Happy {Friend & Family} Friday!

Happy Friday, friends! I am feeling super guilty so I am here to confess- I bought that orange bag and that bow ring from the Kate Spade sale this morning. I couldn't help myself. The bag was only $100 (down from $350) and it felt too good to be true. Judge away. I give you permission. However, I did in fact pay off my last credit card bill- in full. It took quite a bit of time to save up (and now I'm broke until next pay day) but it feels so good to be debt free; Aside from my massive student loan debt. But, hey. I'm chalking it up as a win.

Bag // Wallet // Ring // Bracelet // Blouse // Earrings

The best thing about all of these picks (w/ the exception of the bow ring because it was too cute not to post) is that all of this is already on sale PLUS and additional 30%. Talk about a steal. Will you be partaking in the sale this weekend? What would you get? 

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Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! xx

Prepping For Cold Weather

Since the temps here in Chicago are definitely dropping, I thought I'd round up a few of my favorite coats for Fall. I snagged a Lauren Moffat coat in bright pink last year on super sale.. but I fully believe you can never have enough cute coats. Especially when that's pretty much all anyone sees of your wardrobe from November-March. 

Option 1: Coat Scarf Mittens Loafers
Option 2: Coat Scarf Gloves Flats
Option 3: Coat Scarf  Mittens Boots

Have you spotted any must-have coats lately? Would love to hear about them. Even though I can't buy any for another 13 days of course, :). 

So this weekend..

I went to that nude panting class with my girlfriends that I mentioned last week. And it was definitely an experience. A hilarious one. We brought a few appetizers with and even more bottles of wine & had ourselves a really great time. Apparently I have the maturity level of a 5 year old because I found myself getting rosy cheeks as soon as the model came. But after that initial awkwardness, it was just fun to laugh at our sad attempts at "art". I would show you my painting but it's embarrassing. I am no Van Gogh. 

It brought me to thinking about how important is to make time for all the people in your life. Yes, I was racing like a mad woman after work to get there by 7 with appetizer in hand, but it was SO much fun. And I don't really get to see these girls as much as I'd like so that in itself was a blast. Which leads me to my question- Do you have any fun "girl date" ideas? I'd love to hear some them because getting together more regularly is on the top of my to-do list. 

Happy Weekend!

{via}

I am so happy it is finally Friday. I felt like the weekend would never get here. I'm going back to Bottle & Bottega tonight to celebrate one of my best friend's birthday. Tonight is "ladies night" there which means we will be painting a nude model. I already feel awkward. I plan to bring about 6 bottles of wine to cope so I'm sure my painting is going to to turn out wonderfully. What are you up to this weekend? Anything fun? Whatever you end up doing.. I hope it's fabulous!

Tuesday Tunes

Thought I'd share a few songs helping me get through the week. I have the most random taste in music (just a warning) in that I can go from listening to Britney Spears to Dave Matthews to Jason Aldean in about 3.6 seconds. In unrelated news, 1 week down 3 more to go in my spending freeze. I may not survive but I'm sure trying hard. Hope everyone has a great Tuesday! 

Loving every song on the Lumineers CD this week- especially this one.

He was just on Ellen last week, and I've been stalking all of his music since.

Try not to judge me too much- what can I say? It's catchy.

A nice mellow jam. Ryan Adams, you rock.

Sweater Weather

I did a little fall cleaning this past weekend to try and really narrow down what I need for my closet and what I already have way too much of. I have a lot of sweaters, but not very many I love- which is an issue. If I was not on a spending freeze, I would buy all of these sweaters. Each one I picked is simple enough to be mixed and matched throughout your closet but also has a little bit of detail that makes it more exciting than a plain old pullover. Also, Dorothy Perkins is 20% off regular priced knits so you can get a few of these babies even cheaper than they already are. 

 Happy Friday! 

Row 1: one two three  four

Row 2: one two (favorite!) three four

Operation: Stop Spending All My Money

Well, I'm not going to lie to you. I already messed up my spending freeze. It's not my fault Bauble Bar got a new collection in and I needed this ring and maybe a pair of studs or two. Now I feel guilty. I also feel like I should check myself into Shoppers Anonymous since I couldn't even make it a whole 48 hours without spending money (what is wrong with me?!). Don't get me wrong- I technically could still shop. I mean, that's why I live with my parents. I have saved a good deal of money doing that and have gotten all of my bills to a manageable amount. I have not spent my life savings on shoes or anything like that. After all, I am not an idiot. But I do need to make some changes. I am planning to move out in the spring and would like $0 in credit card bills and whole lotta cash in the bank. So alas, I must start my spending freeze over again today.

But I thought about a few things as I almost purchased the boyfriend jeans I've been wanting from Gap solely because they are 30% off and tempted me every time I opened my web browser. I do not need those jeans. I have about 15 pairs of jeans. Those jeans will not turn me into Rachel Bilson. They will not make me successful or have a fun time this weekend with my friends. Do they provide happiness? Absolutely. And the thought that clothing can bring happiness may be extremely materialistic but I don't really care. It's a fact.

A ton of other bloggers  have done spending freezes and I will be stalking their blogs for advice over these next couple of weeks. Especially Morgan's and {av}'s. And I do not mean to make this sound dramatic, because after all it is just shopping. But at the end of the day I really do have an issue with thinking I need all of these great new things when in all actuality I do not. I also think it will be a fun challenge to work with what I've got in my closet currently & see how I can spice things up.

Wish me luck!

Latley

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I had a lot of fun but spent all day in bed yesterday (clearly I had a little too much fun). It is definitely starting to feel like Fall around here in Chicago and I am l-o-v-i-n-g it. In other news, I am attempting a little "spending freeze" for the month of October. I've made it 1 whole day but I am seriously doubting my will power with all of these fall sales going on. I may need to unsubscribe from every email I get until November 1. Also, I finally got the new iphone5 which means I am no longer left out of the instagram club. My user name is the same as my twitter: ashleybona. So follow long if you'd like! 

Oktoberfest with some of my college roomies & the boyfriend.

Concert outfit with my favorite new skinny's & Frye boots.

Mini pumpkin doughnuts a la here.

View from the Zack Brown Band concert- such a good show!

Bordeaux, Ox Blood, Maroon, etc.

Until this season I did not realize there were about 50 names for this color. Call it whatever you like, but I am dying for a pair of maroon suede heels this fall. In my personal opinion, I consider it a neutral- it makes a statement but is dark enough that you can really wear it with anything (although I don't recommend wearing them with your favorite pair of sweat pants). There are a ton of options- all with a little something different to offer. I am loving the Jessica Simpson ones especially and the price point doesn't hurt either.What fall shoe trends are you loving?

clockwise: one two three four

Fall Thoughts

image available for purchase here

I typically have a hard time following through with things. Not serious things. But things that I plan to do some day- a "bucket list" of sorts. I am really trying to be better about it (especially since I do not get much satisfaction out of my current job position). I've decided I need to find joy in the things outside of work instead, so i figured a fall to-do list is the perfect way to try and stay accountable. 

1. Head to a festival to celebrate Oktoberfest with my family. 

2. Try (3) new recipes from Pinterest (especially one including pumpkins). 

3. Become more conscious of my eating habits (eat out less and eat more veggies!). 

4. Head to a pumpkin farm with the boyfriend- although I may have to drag him kicking & screaming.

5. Have a fall inspired get together with my girlfriends.

6. Carve pumpkins with my little brother and sister. 

7. Build my fall wardrobe staples without spending my life savings. Quality over quantity is key here.

8. Write down something I'm thankful for each week instead of dwelling on the not-so-good.

What are you excited about for Fall?

Cheap Thrills {under $50}

Blouse / Bag / Necklace / Flats (similar) / Pants

I am seriously trying to control my spending for these upcoming months. But, there is something about fall that makes me want to buy everything in sight. Here a few things I'm loving that won't break the bank in case you are like me and have absolutely no self control when it comes to a cute pair of shoes (or blouse, or necklace, etc.) How do you keep yourself on a budget? Any tips? Would love to hear them!

Fall Trend- The LBD

Living in the Midwest, I have always been more of a jeans girl. It's just easier- especially when half the year it's below 50 degrees and there is snow on the ground. That being said, this past summer I really tried to focus on buying a few dresses- primarily due to their ease. Now that Fall is just around the corner, I am on the hunt for a LBD (can you believe I do not own one currently? Nuts.) and I plan to purchase one with a little detail to make it unique. Whether it be a little leather detailing or a peter pan collar, I hope to find something that is timeless but still has a little something special to it. Any LBD's you're loving lately? Please share!

So long, Summer

via

Happy Friday! Even though I'm sure it will stay fairly hot outside for a few more weeks, it definitely feels like the end of summer. No more half-day Friday's for me.. sad. As much as I love fall (and fall clothes) I could use about 3 more months of 90 degrees because as soon as it's Fall here in Chicago.. well, it might as well snow. 

This weekend I'm watching my little brother and sister while my parents are in Sonoma, CA drinking wine and enjoying many delicious looking cheese trays. They've already sent me about 500 photos to make me jealous. I'm totally expecting a case of wine when they return. 

But besides babysitting, I'll be: 

- Checking out Toby Keith's new bar outside of Chicago with the boy and a few friends. 

- Continuing my 15K training with a 2 mile run (this may seem like a short distance but with a slight hangover from tonight I'm sure it will feel like 10 miles). 

-Watching my first Badger game of the season- with a bloody mary in hand. 

- Attending a baby shower for my cousin and spending QT with the fam. 

- Sneaking a few minutes by the pool to enjoy some end of summer sunshine.

What are you up to this weekend?

Zara Moment

There is something about Fall clothing that I absolutely love. I find it much easier to shop than Spring or Summer clothing. I promised myself I wouldn't post about Fall until after Labor Day but I lack decision making skills and need your help. I am in love with everything at Zara currently - like every other month. And I've narrowed it down to 2 pieces that can be worn now so I feel a little better. Do I go with the Striped Peplum Jacket or Leather Top with Lace Sleeves? And also, if you had to choose a smoking flat which would you choose? I am leaning towards the Studded Slipper but can't decide on a color. Help! 

Pick a Pair

I have had my eyes on the Irina Pump for several months now after I saw my boyfriend's sister wearing a pair. They were the perfect neutral shoe (without being boring black or nude). I found them on endless and saw that they were on major sale (perfect!) but then came my dilemma: I also saw these Kelsi Dagger Pumps that were very similar and only $50. I knew that my budget could afford either, but did I really want to spend $150 on a pair of shoes right now? With both pairs having great reviews, I ultimately chose the cheaper of the two. And to top my good luck off, endless is offering 20% off with the code FASHION1. At the end of the day I got those bad boys for $39 and they are on their way to my house already (with free express shipping). Talk about a style steal. 

Get The Look

I came across this image and it instantly reminded me of the street style I'd see in Paris. It's a combination of closet staples thrown together effortlessly. I love the neutral palette with a pop of red in the lips (and I added a little more with the red smoking flat). I'll take one of everything please. 

image via

SHOP THE LOOK:

Weekend Wardobe

Happy Friday! I don't know about you, but I am more than ready for the weekend. I have a lot going on at work and have spent many 12 hour days trying to get it done. I have until next Friday to finish everything- but that just means next week will be just as busy. Needless to say- I will be enjoying every second of my weekend break. Tonight I'm celebrating one of my best friend's birthdays at The Cedar Hotel and meeting up with some college girlfriends. Tomorrow I'll be heading to the suburbs to work on my suntan (with plenty of SPF on) and hopefully I'll make it up to Lake Geneva Sunday for some time on the boat. Do you have anything fun planned?

I put together 2 outfits that I wish I was wearing this weekend out with my girlfriends. I'd wear the daytime outfit shopping/brunching and the nighttime outfit for dinner and drinks.My favorite aspects have to be those J.Crew shorts and those J.Crew pumps. It's safe to say I have the J.Crew fever for fall. I also have that F21 necklace on today at work with my striped Stylemint Tee and I'm officially in love with it- and you cannot beat the $10 price tag. What's your ideal outfit for the weekend?

GET THE LOOK:

Honesty.

via

Honestly, I've been feeling very discouraged as of late- which is why there have been very few blog posts these last few weeks. I can't really put my finger on a specific reason for it, but I definitely need to start making some changes. I'm only 23 and have had a full time job since graduating from college last May so I am lucky in that sense. However, the position I'm currently in makes me miserable and is not at all what I'd like to be doing (I didn't know this before taking the position). 

I studied merchandising/retailing/business in college and I truly enjoyed all of my classes and internships- but somehow I feel like I chose the wrong path. Mainly because I loathe my job and I don't want to leave Chicago. I feel as if I would realistically need to move to the east or west coast to  pursue a career I actually enjoy in the retail industry. There just aren't enough companies here and a lot of them only offer the position I currently work in. I grew up in Chicago; My whole family is here, my friends are here, and my boyfriend is here. I already spent 4 years doing long distance and that is just not in the cards for me anymore (my sanity thanks me for that decision). 

I have some semblance of a savings account, but I also have a car payment, tons of student loans, and a whole lot of other bills. So realistically taking an unpaid internship in something I do enjoy or taking off to Europe for a few months is just not feasible. I enjoy marketing but have much more experience in retail and  am not sure I'm even qualified for any positions I've seen. I use this blog as a way to be creative and focus on things that truly make me happy. But even here, I'm feeling uninspired.

This post is not meant as one big complaint and I apologize if it comes across as that, but I need a new direction and could use a little help. Which door do I choose? Stick it out and hope it gets better or move on to something new? What do you do when you're feeling discouraged? I'm in a serious funk and any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. 

Wallet Friendly Polka Dots

I was hesitant to write this post because I am currently feeling very overwhelmed by polka dots. They are taking over the fashion world/life in general. Don't get me wrong, I love them. But they are definitely overexposed. I love the idea of a polka dot blazer (especially in black) it's versatile and looks great with pretty much anything. I saw Emily post an outfit with the Madewell version today and loved the look- but could not justify spending $138 on a polka dot blazer. I won't even spend that much on a regular blazer. This Forever 21 find is the perfect solution- while its shape is a little less flattering, at $113 less I'll take it. 

Small Statements.

Since I'm looking to move down into the city in the next few months, I've been trying to curb my spending. I somehow doubt it will really happen since fall clothes are my favorite and it would just be plain wrong not to buy a few things. There's no reason you need to break the bank though. I've put together a bunch of accessories I'm loving- and the best part is that all of them will transition into the fall weather (in my opinion at least). Simple things- like a quirky watch with a mustache- can transform a sweater & jeans into something much more. 

Scarf Watch Earrings Pouch Bangles Necklace Satchel Belt Sunglasses