Embracing Chevron Madness

Well, I'm sure you've all noticed that chevron is absolutely everywhere. From fashion to home decor, from wedding cakes to birthday invitations, the chevron pattern (or zig-zag) has taken over. It's madness. 

This pattern has been around for a very long time; for more information on it's origins and the origins of the current trend, read this article. 

For this post I'm wearing my new black and beige chevron dress.

Trends are funny things. They can be fun for sure, and I like to know what's popular from season to season, but it can be a little tiring constantly worrying about whether what you're wearing will be acceptable to others as what's "in".
That being said, I totally love chevron. It's fun, a little whacky, and I honestly believe, a classic.

I believe many are beginning to get tired of the chevron trend right now, but where I live that's not the case yet. It's still everywhere you look, from maxi-skirts and palazzo-pants to luggage and backpacks, it's in just about every store in my town. It seems that it is the tendency of many to develop a disdain for any trend that gains too much popularity. I get that. 

That's not me, though. What I am striving for first and foremost with my personal style is my own happiness. I like knowing what is trending, but that alone is not why I choose to wear chevron. I have loved the chevron pattern ever since I first saw it appearing in my local shops. I finally found a dress in the fun pattern that I like on me, and I am now going to wear it. Whether everyone else is wearing it (or if no one else is wearing it) has little bearing to whether or not I will wear it.

Chevron continues to be wildly popular. People seem to either love it or hate it. I personally love it, and will likely continue wearing this cute dress long after the trend is over.

My chevron dress was bought at my local Factory Connection. The black pumps are from Wal-mart.                              

                                     Thanks for reading!

                                                                     

                                                                       Love always,

                                                                            Ashley

Not-so-Boring Neutrals

Today's post is a cute business-casual outfit. My last post was all about bright colors; this one is all about neutrals.

Black, white, and gray are so classic together; they've stood the test of time. This outfit would work great if you work in an office, at a school, or if you are attending an event where everyone is expected to dress up just a little.

I have always loved argyle. It is a classic print that will cutify any sweater. Or sweater-vest. Or socks. Or anything that comes in a print. Also, I feel that this foux-layered argyle top really channels my inner nerd. Which is fine by me. I heart nerds.

I feel adorable in this outfit, and anything but boring. Sometimes I wanna put on something cute with a pair of pumps even if I have nowhere to go but the grocery store. And that's alright. 

The argyle top was purchased from a local thrift store, the black pumps and gray pencil skirt are from Wal-Mart, and the clutch was a hand-me-down. I spent next to nothing for this whole outfit, and it is one of my favorites. I feel like a million bucks while I'm in it. Best thing ever.

                                                                Love always,

                                                                     Ashley

Loving Colors and Myself

So this is my first post on my blog, Prettiful Style. I am hoping this blog can inspire others to start loving themselves the way I finally did. I got tired of telling myself that I didn't deserve nice clothes, and that I'm too big and oddly-shaped to bother dressing up. One day I just said "Screw it; I look just fine and I'm going to wear what I want."

I just love fashion now, and I don't see why my size or shape should keep me from fully enjoying it.
For this post I chose what is currently my favorite outfit.

 I love bright colors. Too many big girls out there believe they have to restrict themselves to black and other dark colors to try to look slimmer. Don't get me wrong, black is wonderful and is is slimming, but I am just not going to limit myself that way. Sometimes I just want to wear some bright-ass yellow and a loud floral print.

My fashion philosophy is basically this: Wear what you love. If you love it, put it on and be happy. You love color? Wear it! I try not to worry too much about what is or isn't flattering. See, the thing is when you feel amazing in something, whether or not it is flattering, it really shows. There is just a different air about you. Your walk is more confident. The aura surrounding you says "You must now acknowledge me". People will notice that more than anything. Besides when you feel that way about yourself, you don't really care too much about other peoples' opinions.

I really love this outfit. The colors are amazing. The flared jeans, which I think actually are flattering on me, make my legs feel longer. The shoes just might be my favorite of all. These bright teal Comfort Plus pumps by Predictions were on sale at Payless so I scooped them up. They are super comfy for heels. The rest of the outfit, the yellow shirt, the floral cardigan, and the awesome flare jeans, were all bought from a local thrift store. Don't ever let anyone tell you you have to spend a lot to have cute clothes!

                                                              Thanks for reading!
                                                                                                                   Love always,
                                                                                                                         Ashley