How To: Crown Braid

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Crown braids are effortlessly cool and chic for an easy summer styling. The best thing about the crown braid is that it works amazingly well for different occasions as they are extremely versatile. From the catwalks to celebrity style,  braids add a unique touch to everyday wear.

One of the best “how-to” videos I have found is from Free People. Always on trend and going a step further, the artists at Free People go a step further by adding colored dye to the classic crown style. Check out this how-to video to create a crown braid look of your own.

Watch the video HERE.

Five Favorites: Peasant Top

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Peasant tops are are great transitioning piece from cold to warm weather. Available in basic neutrals or super bright colors – these tops are both relaxed and casual.

Slip into a breezy peasant top and pair with your favorite denim, white and/or colored. Equally cute with shorts and skirts, marry the look with some ankle boots and a floppy hat. Peasant tops also make a great beach coverup.

Designers continue to offer peasants tops in many styles but the one constant is their flowy and breezy nature. Appealing to all body types, this top will work hard in your closet all-year-long.

Here are five favorites:

Joie ~ Meliana Embroidered Gauze Blouse: $198.00

Urban Outfitters ~ Ecote Split Back Embroidered Tank Top: $49.00

Anthropologie ~ Embroidered Aureolin Tunic: $98.00

Urban Outfitters ~ Embroidered Bazaar Cami: $54.00

Free People ~ Rolling Stone Woven Top: $118.00

Festival Accessories: Free People

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Nobody can get you festival-ready like Free People. The uber-boho brand exemplifies true festival style.

Try stomping around the fairground in rugged ombre leather boots, decking out your arms in bangles, or trying-out some bohemian headgear.

No need to scour the web with this one-stop-shop. Here are a few of my favorite festival accessories from Free People:

Keaton Sunglasses: $18.00

Zig Zag Banded Panama: $38.00

Printed Widebands: $18.00

Dipped Phoenix Boot: $398.00

Avery Sandal: $85.00

Alex Convertable Backpack: $258.00

Hard Bangle Set: $28.00

La Luna Ring: $113.00

Marisa Haskell Leather Fringe Breastplate: $188.00

Festival Fashion Favorites

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From Coachella to Bonnaroo, festival season is in full swing. If you’ve ever wanted to try-out crop tops, flower crowns, flowing maxis and fringy frocks this is the time (and maybe all at once). These festivals are just as much about the fashion as it is about the talent on stage. Here are a few of my favorite festival looks:

Mara Hoffman ~ Psychic Readings Maxi Dress: $242.00

Étoile Isabel Marant ~ Salome Printed Cotton Shorts: $225.00

Free People ~ Convertable Romper: $98.00

KSUBI ~ Alberceque Distressed Denim Shorts: $180.00

Free People ~ FP ONE Imperial Palm Pintuck Dress: $118.00

4th of July Fashion

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Fun, 4th of July Fashion.

Eugenia Kim: Max 7 Raffia Fedora, A.P.C: Washed Denim Playsuit, Converse: All-Star Premium Flag, Free People: Tattered Flag Scarf, Madewell: Perfect Racerback Tank, Haute Hippie: American Flag-Print Stretch-Denim Shorts, Steve Madden: Pita Boot, Urban Outfitters: Flag Wayfarer Sunglasses, Enza Costa: Stripe Tank, Citizens of Humanity: Avedon Low-Rise Skinny Jeans, TKEES: Lipstick Red Leather Sandals

Summer Must-Have: Crochet

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Crochet is one of this summer’s hottest trends. Available in an array of eye-catching tops, dresses, bottoms, swimwear and accessories, the look reflects laid-back summer months and bohemian style.

No longer personified by sweaters knitted by grandmothers, the art of crochet has evolved to the runways. Used by many top designers, the fashion reflects a 1970’s revival with a modern aesthetic. One cannot discuss crochet and knitwear without mentioning Missoni (pants shown above). Missoni has elevated knitwear to an artform. One of the first to graduate from the heirloom to the use of technology, Missoni designs are not only universally recognizable but perennial.

To keep your crochet look fresh, find pieces that can be layered with modern favorites. Try pairing an adorable crochet mini dress with some ankle boots. Or add a distressed tee or tank to a pair of crochet shorts, skirt or pants. Or add a little edge by replacing the plain tee with a vintage rock band tee.

Crochet pieces can be extremely versatile. A loose-fitting crochet top or tunic can be layered over a camisole, bikini top, body-con dress or maxi. Instantly providing weeks of wear.

During the warm summer months we often seek-out effortless fashion. Become a crochet-convert with a few of my favorite pieces:

Free People ~ New Romantics Crochet Variety Dress: $69.95 (sale)

Nightcap Clothing ~ Tribal Fringe Tunic: $275.00

Missoni ~ Phyliss Crochet-Knit Wide-Leg Pants: $516.00 (sale)

Free People ~ Crochet Monokini: $168.00

Urban Outfitters ~ Tallow Crochet Tote Bag: $49.00

Girl. By Band of Outsiders ~ Cleo Crochet-Knit Shorts: $469.00 (sale)

Tribal Trend: Accessories

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Tribal-inspired jewelry is on trend this season. Available in chunky bib necklaces, stacked resin bangles, angular earrings and bold rings, these pieces look effortlessly exotic. Experiment with mixed materials and textures including: wood, feathers, metals and fabrics. Play with color and natural elements then just layer them all together. Perfect for upcoming music festivals this look exemplifies a bohemian spirit.

Free People ~ Bay Avenue Engraved Geo Bracelet: $28.00

Piperlime ~ Sabine Tribal Pendant Necklace: $22.00

RevolveClothing ~ House of Harlow 1960 – Totem Pole Earrings: $65.00

Endless ~ Fiona Paxton Tribal Goddess Midnight Arrowhead Ring: $175.00

Forever 21 ~ Textured Bracelet Trio: $7.80

Shop Your Closet: One Style/Four Outfits

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Style simple pieces of clothing with a belt and increase the versatility in your closet. From rompers to maxi dresses, a belt can effortlessly add interest to any outfit. Not only is cinching the waist with a belt figure-friendly, it can provide a more casual style to dressy pieces. Thus, enabling you to get more wear out of items in your closet.

Look for simple, subdued belts. A lot of bells and whistles will pull all the focus to `it. I love buttery-soft brown leather belts, distressed and treated to look as though you have had it for years. (Favorite Brands: J.Crew/Lucky Brand/Free People/H&M) 

Next time you are in a pinch… cinch!

Revolve Clothing ~ Blue Life: All Day/All Nighter Jumper: $132.00

Net-A-Porter ~ Michael Kors: Belted Crepe-Jersey Jumpsuit: $140.00

Shopbop ~ Only Hearts: Long Gown: $64.00

Shopbop ~ Only Hearts: Keyhole Romper: $106.00

Valentine’s Day: Free People Breakfast in Bed Romper

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Valentine’s Day is a church sanctioned holiday deemed February 14 since 498 A.D. The exact origins of the celebration are somewhat unclear. It is still uncertain exactly who the celebrated saint of love really was.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl * who may have been his jailor’s daughter * who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

However celebrated, I recommend breakfast in bed. A simple gesture that instantly makes one feel spoiled and loved.

This adorable romper by Free People will keep you cozy and in the mood to be pampered. The material is thin enough to layer and comfortable enough to want to wear all day. So if you do decide to get out of bed (not recommended), throw on some jeans and you are ready to go.

❤Happy Valentine’s Day!❤

Weekend Ensemble: Free People

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This Labor Day Weekend experiment with some textured shorts. Suede, leather or corduroy can update a look instantly.

These Free People suede shorts introduce a bohemian vibe to an outfit. I love the colorful detailing of the belt that sits nicely against these textured shorts. Paired with a simple tee and ankle boots, you will be ready for any occasion.

Test drive a boho-chic look this 3-day weekend and try-on texture.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Ashling

Weekend Ensemble: Free People

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Off to Palm Spring for a relaxing girls weekend!

Cut-offs and a summer sweater will be just the right amount of clothing for the hot days and cool nights. This outfit from Free People is casual and comfy and will be perfect for desert-style.

Gotta Run! Have a wonderful weekend!

Ashling