Friday, May 27, 2011

fancy frump










cardigan  vintage
dress  thrifted
tights  american apparel
shoes  vintage ferragamo

I love mixing something super feminine and fancy with something a bit frumpy, like this crazy lace cardigan and 90's babydoll dress. Contrasts in outfits are always appealing to me. I have one commenter who likes to point out when I am veering into "frumpy" territory and then congratulates me when I go the other way, not realizing perhaps that this is just how I dress (whether or not I'm being photographed), there is no underlying plea for "constructive criticism." What you see is what you get, which is why I will always delete the negative comments because they serve no purpose. Fortunately there aren't too many of those! I found the amazing cardigan at the Vintage Fashion Expo a year ago and I love imagining the glamorous older lady that wore it before me. That Hansel from Basel tote bag has been on my arm nearly every day since I bought it. If my hair looks different in these photos it's because I actually (gasp!) ran a brush through it. Baby steps.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Woah dude! Frumpy is the last word I would use to describe you.

Punky said...

I so just bought that bag. About 10 minutes ago i was telling my boyfriend that i wanted to order the zigzag blanket from urban, but cant because of their drama yesterday. And then you and that bag appear in my rss.

Thank you for the zigzag fix!

Mandi Johnson said...

Perfect combination! I love all of the elements, also, that bag is the perfect addition. Frumpy it is not. Although I understand when you feel super comfortable you can't help but think "frumpy." :)

Amelia said...

i actually like it sans-brushing! haha what a beautiful low maintenance girl. and you're definitely not frumpy. i prefer vintage chic with a hint of a favorite grandma. happy weekend doll! :)

Anonymous said...

i don't think it's too late to change your blog name to Fancy Frump ;)

you do have a special talent for making things that probably look frumpy on a hanger, look quite adorable!

Shelby said...

you're super cute. i love the tote.

Jo - Lost in the Haze said...

You are so cute! <3 I love your bag - and your cardi too! Definitely not frumpy!

x
www.lostinthehaze.com

Melike said...

I did notice that your hair looks amazing in this post!

Unknown said...

Oh isn't it funny and lovely when people mistake blogging for an invitation to provide "constructive criticism?" As another commenter mentioned, frumpy is the last word I would think of to describe you! I love your sense of shape with outfits - I find it very inspiring.

Ruth said...

I love this outfit! I love the quirky combination of textures and patterns. <3

and I do the same things with my vintage--- I always imagine who had it before me, and what it meant to them. For example, when I was 12, I bought a vintage 40's dress and I wore it ALL THE TIME (it sort of set afire my vintage obsession) Anyway, I finally decided to sell it and I can't help but think about how many people have owned this dress, and how many will in the future and what the dress will mean to each of us. It's pretty amazing to me. :)

Sammi said...

The lace cardigan is amazing. Love the look.

Unknown said...

your floral dress is so cute :)

<3 steffy
Steffys Pros and Cons

Zoe Schlacter said...

Your blog is awesome! You have an awesome sense of style, and I love your header!

Lela London said...

You look gorgeous! Love that you rock it in your own way.

Lela London - Fashion Blog

Laura Bray said...

It is my honest opinion that when you are 80 you are going to be the coolest most stylish old lady that ever walked the face of this Earth...and I totally mean that as a compliment

http://wrinkleintimevintage.blogspot.com

Rebecca said...

I wouldn't call this frumpy at all. I like the mixture of colours and textures. The best of outfits need have a little variety going on like this. That tote is pretty great too.

Ameline said...

This is something small I noticed, but I absolutely LOVE how your bright nails add pop to the outfit! So pretty! :)

Anonymous said...

I agree with all these comments! You're outfits are simply inspiring and anything BUT frumpy! You always look lovely!

Emily Blackapple said...

It's so helpful when folks intervene like that. Commentor pal: Not everybody wants to be sellin' the goods in a bodycon getup every darn day.

I think walking the line betwixt prettytown and frumpsville is the very best line.

And you're especially good at it!

anna galkina said...

Oh I love this outfit, you always look so gorgeous. Your style is lovely, it's just everyone is used to seeing so much flesh you look wonderfully mysterious!

Unknown said...

I love your bag so much!



Meanz (Koi Story)

Frannie Pantz said...

I've never seen you as frumpy! I love to mix and match too and I agree. I haven't gotten any negative comments yet (my blog is still a baby), but wouldn't publish them. What's the point? I love your photos too. You have a lovely smile!

Zoë, Lion Heart Vintage said...

oohhh ashley i'm so glad you took a stance on the negative comments. what people don't realize is that whenever fashion bloggers truly express THEMSELVES instead of just passing trends, they will inevitably challenge people that live by trends and are so caught up in that kind of style. i'm just so glad you stick to your guns and dress how you want! and you look absolutely beautiful while doing it!

AlexDylanGrohl said...

ashley don't take it too seriously, i didn't even remember "constructive criticism". i totally forgot about it. just let it go. i personallly like your style and the mixes (paterns, style, ages) you make, but sometimes i don't, but you're right, its your blog and is YOUR style and your choices, if i don't like and oufit of yours, maybe i should try a blog of my own. Forgive me if i was such a pain in the ass before. by the way,LOVE that lace cardigan. great find.

girl and bird said...

frumpy you are not! I love this combo, it's ace!

Annah xx

girlandbird.blogspot.com


ps, i've got a giveaway going on over at my blog, check it out!

Annalise said...

Loving this combo. I'll take frumpster over too tight and too much skin any day. You'll always look gorgeous to me darling.
XOXO