Last year, I started to go out to dinner once a month with a group of great ladies—my friend Alison and I had decided that we needed a monthly girls’ night out and each invited several friends for sushi—and the second or third month, I met Ashley; a fashionable mother of two young girls, Ashley and I immediately hit it off, and I knew immediately that she was the one that I needed to talk to about the re-introduction of Beauty, Defined.
Ashley and her husband Tim
Ashley is an incredibly stylish woman, with a smile that welcomes you and twinkly blue eyes; always ready to laugh and enjoy life, Ashley sets a great example for her two little girls, who are both tiny mini-me versions of their mom. Here’s what she has to say on beauty and style. Enjoy!!
How do you define beauty?
Being comfortable in your own skin and staying true to yourself.
How does that definition show up in your everyday life?
Remembering to live in the present and appreciate what you have while you have it. I’ve really embraced this mantra since having my daughters.
What are five products you cannot live without (desert island picks)?
Only 5? I’m a product junkie. Tried and true products –
- Lip balm
- Tinted Moisturizer
- tweezers/eyebrow brush (slightly obsessed with the getting the arches right)
- floss (must do every night)
- Hair serum
Josie Maran Illuminizer
Latest must have finds – anything from Josie Maran. I love all her products. I’m really into her illuminizer at the moment. Plus the whole line is eco friendly!
Of those five, which is the number one thing you can’t live without?
I’m having a Sophie’s Choice moment. Probably lip balm. I have them stashed throughout my house and you’ll find them in almost all my coat pockets.
What did your mother teach you about beauty?
Sunscreen Rules. I grew up in southern California and she used to a tape a note to my mirror every morning reminding me to put it on. She also influenced my love of beauty products. I used to love going into her bathroom and playing with everything she had and she had a lot of good stuff. I still raid her make-up drawer when I visit her.
What would you tell your teenage self about beauty?
You will outgrow acne….until pregnancy. Also, don’t be so hard on yourself…you’re really pretty (wish I believed that then).
However, a pair of tweezers and some anti-frizz serum for your hair wouldn’t kill you. (Editor’s note: HA!!)
What do you want to teach your daughters about beauty?
I want to help my girls build a strong sense of self. When they are old enough, I look forward to teaching them how to highlight their already natural beauty. Even though I love my products, I do believe that less is more.
Ashley, Tim, and their gorgeous girls
When in your life do you/did you feel the most beautiful? And why?
When my husband and our 2 girls have our family snuggle before their bedtime. It’s such a happy and intimate moment that I treasure.
Also, after I take a bikram yoga class. I’m dripping with sweat, yet feel such a sense of accomplishment I can’t help but feel ready for anything. I’m addicted.
And, I know it sounds cliché, but I really did feel my most beautiful after the birth of both my girls. I was so blissfully happy and remember that feeling of utter joy when I held my babies for the first time. Time really stood still and in that moment everything was how it should be. Plus, the epidural hadn’t worn off yet.
How do you define style?
Knowing what works best for you and staying true to that. It doesn’t have to be complicated and should be fun.
How has your personal style evolved?
It’s gotten so much better over time. I used to pay too much attention to trends and copy the whole look from a magazine. Now, I stay more true to what I like and feel comfortable in (You’ll never see me in a one shouldered top!) I still love to pore over fashion spreads, but now I work trends in smaller doses like accessories. I love clothes and always feel better about myself when I’m digging my outfit. I still make some missteps here and there, but I always have fun with my clothes.
Who would you consider your style mentor, and why?
Ashley and her style guru, Jenny
Probably my college roommate and friend Jenny. She had the best closet in our house and was very generous with her clothes. I loved ‘shopping’ her wardrobe. She has such a knack for finding the best clothes. She is the greatest shopper I know. She knows what she likes and what works for her and never strays from her own style.
What did your mother teach you about style?
The best style tip I got from my mom was to not hunch my shoulders. She was a stickler for good posture.
What is your favorite place to shop and why?
If my mom is buying…Neiman Marcus. She used to take me to lunch there when I was little after she went shopping. She now continues that tradition with her granddaughters. It’s a beautiful store and a fun experience.
I love to shop Forever 21 & H&M. I’m always amazed that most of the pieces I get compliments on come from those stores. I also like to shop local boutiques.
Who is your favorite designer and why?
I love Marc Jacobs. I find his pieces to have a timeless quality about them, yet they still have some fun to them. I wear my Marc Jacobs sunglasses everyday.
I never leave the house without a sweater or hoodie)
