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!

OWNING THE CAMPUS WITH ADIDAS

Junior year has brought a new endeavor: adidas. adidas created a great line catering towards select schools, KU included, and I have been acting as a brand ambassador to drive students toward these styles. I love what I do and these past two years have made it clear I am in the right field!

Check out what the team has been up to:

WHITE HOT SUMMER

Michael Kors Medium Selma Top-Zip Satchel from Michael Kors. White and Gold Hermes Clic Clac from Threadflip.com.  Little White Lies White Crotchet Tunic from ASOS. $120. White iPad mini from Target. $299. White Michael by Michael Kors white plate jelly sandals from Nordstrom. $49. 

I've gone a little crazy this summer. After a trying school year, I wanted to treat myself to the pieces I've been eying throughout sophomore year. Turns out, it went with a theme. 

MY INTERVIEW WITH KC FASHION DESIGNER ANDREA LONG

KU alumae and Kansas City native Andrea Long made waves at the most recent Kansas City Fashion Week in March with her feminine and classic designs. Since first participating in the show in Spring 2013, Long has become a household name among Midwest fashionistas.

I got the incredible opportunity to sit with Long and talk about her start, present and future in designing. Check out my interview below!

KEEPIN' UP WITH ASOS

My love and work for ASOS continues this semester as I plan and coordinate events to promote the brand. The latest was a spring break event only complete with a photo shoot and scavenger hunt it was a blast hanging out with friends and rewarding them with ASOS goodies. 

Next up: Finals study break in 2 weeks! I can't believe my experience with ASOS is almost at it's end but I can't be grateful enough for the experience and lessons it has taught me in planning, promoting and communication. Cheers to ASOS!

ASOS SPRING BREAK

This week, I hosted my first big ASOS event of the spring semester. I lock started spring break with fun activities to promote ASOS including a photo booth and a scavenger hunt. Here are some of my favorite images!

DESIGNER DIGS FOR A COLLEGE BUDGET

Us college girls are always trying to be on top of our fashion game but it always comes at a price. We want the latest and greatest... with some left over cash to hit the bars after the shopping spree in our new digs. Stores both online and down the street have made desginer brands easily attainable for those of us on a budget. Check out some of my favorites!

Target: Surprise! Target does carry designer labels. Target collaborates with popular and upcoming deisgners for seasonal collections. Their most recent collab is with the dynamic duo Peter Pilotto. Pieces range from $16.99-$79.99.

6pm: 6pm is another online store with fabulous markdowns on your favorite brands. There is no annoying subscription and there's a new special every week! Check out Fossil, Frye, Cole Haan and French Connection. 6pm offers free shipping and returns as well!

Plato's Closet: Sift your way through the loaded racks of Plato's Closet to find the hottest brands. They carry a variety of clothing, shoes and accessories of a wide range of prices and styles. I found my favorite Jeffrey Campbell shoes here for only $17! A little digging and searching is worth it for the amazing deals you can find here. Most of the clothes are gently used. however there are quite a few items with tags still attached!

Nordstrom Rack: Ever wonder where your favorite pieces from Nordstrom go when it's out of season? They go to the Rack! Nordstrom's Rack is Nordstrom's little sister that house the mark downs and season's past of Nordstrom. Find everything you love and buy from Nordstrom including jewelry, accesories, clothing, shoes, perfume, makeups all discounted. The Rack carries the same brands as Nordstrom like Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, French Connection and Dior, That Michael Kors satchel you've been eyeing? It's now 50% off at Nordstrom's Rack!

ASOS: Online fashion giant, ASOS, offers British and upcoming American designers at a range of prices. They carry brand favorites like Free People, Mink Pink and Vivienne Westwood. They're quality is undeniable and they literally sell any clothing item imaginable! Check out the sale items- up to 70% off designer and ASOS labels, everyday! And shipping and returns are free!

TJ Maxx: Become a "maxxinista" by shopping at TJ Maxx for your favorite designer labels. However, they specialize in handbags and accessories when it comes to designer labels. They carry Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Steve Madden at discounted prices! The perfect place to look like a diva without breaking the bank.

NYFW FROM YOUR SCREEN

You don't have to be a New York native or a celeb to check out the glitz and glam of NYC Fashion Week. This past week, I took pride and joy on consistently creeping my way through the week on my favorite designer's and blogger's Instagrams. Check out my favorite moments as seen through the eyes of the designers!

Lela Rose's entire collection features shades of ivory
and white with delicate silver and gold decals.
You'll be swooning... and planning your wedding.

The fierce and feisty collab of Mark and Estel
brought NYFW a trendy and wearable ensemble.



The gorgeous gowns of Zac Posen.

Black and Sparkle glam from Jill Stuart!



My favorite set: Diane von Furstenberg

MY PICKS FROM PETER PILOTTO FOR TARGET

Peter Pilotto takes the term "mix and match" to a whole new level with his new line for Target. This fun and funky collection makes dressing for spring break a trendy breeze. The patterns are bright, the colors, eclectic and the collection? Perfect. Do some spring cleaning and make room for these closet must haves! The collection includes blouses, tanks, shorts, skirts, pants, (stop for breathe), sunnies, towels, swim wear, beach shoes and totes! Check out my favorites and find your when the line hits Target stores tomorrow!

THE DRESS CUT FOR EVERY BEAUTIFUL BOD

The Pear: This figure comes with a small waist and a little junk in the trunk. Choose a dress that will flatter your figure by finding the perfect cinched waist. This will emphasize your small waist and add a little flare to show off your bootilicious curves. If your feeling feisty, channel Christina Aguilera for a tighter look to rock your perfect curves!


Petite: Find the perfect dress for the smaller woman by not loading on the fabric. Keep it minimal to show off your petite figure with a bodycon dress. Just remember this tip: your dress should be long enough to cover the goods but short enough to keep it interesting! Eva Longoria is the perfect example of a well-dressed, petite woman!

Short Torso: Shout out to girls like me! Not to be mistaken with the petite figure, the short torso often has long legs; perfect for a line- dresses that create elongating lines to make your mid-section appear longer. Check out my look from my December formal!

Hourglass: Nothing is sexier than a pin- up figure. Work those curves with a flared skirt and corset bodice that shrinks your waist and emphasizes your beautiful curves. We all know Kim Kardashian is the queen of rocking her curves and dressing them properly. Work it, honey!

Busty: Maintain the girls with a thick-strapped dress. The straps will keep you comfortable while adding extra support for the perfect look and feel. Choose the bodice you like best whether it be flared or a line! Channel diva, Jennifer Hudson for inspiration!

Shorts Legs: Make your legs appear longer with the magic of maxis! Maxi dresses and skirts create the same illusion as the a-line for petite women by creating straight lines, elongating your legs.  Pair with heels or wedges for that extra boost! Vanessa Hudgens is a frequent wearer of maxi dresses to create this illusion!

The Apple: If you carry most of your weight in your mid-section, choose loose fitting dresses that wont cling and stick to your body. Dress it up and make it flirty with fun patterns and cuts! This look is perfect and breezy for summer or pair with tights to keep warm in the winter. The ever-funny Rebel Wilson perfected this look and cut and looks beautiful while doing so!

Small Chested: Volumize your chest by choosing dresses with fun and flirty ruffles. The ruffles along with other accents will create a feminine look and emphasize the chest area! Natalie Portman is the perfect model for this look!

*All pictures were used with permission from Creative Commons.

A SIT DOWN WITH STYLE BLOGGER, KAITLIN OBERMEYER

Meet HerCampusKU’s newest Style Blogger, Kaitlin Obermeyer! Kaitlin attends KU from her hometown of St. Louis to major in Photography and Strategic Communications. I asked her some questions about life, fashion and photography:

Ashley : What do you consider your closet must-have?
Kaitlin: Heeled booties, I’m somewhat of a shoe addict.
Ashley: Purse must-have?
Kaitlin: I love my little boxed satchel from Francescas. It is the perfect carry-all item.
Ashley: What is the one item you can’t live without?
Kaitlin: Liquid eyeliner.
Ashley:  In a crunch or just for casual shopping, what is your go-to store?
Kaitlin: Anything on (KU’s) Massachusetts Street: White House Black Market, Urban Outfitters, and Francescas.
Ashley:  Do you have a favorite brand?
Kaitlin: Similar to my favorite stores; White House Black Market and Urban Outfitters.
Ashley: What is your go-to date outfit? I want every detail!
Kaitlin: Jeans and booties. I like to keep it casual and fun so it’s a little flirty but not intimidating.

When asking Kaitlin more about her fashionable past and present, she explains her mom is her fashion inspiration. She states, “I think my mom is more fashionable than me sometimes.” Kaitlin is often seen her mother’s fun and funky clothes from the ‘80’s, looking cool and stylish. However, Kaitlin’s style is versatile and often rocks the rocker-chic look in denim and motorcycle boots. Since she is a photography major she focuses on snapping pictures more than standing in front of the camera. Her favorite photographer is fashion guru, Nigel Barker, most popular for his spot on America’s Next Top Model.

Ashley: So, can you sum up your style in a few words?
Kaitlin: Each day is different.

Pictured: Kaitlin rocks White House Black Market jeans, and Express top and her go-to Nine West booties.

Where to find her: Kaitlin will be contributing weekly to Her Campus KU’s Style Blog. You can also find her in her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, as the Purchasing Coordinator and a part of the Photo Media Student Advisory Board. Kaitlin is also the photographer for KU’s STAC and a worship and social team member of Christian Crusade.

Check out her work here: http://www.behance.net/Obermeyer

WORK TO PLAY: CLOSET STAPLES

I figured out quickly college will never be an equal balance of work and play. To me, it feels like 1 hour of play for every 10 hours of work. That is something no one will tell you when you move your entire closet into your 3x4 dorm closet. Leave those trendy, one season clothes behind and stick to the basic with a few statement pieces. Whether you're still making it through the best four years of your life or the real world has come your way, fashion doesn't have to stray away when you're working a 8-5 day. Check out these simple transitions from work to play with common closet staples.

The Oxford

Oxford: American Eagle.
Skirt: Cotton On.
Necklace: Premier Designs
Nude Heels: Target. Vest: Banana Republic.
Weave Heels: Jeffrey Campbell. Jeans: ASOS

The oxford is a common closet blouse and a must have for fashion savvy busy bees. Considering the oxford is so versatile, it is easy to take it from work to play in a quick change. Start with a statement necklace you can envision in both environments, this dresses up a plain oxford. I love lacey skirts, any business, casual skirt in general will work with an oxford, I chose a coral color for contrast and finished off the look with nude heels.
Take it to the streets: High waisted is in again, cue the '90's. I love my black, high waisted pants from ASOS.com! Jeffrey Campbell is my number one shoe designer; check out these weaved ones that are my prized possession accompanied by another winter trend: fur. This fur vest was presented to me on Christmas and comes from Banana Republic.

 LBD

Dress: Forever 21. Kimono: Free People. Flats: Target.
Necklace: Charming Charlie.

Dress: Forever 21. Vest: BP. Shoes: Target.
Necklace: Charming Charlie.

Okay, so this may be an easy one but the little black dress is a must for simple, classic style that is extremely versatile. The key to remember is material. Usually I think of denim or leather for going out which is why I chose these two looks for the transitions. I am blessed with a business casual dress code that enables me to look professional while still maintain my style, hence the kimono. It covers the shoulders while still showing off the classic LBD. With a simple necklace and shoes it is perfect for a day on the job. Switch to the nightlife: I love my denim vest and have paired it with my LBD numerous times. I chose a statement necklace and heels to give a little pop of color and shine to a classic girl's night out ensemble.

Nude Flats



Necklace: Charmin Charlie. Top: ASOS.
Skirt: ASOS. Shoes: Target.

Necklace: Charmin Charlie. Top: BP.
Pants: Gap. Shoes: Target.

Nude flats are another easy transition item. Start the day with a simple, button up top and slacks. A statement necklace is a fun way to add a little personal sparkle to often drab work attire. Switch to your sassy side when the clock strikes 10 with a crop and bandage skirt. Be fierce with a statement necklace but keep it safe and comfy with your trusty pair of flats!