www.simplicityandcoffee.com
Clean, classic and minimal are just a few of the words that describe the aesthetic of Simplicity & Coffee, the Life + Style blog run by Ashley Lopez. A California girl at heart, Ashley’s style reflects the effortless elegance of the beach and laid-back lifestyle that she grew up loving. On Simplicity & Coffee, you will find fashion inspiration, tips to make the latest trends work for you, and inspirational posts encouraging you to find the beauty that is intrinsically yours. So if you love coffee and fashion, grab a cup and spend some time with Ashley. You’ll walk away caffeinated and inspired.
Get to know Ashley by reading her interview below. Enjoy!
Interview Questions
1. Could you start by sharing a bit about yourself?
Of course! As you know, my name is Ashley Lopez, and I have the privilege of being the content creator behind the life + style blog, Simplicity and Coffee. I was born and raised in Southern California, and am a So Cal beach girl at heart! In 2012, I met Mr. Right and in 2014 we married and moved to San Francisco, CA, where I transitioned from my career as a Biochemist to blogging! Today, we live in Houston, TX with our two dogs (Chloe, a Whippet and Claire, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) and are preparing to welcome our first child, a little girl named Evelyn, who should be arriving any day now! I love coffee, anything that gets me on or in the water, traveling the world with my man, and long chats with good friends.
2. Could you tell us about your blog and what inspired you to start one?
I started Simplicity and Coffee because of a passion that God had been developing in me slowly for several years. You see, I have some of the most amazing women in the world as my closest friends. Well, I think they’re amazing. For some reason, many of them don’t always see themselves the way I see them. And it got me thinking: If these beautiful, amazing, talented, strong women are struggling with believing in their inherent beauty and worth, how many other women fight with those same inner voices? Then in 2009, God introduced me to the A21 Campaign, an anti-human trafficking organization that saves and provides help to women who have been abused. Over the next several years, my passion to be actively involved and used to speak into women’s lives about their beauty and worth grew, and in 2015 I stepped away from my career in science and began to invest in Simplicity and Coffee, a space where I hope to help women discover a belief that they are beautiful, worthy, and enough, and then provide them with practical tips and tricks to express that beauty through their lifestyle.
3. Who is your fashion inspiration?
If I had to pick just one woman, it would be Audrey Hepburn. She’s so timeless, classic, and effortlessly chic.
4. How would you describe your style?
I describe my style with five (ok, six!) words: Structured. Classic. Minimal. Elegant. Slightly edgy.
5. What are your favorite stores to shop at, and why?
For clothes, Express and Guess. Express does a great job creating pieces that embrace today’s trends without sacrificing classic lines, and their fabrics have great feel and movement. As to Guess, they have my FAVORITE denim. I love the Power Skinny, and own them in every wash and style under the sun. For shoes, I tend to love Steve Madden. He does a great job at designing comfortable pieces made of quality materials that embrace each season. When it comes to accessories, I’m having a love-affair with Coach. Their bags are heavenly.
6. What is an item you splurge on?
Accessories! I spend my big $$ on shoes, sunnies, and bags, because they always fit and, if cared for properly, last a lifetime.
7. What is your next fashion must have?
I’m working my way towards either a classic Louis Vuitton tote or a monogramed Goyard bag.
8. How do you handle fashion trends? (Do you like to keep up with them or not pay attention to them at all…)
I try to incorporate trends through affordable accessories that work with my style. I always check whatever piece I’m considering against my “five words” and make sure it actually fits with who I am and what I love to wear.
9. Do you have any fashion rules when putting an outfit together?
Yes! Make sure the outfit fits with your words, expresses who you want to be for that day, and incorporates at least one statement piece to add interest.
10. For my readers that are looking to freshen up their wardrobe, what is a great fashion tip you can share with them?
I would invest in one staple piece that you’ve been missing or wanting for the season (example: a perfectly fitted pair of distressed white skinny jeans!) and 1-2 statement makers that will mix in well with the core of your wardrobe. Accessories are a great way to freshen up any closet for the new season! If you want more information, I have a fun four-part series on my blog about finding and expressing your style! Start here: http://bit.ly/2no5N2J
Be sure to follow Ashley on social media:
Blog | Instagram | Snapchat | Facebook | Twitter | Blog Lovin’
