joyfully so

Happy Monday, y’all! We had the best weekend celebrating my younger brother marrying his sweet fiance. It was a weekend filled with family, laughter and love. The venue was at a small inn near where we grew up in Missouri, and filled with lush landscapes, rolling hills, waterfalls and colorful flowers. The icing on the cake was seeing their beaming faces as they said, “I do.” Weddings are always fun but they mean even more when it’s close family. Seeing my little brother, the same person I taught to ride a bike years ago, become this poised, mature gentleman was the ultimate gift for a big sister. It was a weekend to remember!

With any family wedding weekend, it was a few days packed with events and celebrations. This was a favorite outfit to wear. My favorite piece in the outfit was this top. I love the cascading layers of scalloped lace and the loose, flowing fit. Let’s just say the weekend could have easily been sponsored by Spanx given all the formal attire, so this top was a breath of fresh air but still just as beautiful and elegant. No Spanx required.

The fit is a little big but not overly boxy. For sizing reference, I’m pictured wearing an XS. I recommend sizing down if you are between sizes. I loved the soft amaretto color for an added feminine touch.

Originally I had it paired with a floral print pant, but I found it looked much better with these pants in solid navy. Busy prints can distract from the beautiful lace. It pairs nicely with skinny jeans and pumps too.

The earrings are currently sold out but there is a very similar earrings here.

This top is also available for rental. I cannot recommend it enough for showers, dates or nice office meetings!

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Outfit Details: 

Top for purchase click here or rental click here

Hi friends! I cannot get enough of the gemstone print on this dress. The rich colors make a powerful impression on this soft, silky fabric. Best of all, I bought it for $15! The price changes frequently depending on the current sale, but it’s usually under $20.

The sizing is true to size, or slightly large. I’m 5’3″, wearing an XS in regular length. Online it is also available in petite and tall sizing.

My hat is from Target last year. I haven’t seen a similar one at Target yet this season, but this hat is an affordable comparison. These hats are a must for fall!

When we take pictures, the location is really spontaneous and rarely thought out. These pictures were in a shopping mall alley and country club – so random but so fun! We have driven past it frequently and never really paid too much attention to this spot. It’s gone in the blink of an eye. But by opening our eyes up to our neighborhood we have found so many cute, little nooks!

Have y’all found similar secret gems in your neighborhood?

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Outfit Details:

With August in full swing but the fall months quickly approaching, I LOVE this sweater for the transition between seasons. The eyelet detail in the front is light and airy, lined with a layer behind it for full coverage. It has a mild peplum flare at the bottom and the perfect, flattering length. The back is a soft, cotton knitted fabric.

This sweater is so versatile. Pair it with skinny jeans, khaki shorts or pixie pants, depending on the weather. Add layers of delicate necklaces or go with a bold tortoise necklace.  The necklace I’m wearing has a gingham ribbon tie and is currently on sale!

While I was in the store, this purchase was completely spontaneous but it ended up being one of my favorites. It’s classy, casual and sweet – all in one.

How was everyone’s weekend? I finished painting my front door (will be sharing pictures once the full project is complete), grilled, relaxed and watched football. Next weekend will be very exciting as I head back to Missouri for my little brother’s wedding!

Hope y’all have a wonderful start to your week!

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Outfit Details:

Oh my heavens, how much fun is this top?! This peplum beauty features beading and embellishments in the shapes of bright florals. The pink, yellow and blue flowers add just the perfect amount of color on a white top and remind me of confetti.

For summer, this light top is the perfect warm weather piece. It pairs nicely with colorful jewelry to create a casual, upbeat vibe. Or dress it up with heels – style with a pencil skirt and simple gold jewelry.

Wear this into the fall by limiting bright accessories and adding a dark blazer or jacket. There are little brown embellishments that can be played off from with a brown moto jacket. It also goes well with navy outerwear.

In regards to sizing, it does run a little large as far as width, but the peplum slims the waist. (Pictured in size 0, regular)  For my tall friends – the length is a little on the shorter side and the waist does fit higher than the average peplum. For my petite friends – this is available in petite sizing.

This top is a “best seller” according to the website and staff. It is a stunner, so I believe it! I had to visit a few stores because the stock was very limited. The best way to order is online as their online selection still offers a wide variety of sizes.

This is a favorite due to its appearance and craftsmanship! The beading is hand-sewn, and sophisticated but fun.  It will be one of my wardrobe staples for years to come.

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Outfit Details:

With sweater season approaching in the next couple months, this sweater is the perfect transitional piece between summer and fall. The ruffled, transparent tulle sets it apart from usual sweaters and adds gorgeous, romantic details. Pair the sweater with a cami (I’m wearing nude colored) or a neutral bandeau. The sweater fits a little larger (I’m wearing XS for sizing reference).

For summer/early fall I love this gray heather. It’s light and dreamy. In the late fall and winter months I can picture myself in the other color this sweater comes in, a deep burgundy with black tulle. For a limited time, these sweaters are both on sale!

As for accessories, since the front is plain and solid colored, let’s dress it up and have fun! I LOVE these tassle earrings and will be wearing them frequently this coming fall. They are a mix of new and vintage. Surprisingly they are lightweight despite their dramatic effect.

A long necklace adds a little shimmer to the front. Mine is getting close to selling out, so there are similar options here or here.

This week will include a lot of house improvements, including one beautiful cosmetic upgrade! The big project won’t be completed for awhile so stay tuned.

I hope y’all have a wonderful, relaxing day.

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley