nike – A Styled Mind

In the vault

CAMO VIBES!

April 6, 2022 No Comments

As the evolution of my style continues, I’m still making it a point to have fun and not take my choices too seriously. Being the fan of contrast and juxtaposition that I am, those themes always tend to present themselves in my looks regardless of the types of ensembles I’m creating. Upon a recent shopping trip to actually make a return, I was doing one last browse around the store when these camo printed cargos caught my eye. To be honest, this is definitely not a motif that is a staple in my wardrobe yet for some reason, I was instantly drawn to them and knew I could make them work. While my first thought was to dress them up with some kind of heeded sandal (which I’m sure I’ll still do in the future), I wanted to tap into more of a causal vibe and emphasize the grunginess they are typically associated with. Of course I still had to put my own “ASM” twist on the outfit, so in efforts to elevate the look I paired the trousers with a rhinestone encrusted t-shirt which added a slightly glamorous, feminine essence. Since it still hasn’t been warm enough to completely leave the outerwear layers behind, I took this as an opportunity to incorporate my newest wool-blend blazer. I wasn’t sure if I’d get any wear out of this piece before the next Fall/Winter seasons, but the light icy grey shade somehow still worked to provide balance within the color palette and not take away from the overall relaxed fit. To complete the styling, I threw on my black and white dunks which really gave the outfit that street-style flare and a handbag in the infamous “Bottega green” for a subtle nod to the trend. Some small frames and a few silver rings served as the icing on the cake and I was ready for any and everything! I’m sure I’ll have a lot of “favorite fashion moments” this year, but I’m already claiming this as one of them. Don’t forget to click the images in the carousel to shop all of the featured items and until next time!

In the vault

BUSINESS CASUAL!

August 31, 2021 No Comments

If I had to choose, blazers would definitely be in my top 5 Fall essentials. They are the perfect light layer to instantly elevate and add structure to the most basic ensemble with minimal effort. I also love the variations of style, texture, and fit which each bring a different vibe. In my personal wardrobe I like to maintain a balance of tailored and oversized options, but I’ve also begun to gravitate towards dresses as well. The blazer dress is the perfect hybrid of formal and casual. Regardless of the setting, you can easily style these pieces with a plethora of accessories that will take your look from day to night. For this particular shoot, I was eager to wear this pale yellow frock in a wrap style. From the moment I saw it, I knew it would be a great closet addition due to it’s functionality and adaptability. Whether going to a business meeting, brunch, or running errands around the city, I am truly prepared for anything in this outfit! That being said, I chose to pair it down with a classic pair of white sneakers to really heighten the contrast and give more of a “street-style” edge. To further play into this juxtaposition, I still wanted to keep my jewelry dainty and therefore added a few gold pieces as well as a necklace featuring some pearl accents. Finally, to complete the look, I threw on an oversized pair of tortoise sunnies and was on my way! Despite not wearing heels, I still felt like a total BOSS in this ensemble and will continue to challenge the stereotype of what it means to look “professional” through clothing. Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Zara

Sneakers- Nike

Sunglasses- Revolve

Necklace- & Other Stories

In the vault

COLORFUL KICKS!

April 22, 2021 No Comments

Every now and then, I too get tired of my heels and will opt for a pair of sneakers (shocking, I know). While I don’t have many to choose from, the two staples that I strongly feel are a must in all wardrobes are an all white option as well as a more vibrant or colorful style. Especially as we move into the warmer months and are out and about more, having comfortable footwear is an absolute must! Aside from that, the juxtaposition of having an extremely feminine dress or blouse paired with casual trainers, is something I’ve always been a fan of when it comes to styling. Spring is definitely a season where I feel like denim truly gets its time to shine! Recently I’ve refreshed my own collection with a few new pieces including this acid wash dress featuring voluminous sleeves. Though I could have easily paired this frock with any style of heeled sandal, I was not satisfied with that idea. As a last minute decision the morning of this particular shoot, the light bulb finally went off and I knew that my multi-colored kicks were the missing piece to the ensemble. They instantly brought an element of playfulness and interest that no other shoe in my closet could’ve done. For accessories, I had been waiting for the perfect moment to style this cream colored baguette bag. On top of being obsessed with the 90’s reference, I couldn’t resist the chunky gold chain that made the bag an instant showstopper! For jewelry I chose to stay consistent by matching my metals accordingly, and as a final touch added some aviator frames. I felt so comfortable in this look and am interested to see if this is the year I finally transition into becoming a full on sneakerhead (KIDDING, LOL)! Comment below your favorite featured item and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Dress- Mango

Sneakers- Nike

Bag- Zara

Sunglasses- Zara

In the vault

SKOOL-DAZE!

April 1, 2021 No Comments

Every now and then I come across pieces that truly bring me back to my formative years and this ensemble was the perfect example of that! The majority of my pre-undergrad educational career was spent in private school, so I was no stranger to wearing uniforms majority of the time. Once I got to college and really had the freedom to experiment with my personal style, I realized that while there were some garments that were drastically different than what I was previous used to, that “prim and proper” way of dressing never really left me. Cardigans have been making a comeback lately as a nod to the 90’s, and I was immediately drawn to this creamy beige version featuring a variety of novelty buttons. Initially, I had planned to wear it casually with jeans and a simple pair of mules but it didn’t take long before I received a piece that completely changed my course of action! There are a few brands I work with that generously provide me with “new-in” items whenever a collection drops or we enter into a new season. Most recently, I received this pleated leather skirt and knew I had to style it ASAP! What peaked my interest the most was the unique color. I’ve personally owned a few skirts in this style throughout the years mostly in black, denim, or light chiffon fabrics. It also looked much lighter on the website so I was pleasantly surprised to see that it came in the perfect neutral shade to match my sweater! At that point I knew I had to pair these items as a set, but something was still missing. After a few moments of thinking it over, I decided to try layering a white poplin shirt underneath to add a bit more dimension, and my “cool-girl” uniform was nearly complete! In efforts to add a bit more edge and balance out the preppy vibes, I added my AF1s and some silver jewelry to play off of the flashy buttons. Lastly, for a stark contrast, I threw on my newest black frames and was ready to skip class and head to the mall (KIDDING). In all honesty though, creating this outfit really brought back memories and gave me a sense of nostalgia that I will never forget! Comment below your favorite featured piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Cardigan- & Other Stories

Shirt- Mango

Skirt- BB Dakota

Sneakers- Nike

Sunglasses- Le Specs

In the vault

SUMMER SLIP!

July 29, 2020 1 Comment

The increased popularity of slip dresses over the last few years is something that I don’t see slowing down any time soon. What I personally love most about them, is the countless styling opportunities that truly make it a year-round staple. In my opinion, Summer is probably the easiest season to style them because there is really no need for layering. However that being said, because these frocks are such simple and dainty pieces, it can take a little more thought to cultivate an ensemble that still has some type of dimension and interest. My slip dress collection has continued to grow with each season, and it should be no surprise that the black version is definitely my most worn. In efforts to add a bit more variety and fill a void in my wardrobe, I jumped at the opportunity to be gifted a cream-colored style which had recently caught my eye. Upon receiving, I was thrilled with the quality and determined to play off of the feminine details, while adding pieces that would provide an unexpected juxtaposition. I had also recently purchased my first pair of colorful sneakers, (every other pair I own are either black and/or white) and was anxious to style them ASAP! Because I was essentially working with a blank canvas, this was the perfect opportunity to add a street-style flare to such a delicate garment. Additionally, for a bit more structure, I thought it would be cool to throw on an over-sized blazer which helped balance the look overall. For accessories, minimal silver jewelry and my geometric frames helped tie everything together and complete my vision. This honestly may be one of my favorite Summer looks to date due to all of the elements and style genres that were combined to create this outfit. Comment below your favorite piece and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Blazer- & Other Stories

Dress- Amanda Uprichard

Sneakers- Nike

Sunglasses- Quay Australia

In the vault

5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

March 20, 2020 2 Comments

My how time flies when you’re doing what you love! Exactly 5 years ago, on the first day of Spring, March 2015, the website for A Styled Mind was launched. At that time I was excited, nervous, and in no way prepared for all that I would learn along this journey. The challenges made for exponential growth, and the frustrations allowed room for me to hone in on my vision while planting the seed for what my platform could become. Seeing the evolution of my personal style, photography, and overall confidence in the fashion/influencer space has truly made me realize the importance of consistency, dedication, and quality work. While it would be impossible for me to try and predict what’s next, I can only hope for more accomplishments and opportunities, while I continue expressing myself through clothing. My mind is full of ideas and I still have tons of different content genres I’d like to expand the ASM brand into; menswear styling, fitness, cooking, and interior design to name a few.

Sooner than later, I’d love to work on building a team to support me in the expansion of my platform. As with any entrepreneurial venture, there are tons of sacrifices that must be made along the way, but with a strong foundation and loyal community, eventually the hard work will pay off and the fruits of your labor will be that much sweeter! Regarding future goals for the next 5 years, I’d love to have a capsule collection with a brand I am personally a fan of, run ASM full time, speak on a variety of panels geared towards the empowerment of women, have a feature in a global fashion magazine, and attend a luxury fashion show in either Paris or Milan. Though I don’t know where or how this journey ends, I am forever grateful for the support, kind words, and interest in my brand since the very beginning! Let’s cheers to 5 more shall we?!

OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS: SHIRT/JEANS/HEELS/BAG/SUNNIES

OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS: TOP/DRESS/SOCKS/SNEAKERS/BAG/SUNNIES

OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS: SWEATER/SKIRT/SANDALS/SUNNIES

OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS: DRESS/BOOTS/EARRINGS/SUNNIES

OUTFIT DETAILS & LINKS: SUIT/BAG/SANDALS/EARRINGS

In the vault

SILVER LINING

December 31, 2019 No Comments

In all honesty, 2019 was not one of my best. Though it did start strong, I found myself getting distracted and derailed from a few of the goals I had set out to accomplish. I lost a few friends, shed a lot of tears, and at one point felt as if I was losing sight of who I was as an individual. That being said, it wasn’t all bad. I probably did more traveling than ever this year and pushed myself to experience events that in previous years I had only witnessed on social media. I can’t say that I’m sad to leave this year behind (not that I really have a choice), but in the last few months I have really put forth the effort into making a plan of action for where I want to see myself in this next decade. I’ve made my mistakes, I’ve acknowledged the lessons, and now it’s time to put in the work to ensure that nothing but growth occurs from here on out. For me this is not just a new year, it’s a new beginning and opportunity to place myself into the spaces I want to be in order to succeed and live the life I have always dreamed of. For me, the silver lining is knowing that it’s not too late to make it happen.

In regards to my outfit, this was simply a case of wanting to get the most bang for my buck. The silver dress featured here, which I’m absolutely obsessed with, was actually what I wore for my 27th birthday this year. Unfortunately, I was having so much fun celebrating, I didn’t get a “post-worthy” photo in my opinion. Luckily, with the holiday season right around the corner (my birthday is in September), I knew I’d have a reason to pull this gorgeous frock back out of my closet; and what better occasion than NYE?! As with most of my festive looks this year, I decided to incorporate more casual elements instead of just opting for the classic formal attire that is usually to be expected. Because the dress was such a statement on it’s own, I didn’t mind pairing it with edgier pieces to create a funky, unexpected juxtaposition. The first garment I added was a sheer metallic top which I felt added a nice layer of dimension. Secondly, though I initially wore closed toe pumps with this outfit, I chose to switch it up to matching heeled sandals and pair them with Nike socks for a more “sports-luxe” twist. Lastly, I threw on my leather cream puffer jacket which I’ve also been loving and wearing nonstop this season. For me, aside from coordinating with the ensemble as a whole, adding this coat was a refreshing change from the faux fur options I typically gravitate towards. For one final touch, I reached for my silver jewelry and classic Dior clutch and was ready to dance my way into 2020. I don’t know about you, but I am definitely ready to see what this next decade has in store for me as well as A Styled Mind. We are approaching the fifth year anniversary, and I couldn’t be more grateful for your support and interest in my brand. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and Happy New Year!!! <3

Outfit Details & Links:

Jacket- Asos

Top- Zara

Dress- House of CB

Socks- Nike

Heels- Zara

In Collabs

ASM X THE GEISHA HOUSE

July 8, 2019 2 Comments

I love doing collaborations with brands, especially when they are companies I wouldn’t have ordinarily found on my own. The Geisha House is a Philadelphia-based boutique that prides itself on stocking effortless, trendy pieces from a variety of brands for every type of girl who is confident enough to let her style speak for itself. Because they so graciously gifted me 3 pieces, I decided to create a mini look-book, showcasing the different genres that make up my personal style. The first look was definitely the most casual/streetstyle inspired. I would never go so far as to consider myself a “tomboy,” however I do have a deep love for contrast, and the pairing of dresses and sneakers never seems to get old. The vibrant salmon color of the slip dress was absolutely gorgeous and I instantly knew I wanted to channel my inner “cool-girl.” I decided to test the waters and layer a hawaiian shirt over the frock to really capture the laid back essence Summer brings. Finally, with my cat-eye frames, monogram necklace, and matching gold hoops, I was beyond pleased with how the look came together!

Outfit Details & Links: Shirt// Dress// Socks// Sneakers// Sunglasses// Necklace// Earrings

For the second look I decided to keep the jewelry the same, but this time create a more elevated and chic ensemble, using this animal printed skirt as the focal piece. I’ve seen so many variations of satin skirts over the last few seasons but I’ve never seen one quite like this. Unlike the usual styles, this one in particular appears to have a blended print of all the wild jungle cats which definitely made it stand out to me. To play off of this bold garment, I knew I wanted to tie in a blazer to further enhance the strong, “boss babe” style I was going for. Underneath, I added a cut-out bodysuit which seamlessly tied both patterned items together, and my bright orange heeled sandals for an unexpected pop of color. As a final touch, I added my aviator frames and was ready to get down to business…or just go to brunch, lol.

Outfit Details & Links: Blazer//Bodysuit// Skirt// Heels// Sunglasses// Necklace// Earrings

For my final look, I ended up creating an outfit that is honestly not my typical style, but was more of a preppy/quirky take on the movie Clueless. I knew I didn’t want to style this neon knit tank on it’s own, so I immediately began thinking of ways to layer it. I already had the shorts and boots combo in mind but it was just a matter of finding the perfect piece to complete this “wildcard” of a look, and make it my own. After a few more attempts and rummaging through my closet, there it was; the lace shirt I had been looking for! Once it was all said an done, I felt somewhere between an extra in a 90’s teen drama and Buttercup from the Powerpuff Girls; but all in all, I was happy with it. Definitely check out the relaunch of The Geisha House website for all of your Summer fashion needs, and use my code: ASHLEY20 for 20% off. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links: Lace Shirt// Tank Top// Shorts// Boots// Earrings

In the vault

DENIM + SATIN

May 22, 2019 2 Comments

Have you ever worn an outfit that literally made you feel like the coolest person in the room? Well, this was that look for me! I am definitely no stranger to jumpsuits, but this time I wanted to try and expand my styling capabilities. As we all know, one-pieces like these are basically all-encompassing outfits so it’s really the accessories that are relied upon to make the statement. Since we are finally getting a glimpse of Summer weather, I was excited about the reality of not having to layer a t-shirt or turtleneck under this garment. To highlight the deep v-neck design on both front and back, I did however throw on a racerback lace bralette for a touch of feminine flare. Recently, I’ve noticed the incorporation of silk/satin scarves becoming increasingly popular as accent pieces for various ensembles. Whether worn in one’s hair, on a bag, or as a necktie, this trend appears to be sticking around this season. When I came across this vibrant red printed option, I knew it would be the perfect eye-catching element to add to this look; so needless to say, I went with the latter option in regards to styling. For footwear, while I do love my heels, I chose to keep it casually classic with my AF1s which ended up complimenting the slightly cropped hem of the jumpsuit in the best way; if I do say so myself. There really is nothing like breaking out a fresh pair of white sneakers on a bright Summer day and I look forward to wearing mine as much as possible this year! Finally, to complete the ensemble, I wanted to include a piece that I had been holding onto for months! This shearling fanny pack solidified my 90s athleisure vision and made me feel like heading to every Kith and sneaker store in Soho, lol (jokes, but you get the idea)! All in all, I loved how this look touched on so many style genres and still left me feeling comfortable, cute, and effortless. Let me know your favorite item in the comments below and until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Jumpsuit – & Other Stories

Scarf- Topshop

Sneakers- Nike

Bag- Champion

In the vault

CAMEL COOL

April 4, 2019 2 Comments

The weather is finally warming up, so I decided to test the waters and show off a bit of skin with this look. While doing some online research, I was instantly drawn to this camel colored suit. However, though the belted jacket did in fact come with a pair of matching trousers, I thought it would be cute to style it as a frock; considering it seemed long enough to do so and I had been meaning to give this “blazer dress” trend a try. Honestly, the only thing that was of slight concern to me was the color. As much as I loved how rich and neutral it was, I wasn’t sure if it would wash me out against my skin tone. Luckily that was not the case, and I was more than pleased with everything about this tailored garment. From the cut, to the wide belt, and tiny button details; this piece looked sophisticated and chic in every way. In efforts to tone things down and keep the look a little less formal, I decided to throw on my sneakers and white tube socks for a cool, effortless contrast. As this look was so warm toned, I thought that gold accessories would be the perfect option to really highlight those sandy hues. I had recently purchased the most gorgeous pair of transparent teardrop earrings with gold accent flakes and knew they would bring a beautiful elegance to the overall look. As a final touch, I stumbled across a wooden cross-body bag, that truly felt like the last piece of this fashion puzzle. Though quite reminiscent of a coconut, the spherical shape and texture brought an unexpected bohemian element I didn’t even know I needed! Bags made of natural materials such as wood and straw are always quite popular during the warmer seasons, so I was happy to incorporate one into my look. I loved how this ensemble pulled together so many different style genres and portrayed how they can all coexist and compliment each other in a seamless way. Comment below your favorite piece from this look and how/if you would’ve styled anything differently. Until next time!

Outfit Details & Links:

Blazer- Zara

Bag- Zara

Socks- Nike

Sneakers- Nike

Earrings- & Other Stories