Hey everyone, happy Tuesday! The Bumble and Bustle blog is coming up on its 1-month birthday later this week – almost 1 year for the shop – and let me just say how much fun it’s been! When I started planning content months ago, I came up with four key categories I felt I could (or maybe should) cover – Fashion and Beauty, Health and Fitness, Lifestyle, and Travel and Exploring.
As I started writing, I noticed that very few of my posts are related to fashion. I’m not quite sure why, either. In fairness, I probably get stuck in fashion ruts more often than not, but I don’t think I dress terribly, and I really do love style.
So, today, I’m going to get some fashion help from someone far more stylish than I am. Ashley of www.ashberleen.com lives in the Bay Area with her hubby and pup, and her Instagram feed gives me daily outfit envy.
Photo by Ashley Berleen rocking a Bumble and Bustle mug!
CG: Where do you get inspiration for your style?
AB: Oh goodness, everywhere. My biggest inspiration probably comes from seeing everyone’s style when I’m out and about. We live in a suburb of San Francisco that has a huge outdoor mall and plaza with a ton of restaurants, so it attracts a lot of people from all over the Bay Area. It’s an eclectic variety of styles, so it’s really fun to observe that and get inspiration from it!
CG: What’s your favorite current fashion trend? What about one you don’t love?
AB: My favorite trend right now is everything floral! I think it’s just so pretty and can be worn so many ways! You can do a sweet floral dress with wedges for a feminine spring vibe, or you can go with skinny jeans, a floral top, and a faux leather jacket for an edgy feel. My least favorite trend has got to be the clear plastic accessories or shoes…just not my thing at all!
Photo by Ashley Berleen
CG: What’s your go-to fashion color? And one you simply can’t pull off?
AB: My go-to color is probably a tan/camel color. I think it’s just such a rich neutral that is perfect year-round and goes so well with everything. And I don’t think there’s any color that anyone can’t pull off, you just may need to find a different shade or way to wear it. I will say though…neon is a tough one, haha!
CG: What are your favorite sources for on-trend clothes?
AB: I love shopping at Nordstrom, Target, Goodnight Macaroon, and Loft to name a few!
CG: What other fashion bloggers should we be following?
AB: You need to follow @brightonkeller … she is so incredible and positive! I also love @emilyschuman and @toreystreasures!
(CG NOTE: Emily Schuman is my favorite too!)
Photo by Ashley Berleen
CG: What’s your favorite outfit you’ve posted on the blog?
AB: Oh wow! I actually love this leopard cardigan I posted about a few weeks ago!
CG: Do you have any style advice for those fashionably challenged?
AB: Keep it simple! Buy quality, basic pieces – a great-fitting pair of jeans, basic tees and sweaters, and a good faux leather jacket are great places to start!
CG: Okay, for real, are you this put together every day?
AB: Haha! I love putting outfits together, so most days I’m put together. But today, I’m sitting out the couch still in my pajamas and the same top knot I slept in. Everyone needs a me-day!
Photo by Ashley Berleen
CG: Any other thoughts?
AB: Fashion is about wearing things that make you feel good. No matter what the trend is, always look for things that make you feel confident and happy. It’s so easy in today’s world of Instagram perfection to get bogged down in the comparison game, so my goal is to keep Ashberleen.com a positive, uplifting, and real place. xx
I loved reading this! I like finding new places to find cute clothes 🙌🏻
Me too! Thank goodness for Ashley!