachel Zoe, would say ...it's everything.  

#5.  cat eye sunnies.
  I'm absolutely obsessed.

I purchased these Prada cay eye shades a bit over a month ago...

(Prada SPR24N)

I haven't reached for any other pairs but these!  

This style is absolutely back for fall 2011.
I have a feeling that they will be sticking around for a while, too.

#6.  bright colors. 

I'm dying over pops of color like these...

images via

So there you have it ...the trends that excite me this fall/winter!

It was just lovely to meet you all!  

Please come visit me at Style Me Swanky!

Xo.

Megan