Lady and Red is a style and lifestyle blog featuring content on fashion, shopping, motherhood, and recipes by Ashley DeJong in the Des Moines, IA area.
Sooooo I am NOT a beauty blogger nor and I a professional makeup artist so please please understand when I tell you I have no rhyme or reason for picking these products, I just use them and love them! These are my go to's and if I am traveling, these come with me.
Read MoreHow often do you get to shop alone without your child hiding in the racks and licking the floor or your poor pitiful significant other whining because men don't want to shop or he is staring at every price tag reminding you how expensive it is?? Am I right or am I right? Well, I had an awesome opportunity to collaborate with our local GAP Valley West Store, shop alone and style a few outfits, and post them here for you to make a list and shop fast and smart! P.S. You can call into the store for them to pull and hold the items or make sure they are in stock for you before you make the trip in! Total time saver. And for the people who started reading this and thought to themselves well "I don't shop there" or "it is too expensive for me", well good new because I am thrifty and I NEVER pay full price for anything at the GAP and I have chosen some trendy pieces as long as closet staples you will wear for years. Number one tip is to get the credit card, no seriously. I do not get paid for saying this (wish I did) but every Tuesday you get an extra 10% off of your purchase so wait until they have 40% off and use your card....no brainer! Plus you will earn rewards for using it and you can use it at Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, and all GAP stores! If you saw my Instastory over on my Instagram @ladyandredstyle, you heard that I purchased 12 items for $294 and that was with my 50% off and lucky for you, this week is Friends and Family event which is 50% off for you too 😉 **March 22-27 50% off in store purchases and 40% off at GAP.com or GAP factory store**
This look is so classic! The details on this tank are so on trend and comes in a few other colors! Always need a neutral cardigan to layer throughout the year and if you don't own white denim, get yourself some right now! These are super comfy and stretchy! True to size.
How cute are these sunnies? Yes, even I forgot that GAP has sunnies and they are actually really great quality and obviously cute too! This cami is silky and has a pleated detail that is hard to see in this photo but so cute. Pair with a denim jacket if you want low key, wear alone for a date night or put on a cardi for a relaxed look! So so simple! Plus, it is loose so definitely a must for pizza night ☺️
Stretch true skinny Jean-White
Blake Rounded Glasses in store!!
Embroidery is not just for your grandma! This season it is hot and especially paired with an off the shoulder look too! This one is very comfy and loose fit so if you want it to look more "fitted" give it a little front tuck like I did in the image above! I paired it with flats but this would be adorable for a concert paired with boots!
Embroidered off the Shoulder Top
Stretch True Skinny Jean- White
Victoria Pendant Necklace (tassel removed)
Need a basic pair of skinny jeans? These are your pair! Great color and fit and oh so comfy. Easily could re-wear these a few times in 1 week! This top is light blue stripes with a small bubble like sleeve. It gives it enough of a different look you don't feel like the Michelin man but enough detail to dress up and wear out! Lightweight and perfect transition piece for Spring to Summer.
As good as it gets right here! Comfy slip on shoes, boyfriend sweater and girlfriend style distressed jeans. Oh and these are GAP sunnies again. I love black and gold, it just gives it a little sass. These jeans run true to size but are more relaxed than normal, so comfy and the stripe on the sweater is more interesting than just a plain color.
Pair it with an army green jacket or a bomber jacket for another look this season!
Black Leather Waverly Clutch/Purse
Destructed Mid-Rise Girlfriend Jean
Grey Stripe Scoop Neck Pullover
Riad Layering Necklace- Mixed Metals
Sunglasses are in store!
If you buy one dress this season, please buy this one!! It is so good it hurts! I sized down on this one. The cinched waist tie is enough detail to not have to wear many accessories. The fabric is buttery soft and the color is perfection! This will sell out fast and will be a staple in your closet! Trust me!
Put a jacket over it, a bomber, a cardigan for different looks. Pair it with converse shoes, flip flops or short booties like I did. So versatile I could scream!
I look forward to hearing your feedback and hope to bring you more posts like this one since I have been receiving many messages on what pieces I love and friends wanting me to help them manage their closets! I love sharing style with you all and hope you find this helpful. XOXO
So this type of post is pretty new to me but should be fairly easy since I have no problem shopping ☺️ As you may know if you follow me on Instagram @ladyandredstyle, I post most days outfit inspiration and how to accessorize along with it! P.S. I also just changed my Instagram name to keep everything the same! Now everything correlates with my blog name, making it easier to find me ☺️ I started this venture when I signed up to be a stylist with Stella & Dot. Not only did I get free accessories and meet a ton of new and incredible women, I also found something that I loved and loved sharing with people from all over, including fellow stylists. I have always loved dressing up, but with a career as a Nurse before I had my daughter, scrubs was my work wear. A far cry from dressing up! Haha. Then in my next job, I was promoted to stay at home mom. I swear that term comes with the stigma that we wear leggings or pajamas all day everyday, and maybe some do and that is ok, but not this mama! So I have found my niche and I am always taking suggestions of what my followers and friends want to see, so let me know! I hope to team up with some local businesses and showcase my top picks from their stores! Stay tuned!! Here are a few of my latest IG outfits with links below them to shop the look! Also, don't forget to follow me over on Instagram for daily inspiration ❤️ @Ladyandredstyle
Criss cross shirt- in Rose Dawn
Earrings- (I removed the green stud and added a pearl stud)
Toddler Chambray polka dot shoes (ON SALE)
Sloane Purse- Leather Covet Collection
Victoria Pendant Necklace ( MY FAV)
14K gold, Diamond Initial necklace
Renegade Cluster Bracelet- Best Seller
Whew! These past few weeks have been a whirlwind and I can't even believe I have the time to sit here and write this! But this crummy weather, my hot tea and couch were calling my name. If you follow my blog, you will know I ONLY pack in a carry on suitcase 1.) because I am a control freak and scared to loose it and 2.) I am impatient and don't like to wait to pick up luggage, but this last trip to Cabo with my family, I caved and checked a bag. Seriously the best decision ever. And I will NEVER again choose to fly out at 5:30am ever again....getting up at 3 am is not for anyone! I was traveling alone (first time internationally) with my 2.5 year old daughter and it is too hard to pack for her in 1 suitcase let alone a carry on! Diapers, life jacket, clothes and shoes. And there was NO way I could've made it through the airports with my child, suitcase and buggy all intact without checking a bag. So I sucked it up and checked it, but next time, if I stay at a house like we did this time, I will wait and buy diapers at the Mega Mart and save myself some packing space :) The best part was that my daughter was an absolute gem the entire trip! She had a few 2 year old moments but seriously the trip was so nice and it helped by having a cooperative child....every Mother understands this!
We flew first class our entire trip thanks to my little blue card (not pill) from my fun job as a Stella & Dot stylist! Why not right?? I sell it for fun, I will use my income for fun! Now I am not sure I ever want to travel coach again :) But if you think you get stares when you fly coach with a child, you should see the looks and comments you get flying first class with one! The eye rolls and the sighs! Haha but I loved the cover up comments when she was a complete angel and actually quieter than the snoring man 2 rows back. One lady said, "oh thank God for iPads" No honey, thankfully I have been fortunate enough to travel with her since she was 4 months old and she is used to it and loves it. But yes, thank God for iPads too :) Have a toddler and traveling soon? I would like to pat myself on the back for packing an amazing backpack for a child!
1.) Window cling ons. I may have to give some credit to my daughter for wanting these at Target and the idea then coming to me. Best.Idea.Ever. No mess, cheap, and reuse able!
2.) Water Wow books! Fill a plastic paint brush up with water and paint pictures and then re-paint once they are dry! Lots of different ones to choose from too! You can find them at Target, department stores like Younkers and of course the airport if you want to pay double!
3.) And this shoelace and block thing from Target dollar spot! Is there anything you can not get in that money pit they call the dollar spot? UGH! Kept her attention for ever! Keep on taking my money Target.
My family picked us up from the Airport and drove us to our home away from home! Our first time using a home booking site since we usually plug in a place to go on Expedia like an all inclusive! It was actually really nice! Gated community, large pool, private (rocky) beach, and close location to downtown. It was in Cabo Bello and our home was called Casa De Esperanza or House of Hope. You can learn more about their mission at hopeforloscabos.com as all donations for the house and car (after costs are covered) go directly to various areas of need in Los Cabos. The house has 3 bedroom and each room has their own bathroom. Staying somewhere and doing good all at the same time is a win win for me!
Since my husband and I have been to Cabo 2-3 times before, I was more relaxed knowing a little about the location. We tried to eat at all of the "it" spots for my family to see and experience and hit up all of the little trinket shops for crap we all didn't need, but what is the fun if you don't come home with maracas? Haha Oh and a drum, a bracelet and a "drug rug" or poncho as I call it! Never heard it called that before! But my little lady looks awfully cute in it!
Eat here:
1.) Cabo Wabo
2. The Office
3.) Captain Tony's
We did not party here: (Although there were a few babies in the bars)
1.) Cabo Wabo
2.) Squid Row
3.) Jungle Bar
Walking the marina is always fun! Lots of shops, restaurants, Starbucks & entertainment. I know I am not young anymore, but I will still never understand the need to walk the streets with only a swim suit on. Does that make me old? Either way, we saw a lot of booty and drunk people :) Always very entertaining.
You must do the touristy thing and go to the Arch. Rent a glass bottom boat, and take a little ride to Lover's Beach, Pelican Rock, the Arch, stinky seal rock (seriously smells so bad) and lastly Divorce Beach, but swimming is not recommended here. Surprised? Me either 😊
She was not too sure about the boat ride! Haha
Biggest funny of the vacation. Yes it involves my daughter. So I was showering with her when a little wall lizard came out from the drain and ran out of the shower onto the baseboard. Of course my bug loving daughter thought she needed to catch it. I laughed and let her out to catch it thinking that they are so stinking fast, there will be NO way she will catch it. Low and behold, she walked over to it, reached down and picked the darn thing up no problem. UGH!! So out of the shower I go to get a cup (with no lid) to keep it in. Brilliant I know. Well she played and played with that lizard until he no longer had a tail, then it was time to let me die in peace. RIP lizard. Only my child.
Of course I did a little "work" on my vacation! Yes, selfies are my job, and just wearing it out and about people see the goods and want to know where they can get it! Showing off Stella & Dot's accessories and their versatility is part of the work, but also a selfie shows how simple it is to look "put together" for any occasion. I think if people really understood how easy & fun this job is, more would do it! They just hear "selling" something and say no way. But having a stylist on my team paying off student loans and saving for a trip to Disney is more motivation to help others earn extra money too! Oh and if you didn't already know, this vacation is a big ol' tax write off, just ask me how!!
*Follow me on Instagram for outfit and jewelry details ashleyn2504
A huge thank you to my family for setting up this very fun vacation and for making memories that will last a lifetime! I already miss you all and look forward to the next time we get to see you!
Much love Cabo! Until next time :) ✌️ 
XO
Lady and Red
Fashion, Shopping, Motherhood, and Recipes
Hello! I am Ashley and I am Lady and Red. The Lady is me and Red is my daughter's initials. My blog is a mixed bag of posts and full of all things I love and want to share with you as my life moves along. Family, Recipes, Fashion, Shopping and Travel.
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