Ashley's Journal

Behind the Brand

[theashablog]

ASHA Girls | Meet Wendy & Colleen

I recently sat down with two friends and ASHA girls, Wendy Reyes & Colleen Deveer the founders of the Greenwich International Film Festival, which will celebrate its third year this coming June.  These two inspiring women launched Greenwich’s very own film festival two years ago and shared some history and personal favorites in a Q&A.  Enjoy! xx Ashley

Ashley: What are the origins of GIFF - how did you start?

Wendy & Colleen with Freida Pinto at last year’s GIFF. 

Wendy: The film festival was founded over 4 years ago when a group of us were out at dinner at a friends house. It struck us that Greenwich was the ideal place for a film festival because the community is packed with art lovers and philanthropists. Shortly thereafter we came up with the three pillars of GIFF which are Film Finance and Philanthropy. These have guided us in almost every decision we have made during the building process.

Ashley: What is your favorite classic movie? Favorite movie of 2016?

Colleen: My favorite classic film is The Graduate.  My favorite film of 2016 was either Lion or Moonlight. 

Wendy: My all-time favorite film is The Royal Tennenbaums. (Spotlight on Wes Anderson for GIFF 2018….we’ll get started on that!) My 2016 pick is Manchester by the Sea. I got my masters in writing at USC. I love a film that is driven by a powerful human story and I thought Manchester was a masterpiece.

Ashley: Who are you most excited to have at GIFF this year?

Colleen: Flo Rida Concert is going to be pretty awesome! Mark your calendar for the Opening Party on June 2nd and buy tickets here.

Ashley: Favorite destination? 

Wendy: Snowmass, Colorado. I love the mountains and the beautiful sunsets. There is something about being there that makes me feel more connected to the earth and grounded spiritually. I have gone every year since I was born. There is an incredible art and music scene and many of our friends live there year round. It is magical! As for my favorite festival, I love going to Sundance with the team each year, but I have to say that my favorite festival (besides ours of course!) is Venice. It is everything you dream it would be and more! 

Colleen & Wendy at the Sundance Film Festival.

Colleen: Martha’s Vineyard.  It is so beautiful, peaceful and has so many fun arts events from jazz concerts at Featherstone- Music at The Tabernacle- to amazing plays at The Vineyard Playhouse and Dance at the Yard.  They also have two great film organizations out there.  There is always something to do with your kids.  As far as Festivals go, I love going to Sundance each year.  Our team has a great time reconnecting with old friends and seeing amazing films.  It is a great bonding trip and we also happen to get a lot of work done there. 

Ashley: Favorite ASHA piece?

Wendy: I love my bullet ring and the cuffs! They go with everything and add just the right amount of edge!

Colleen: I was immediately drawn to one of the beautiful ASHA rings. When Ashley explained that the design inspiration was a cigar band, it was no wonder that I had gravitated toward it.  My dad use to take the ring off of his cigar when I was a little girl and he would look me in the eyes and say “With this ring, I thee wed”.  It is my sweetest memory of him and always put a smile on my face.

[theashablog]

Charleston Charm

This past week, my mom, Mayling, and I ventured down South and explored Charleston and were blown away by it’s unique mix of history, beauty and charm.  We stayed at the delightful 86 Cannon - a perfect blend of traditional Charleston with modern flair.  The fully restored and chicly appointed Inn from the 1860s reminded us of JK Place in Rome and was an absolute gem - from the gorgeous decor to the most welcoming Inn keepers & adorable dogs Gus & Sully - staying there was the epitome of Southern charm and right up my alley design wise - a perfect melange of classic & modern.

We met and saw so many interesting people too - the city was truly buzzing.  From local restauranteurs at Halls Chop House and the Ordinary to influencers from afar (think Blair Eadie & Julia Engel) - mom and I were quite literally welcomed with open arms. We fell in love with Charleston and can’t wait to get back.  Stay tuned for a southern inspired collection by this incredible city!

The Salon at 86 Cannon - a completely refurbished 1860s Inn that epitomizes Southern luxury and charm with a modern twist.

Hand-painted wooden floors combine traditional and new at 86 Cannon.  Wearing Del Toro sneakers.

Greeted by the most adorable pups at 86 Cannon.

A colorful row of houses dotted with palm trees in historic Charleston.

Out exploring with my ever chic mom, Mayling!

We had so much fun peeking into glorious Southern homes while walking the city.

Historic Charleston.

Charleston window boxes.

One of the many churches - future inspiration for jewels.

Venturing out into the city to discover old Charleston & check in on our pop up at the new Skinny Dip Collective. 

Southern mood & vibes.

Inspiration at every turn!

One of the things I loved most about Charleston were the old, beautiful gas burning lanterns throughout the city.

Until next time...

[theashablog]

In the Press

I was so honored to be profiled by Greenwich Magazine again - this time featuring our new store & atelier on Greenwich Avenue! See below for some images from the article and our new gorgeous space at 409 Greenwich Avenue. 

The Jewel Box.

Our coffee and prosecco bar.  Quadrille wallpaper.

Mirrored doors inspired by Florentine doors at Palazzo Tornabuoni.

[theashablog]

Vail Diary

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of going on a family ski trip to Vail.  It’s a place I’d grown up going to nearly every year since I was a little girl, so it was extra special to put Annabel on skis there for the first time.  From family ski runs to fun dinners out - it was a trip for the books.  Here’s my top list of things to do & see in Vail. Enjoy! xx Ashley

Best Skiing & Equipment : For the best equipment, Christie Sports is the place to go & check out Craneology for every kind of helmet.  My all time favorite run this trip was Grand Review off of Pete’s Lift - a groomer dotted with trees. And Cloud 9 is also great with breathtakingly beautiful views.  And the back bowls of course...

Best Après Ski: Nothing beats walking around post-card perfect Vail Village.  The Red Lion & Pepi’s are standards, but I must say I loved hanging out by the fire at the Remedy bar at the Four Seasons.

Best Shopping: I’ve always loved Gorsuch for super luxe and European inspired skiwear. Perch is a new favorite and happens to carry ASHA along with other brands like Veronica Beard and Dodo Bar Or.   Kemo Sabe is amazing for one-of-a kind cowboy hats and western finds. 

Gorsuch.

Perch.

Kemo Sabe.

Best Eats: We had an incredible meal at Matsuhisa named after the celebrity chef from Nobu.  Frame at the Four Seasons was also outstanding if you like red meat.  Sweet Basil is a classic and its new sister restaurant Mountain Standard are both to die for. If you’re on the slopes - Two Elk Lodge is the place to be. 

Two Elk Lodge.

Matsuhisa.

Best R&R: Check out the beautiful spa at the Four Seasons for a well deserved massage after a week of majorly (!) sore muscles. 

[theashablog]

St. Barths Top 10

I spent last week in one of my favorite places to escape to - St. Barths.  It was a week full of relaxation & fun.  Here are my top 10 things to do and places to go!

1. Drink rosé - it's a national pastime! 

2. Stay at Isle de France and rent a Moke - get set to sharpen your driving skills and witness breathtaking views at every turn.

Our new “Gustavia” Tote atop a Moke.

3. Go shopping in Gustavia - Delfina, Clic Bookstore, & no name small stores that carry French and European goods like sunglasses from Barcelona to sandals from Greece. 

In St. Jean - Yume boutique for French-African vibes & Mandarine for beautiful and unique treasures sourced by Annelisa Gee from around the world - including our very own ASHA fine jewelry & bespoke collections.

4. Swimming with kids at Flamands Beach - perfect sand, tranquil azure waters.

5. Lunch at Nikki beach with live saxophone player & dancing on tables. 

6. Beach walk along St. Jean and watch planes land overhead on one of the smallest runways in the world.

Our “Aphrodite” bespoke ring shot on the beach.

7. Cocktails at Shell beach at sunset.

8. Magnificent facial to the susurrus of waves at the Sisley spa at le Christopher hotel in Pointe Milou. 

Mom looking radiant after her facial & sporting our new Gustavia tote :)

9. Dinner at Bonito with striking views of Gustavia harbor. 

10. Two more extraordinary dinner places: L'isola for amazing, authentic Italian cuisine (even the waiters on this French island are Italian) & Orega for the freshest sushi. 

Finally, practice your French as the island has a European vibe and sophistication like no other in the Caribbean! Mais oui!

xx Ashley

[theashablog]

The New ASHA Penthouse

Late in summer of 2016 we decided we were outgrowing our showroom and set upon searching for a new glorious space.  After a fair amount of looking we found an extraordinary 1000 square foot virgin space on Greenwich Avenue.  In less than 10 weeks we went from a completely raw space to what is now the newly constructed ASHA Penthouse.  On Wednesday evening of this past week, we officially opened our doors to more than 200 friends and customers who helped us celebrate what is now our new showroom and second floor storefront. 

The penthouse boasts a painted shagreen jewel box, a marble bar, high ceilings and sunny windows overlooking Greenwich Avenue.  A new concept in retail, the ASHA Penthouse doubles as a store and a gorgeous atelier for me and my team.  

Enjoy the following images! 

Above: Team ASHA in our sunlit Penthouse.  Vintage Brunschwig et fils ottoman in aubergine velvet with Samuel & Sons trim. Italian forms in lacquered orange.  Carrera marble bar appointed with CB2 lucite bar stools.

In my new office with San Marco wallpaper by Quadrille, Oly Studio Chairs, & lighting from Visual Comfort.  Painting by one of my favorite local artists - Suzie Jellinek.  Blue suede dress by Australian designer Dion Lee. 

In the jewel box with hand painted shagreen wallpaper from England juxtaposed with a striking Medusa-like modern light pendant found in NYC. 

At the bar.  Wallpaper by Quadrille. Orchid courtesy of Winston Flowers my new neighbor! 

Wearing my new favorite mother of pearl leaf earrings working on new Bespoke projects due before Christmas!  Dress by Elizabeth & James. 

Custom doors inspired by Medici Palazzo Tornabuoni in Florence.

Mirror by Oomph.  Malaya wallpaper by Quadrille in zibby blue.  Architecture by Louise Brooks. 

[theashablog]

ASHA Girls in Tribeca

Meet Katie Sands, Callan Vessels, and Caroline Griswold, three young fashionistas living and working in NYC. Shot on the streets of Tribeca, we captured the stylish beauties wearing pieces from our new fall collections and caught up on their favorite fall destinations and trends. Katie, Callan, and Caroline each have their own unique style and wear ASHA effortlessly. Here’s a glimpse into their lives of fashion and fun in the city!  

Name: Katie Sands 

Age: 23

Job: actress / fashion blogger 

Favorite Restaurant: Mezzaluna (74th & 3rd)

Go to Shopping Destination (online or store): eBay & Barneys 

Fall Must Have: Zara leather jacket 

Favorite ASHA Piece: Any & All things ZODIAC!!!

Name: Callan Vessels

Age: 23

Job: PR Assistant at Gap

Favorite Restaurant: ABC Kitchen

Go to Shopping Destination: Intermix

Fall Must Have: Suede Booties 

Favorite ASHA Piece: Delavigne Cuff and Emilia Earrings

Name: Caroline Griswold

Age: 23

Job: Fashion Department Assistant at Vogue Magazine 

Favorite Restaurant: Rintintin (for the moment!)

Go to Shopping Destination: Intermix

Fall Must Have: Pants (the more fun the better, silk, wide-leg, velvet, leather, cropped -everything!) 

Favorite ASHA Piece: Bespoke Rings 

[theashablog]

Capri Top 5

ASHA’s very own Sophie spent the past week with family and friends on the picturesque island of Capri, Italy and she is back with a full travel report. She has put together her favorite spots in a 5 part itinerary which includes the best places to stay, eat, drink, swim, and shop. We are so excited to share another ASHA adventure with you filled with breathtaking views, lots of time exploring, and of course a few snapshots of our jewelry in action. As summer draws to a close, enjoy this peek into one of our most treasured destinations. 

1. To stay – La Scalinatella  2. To eat – Aurora 3. To drink – Bar Tiberio 4. To swim – La Fontelina or Da Luigi 5. To shop – Delfina Capri

Our Colby Pendant against the beautiful tiles of Capri 

An afternoon swim at La Fontelina 

Sophie’s mom Hilary happily wearing our Tallulah Drop Earrings and holding our Scallop Pouch out to dinner at Bar Tiberio 

Sophie’s personalized Bespoke Ring and our Horn Bangles 

Summer whites featuring our Miramar Cuff 

Da Luigi Beach Club

Sophie’s grandmother sporting our Flower Cuff and Cigar Band Ring 

Until next time...

[theashablog]

Olympic Gold

As Team USA stars Michael Phelps and Simone Biles won gold down in Rio de Janeiro, ASHA found its own way to shine in the Olympic spotlight. We were thrilled to see Natalie Morales and Kit Hoover from Access Hollywood sporting our earrings while reporting live from the games! From our Behati earrings to the Sofia earrings and Scallop Pave hoops, our jewelry enjoyed its own moment of glory on the television screen and on Instagram. We thank these prime time reporters and influential women for their continued support and enthusiasm of ASHA. Enjoy the snaps from Rio below and go Team USA!  

Natalie wearing our Sofia earrings while taking a seflie with Gisele.  Watch Gisele’s interview here.

Natalie sporting our Behati Earrings during an interview with four time gold medalist Katie Ledecky!

Kit wearing our best-selling Emilia’s on air and with the ladies of the USA gymnastics team.

Natalie with Brazilian model Adriana Lima wearing our Sofia Earrings 

Natalie in our Scallop Pave Hoops while enjoying lunch with Kit

[theashablog]

Summer Escape: Italy

Italy...a place full of rich history, lively culture, stunning views, and timeless mosaics. The dreamy gardens of Tuscany, quaint streets of Florence, and detailed artistry and design everywhere in between hold the inspiration behind my next collection and I am so excited to share it with you. The photographs below will give you a glimpse of my latest summer adventure and our upcoming Tuscan Collection. Enjoy! 

exploring Florence

gilded mosaics 

J.K. Place Firenze 

our new Vine Cuff 

charming interiors of J.K. Place Firenze

inspired ceilings at the Pitti Palace 

wearing my new favorite Vine Cuff 

endless tiles

up close with our Florentine craftsman...working on a new Bespoke ring 

a visit to the Tuscan countryside 

our Leaf Earrings...coming soon

at Villa San Michele...one of my favorite places

San Miniato al Monte 

pranzo

Piazza Santa Maria Novella 

[theashablog]

ASHA on ACK

The ASHA team had the pleasure of hosting a pop up shop at the charming cottages of Harborview Nantucket last week! From the cocktail party at sunset to a day of shopping and sales and some relaxing beach time, we enjoyed every minute on the island and we cannot wait to go bACK! 

Our Ofelia Earrings

Shopping success! A happy customer wearing our Carlotta Pendant 

Harborview Nantucket

Our Nantucket Pendant paired with our Cosmos Charm

Ashley’s mom Mayling behind the scenes

 Our Suede Wrap Bracelets make the perfect gift! 

Ashley with her sister Katy and client Ana sporting our favorite summer pieces

Our Waverly Tote   

Beautiful Main Street

See you next time ACK!

[theashablog]

ASHA at Greenwich Polo

This past Sunday we kicked off summer as a sponsor of Greenwich Polo! Friends, family, and clients enjoyed the VIP tent while watching the match and sipping rosé. 

Ashley wearing our Tusk Pendant with her daughter Annabel 

Sara wearing our Medina Chandelier  

Alexis wearing our Emilia Earrings 

Annabel kept busy coloring! 

Mayling wearing our Flower Chandeliers 

photos courtesy of Fairfield County Look 

[theashablog]

Cuba Capsule

Ever since I was a little girl I’ve dreamed about going to Cuba.  When I recently designed A Cuba capsule collection inspired by Havana, it was time to go.

The faded colors of Havana. (main image above)

Follow me as I discover Cuba for the first time.

Discovering the island that my family left shortly after the revolution nearly 57 years ago was something quite amazing, eye-opening, complex and raw.  From a creative perspective the faded, dilapidated ruins were most beautiful.  I was quite literally filled with awe at the breathtaking European architecture right there in the middle of the Caribbean with vintage 1950s cars zooming by in every which direction.  I found the people incredibly joyous despite decades of oppression offering whatever they could to be hospitable and welcoming.  The music I grew up listening to filled the streets.  I left Cuba touched and inspired by her beauty - it was a creative and personal adventure that will live with me forever.

Family photos of my grandmother, mother, aunt & grandfather in Varadero.

A fresh take on the Cigar Band Ring from our #CubaCapsule collection. 

One of the many incredible old cars in Havana. 

Our Havana tote making its debut in Habana Vieja.

Inspiring architecture - Catedral de San Cristóbal

At La Guarida - one of my favorite places I visited. 

Havana street scene.

Our Ofelia earrings. 

Striking mosaics - inspiration at every corner. 

Driving along el Malecón - truly magical.

[theashablog]

At Home

As much as I have a passion for travel and will jump at the opportunity to stamp my passport, I love being at home.  I have a penchant for interiors and love mixing modern & classic decor.  Here’s a peek inside my home and a look at some of my favorite elements. xx Ashley

Wearing our Roman cuff & a colorful Giambatista Valli dress in my living room. Embellished by…Manuel Canovas cheetah print ottoman, Mitchell Gold nailhead sofa, Oomph Kazak Pillows and Jim Thompson silk pillows I had made.

I love a good sunburst mirror & my modern works on paper by Natural Curiosities.

Haviland’s Constance china, our Roman ring & a crisp white Restoration Hardware kitchen chair.

My favorite Oly Studio wing chairs upholstered in a blue and white Quadrille fabric & one of a kind shell prints in mirrored frames.  Wearing a floral silk Thakoon dress with Bionda Castana fringe booties. 

Antique watering cans from Nantucket, a bowl of green apples & an ASHA Waverly card case.

Juliska coffee cups & pieces from our new Kismet collection.

Shenanigans with Annabel :) Bungalow 5 lamp & Oomph Greenwich side table. 

I love mixing everyday Juliska plates & vases with my amethyst William Yeoward wine goblets. ASHA Medina earrings in black gold.

Giambatista Valli dress and ASHA black gold Flower Chandeliers.

Ivy covered wall & firewood for fall nights. 

Home sweet home.

[theashablog]

Destination: Dalmatian Coast

As summer days come to a close I’m reminiscing about my amazing holiday in Montenegro & Croatia.  We began our trip on the tiny islet called Sveti Stefan in Montenegro at the incredibly luxurious Aman resort.  The fifteen century fishing village was built stone by stone & is a hidden oasis with multiple chapels and the most extraordinary views of the Adriatic.  We spent afternoons at the beach at Villa Milocer - once the summer residence of a Montenegrian Queen - and would climb and explore the cobbled pathways within the fortified village in the early evenings when the heat had subsided.  

Sveti Stefan - the 15th Century fortified fishing village which is now an Aman resort. (main image above)

Next we crossed the border to Croatia and arrived in what is now one of my favorite cities to date - Dubrovnik.  I discovered the city by night and was blown away by the gorgeous Medieval walled city with its structures shining white illuminated by lanterns.  The combination of the azure waters & rocky beaches and its rich history as a major sea power 5 centuries ago conjures feelings of Venice mixed with an Eastern European exoticism.  I was certainly inspired by the history, architecture and most of all the emerald hues of the Adriatic.  Stay tuned for a future collection!

Charming Montenegro.  

Wearing a horn bangle stack & flower chandeliers. 

Beautiful views at Sveti Stefan.

Inspiration around every corner - our Zoe Pendant hanging on this 15th century quatrefoil gate. 

Annabel exploring the grounds of Villa Milocer - Montenegro. 

A gorgeous view of the Adriatic from Sveti Stefan. 

A quatrefoil with a view - Old City, Dubrovnik. 

A funny moment with a clever parrot in the Old City.

My favorite little hidden gem of a beach - right next to our hotel Villa Dubrovnik. 

The magical Medieval Old City - Dubrovnik. 

Dubrovnik by night. 

[theashablog]

Spotlight: Martha MacCallum

I recently had the honor of photographing & interviewing Martha MacCallum in NYC.  As co-anchor of Fox’s top rated “America’s Newsroom with Martha MacCallum & Bill Hemmer,” she stands as one of the top journalists in her field.  She is incredibly smart, accomplished, sophisticated, beautiful and above all kind.  You can also see her frequently wearing ASHA on the air.  Enjoy our Q&A below. 

Martha wearing our Capote Cuff, Horn Bangle & Tallulah earrings in NYC. (main image above)

Favorite ASHA piece: I wear my Aquarius zodiac necklace almost all the time,  I also love my Mamounia earrings.

Favorite interview: Election season is when we are most fired up, I've interviewed most of the Presidential candidates in the last three election cycles. I also, really like talking to their wives, you get to know the candidate better that way.  Laura Bush is a personal favorite, she's very down-to-earth and cares passionately about bettering the lives of women and children in Africa and Afghanistan.

Most challenging story you've covered:  Certainly 9/11.  It changed all of us and our country forever.  I still don't think there is a day that goes by that it doesn't sneak its memory in one way or another.

Favorite destination:  I Love to ski in Deer Valley and chill out in Harbour Island, Bahamas.  I feel very lucky to get to both of those places.

Best piece of advice you've gotten:  Don’t sweat the small stuff.  We are very blessed to live in America. We have so much, I'm grateful every day.   I consider myself so lucky to live in this country.

[theashablog]

Summer Series: Watch Hill

Each summer we highlight our favorite summer destinations and Watch Hill is at the top of our list.  It’s beautiful beaches and laid back yet elegant vibe are unsurpassed.  The Ocean House is an iconic New England retreat and known for its 4th of July Beach Ball.  You can also find ASHA at the boutique!