Merry Birthday

 

Merry Christmas! Or if you're also born on the 25th, happy birthday to you! Being a Christmas baby is weird but I also know that my birthday gets a little extra love from those closest to me. It might be a pity move but you know, I love it haha! Bianca and I wanted to take cute photos before a massive storm hit us here right before Christmas. We had such a wonderful time walking around historic buildings, visiting barn animals and talking to the staff. We used to do this a lot before she was in school and it had me nostalgic for that time when she was a little baby. I'm just glad that our special one on one time is still cherished by the both of us.

Top- Blackwood Castle

Pants- Dressed in Lala

Hat- old

Shoes- Dr. Martens

Bag- c/o La Femme En Noir

Necklace- Disturbia

Bianca's Dress- c/o Ivy City Co.

I don't wear pants on the blog very often but these were too good to keep secret! I love a high rise wide leg pant and these are absolute perfection. The spooky print got my attention and the great yet comfy fit was the cherry on top. They have deep side pockets, back pockets and an elastic back waist. I'm always a fan of an elastic back because that means they'll fit my backside *and* my waist. I'm comfortably wearing a size small. I had to pair it with one of my favorite pieces: the Alice top from Blackwood Castle. This top is so versatile (I've worn it a few times on this blog) and gets so much wear. Plus, I love supporting them because they are an incredible small business.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season! I'm ready to see what's in store for 2026 and I can't wait to share little pieces of those times here.

xoxo

Ashley

McCallister

 

Can you believe it? We are almost finished with 2025! The year has been *something* but overall I've really enjoyed the memories I've made with my family and the opportunities I've had as a creator. It's probably the main reason why I haven't had as much time to post here! While it's been a little quieter, I'm still happy to update this blog with my favorite outfits and this Selkie dress has a special place in my heart. I wore it for our 2025 holiday cards and decided to snap a few solo shots for this post. If you read my last blog, this is the exact same dress but in a holiday themed plaid print.

Dress- Selkie

Shoes- Steve Madden

As I've mentioned before, the Cupid dress from Selkie is probably my favorite style they offer. Although you can't wear a bra underneath (due to the corset back) I feel like the bodice is extremely supportive. In the Bats version of this dress I took a medium, which I now realize was a mistake. I'm wearing my usual size small in this version and it fits so much better! I ended up getting the small in the Bats too because I was swimming in the medium. I also decided not to bustle the sides of the dress to show you what it looks like unpinned. I think I like the bustled option better but I love that it has a bit of versatility. Unfortunately, this dress is currently sold out but they make it in many colors and prints. I can't decide if that's a good thing or not (definitely not for my wallet).

I'm planning on one more post for the year but in case it doesn't work out, I want to say happy holidays! I know this year was tough for so many of us and I'm just glad that you're here and that we get to connect in this very small but very meaningful way. Sending you the best for the rest of the year and for 2026!

xoxo

Ashley

Sky Full of Bats

 

Now that I've mourned the passing of Halloween this year I can focus on other things: mostly spooky inspired things. Selkie recently dropped this Bats and the Bees print so of course I had to grab something to add to my collection. This is my first Cupid dress from them but certainly not my last. I feel like an absolute princess!

Dress- Selkie

Shoes- Steve Madden

Bag- Wicker Darling

Hat- old

Bracelet- Forever 21

The Cupid dress has so many stunning features that I don't know where to start! The bodice is a true corset with boning and a lace up back. The bust features underwire and bust cups (not my favorite) and the skirt is voluminous with the option to bustle it. I'm currently wearing it bustled but it looks beautiful on its own.

What I love: The print is my favorite print Selkie has ever offered. It's feminine but also spooky so it speaks right to my soul. I love the corset bodice. I'm not wearing anything underneath and I feel gorgeous and comfortable. I will also buy everything with a basque waist because it's always flattering on me. I truly love so many things about this dress and hope to add more to my closet soon!

What I'm not loving: As I mentioned earlier, the bust cups. I know that every body is different and unfortunately, I have to size up to get my bust to fit into cups. I'm a straightforward size small in Selkie but I sized up to a medium for this one. I kinda wish I hadn't because I can completely close the corset back and it still feels big. I'm also not a big fan of the gold lace trim but I can live with that.

You can find many different pieces in this print and lots of other Cupid dresses on the Selkie website now. What version of the Cupid dress should I grab next?

xoxo

Ashley

A Vampire's Kiss

 

Happy Halloween! Today is my favorite day of the year and I'm really leaning into my true form. Although this Ellen dress is based off a style our heroine wears in Nosferatu, I feel like it works as a great witchy dress too. There's nothing more chic than a black dress and this one has so many stunning features. Today felt like the right day to give it some love!

Dress- c/o La Femme En Noir

Boots- Steve Madden

Hat- The Beheaded

Rings- Disturbia and vintage

Necklace- Disturbia

Petticoat- c/o Vixen by Micheline Pitt

The Ellen dress is made from a sturdy cotton sateen and has one of my favorite features: statement sleeves. Close up you can see how much shirring and ruffles there are, it's truly a work of art! The neckline is off the shoulder and has beautiful lace trim. The basque drop waist has that elegant Victorian feel and the skirt is full with deep hidden side pockets. The zip closure makes this dress easy to step into and go. I'm wearing my usual size small and it is a structured yet comfortable fit. This fabric is non-stretch so make sure you choose your size wisely!

This dress is currently on pre-order (it sold out the first time around) but it's going to be shipping *very* soon! You can check out this dress, the film accurate version and the rest of the Nosferatu collection HERE.

xoxo

Ashley

Katrina

 

Is there anything more spooky season coded than watching a Tim Burton movie? Bianca recently watched Sleepy Hollow for the first time and *loved it*. I had those same sentiments when I saw it for the first time but I wasn't nearly as brave as she was! La Femme En Noir has licensed collections for a few Tim Burton movies but Sleepy Hollow has such a hold on my heart. I have been eyeing this Katrina dress for literal years and I'm glad it's now in my collection. It's absolute perfection.

Dress- c/o La Femme En Noir

Bag- c/o La Femme En Noir

Shoes- Steve Madden

Hat- vintage

The Katrina dress is a homage to Katrina Van Tassel's fabulous New York City outfit in the film. I remember seeing it for the first time on screen and falling in love! This version is tea length, so it has versatility (a much as I love period accurate pieces they tend to sit in my closet for eternity). It features a thick and stretchy fabric, ruffle detail on the neckline and bust, ruffled 3/4 sleeves, a-line skirt with deep hidden side pockets and is finished with a back zip and removable black grommet belt. As usual, I'm wearing a size small and it's the perfect fit.

I love that there's a matching pumpkin bag! I'm carrying the baby version and it fits everything I need for a brisk walk into the woods. Both versions of this bag are currently on sale so make sure to grab yours!

Tomorrow is the first of October and I'm not quite ready for it to be here. I feel like I anticipate this season all year and it always passes by too quickly. I'm going to enjoy every single day but like, I need more! Hope you enjoy spooky season as much as I do!

xoxo

Ashley