I Feel Like Carrie

Kanye West feels like Pablo. I feel like Carrie. I've been in New York for nearly one month now and I can't help but wonder how I ever survived anywhere else. What I love most about this city is absolutely everything.

I remember watching Sex and The City before I even visited NYC and thinking to myself, "Okay, Carrie Bradshaw is so melodramatic and annoying... but also fabulous... but also ANNOYING!"

If you've watched the show you understand what I'm saying. She waxes poetically about romance, fashion, life and love all from the comfort of her rent controlled apartment on the Upper East Side. It's a lot to handle at times.

I get it now. She was only annoying because I couldn't relate to her. When she talked about being in a relationship with Manhattan I'm pretty sure I rolled my eyes into the next century. When she typed her column while looking out of her apartment window at the skyscrapers adorning her block I thought it was such overkill.

"We get it, you live in New York," I thought to myself. I didn't understand, though. Sure she was a fictional character but Carrie was onto something. Carrie brought to light what every 20-something year old girl experiences when she's in New York - whether the girl admits it or not.

I feel like Carrie when I walk down the street and the cool city breeze transfers from the sides of the buildings into my hair blowing it around so dramatically you'd swear there was a fan in front of me.

I feel like Carrie when I regularly spend too much money on clothes and not enough money on food.

I feel like Carrie when I venture out completely and totally alone with no intentions of seeing anyone except the city itself.

I feel like Carrie when I fall in love with every avenue the same way one falls in love with a significant other.

I feel like Carrie when I surround myself with friends who are unapologetically determined, independent and intelligent people with goals and passions and talents.

I feel like Carrie when I type these words onto this screen realizing that I have fought my way to New York City all on my own after years of looking at the city through reruns of Sex and The City.

Life Update: The Power of Planning Ahead

I can finally breathe. I can finally relax. I can finally refresh my email without an irrational fear of seeing a rejection note. I can finally give a solid answer when asked, "Ashley, what are you doing this summer?"

Last summer consisted of my first ever internship in DC along with my study abroad program in Milan. Both changed my life exponentially and motivated me to work even harder to pursue my goals. I felt so blessed to have these experiences and I immediately thought about what I wanted to do next.

I bought a planner in August 2015, immediately turned to the June 2016 page and wrote, "Move to NYC..." 

I knew at the time that interning in New York would be the most natural step in my undergraduate career, especially because this is where I want to live after I graduate in May 2017. I scoured the internet for opportunities but no applications were open for the summer.

In November I found out about a summer fellowship opportunity in New York City doing public relations for Ketchum, one of the world's largest PR firms. This stayed on my mind from November to January, when the application finally opened.

From January to April, I devoted myself to this fellowship. I immersed myself in the company and researched it as if it were my senior thesis. I only told my close family and one or two of my friends that I was applying. I didn't want to make a big deal about it in case I didn't get it.

I was consumed. I'm not lying when I tell you I dreamt about this fellowship! It's all I could think about even though I had a tsunami of school work and prior commitments rushing at me in every direction. I stayed focused. I remembered what I wrote in my planner many months ago. I had to devote myself to this application.

After an undisclosed number of phone interviews and sets of writing samples, cover letters and follow up emails, I got the call.

I was in class when the New York number showed up on my phone. I left the room without hesitation and heard the wonderful HR manager say "Congratulations, Ashley! You've been selected for the Ketchum Summer Fellows program!"

After the conversation with the HR manager, I hung up the phone and began to cry. Let's be real. I sobbed. Tears of pure joy! I was so overwhelmed with happiness and I felt so proud of myself for securing this position.

Over 500 people applied and they selected 14 individuals... To be one of those 14 makes me smile more than anything ever has before. I turned back to the same page I wrote about moving to NYC back in August 2015. I wrote down the June 2016 start date of my fellowship.

I hope this post demonstrates the power of planning ahead. People will question you, people will laugh at you. The thing to remember: no one else IS you. With the right mindset and the right work ethic, planning ahead will get you wherever you want to be. Even somewhere like New York City.

Get ready for my blog to flood with New York stories this summer. You can't say I didn't warn you!

Nivea Men's Shave Balm Primer Review

I owe a huge thank you to Nikki de Jager aka the queen behind the NikkiTutorials YouTube channel. She recommended using Nivea Men's Post-Shave Balm as a makeup primer in one of her videos and since then, I haven't touched another primer.

I know what you're thinking because I thought the same thing... men's shave balm? As a makeup primer? Sounds absurd. It is absurd. 

Once you understand why it works from a scientific standpoint it all makes perfect sense. 

Nikki pointed out that the main ingredient in a makeup primer should be glycerin because of how it helps makeup stay in place and prevents it from fading or wearing during the day. Think of glycerin as double-sided tape that rests between your face and your makeup. It is highly effective without making foundation look cakey and weird. You know what I'm talking about, right?

Glycerin is the secret ingredient that allows Nivea Men's Post-Shave Balm to work effectively as a makeup primer. 

To use the Nivea balm as a primer, start by cleansing and moisturizing your face and towel drying. Apply a dime-size amount of the primer all over face and let dry completely (2-3 minutes). It goes on smoothly and feels refreshing with a very subtle "man" scent that goes away after it dries - I quite like the way it smells. After it's dry, apply foundation as usual and watch your makeup last all day!

How Rocksbox Won Me Over

I could write an entire blog post on subscription services I've thought about trying. They are so hot right now and it really seems like it happened overnight. I am not one to sign up to a monthly service (I don't even have Netflix) but I changed my mind when I discovered Rocksbox.

If you're like me, you have pretty high standards for something that comes with a monthly fee. When I received my first Rocksbox, I was blown away by the quality of the box. The jewelry fit my personal style and the packaging made me feel oh so special.

Fast forward six months later and I'm STILL loving Rocksbox. That's right, I've gotten my very own little white box of jewelry delivered to my door for six months. The Rocksbox team has really done a phenomenal job of making sure each subscriber feels the love each month with personalized notes and adorable stationary. Love.

If your jewelry wardrobe is lacking this spring, it's time for you to sign up to Rocksbox. You can get your first month of jewelry FREE when you use my code thefashionspeakxoxo at checkout. What are you waiting for? Go to www.rocksbox.com and sign up!

How to Wear All Black Like a Pro

I attribute my affinity for wearing black to Coco Chanel. I once read a book on Chanel that talked about her love of three colors: black, white and beige. Can one go wrong with these colors? No. The star of the show, however, is black. It's always black.

Whether you're going to a formal dinner party or a college frat party, you simply can't go wrong in black. If you are completely clueless about what you should wear to a function or an event, please save yourself and wear black. It works every time! 

While wearing mostly black can make you look chic and put together, there are a few things that can go wrong if you're not careful. Below I have listed a few things I do to guarantee my all-black look is flawless so that I don't have to think twice about it.

Lint rollers are your BFF

Fact: I have a lint roller with me at all times. I don't have any pets that live with me but I'm always surprised at how much lint shows up on my black jeans. The simplest fix is a quick roll-down with a sticky lint roller. You can buy them at any supermarket or drugstore for next to nothing and they last forever. If you're wearing black, add lint rolling to your routine.

Clear gel deodorant is life 

How many times have you had to change your outfit at the last minute because your white deodorant got on your shirt? I know. It's the worst. This used to happen to me ALL the time and I finally realized I didn't have to suffer any longer. Gel deodorant is the best. It doesn't show up on black at all. You can put it on before you put your shirt on without having to worry about it transferring to your top. Some people complain about the way it feels going on, but my advice is to use it when you wear black at the very least. No outfit deserves to have deodorant marks on it. 

Quick stain removal 101

So you're lint-free and deodorant-free but you have a pesky stain that came out of nowhere.. What do you do? This happens more often than I would like for it to but luckily I've found a super easy way to remove common stains. I know I'm not the only one who's makeup has transferred to the neckline of her *black* shirt. When I get a stain like this, I put a tiny drop of water on the stain and then rub the fabric together until eventually the stain disappears. It works every time! 

NYX Lip Product Review

If you follow me on Snapchat (add me by username: itsashleycook) then you know how much I've used NYX products lately.

Typically I reach for a matte lipstick before I ever reach for a lip gloss. This is just a personal preference. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has found most lip glosses to be sticky and tacky and just overall BAD. If you're like me and have experienced a truly bad lip gloss or lip product in general, you'll be thrilled with NYX lip products.

I bought the NYX Butter Gloss in the shade Tiramisu per recommendation by Kathleen Lights, who is a YouTube makeup vlogger. I trust Kathleen's reviews but I never expected to love NYX products as much as I do. My love for the Butter Gloss lead me to buy other shades and also to branch out and try their Soft Matte Lip Cream.

NYX Butter Gloss 

What To Expect
When you open the small tube you immediately smell the deliciously soft, sweet scent of the gloss. It reminds me of freshly baked cookies! The gloss glides on and feels creamy and hydrating on the lip. While the gloss is shiny and offers a nice sheen, it is certainly not sticky or tacky like some glosses can be.

It lasts a surprisingly long time and leaves your lips feeling super soft. I like wearing this with an everyday makeup look because it adds a natural and feminine feel but it looks equally good with a more dramatic makeup look for nighttime.

What I Do
I always line my lips regardless of what lip product I'm wearing.  Sometimes I use a nude lip liner before the gloss and sometimes I use a pink liner. I've found that any liner really helps the gloss look more defined and keeps it from transferring to any where on your face besides your lips. I re-apply through out the day and I always bring a tube with me in my purse or my backpack because when I wear it, it acts as my chapstick too.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

What To Expect

Much like the Butter Gloss, the Lip Cream smells SO good. The Lip Cream feels almost like nothing when you apply it, but then it dries and REALLY feels like nothing. It took me a few wears to get used to but now I am obsessed with it. It stays on through everything and I mean...everything. Eating an apple? Yes. Drinking from a glass? Yes. A straw? Yes. Eating a sandwich? Yes. I'm not kidding. 

The Lip Cream is perfect for long days when you may not be able to constantly re-apply or touch up your makeup. It definitely dries into a matte finish (hence the name) so if you're looking for a shimmery look, this isn't the product for you. However, if you want to rock the matte lip that is SO popular right now, I definitely recommend the Lip Cream.

What I Do

I line my lips with the appropriate shade based on what color Lip Cream I'm wearing. Like I mentioned with the Butter Gloss, lining my lips is something I always do to add definition and wearability. If you do choose to use a liner before the Lip Cream, you should use a matte lip liner to allow the products to blend seamlessly.

Where To Buy

I go crazy in Target. It's true. You know the feeling. The makeup selection is so great and so cheap that sometimes (all the time) it's hard not to buy tons of stuff. So yes, NYX products are available at Target. I've always purchased mine from Target but if you don't live somewhere that has a Target every five miles, I recommend going to drugstore.com and browsing for NYX products. It's an awesome site for all drugstore products - especially makeup.

Refresh Your Cardigan Collection

I love wrapping up in a cardigan on a breezy day that is too warm for a coat but too cold for short sleeves. Cardigans can be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe since they easily transition from season to season when paired with the right outfit.

If you want to take your cardigan game to the next level, you've got to try something different. From chunky knit to sheer fitted - there are endless styles of cardigans. My favorite one of the moment is the long cardigan.

Long cardigans are a favorite among celebrity stylist Monica Rose, who dresses Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, both of whom wear long cardigans ALL the time. While I don't enjoy keeping up with anyone in the Kardashian crew, I do enjoy keeping up with what is trending in fashion. Long cardigans? Definitely trending.

I found some great long cardigans at Zara and I can't stop wearing them! The price is right and the fit is perfect. Whether you're at the office, on a college campus, lounging at home or going out at night, these long cardigans will elevate your look and take your cardigan game to the next level.

photos, editing | Michael Collins Design 

// shop this look //

necklace: DIY ribbon choker

cardigan: Zara 

The Hottest Jeans Right Now

It seems like every spring there is a new style of jeans taking over the streetwear scene. Last year it was all about wide-leg, 70s-esque flares, while prior to that we watched American Apparel inspired mom jeans flood the stores. This year it's all about the ankle crop.

The ankle crop jean is very different from the ankle roll, which is essentially any old pair of skinny jeans rolled up twice at the ankle. The ankle crop is a style of jeans that only reach the top of the ankle rather than reaching the heel.

These jeans have been seen on top fashion bloggers such as Danielle Bernstein of WeWoreWhat, top models such as Bella Hadid and it-girl celebrities like Selena Gomez.

While I'm super aware of how on trend these jeans are, I'm still on the fence about buying them. I didn't totally love the mom jean trend and the 70s flare jeans weren't ideal for me to wear on a college campus. The ankle crop, however, are so easy and fun so I'm pretty sure I need a few pairs in my closet this spring.

I've scoured some of the best sites and included links to buy these jeans below.  I hope that you'll grab a pair for yourself!

Selena Gomez 

Bella Hadid

Danielle Bernstein

________________

Where to shop: 

J Brand low rise ankle skinny crop

RE/DONE black ankle crop 

ZARA relaxed fit crop

7FORALLMANKIND ankle crop

20 Things I've Learned in 20 Years

Happy birthday to ME! While I feel much older than 20, I am really glad I am so young. I could write a book on the things that have happened in the past year alone, but instead I want to step back and reflect on what I've learned in the past 20 years.

1. It's your life

Don't let a single soul dictate how you should live your life. This includes what you wear, what you eat, where you live, what you do for a living, and who you surround yourself with. We have to live with our decisions no matter what. 

2. Laughter reveals all

Are you fake laughing? Are you laughing so hard your ruining your makeup? Are you laughing so hard you're about to pee your pants? The amount and the quality of your laughter is something to pay attention to. Surround yourself with those who ruin your makeup and make you pee. Trust me.

3. Traveling makes you rich

Prada is expensive but going into the first ever Prada store in Milan and trying on every pair of sunglasses with your best friends doesn't cost a dime. I don't care where you go, just go. Get out. Your comfort zone? Burn it. Travel as often as you can, no excuses. 

4. You don't want to fit in

I finally learned this lesson when I was in high school. Tired of blending in and flying under the radar, I decided that standing out is essential to getting somewhere in life. In order to be SOMEBODY you have to be unlike anybody. It's instinctual. Don't suppress your true self no matter where you live.

5. Kindness kills 

Don't let anyone walk all over you. You're not a doormat. However, kindness goes a long way with enemies. Being kind to someone you don't like isn't the same as being 'fake' because when you decide to be kind it is a genuine act. Be so nice that it kills them. 

6. Messy hair wins

I only get compliments on my hair when I wear it totally natural - wavy and carefree. It's awesome. Don't damage your hair just because you feel like you have to look picture perfect. Your natural hair is what makes you you. 

7. Losing friends is a good thing

If you don't lose a few friends along the way that means you're not changing at all. It is so important to be conscious of how you're evolving and growing as an individual. 

8. Love love love yourself

I'm my favorite date ever. I always do what I want to do, eat what I want to eat, and go where I want to go. In all seriousness, I learned early on how to be my own best friend and I can't reiterate enough just how much this has helped me go through life's difficulties. Be your own biggest fan. You'll go places.

9. All change is good

I think I was in the seventh grade when I first told myself this. It's still true today. Each year I change drastically in one way or another and I can't imagine it any other way. It's a sign of growth and that's a positive thing, even if it was painful. 

10. Dogs > cats

Cats are absolutely psychotic creatures and I can't fathom why anyone would willingly choose to own a cat over a precious perfect dog. I know, I know. All of you crazy cat owners are reading this thinking, "No! You would love my cat! My cat isn't psycho at all!" because that is exactly what owners of psycho cats always tell me. No. Dogs are exponentially better in literally every way possible.

11. Your niche awaits

I've known what I wanted my career to be since I was a junior in high school but that doesn't mean it hasn't evolved since then. The more time you spend getting to know yourself (see #8) the more you will realize what you want your life to look like and what steps you need to take to get there. 

12. Listen to your body

A week before writing this I was in the hospital for dehydration after nearly fainting in the middle of a classroom. Why? I neglected to listen to what my body was telling me, which was: "hey idiot you have a serious stomach virus how about sleeping and drinking gatorade for a while?" I learned my lesson. Listen to your body. 

13. You're taken as seriously as you dress

Why do so many college students dress like giant toddlers? Why would a highly educated professor take anything someone wearing a giant tee shirt and flip flops seriously? I ask myself these questions a lot but genuinely don't judge. I just observe, and wonder. If you want to be respected, look the part. It takes the same amount of time to put on jeans as it does yoga pants. Small efforts, huge returns. 

14. Buy the shoes

So the shoe fits, you love it, you want it, but you don't buy it. Unless it would seriously set you way back financially, BUY the shoes!!! 

15. Less is -always- more

This is true for outfits, home decor, friends, cars, and purses. Don't mindlessly collect things because they're on sale or they're easy to come by. Think carefully before you buy something and if it doesn't fit your aesthetic, don't freaking buy it.

16. Take no sh*t 

Honey honey honey... Life will throw some crazy people at you but you can't take sh*t from those people. Keep moving. My advice for anyone who treats you poorly: treat them like air. Don't put up with someone who tries to bring you down. 

17. Wine hates an empty stomach

Once upon a time I thought it was a grand idea to not eat all day long because of the outfit I was planning to wear that night. A poor choice that ended poorly for all poor souls involved. Moral of the story: have some carbs, girl. 

18. Work is secondary to happiness

Italy taught me that life comes before work and work is not life nor should it ever be, no matter what your financial status is. Life is too damn short to work yourself to death (literally). This goes for school, too. I refuse to let life pass me by because I'm drowning in work.

19. Pancakes give you life

They always have. When I was little, I used to make pancakes for me and my mom every Saturday morning before we went shopping. Nowadays, I make paleo pancakes for us every time I come into town for a visit. They still taste like childhood and bliss. And maple syrup. Pancakes are everything.

20. Don't have dreams, have goals

I should have ownership of this phrase by now. I cringe when I hear someone tell me to ~dream big~ What does that even mean? Sleep late? No. I will not dream big. I will set goals for myself to achieve. I will hold myself accountable for work I have to do to get myself to the place I need to be to reach my goals. I will not sit quietly waiting for an ideal life to show up on a silver platter. I will work hard for what I want and leave not one inch of room for excuses. Here's to being 20. I've got quite a number of goals lined up for this year. LET'S GO! 

Treat Yourself to a Rocksbox Jewelry Subscription

If the jewelry you got for Valentine's Day isn't quite your taste, fear not. I'm here to help. I want to give you not just one piece of jewelry but a whole box for FREE! Thank me later. My jewelry collection has been completely revamped ever since I discovered Rocksbox. Here are a few reasons why I use Rocksbox...

Convenient

I don't always think about shopping for jewelry, mostly because a great deal of my shopping is done online and I don't ever feel like browsing through pages and pages of tiny studs and cuffs. This is how Rocksbox changed the game: they allow users to create a wish list of -designer- jewelry and then a personal stylist selects pieces from that list for the box!

Personal

Now, each month I receive a little white box with a pretty pink ribbon that holds fresh new jewelry for me to wear, love, admire, and either purchase OR send back for new pieces. Need I say more? It's something to look forward to each month and it is a fantastic way to treat yourself. We all could use more of that.

First Month Free 

The team at Rocksbox is SO lovely that they're giving you one month FREE when you use my code - 'thefashionspeakxoxo' at checkout. Just click here or visit rocksbox.com to become a 'Shine Insider' or Rocksbox subscriber!

Want It, Need It, Gotta Have It

As the winter weather continues to hover over my closet, forcing me to layer up instead of trying out new spring trends, I have had ample time to think about what I want to add to my wardrobe while I'm waiting for the sunshine.

I mean lets be real, we all have wish lists. You don't need to apologize for it either. I love curating lists of things I have been eyeing, because then I won't be an impulse buyer. It's all about saving money, really. (LOL). From accessories, to interiors, to shoes and clothes, makeup, and everything in between, these are the things I've been craving lately. Be sure to scroll all the way down!

1. PAIGE Denim 

Sure, they're expensive. Like $230 expensive. But they're stunning!

I definitely see a pair of these in my future. Maybe once I have a 

steady income, yes?

2. MAC Nude Lipsticks

I fell in love with MAC Half n' Half lipstick and I want to try

more of their nude shades. They stay on my lips the best and I 

love the amplified ones - they really do last all day!

3. Contemporary Cowhide Rug

I am in desparate need of a new rug but until I finish college (next May),

I don't want to make any major changes to my simple room. But hey, wouldn't

this rug look ultra luxurious in a NYC apartment after I graduate? 

4. Reformation Top(s)

I fell in love with Reformation last year and I haven't stopped stalking their

site since. I love their bodysuits and have had my eye on this top for a while 

now. How precious is it?

5. Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

I credit Kathleen Lights (search her on Youtube) for hooking me on this.

I subscribe to her channel and love watching her product reviews and makeup

tutorials. She raved about this palette and I think I need it in my life.

6.  Swell Bottle 

You know what they say, you're only as chic as the water 

you drink. No one says that. No one has ever said that. But I mean 

how fantastic is this rose gold bottle? It keeps your water ice cold for

24 hours. Can't beat it. 

7. Guns N' Roses Tee

Trust me when I say I knew the words to "Paradise City" and 

"Welcome to the Jungle" when I was in the third grade. My parents 

are awesome. But anyways, I love graphic tees and can't think of a better

time to buy this one as Guns N' Roses is headlining Coachella this year.

8. adidas Ultra Boost Shoes

Confession: I'm an undercover sneaker head. I don't own a ton

of sneakers but I still obsess over the latest and greatest. I am a huge

fan of adidas and I know these Ultra Boosts are something to seriously up your

level of cool when it comes to streetwear. 

9. Velvet Choker 

Don't pay more than $10 for this. To be honest, $10 is still way too much.

Go to your fabric store, find some velvet and cut away. It's such a hot accessory 

right now and there's no need to spend egads of money on it. Here's one from Etsy -

10. Beverly Hills Wallpaper

Frivolous but fun. I am in love with Danielle Bernstein's apartment (blogger

of We Wore What), and I haven't stopped thinking about her wallpaper ever since

she revamped her apartment. I love this print and think it would be stellar on an 

accent wall or even in a bathroom.

6 Weeks of Fitness: The Final Week?

When I began my Fitness Series, it seemed like six weeks would take an eternity to complete. It was hard to get motivated at first, only because it felt like I would never see progress. The beauty of this Fitness Series is that for six weeks (the amount of time it takes to begin to see results) I was holding myself accountable for working out.

I felt a change in my attitude towards working out and I can now say that exercising is a form of therapy for me and I genuinely look forward to going to the gym each day. Remember this blog is my inner monologue - I wouldn't just say something if I didn't mean it. 

If you followed along for the last five weeks and held yourself accountable for getting the workouts done and fueling your body by eating clean, you should feel very accomplished. Not because you 'survived' the series but because you are walking away from it with healthy habits.

Heading into week six, I encourage you to outline your next fitness goal. This could mean enrolling in a new workout class, reaching a certain number on the scale, improving flexibility, or even just maintaining another solid six weeks of dedication. We're all different therefore we will all have different goals.

For those of you who didn't follow along, I challenge you to start today and hold yourself accountable for a six week period. You will see results, I promise. 

Just because the six weeks are almost over doesn't mean I'm going to revert back to my old habits of going to the gym a couple times per week and eating whatever whenever. Discipline is such a powerful thing to implement in your life and even a small change can have a ripple effect that will benefit you more than you realize!

6 Weeks of Fitness: Week 5 Goals

Week five of my fitness series is here and if you've been following along with your own personal wellness plan while remaining dedicated to a clean diet, you're probably feeling like a total boss right now. I certainly am.

It's incredible to feel your body change from the inside out. It starts out soooOoooOo slow and you begin to feel like you'll never see results but then all of a sudden you feel brand new. It's amazingly invigorating for more reasons than one.

They say it takes approximately 21 days to form a habit and since we have 366 days this year, there are virtually no excuses as to why we can't make a change. It's daunting and believe me the first week was not very fun. However, once you get into a routine and actually form a habit of taking care of yourself properly, you forget that you've even made changes.

It's different for everyone, though. I want to encourage you to concentrate on your own progress and if you do happen to compare yourself to someone else, only use that energy for motivation rather than anger or jealousy.

As we dive into week five (rhyme time), I want to outline a few #GOALS to work towards:

- Wake up earlier than usual 

- Workout 30 minutes longer than usual 

- Keep a food journal to track what you eat

- Relieve stress with a massage, facial or mani/pedi 

- Pat yourself on the back every single day because you are fabulous 

When You Don't Have Time To Shop...

I've already proclaimed my love of online shopping and most of you can relate when I say that I rarely have time to make it to the mall amidst a busy work/school week. It's not realistic. What is realistic, however, is clicking a few buttons online and having something fabulous show up in the mail a few days later.

In the past I have found jewelry particularly hard to shop for online. On any given website, it seems as though the jewelry selection is overstocked and impossible to sort through. Luckily there are companies like Rocksbox that make it easy to find new pieces.

Rocksbox is a monthly subscription that provides jewelry based on a personal wish list created by each user. There are so many awesome designers to choose from including House of Harlow and Kendra Scott. 

When I signed up, I received a virtual stylist who looked over my wish list and curated a box of jewelry for my personal taste. It's so convenient because Rocksbox allows you to return pieces you don't want to buy without charging for shipping. 

If you are looking for a fun way to treat yourself and would like to try Rocksbox for an entire month FREE, log on to Rocksbox  and use my code 'thefashionspeakxoxo' at check out. 

6 Weeks of Fitness With SkinnyMint Teatox

Week three of my fitness series is here and the themes I've been focusing on are consistency, discipline, and happiness. Those may not sound like they mesh well together but I can assure you that if you've been consistent and disciplined with a good workout plan for the last two weeks, you're feeling pretty happy.

The third week of consistency is here and it's the perfect time to boost your routine with something that will speed up those results. I recently discovered the SkinnyMint 28-Day Program. This program provides a pair of all natural teas - the Morning Boost tea is taken each day before or during breakfast and the Night Cleanse tea is taken every other night.

As a devout coffee drinker and I am so thrilled that the Morning Boost tea gives me just as much energy as a cup of black coffee. The Night Cleanse tea is great for flushing out toxins from the body and is a perfect way to end a long day. Both of the teas have tremendous benefits while still tasting amazing.

SkinnyMint has ignited my every day routine and has given me the level of energy and focus I need to remain consistent with my workouts and eating habits. I don't crave junk food like processed carbs and refined sugar which is a great feeling after the holiday season. My tummy is flat and happy thanks to the digestive aid the teas provide and I am no longer dependent on caffeine.

The benefits of this teatox are endless and I recommend it if you're seeking a way to improve your body and mind from the inside out. Not only will you see an outward improvement at the end of the program, but you will also feel better mentally and physically. If you're interested in purchasing your own SkinnyMint 28-Day Teatox, click here.

Email me at ashley.fashionspeak@gmail.com if you'd like to know even more about my experience with SkinnyMint. Be sure to keep track of my results on Instagram, too!

6 Weeks of Fitness: Week Two

I have been on Christmas break for nearly a month and I must say it has been absolutely decadent. When I'm on campus I go to the super nice gym that is conveniently located right beside my apartment but on break I've enjoyed time away from the gym.

Running outside is a great way to change up your workout routine from treadmills and ellipticals to fresh air and pretty scenery. The beauty of running outside is that you don't have to have a pricey membership to do it and you can do it no matter where you live - so no excuses!

When I run outside, I run for three miles and then either do a 20 minute HIIT or Pilates workout back at home followed by some serious stretching for my less-than-flexible back and hamstrings. When the weather dips below freezing and I'm not on campus, I opt for an at home cardio workout with strength training. 

I've include some of my favorite workout videos from FitnessBlender that I use when I'm not at the gym that you can do virtually ANYWHERE! From a hotel room to a dorm to your very own living room - these workouts are the perfect way to remain consistent. 

60 Minute HIIT Cardio and Abs Workout 

35 Minute HIIT Pilates Workout 

35 Minute Butt & Thigh Cardio Interval Workout

56 Minute Calorie Blasting Cardio Workout

My Interview With The Modish Muse

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I am thrilled to share the interview I did with The Modish Muse, one of my favorite fashion bloggers ever! She and I met at Fashionista Con NYC back in October where we immediately bonded over our intense passion for all things related to fashion. She selected me to be the first featured interviewee in a new section on her blog. How cool is that?!  Read her piece below: 

Meet The Fashion Speak, I actually met Ashley at FashionistaCon in NYC and she was fabulous, so who better for my first feature then her?! This girl is incredibly smart, determined and is a big dose of inspiration!  She is a blogger, a student and a career gal already and is extremely involved in PR and fashion. I mean c’mon, major inspo am I right??

Ashley was kind enough to do a little Q and A and give us a peak into how to be a successful young professional, especially in fashion. To find out all her accomplishments and how she does it, then keep on reading!

What made you start your blog and what do you hope to achieve with The Fashion Speak?

I encourage my readers to think beyond their perceived ideas and opinions about what fashion really is. There is no right or wrong way to approach it and everyone is entitled to their uniqueness, which is often expressed in the clothes they choose to wear. I enjoy having a platform of my own to talk about what interests me in the fashion industry while inspiring others to interact and share their thoughts. I began my blog after realizing I had a constant stream of fashion related subjects floating around my brain with nowhere to go. I wrote for my college newspaper prior to starting my blog and it was during this time I realized I had so many great story ideas that were not usable for the very structured and rigid newspaper. I knew I needed to grow my presence online as well as continue to produce writing samples. I launched my blog right before I went to Milan, Italy for five weeks – everything worked out really well as I was able to document this experience on my blog.

How else do you spend your time? 

I recently finished my fall internship where I worked remotely for a boutique fashion PR firm in New York City. That kept me occupied when I wasn’t in class or doing schoolwork but when I’m not working I am traveling. I go to NYC and Washington DC as often as I can because I always learn something and return feeling inspired and rejuvenated.

And what is some advice for those trying to build up a blog/following or snag that internship they want?

The first step to achieving what you want is discovering what you want. To figure this out, I recommend writing down your goals on a daily basis. Keep a journal and use it as an outlet to be completely honest with yourself about what you want in life. By doing this you will determine what your goals are and what your next steps need to be to reach them. You don’t have to live in New York to start achieving your goals – start where you are and use what you have. Build on the skills you already have. For example, start a blog or work for your school newspaper if you like to write. Your early experience may seem small and insignificant at first but you will need it to land your first real internship. Build your network and don’t stop working for what you want!

Where do you see yourself going in the fashion industry/what are your ultimate goals?

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t visualize what I want my future to look like. I write down my goals on a regular basis to remind myself what I am working towards. I hope to work in-house doing public relations or social media for a major fashion label. When it comes to career goals, it is important to keep all options and not be afraid to branch out. I’m excited to see what the future holds.

What is something you would say to people who may look down on the fashion industry?

Anna Wintour answered this question perfectly in The September Issue when she said:

“I think what I often see is that people are frightened of fashion and that because it scares them or it makes them feel insecure, they put it down. On the whole, people that say demeaning things about our world, I think that’s usually because they feel in some ways excluded or, you know, not part of the ‘cool group’ so as a result they just mock it. Just because you like to put on a beautiful Carolina Herrera dress or, I don’t know, a pair of J Brand blue jeans instead of something basic from K-Mart it doesn’t mean that you’re a dumb person. There is something about fashion that can make people very nervous.”

Who do you look up to the most and why?

I look up to my parents because they are the people who instilled the values in me that I have today. They are relentless in working towards success and they have achieved so many things in their lives. I learned at an early age that if I wanted something I had to work hard for it. Nothing is unattainable and nothing is unachievable as long as you are willing to work for it – my parents taught me this and it has gotten me really far in life!

If you could have three fashion icons to dinner, who would they be and why?

I would invite Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel because she is one of the most influential women in history. She was born into a life of poverty but her vision and her work ethic (very important) allowed her to establish herself as a global fashion icon.

I would also invite Diane von Furstenberg because she inspires me to be a better woman every day! I am fascinated by the influence she has on the fashion industry and I know I would learn a lot from her – I have so many questions I want to ask her!

Finally, I would invite Miuccia Prada to dinner – preferably in her native city Milan! I recently wrote a research paper on her and I found out she has such an intricate story. I would love to pick her brain on topics from Italian leather to Baroque sunglasses.

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6 Weeks Of Fitness: Week One

As much as we love to hate on the cliche "NEW YEAR NEW ME NEW BODY!!!!!" posts that flood our timelines, it's hard to resist implementing some sort of change as the new year begins.  The problem with most New Year's resolutions is that they usually don't include consistency as a main goal.

Without consistency, it is impossible to see results. This is especially true for exercising. As much as I would love to tell you that you can eat all the bread and sugar you want and workout once a week, this is simply not the case. 

As someone who knows her way around the carb-o-sphere (new word, you're welcome), I am the first to admit that sticking to a health fitness plan can be difficult. What I've found is that it is much easier to remain consistent with the right mindset. 

Don't "diet"

You read that correctly! If you want to see a change in your body, you can't feel like you are restricting yourself. The key to eating healthy is to WANT it. You have to make the mental decision to change your habits and this means changing permanently.

Dieting implies that you will revert back to previous habits after a certain period of time and that is really counter productive if you're going to spend hours in the gym working your (literal) ass off for a new bod.

Wtf (Where's the food)?

Ah yes. Food. It is my favorite pastime. I'm not going to preach about what you should or should not eat because each of us have different bodies and different dietary needs. I will, however, tell you what I eat (and don't eat) when I want to see results.

A few years ago I discovered the Paleo ~lifestyle~ which was perfect for my dairy intolerant/gluten sensitive tummy. If you're unsure what Paleo is, see here. The bottom line is this: avoid dairy, sugar, bread, legumes, alcohol, starches, and all processed food. Eat tons of vegetables, lean proteins like organic chicken and beef, nuts and seeds. Don't freak out, I have tons of recipes on my Pinterest.

Hurry up & wait.

See post title. Give yourself six weeks of consistency and then assess the damage. Were you working out at least four days each week? Were the workouts intense or were you just derping around in a Zumba class? Did you eat tons of crap every day or did you implement a clean meal plan?

These are the questions you and I will have to answer after our six weeks of fitness is complete. As DJ Khaled says, follow me on the pathway to MORE SUCCESS! (lol) But also, follow me on Instagram for all the workout goods.