Holiday Look: Elegant and Sassy

Holiday Look: Elegant and Sassy 

It's just about holiday party time. Along with artist-covered Christmas carols, holiday parties are the chart toppers. We're kicking off the holiday looks with a sheer lace maxi dress by Alexis. This detailed lace and cut out number is sure to be a show-stopper. 

xo

Style Me in Stella

Stella and Dot by ashleymarsha featuring a stella dot necklace

I am pleased to announce that I have become a Stella & Dot Stylist! Click here to check out my web page - (http://www.stelladot.com/sites/alm) - and celebrate with me by treating yourself to something sparkly!

Here's a little bit about my 4 favorites featured above...
1. I love the delicate earrings for Thanksgiving dinner with friends and family. Soft and sweet.
2. Christmas kick-off parties start the first week of December, cue the sparkly holiday statement.
3. Long necklaces give a cool style to weekend wear, celeb approved.
4. That gold renegade cluster bracelet! The reason I became a Stylist. 'nuff said.

Also, check back tomorrow to see our first Stella and Dot giveaway!

xo

Designer Spotlight: Sophia Webster

Sophia Webster by ashleymarsha featuring white sandals

I was engaging in a little closet clean out the other week, and it became apparent that I needed to step up my shoe game. The quantity of flats wasn't struggling, and there were some quality high heel peepers, but they were of the tan and black variety. Noticeably absent was a special and unique shoe. Cue young emerging designer Sophia Webster. Her shoes are anything but ordinary... I'd go so far as to say a foot party. Above are some of my favorites. Below is her photo (so cute) and some info from her website. 

Sophia Webster debuted her collection for SS2013 after working as design assistant to Nicholas Kirkwood. She is a graduate of the specialised MA footwear course at the Royal College of Art and the BA degree at the renowned Cordwainers College.

Her academic career was highlighted by many awards, including the Cordwainers at London College of Fashion Award of Excellence (2008), the Drapers Student Footwear Designer of the Year Award (2009) and the Browns Shoe Designer Award (2010). Sophia was applauded for developing a commercially viable and unique aesthetic, incorporating feminine designs with a sophisticated and modern approach. Immediately following her graduation from the Royal College of Art, Sophia was appointed the role of assistant designer to Nicholas Kirkwood.

Sophia Webster was awarded the Conde Nast Footwear New Emerging Designer of the Year award for 2012 and has been given the prestigious New Gen Award, for the third consecutive season, by the British Fashion Council for her forthcoming SS2014 collection.

Travel To: South Africa on safari

Delicious welcome lunch

Rhino

Hyena

Gorgeous sunset

Zebra

Loving the safari

Vulchers

Impala

Rhino mom and baby

Rhino males

Morning break with french press coffee, tea, and rusk

Comfy jeep

Our amazing guide and tracker, Foreman and Jeffery

Rusk - South African biscotti 

Female cheetah

Up close!

Beep beep

Mom and baby elephant

African buffalo

African buffalo heard 

Male lion

Female lion

Learning how to track animals

Coloring on our porch

Luxury tent

Hyena

Male Cheetah

Roarrrrr!

Stare down

I traveled to South Africa this September and October. The first stop was Tanda Tula Safari Camp. Tanda Tula is the epitome of outdoor luxury. Situated on the Timbavati private game reserve, Tanda Tula has approximately 15 luxury tents. I'm not much of a camper (logged in about 5 days total out of 28 years), which was not a problem because these"tents" are complete with a full bathroom, robes, slippers, a king size bed, power, personal porch, and outdoor shower. The food was abundant and absolutely outstanding. The game drives were cozy, informative, and exciting. The friendly staff at Tanda Tula and the attention to detail was beyond impressive. 

Coordination: We did loads of research and also used GotoAfrica.com. They were incredibly helpful with booking, recommendations, and provided us with great rates.

Getting there: Fly to Jo-berg, South Africa then to Hoedspruit. 

Stay: Ideally 3 nights, but anywhere between 2-4 nights is a good amount of time. 

Pack: The list is long but in short: tan lightweight fabrics (Columbia gear was incredible), vest, cashmere sweater, fleece jacket, a couple of casual dinner layered looks.

xo