Friday, December 19, 2025

McCallister

Selkie The McCallister Cupid Dress Southern California Belle
 
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.

Selkie The McCallister Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The McCallister Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The McCallister Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The McCallister Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The McCallister Cupid Dress Southern California Belle
Dress- Selkie

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

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Sky Full of Bats

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle
 
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!

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle

Selkie The Bats and The Bees Cupid Dress Southern California Belle
Dress- Selkie
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

Friday, October 31, 2025

A Vampire's Kiss

La Femme En Noir Ellen Victorian Dress in Black Southern California Belle
 
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!

La Femme En Noir Ellen Victorian Dress in Black Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Ellen Victorian Dress in Black Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Ellen Victorian Dress in Black Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Ellen Victorian Dress in Black Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Ellen Victorian Dress in Black Southern California Belle
Rings- Disturbia and vintage
Necklace- Disturbia

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

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Katrina

La Femme En Noir Sleepy Hollow™ The Katrina Dress in Black and White Southern California Belle
 
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.

La Femme En Noir Sleepy Hollow™ The Katrina Dress in Black and White Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Sleepy Hollow™ The Katrina Dress in Black and White Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Sleepy Hollow™ The Katrina Dress in Black and White Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Sleepy Hollow™ The Katrina Dress in Black and White Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Sleepy Hollow™ The Katrina Dress in Black and White Southern California Belle

La Femme En Noir Sleepy Hollow™ The Katrina Dress in Black and White Southern California Belle
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

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Corpse Bride

Harvey's x Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Medium Poster Tote Southern California Belle
 
Can you believe it's the 20th anniversary of Tim Burton's Corpse Bride? It's a film I've loved from the start and something I was able to pass down to Bianca (of course she's a big fan too). Obviously, I was incredibly excited when Harvey's announced a collection with Corpse Bride. I immediately threw on my best Emily gown to match the spooky ethereal vibes of this bag.

Harvey's x Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Medium Poster Tote Southern California Belle

Harvey's x Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Medium Poster Tote Southern California Belle

Harvey's x Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Medium Poster Tote Southern California Belle

Harvey's x Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Medium Poster Tote Southern California Belle

Harvey's x Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Medium Poster Tote Southern California Belle

Harvey's x Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Medium Poster Tote Southern California Belle

Harvey's x Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Medium Poster Tote Southern California Belle

Harvey's x Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Medium Poster Tote Southern California Belle Harvey's x Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Medium Poster Tote Southern California Belle

Harvey's x Tim Burton's Corpse Bride Medium Poster Tote Southern California Belle

This medium poster tote is the perfect size and features the iconic poster on the front and a blue to black ombre effect on the back. It comes with a Victorian inspired portrait charm that has Emily on one side and Victor on the other. The inside is lined with all your favorite characters from the movie and features one zip pocket and three slip pockets. It also comes with a detachable crossbody strap for an easy carry.

You can shop the Harvey's x Corpse Bride collection (yes, there's more!) on the Harvey's website on Tuesday, September 23rd at 8am PST.

xoxo

Ashley
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