Reality Wardrobe

5/10 Any Lovely Thing
I very much realize that the clothing posts way outnumber the decorating ones, but to be honest...the ensemble posts du jour are so much fun to write! I want to bring Reality Decor back to it's roots and that's why I've created Any Lovely Thing. I hope you get a kick out of my daily journal (of outfits) and you'll click over and follow along. Any Lovely Thing will feature not only what I wear but also what I wish I were wearing and any inspiring images or ideas I come across. We all have multiple passions and this is just another of mine.


Please follow along and I hope to see you over there!

~Ashley


 5/6 Fancy Fridays: Bon Voyage!





Carli is off to Italy today and the department had a little celebration yesterday to celebrate her vacation...is that weird? In any case, Carli purchased the adorable flowy top with the fly-away back to wear on her European vaca, but was so excited she wore it a day early! We all wish Carli the absolute best time on her getaway and have given her stern orders to bring us back something nice.

  • Top - Urban Outfitters
  • Jeans - Forever XXI
  • Sandals - LA Downtown Fashion District
I'm trying something a little different with formatting. Do we like this better? Or back to Polaroid style?

Ciao!


5/5 White and Blue


  

Happy Cinco de Mayo! The weather here has been gorgeous the past few days! I can definitely see how some people say (and mean) that an office job is not for them. I'd give my left pinkie to spend these days at the beach. Alas, it's the daily office grind for me. The silver lining, however, is that every day is one day closer to dear sweet Saturday. Anybody have weekend plans to look forward to?

  • T-shirt - Gap
  • Jeans - J.Crew
  • Shoes - Nine West
  • Necklace - J.Crew


 5/2 Sequins!


Do you ever have those days where you want to feel just a *leetle* bit sparkly? I was feeling that way this morning. With current events in mind, I awoke in a somber mood. How better to break out of the hum drums than with sequins? 

While the killing of Osama bin Laden is certainly a victory for the US, I can't help but be somewhat fearful of retaliation. Violence only begets violence. That being said, I'll say a prayer for our President, our country, and most importantly our troops. God Bless America.

  • Cardigan - Lauren Conrad collection at Kohl's
  • Tank Top - Target
  • Jeans - J.Crew
  • Flats - Banana Republic


4/27 Wild Kingdom



I bought my first ever animal print this weekend during my Banana Republic sweep. I chose the fun, leopard style heels not only because they were on sale (and boy, were they) but also because they actually had my size. I wear an 8.5 and so, apparently, do a lot of other women. I have the hardest time finding sale shoes in an 8.5 and was legitimately surprised when the sales women brought them out. I'm not totally comfortable yet wearing animal print and decided to go verrrry basic with the dark top and jeans.

I'm prepping for the royal wedding tonight and baking sugar cookies to decorate. I'm an absolute amateur when it comes to baking, so I've given myself a some fudge room in case tonight's outcome is as bad as I fear. I'll post the results on Friday. Wish me luck!

  • Fedora - Target
  • Top - Gap
  • Jeans and Shoes - Banana Republic


4/25 Hello, My Name is Ashley,
and I'm a Banana Repbulican.




I can't help it. I wasn't always this way. I swear. It's just...it's just that their sale prices are so good. And this weekend, not only did they have a sale, they had a sale on sale prices! 40% off all sale items! Let me tell you, I cleaned up. I'm trying my best to save my pennies, but how can you pass up this adorable top (Originally $69.50) that I bought for $17?? Crazy. I also scooped up a pair of jeans and two(!) pairs of shoes for a grand total coming in at under $115. I don't shop often, and I can't remember the last time I bought 4 things at one time. at one store. So there, I've said it. I am a Banana Republican. Is there help for me?

  • Top - Banana Republic
  • Cardigan (in top photo) - BCBG
  • Jeans - Club Monaco
  • Shoes - Banana Republic
  • Ring - BCBG


4/21 It's kind of Friday!
Or rather, my last working day before the Easter Holiday.





Jeff and I are dealing with a job related hiccup currently, and if you know my boyfriend at all, you know he despises hiccups. He's working so hard to get things on track and I couldn't be more proud of his attitude through all of this. Tonight, however, we're leaving all worries behind and headed to a taping of our favorite reality show. I'll let you know more details as soon as I'm able regarding air dates and oh, the title of the show too!
  • Blazer - Express
  • Top - Banana Republic
  • Leggings - Ann Taylor Loft
  • Boots - ?? Macy's a few years back
  • Rings - BCBG
  • Watch - Marc by Marc Jacobs
Happy Easter and God Bless,
Ashley 


4/20 Wednesday Warrior






I bought this scarf a few years back and feel an oomph of chicness whenever I throw it on. The center is a map of New Zealand and features pictures of local birds and different tiki symbols along the border. I'm a tad bit afraid of color as you'll notice and tend to prefer tan, black, grey, faded blues and pinks. Scarves are such an easy way to add color and interest to an outfit. Any other surefire accessories that really go a long way in "making" what you wear just a tad more special?


  • Scarf - Urban Outfitters
  • Tank - Target
  • Cardigan and Shoes - Banana Republic
  • Cords - Gap
  • Ring - BCBGeneration


 4/19 IntellSPECSual

...well I tried to combine "intellectual" and "specs" together and got that title. Hmm, I'll work on it.






I feel so grown up in this outfit. Strange given that the vest is actually part of a little boys school uniform. I also find that when I wear glasses I take on a more introspective persona for the day. Why is that? How can what we wear, or how we perceive ourselves to look on any given day affect not only our attitudes, but also our personalities?

Thank you for joining Deep Thoughts with Ashley, ha!

  • Button Down - Gap
  • Vest - bought somewhere in San Francisco's Chinatown
  • Jeans - J Brand
  • Belt - Gap
  • Shoes - Banana Republic


4/18 I've Got Sunshine on a Cloudy Day



Today has me wishing the weekend weather hadn't left us so suddenly. Our sunshine has turned to squint inducing overcast. I thought I'd make the most of it and put my best Spring-y foot forward. Here's to making today a fabulous Monday!

  • Top - Gap
  • Jeans - Forever XXI
  • Shoes - Nine West
  • Necklace - J.Crew
  • Nail Polish - Essie "Splash of Grenadine"



4/15 Fancy Fridays






Carli has a theory that if she dresses up for Friday she'll have a good weekend. Fridays are fun, and you never know what the after work situation will be. Happy hour, anyone?

  • Blazer - Heritage 1981
  • T-shirt - American Eagle
  • Jeans - Forever XXI (in the 14 year old section)
  • Shoes - Urban Outfitters
  • Sunglasses - Forever XXI

4/13 Ode to Audrey









I adore and idolize Audrey Hepburn in terms of style. She is classy, classic, chic. She is simple, yet perfectly pulled together. She epitomizes Parisienne and American design. Hats off, Audrey. You deserve it!


  • Top and Cardigan - Banana Republic
  • Leggings - Ann Taylor Loft
  • Necklace and Flats - Banana Republic


4/12 Blazin' it Up

Does that sound like a drug reference? It's not. I swear.












I always feel so professional when I pop on a blazer. Crisp, tailored, woman on a mission. The, uh,  photo above doesn't necessarily reflect that.


  • Blazer - Banana Republic
  • T-shirt and Jeans - Forever XXI
  • Shoes - Banana Republic
  • Necklace - J.Crew


4/11 Well, I Live by the Ocean So...

I thought I'd go nautical for the day.

*Warning* Blinding stripes ahead.





One reason for the seemingly vanity gorged outfit of the day posts is so that my dear boyfriend can see that I wear actual clothes during the day. You see, Jeff wakes up really early and is out the door before I'm even out of the shower most mornings. This, my friends, is the benefit of living 1/4 mile from work. I'm also the first one home and, like some, start stripping the moment I set foot in my house. By the time Jeff rolls in I'm just as he saw me last, in a giant t-shirt and yoga pants. I also spend most weekends similarly dressed, as unfortunate as that is, ha! So, to Jeff, "Look babe! All dressed!"

  • Top - J.Crew
  • Jeans - Club Monaco
  • Belt - Gap
  • Shoes - Banana Republic
  • Sunglasses - lonely gas station on I-35 between Austin and Dallas.


4/8 Southwestern Flair Vs. Parisian Chic, dahling.




How bad is it to mix browns and blacks? I kind of like it, but certainly couldn't get away with it everywhere!
  • Top - Levi's
  • Belt and Pants - Gap
  • Shoes - Calvin Klein
  • Ring - BCBGeneration
  • Watch - Marc by Marc Jacobs





Carli says she looks like she's "in mourning." Whatevs, she looks hot!
  • Dress - H&M
  • Tights - no clue!
  • Boots - ideeli.com
  • Earrings - Gift from Ashley
  • Ring - Vintage

 

 

4/7/11 Dots!





look at that face! who am i kidding??

How I made the face I did in the top photo without cracking up, I'll never know. I am feeling the 70's thing today and let the good vibes shine through with my flowy top and aviator shades.

  • Top - Club Monaco
  • Jeans - J. Crew
  • Shoes and Necklace - Banana Republic
  • Sunglasses - Gas Station (seriously)


Carli and I have different ideas when it comes to choosing a "uniform" for life. I thought this may be a fun way to document our day to days.

In the great great words of Little Edie Beale, "I really do feel this is the best costume for the day."

Feedback welcome, we're certainly no experts...

Enjoy!