What is it ab a pair of lived-in, busted up, broken down jeans that just makes you feel good? I'm always excited when ripped jeans are trendy again, because in my book, the more thrashed up- the better! I realize the distressed denim look isn't for everyone, so I try to tone it down, or balance it with a polished top or cute heels. My family and even co-workers are always good for a joke about my jeans. For example "Hey, Ash- you have a hole in your jeans!". Thanks, Dad. Despite the clever quips, I'm sticking to my good ol', broken-in faves!

Love letters, nature walks, camp fires...ahh summer love! It's the subject of the delightfully awkward new movie "Moonrise Kingdom"; with an acclaimed director, star-studded cast and shot here in Rhode Island- I had to go check out the flick that critics are raving about. Plus, I'm a sucker for a love story! The film did make me reminisce about summer camp, but mostly it made me think about the fashion of the 60s- a decade I'm sure I was meant to be a part of. Short skirts, flower prints and madras- what more could a girl need? And let's face it, you'd probably look better in these styles now than you did when you were 12 and hadn't learned to pluck yet.

Have you recovered yet from those darn neighbor kids setting off fireworks near your yard? Oh come on, don't act like you didn't complain! Since, the holiday fell mid-week this year, I've decided to continue celebrating until Sunday, and I'm not alone! Some of Hollywood's finest broke out their patriotic apparel throughout the week. The stars donned their stars to celebrate our Independence. Jessica Simpson, Miley Cyrus and Alessandra Ambrosio were all seen sporting this star-spangled sweater by Wildfox Couture. So... who wore it best?? You decide...or wear it yourself!

Wildfox Couture Seeing Stars Lennon Sweater

Alessandra Ambrosio in Wildfox Couture

Miley Cyrus in Wildfox Couture

Jessica Simpson (with family!) in Wildfox Couture

Fourth of July is quite possibly my favorite day of the year. Aside from loving any reason to have s'mores, it's also my birthday. Yup- I'm a yankee doodle dandy (what does that even mean?)! Anyway, I look forward to the day each year, and yes, I like to dress in red, white and blue to celebrate! This started many moons ago, when at the tender age of 11, I found the most amazing pair of denim cut-offs ever created! I got them at "Limited, Too" now known to our nation's youth as "Justice" (shameful) and they had the imprint of a flag painted on them. I was practically iconic in them! Except for the fact that I had a perm and I had yet to grow into my nose. Regardless, ever since then I've literally dreamed of these shorts! Fast forward to a few months ago, when I found a virtually identical (adult) pair online at Topshop. I kept holding off on buying them 1)because they weren't cheap and 2) they were described as "hot pants" on the website. Red flag. Then, just last week, I was lollygagging around Target, when one of their seasonal end displays caught my eye. Freakin' flag shorts! I basically skipped over, grabbed a couple pairs to try on, and settled on the darker denim pair. Who knew a simple pair of shorts could bring so much joy?! Oh, I forgot to mention they are only $18 and come in two different patriotic prints. God Bless America!

You'll have to excuse my absence for the past couple of days. You see, I actually just had my heart started again after passing out on Thursday. Don't worry, I'm fine now, it's just that...it finally happened. The moment I've been dreaming of for years. Yes, I met Britney Spears. Seriously! Brit-brit and the crew were in town holding auditions for The X Factor. Imagine- Britney in Providence- for days! I knew I had to be there. Fortunately, having a super cool job, I was actually able to do an interview with Britney and fellow new X Factor judge Demi Lovato. OK, so I personally did not do the interview, but I did stand there and smile emphatically as it happened. Anyway, as expected Britney looked amazing- and believe me when I tell you she looks better than ever. Healthy, glowing- the whole thing. For all you Demi fans out there, know this: her makeup is flawless. So you want to look like your icon? Well, you can! An while I personally can not rock Brit's body hugging style- I have a picture of me with her, to prove that I was there. It's OK to be jealous.

Britney Spears at The X Factor auditions in Providence wearing an Herve Leger bandage dress and Yves St. Laurent platform pumps. 

Demi Lovato in Topshop Pansy Print Bodycon Dress.

Britney Spears and Demi Lovato backstage at The Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence for The X Factor Auditions- check out the interview here!

Myself, Britney Spears, Rhode Show Co-host Will Gilbert and Demi Lovato backstage at The X Factor auditions in Providence.