GOING NATIVE

As a proud Kansas Citian and lover of all things local, I jumped at the chance to sample a toxic-free skin care line from KC-based Native Atlas. The brand embodies beauty in every way possible by producing all natural, organic skin care products while honoring the earth in production ethics.

I tried out a two-step toner and clarifying oil process for two weeks and LOVED the results. As a woman with blemish-prone skin, this line was perfect for controlling oil under hot, humid conditions and protecting my skin from makeup wear and tear, stress and my daily 3-miles.

The toner helps with anti-aging by correcting dark spots and fine lines, a feat I noticed progress in within a week! My favorite of the two was the clarifying oil that make my face feel soft and smooth and appear more hydrated. Check out my results below in my first makeup-free photo... ever.



Native Atlas offers a full line of products for a variety of skin types and purposes.
Shop the line locally at Standard Style or online at nativeatlas.com!

MANUS X MACHINA

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to make a trip to NYC for another Metropolitan Museum experience. Lucky for me, my Met Gala invite was lost in the mail and I was able to view the show in something a little more comfortable than an evening gown. The Met's exhibits never cease to amaze and just like fashion, they evolve with time. Manus x Machina is the Costume Institute's presentation on designer's way of creating balance between hand (manus) and machine (machina) made couture. Couture presentations range from infamous red-carpet looks to 3D printed masterpieces yet to be viewed by the public eye. Below are my favorite looks by coveted designers.

Dior creations from the new millennium. 

Corset-based creations by a variety of couture houses.

Wedding couture by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. AW 2014.

To read more about the exhibition and see additional photos go to: www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2016/manus-x-machina

VIVA LA VEGAS STYLE

While vacationing in Arizona, I was introduced to the new and exciting online shopping experience, Vegastyle Boutique! After learning further about the brand and the owner, I was enthralled in such a fabulous company and received a few looks to try out. Below are featured dresses from the boutique, with a few personal touches. Shop these looks and more on vegastyleboutiqe.com and get 10% off your purchase with code 'Ashley10'! Share your favorite finds in the comments below!

The Faith Dress in Blue Multi

The Elise dress in Dark Green

USE YOUR NOODLE

Senior year presents Strategic Communication students with the most challenging task thus far: campaigns. This class acts as a capstone for a taste of the real-world and an opportunity to work with a living, breathing and opinionated client. Not mentioned in the course catalogue... it's not for the faint of heart.

Students are put into groups that function as agencies. Everyone has a job and we regularly report to the client. In the end, a completed marketing campaign with digital, in-store and budget entities is presented first through a book, then face-to-face. Weeks of all-nighters and late night phone calls with my partners occurred to create a campaign for Noodles & Company. They came to us with a will to reach out to college students and young families. With few guidelines and an immense amount of background information, our minds were welcome to run wild.

In the end, it was the individual's merit that impressed the client and ultimately got us a grade. Chartered Creative set sail on an adventure in taste and we did not disappoint. Check out the campaign in my featured work above!

C H A R T E R E D  C R E A T I V E

NOW, USUALLY I DON'T DO THIS...

... A serious posts that is. I like to keep things light and fun here, but after a lot of reflection I have to lay down some real thoughts and feels. It helps if you sing it along with R Kelly's "Ignition Remix." I already got you started right there at the top, so just keep on keepin' on with a story "hot and fresh out the kitchen."

My first night spent in the city, I was having dinner with my dad in Midtown. Thoughts of safety and the nature of my new life had been the only topic on his mind, understandably, and we spent another meal discussing the present and future.

Anyone that is lucky enough to have spent time with my family knows the character and nature of my father- specifically his ability to spark a conversation with anyone, especially over toddies. So it wasn't unusual when the man next to my dad joined our conversation and shared some words of wisdom.

The man was a native New Yorker and spent most of the conversation telling us about his excursions around the world. His experiences were incredible to say the least. His hands showed us the height and structure of the buildings he has built, his accent demonstrated the tough nature up his upbringing in the Bronx, and eyes sparkled when he talked about his daughters and family. All of this life experience, yet his eyebrows still raised in disbelief upon hearing the fact a Kansas City girl received a position with a top designer. This is a gesture I have become accustomed to from people I meet and whom recognize the Tom Ford name, but after hearing of his extraordinary life, this was the last response I expected from this man.

Before departing, we thanked him for sharing his stories but couldn't leave before being told something that has been ringing in my ears for 3 months:

"New York will rip you apart... then piece you together in a whole different way. You'll never be the same."

Through multiple series of events,  I can say I am an entirely different person. I returned home for a weekend in February and it wasn't the same, waking into my sorority felt different and the room I returned to instantly felt nostalgic and oh-so-John Hughes.

Living, traveling and consistently being alone has brought my a sense of inner peace and acceptance I think I've needed for a long time. College is that weird limbo period of needing mom and dad yet "being on your own."* But this real world experience has granted me the kick in the butt one gets when they have to figure things out for themselves and spend some time alone.

This past Sunday was my first holiday alone and I spent it with the beautiful people and sights of Coney Island. With only one month left of my time in the city, I plan on taking advantage of the spring weather and sharing my adventures more!


*calling the shots on your pizza order.

KC ---> NYC

Life has been a blur since relocating a month ago. Bustling streets, early morning commutes and a busy schedule has kept me from creating and updating. Tom Ford has treated me to a sweet and butt-kicking welcome. After joining in the midst of award season and weeks before the big AW15 show, I got an instant taste of the NYC pace. And I am in love. I  moved here knowing my life would be changed, however I did not expect it to change so quickly. I feel as if I have aged ten years in one month.

The move as brought loneliness and heart-ache with the transition to living with 40 beautiful women in a mansion to myself and a toaster oven in a one bedroom. It's a test of friendship and I can't be more thrilled to find I have the truest and most insanely beautiful group of friends and family. The move has also brought out a sense of pride I would not have experienced otherwise. A few jaw drops and the constant question of, "Wait, so you're here all by yourself?" is enough to make you realize what you're doing is something to be proud of and not take for granted.

I fulfilled a life dream of mine by attending New York Fashion Week in a budget-breaking number and a constant smile of wonder upon my face. Charlotte Ronson was a feminine beaut to watch and was perfected with the musical genius that is her sister, Samantha Ronson.

As a woman that loves to keep busy, I find it difficult to pause and act as a tourist sometimes. My vow to my followers and myself is to return to the act of capturing everything and writing what I see and feel. So here I am, soaking in every second of every experience that comes my way. To exploring and memorizing the streets to conquering the subway lines I am here a month later and looking forward to the next three to come.


xx. Ashley.

ADIDAS RECAP

This has been easily the busiest semester of my college career. Two internships and a part time job? Don't forget two positions in my sorority. Oh.. and sleep? Who needs it when you can cuddle with your studies! Regardless, it has been beyond rewarding as I am packing up to relocate to New York City next semester for the dream internship at a 5WPR agency in their fashion and beauty department. Move over, Carrie!

My adventure with adidas must come to a conclusion and I'm so proud of our team! Here is a recap of the brief but fun semester because we #ownthecampus!