UPDATE!!!

My life has changed drastically in the last year. . .

Let's see, where to begin. . .

First, I'd start with my move out of San Francisco (tear) back to Fresno, Ca. I know, I know, it's only three or so hours away from the city I love SO much, but let's be honest here, anyone from the city, who belongs in the city, knows three hours is a lifetime away. And the difference in people and culture are even further. But I've taken this leap (forcefully) with open arms and an open mind. I will be back in San Francisco someday, I belong there. I will be back. . .

Now Fresno. . . Fresno is. . . Fresno. I have to give it to them for trying to open up and broaden our horizons here. In the past few years, they've really brought a lot of changes to this area, including the new mod fad that's taking over younger populations, which remind me a little of the city. Here, I am working on a new portfolio, new collections, freelancing. . . pretty much living my life. I was pretty apprehensive about moving back at first, "What am I going to do in Fresno??" I had no idea. But I will admit it has taken a huge load off of my shoulders not having to work a full time job doing something I hate, just to make part of my thousand-something dollar rent each month. Not to mention, I LOVE to eat and actually having money to go out to exotic dinners is AMAZING (and fattening). Once I got over the sadness and grief of losing my city, and once the three-year old tantrums ended, I've come to realize. . . dun! dun! DUN! . . . this place isn't so bad.

So here is where I will remain, telling you a little more of my life changes since I've been back and letting you into something completely personal and all mine. . . .

Once Upon a Saturday

San Francisco is always a busy place, but in my opinion it's on the weekends that you discover the real city and can truly appreciate it. It's really the only time worth taking a stroll. Today I spent most of the morning and afternoon walking around and acting like a tourist. It's the first time I've done it in a while and it truly made me feel inspired.  

I started the day with a walk to Union Square. They have art shows on the weekends showcasing the work of local artists. Its beautiful event I recommend to anyone in or visiting the city who hasn't been there. 

This guy looked just like the Actor Fred Willard. I originally wanted to photograph him because of his ensemble. I absolutely loved it, especially that Hermes scarf. 

Another reason why I love the city. Even at eighty degrees people are prone to wearing coats and scarfs, the temperature doesn't matter because there is always a breeze. 

I think he knew I was photographing him. I tried my best to be discreet. 

My trot home. 

My view from the balcony is absolutely amazing. 

Home sweet home. 

My Website

I am excited to announce that I am in the mix of finishing up my website. There are just some minor kinks I'm working out but it's almost done!!!! www.ashleybreanne.com should be up and running very soon. Stay tuned...

Being in Love and Fashion

Do you remember the first time you fell in love? How your heart raced, your face flushed, and your stomach turned upside down over and over again? Maybe, like me, you even found it hard to breathe sometimes. But you yearned to feel like that, to be in that moment forever. No matter the cost. Even if it meant you'd have to sacrifice your heart being broken at some point down the line. It's really inevitable with your first love. I know I'll never forget that first kiss, so passionate, my heart pounding against his chest, and the butterflies I got every time we were together, or even at the very thought of him. Fashion does that for me. It's my first love all over again and again and again. You're probably thinking 'this girl is crazy'. But it's true, and only a handful of people can truly feel that way, that passionately about something that you can let it consume you completely. When I am thinking about creating a new collection, feeling the fabric across my body, the excitement I get in producing something new, I want to put my heart and soul into every minute of it. Because like that first love, it can be gone in a flash. Love comes and goes, and you can sit around, waiting forever to feel that way with someone again, but fashion will always be here, ever evolving. 

Spring Dress Fever

Ok, I do not by all means call myself a fashion stylist. I am a designer. I create beautiful, elegant clothes that I feel you should be able to put together however you want. I am merely here to give you a push.

Now, having said that, I do have opinions that I am entitled to share  with everyone. 

It is Spring and everyone is running to department stores to buy the latest trends in Spring and Summer fashion. That's no problem at all. Just make sure when you are buying these cute dresses and tops, that they are for YOU. I don't mean as in your style, I mean for your body. This is so common in busty girls and frustrating to others, like myself, when seen. People are constantly buying clothes that do not fit their bodies. So here are a few ideas to keep in mind when you are shopping for those oh so cute pieces you absolutely must have. 

First and foremost, Make sure you know what your exact size is in undergarments. So many women out there are wearing the wrong size bra, which doesn't help in finding the right size clothes. I think every woman should get professionally fitted for a bra. I like Nordstroms. Saks is great too but a little more pricey if you're going to buy something. Nordstrom's is amazing in fitting women with the perfect size bra. You'll never go anywhere else.    

I see a lot of people wanting to wear strapless dresses, not only in this beautiful weather, but out for a night on the town, whatever. That's OK. Just make sure you find one that isn't showing too much cleavage and avoid the mistake buying one that doesn't fit properly. That is the number one mistake people make when they buy strapless dresses which could be the reason you spend most of your time pulling it up. Make sure the dress fits the fullest part of your chest and that it is wide enough to cover your entire bust line.  As long as it fits there, everything else can be tailored to your need. 

Another trend that seems to keep coming back are bubble dresses, trapeze, and dresses with pleats or folds around the waist area. Personally not my favorite, but some girls like this. The only problem I have with these are that excess fabric billow out and down and can make you look heavier than you are. They aren't flattering at all. One solution could be to wear a belt to cinch in the dress at your waist, but placement of the belt is key to pulling this look off. Don't pull it too tight so that you get a corset-effect, and try to keep it at your natural waist. If you're really thin, you can loosen the belt so that it hangs but this gives the look a more a casual feel . My advise, stay away from dresses and tops like this. Period. 

Babydoll dresses and tops are two other trends I'm seeing everywhere on the street. The problem I saw most with ladies wearing this was that the dress was so overpowering and large that they looked like they were being swallowed by it. The trick to pulling off this trend is making sure you go for top or dress that isn't too billowy from the neckline, instead try to find something more fitted that has volume at the bottom. Another trick to pulling off this look, adn a mistake that people make all the time, is to buy it in a smaller size. This will keep you from looking like Aunt MaryLou in a Moo Moo. 

About Ashley Breanne Diaz

Like most people in this world, I grew up in a fairly small town and migrated to a somewhat big city after I turned eighteen. San Francisco stole my heart the minute I crossed that infamous Bay Bridge. I didn't just move here out of spite to get out of my hole of a town, I moved here in hopes of making a lifelong dream come true. Beginning with school. 

For the last four years I have been attending San Francisco's leading Academy of Art University. In less than two months I will be finished with my bachelor's degree in . . . Fashion design. Like most college graduates, I am completely and utterly terrified of what is to come. Also of having to leave this city that has become so much more than just my home, my sanctuary. But with that horror and anxiety I am feeling, also comes excitement. There are so many things to come, I can't wait to live and be and do what I came here to do. So stay posted, because this saga does continue.