If you told 21-year-old Ashley—the Ashley who was living in NYC, painting the town and figuring out life after leaving Nebraska—that she was about to meet her husband, she probably would have laughed right in your face.

Joke’s on me: I got married when I was 22 years old. Twenty-two! I know the Boomers married young but in our generation people are taking their time, maybe getting married in their mid-to-late 30s, or starting families in their 40s. Many aren’t marrying or having kids at all. So whenever I look back, I have to remind myself how young Justin and I were. We were also very, very in love. It was a huge decision, and one of the best I’ve ever made.

Fast forward to three kids, many moves, multiple businesses, and Justin and I are celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary on August 14th. ❤️

When you’ve been with the same person for as long as I have, people tend to have questions. The big one is what the ultimate green flag was when we first got together. How did I know he was “the one?”

Let’s just say that between 18-21, I got (ahem) a lot of dating in. But honestly, the thing that was different about Justin was that I met him at church, and that was a first for me. We were raised very differently culturally, but we share the same beliefs and values. Our glue is God.

Justin was so intellectually grounded in his faith walk, which was really charming to me because it had a depth I hadn’t experienced yet. More than that…he was just unique. I know, I know! I’ve heard this from people too. “I knew he was ‘the one’ because he was different from the others!” But there really was something so remarkable about him. He made me feel like gold. He cracked me up. He sparked my interest. Nearly two decades later, he still does.

Avoiding the "transactional marriage" trap 🥂

Last August, right here on this Substack, I talked about the power of intention and putting each other first. Now here’s where things get interesting: I can admit that putting each other first when you have small children, mountains of work, and an insane travel schedule is a challenge. There’s always a hurdle. It’s so easy (too easy!) for a marriage to slip into pure logistics. Who’s picking up the kids? Who’s handling the schedule, who’s heading to the airport?

But Justin and I have been so intentional about avoiding that, and I’m really proud of the work we’ve put in. I think 22-year-old Ashley, beaming in a white dress on her wedding day, would be too. We do regular check-ins to make sure we’re both doing well emotionally, which has been such a healthy way to get through busier seasons of life. I feel incredibly lucky to have a partner who’s tapped into his emotions and encourages me to meet him there (because sometimes I’m pretty tapped out).

We’ve also been consistent with our date nights! It’s been nice to balance our practical family planning days with evenings where we can just go out and have a few drinks and unplug from business and kid talk. We refuse to let our marriage become transactional. We want to keep having fun together, no matter what.

We know it won’t always be this hectic. There won’t always be little kids running around. There won’t always be big work sprints. We stay connected now so that when things eventually slow down, we still genuinely enjoy each other’s company.

The “no gifts” game (and how I’m playing it) 💝

Years ago, before kids, I was in Atlanta filming a show and told Justin, “We’ll just celebrate when I get back, don’t worry.” He flew to Atlanta and popped up to surprise me anyway. So we take our anniversary very seriously and always carve out August 14th to be together.

Last year, we did the Afrofuture Festival and a KAYTRANADA concert in Detroit, which was fabulous. This time around we’re keeping things close to home. Justin picked the restaurant (I have no idea what it is, he loves a surprise), and I booked us tickets to see Ragtime on Broadway because we both adore theater. We’re staying the night in the city, sleeping in(!!), snuggling without a child asking for pancakes at dawn, grabbing a cute brunch, and then meeting up with the boys. Nice and simple.

I asked Justin the other day, “Can we please just not do gifts this year? Let’s just be about each other.”

He didn’t say a word…he just looked at me and walked away.

Which means he definitely got me a gift. 🫣

Now I’m in a subtle panic trying to collect gifts for him. I need him to give me his gift first so I can gauge what level of gift-giving we’re doing! I knew I was getting a ring upgrade for our 15th (every five years I like to get a diamond added—though Justin’s jeweler told him there’s no room left, so next I’m gunning for earrings). I tried to match the energy and bought him a vintage Rolex. He was dumbfounded. But this year, I pray to God he didn’t get me anything crazy because I am not exactly at Rolex level right now. Hopefully I hit the sweet spot. Wish me luck!

Ashley’s Final Thought Bubble 💭

In all seriousness, if anyone in my Inner Circle sat me down and asked how to build a partnership that lasts 16+ years, here’s exactly what I’d tell them:

Marry someone you can laugh with, cry with, grow with, and be quiet with. Marry someone who, even in moments of despair and heartache, still brings you joy and makes you smile when you look at them—and gives you the absolute best time when it’s time for fun. Basically I’d say: marry your best friend.

What about you…are you into celebrating anniversaries? How do you handle the gift-no-gift dance? And what’s a daily ritual you and your partner (or best friend!) use to stay tapped in? Drop it in the comments, I’d love to hear.

Sending love and green flags,
XO Ashley

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A bible verse I love
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” — John 14:12-14 NIV

A great reminder to ask the Lord for the things that you want, because he wants to give you the desires of your heart that line up with his will.

What’s bringing me joy right now
Collecting rocks and crystals with the boys. Their obsessions become my obsessions!

What I’m reading at the moment
My friend Priscilla Shirer’s book, The Armor of God. It’s a fantastic devotion and video to understand God’s armor through Ephesians.

My anniversary date night look
A sparkly Balenciaga skirt that I bought two NYE ago and have yet to wear, with a Good American tank and a leather jacket for if it’s cold in the theater. I’m thinking a fresh blowout and barely there makeup. Chill, but celebratory.

A recipe I’m currently obsessed with
My neighbor made this amazing tomato marinara sauce that she canned herself, and she gave me a jar on the Fourth of July. It was so unbelievably good that I had to ask her for more. I combine the sauce with protein pasta and hamburger meat. I swear, it’s the fastest, simplest meal to make and the boys go crazy for it. I don’t cook much, so when Malachi and Isaac told me, “Mom, I think you’re a better chef than Dad!” Justin started cracking up so hard (and for the record, I’m definitely not).

The “cool mom” daytime outfit worth repeating
Wore this for a day in the city with the fam last weekend—an R13 top, with a skirt from sustainable London designer Gina Corrieri and Chanel flats.

The daily habit Justin and I swear by
First thing in the morning, no matter who gets out of bed first (he’s usually up at 5:00 AM, and I am…not), we greet each other with a hug, a kiss, and a quick prayer to start the day.

The prayer might last a mere 20 seconds, but it’s about the physical, spiritual, and emotional intention toward each other. The whole exchange takes two to five minutes max, but we do it every single morning and every single night. It makes a world of difference, and if it doesn’t happen, we definitely give each other a side-eye. 💋

I’m writing this with the faint smell of sea salt still lingering in my hair and a happy exhaustion deep in my bones. The other day I was in New York, running around in heavy, cozy knitwear for our upcoming JCPenney winter campaign shoot. As soon as I heard “That’s a wrap!” Justin, the boys, and I headed straight to the airport for an overnight flight to Italy.

Yes, we booked a last-minute, five-day family getaway to Sardinia. Yes, we did it with three kids under the age of six. And yes, for a minute I thought I had officially lost my mind.

But with Cannes Lions behind me and a Lucci tour across Chicago, Miami, and Philly staring me down, I made a conscious choice to take a reset. I didn’t want to show up for my community running on empty. I wanted to fill my cup before the marathon began, and spend quality time with loved ones before leaving again.

A close friend told me to take a daytime flight, warning me of the potential nightmare of flying overnight with three young kids. But we chose the nighttime run anyway because the beach was calling and we didn’t want to waste an entire day traveling. We packed our secret weapon—these brilliant little airplane hammocks that hook over the tray tables and through the seatbelts so the boys could sleep with their feet up—and I sandwiched myself in the middle of them. After a surprisingly easy four-hour layover in Frankfurt, we finally landed in sunny Olbia.

The hot air hit us the second we got off the plane, and we didn’t even wait to get to the rental car; we literally changed into shorts right there in the airport bathroom. We were on island time, baby!

When rest is a game of Tetris, and why it takes a village 🧩

We stayed at a gorgeous, rented home tucked away in San Teodoro. Our amazing friends arrived ahead of us and had a fresh dinner waiting when we walked through the door, sweaty and hungry. We sat on the terrace and watched the pink Italian sunset bleed over the hills. I swear I could feel my entire body exhale.

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Psst — almost everything below is 30% off with code 26SUMMER right now. Prices shown are full price → with the code.

Every summer I do the same thing: stand in my closet, try on way too many outfits, and end up in the same three. So this year I made myself actually commit — thirteen looks I'd genuinely wear, from beach-day easy to dinner-reservation sexy. Cheetah print, slinky satin, denim on denim, the whole range. I linked every piece so you can copy them exactly (and yes, they're all on sale right now). The best part? Every piece is from my JCPenney collection: cute, curve-loving, and easy on the wallet. Here are all thirteen.

Look 1: Wild Thing

I'm not usually a matchy person, so I let this leopard-lace tank be the whole moment and kept everything else quiet — clean capris, a pointy heel. It's giving 2005 in the best way, and somehow it's still comfortable enough to wear all night.

• Tank: Lace Trim Tank in Blur Animal — $35 ($26.25 with code 26SUMMER)

• Capris: Ponte Capri Pant in Pepper Corn Black — $49 ($36.75 with code 26SUMMER)

• Heels: Pointed Closed Toe Stiletto Heel Pumps — $115 ($37.49 with code 26SUMMER)

Look total: $84 → about $63 with code 26SUMMER, about $100 (with shoes)

Look 2: The Long Short

Okay, I know long shorts scare people. Try them anyway. I wore these tailored ones with a little green halter and a belt and felt weirdly powerful — like I could run a meeting and then go straight to dinner.

• Halter top: Memphis Green Halter Top — $44 ($23.10 with code 26SUMMER)

• Shorts: Dressy Jort in Peppercorn Black — $49 ($36.75 with code 26SUMMER)

• Sandals: Unisa Aliane-J Slide Sandals — $60 ($33.75 with code 26SUMMER)

Look total: $93 → about $60 with code 26SUMMER, about $94 (with shoes)

Look 3: One and Done

This is the dress I'd pack if I could only bring one. You put it on, add hoops, and you're done thinking about it.

• Dress: Keyhole Maxi Dress in Diffused Floral — $70 ($52.50 with code 26SUMMER)

Look total: $70 → $52.50 with code 26SUMMER

Look 4: The Canadian Tuxedo 👖

Denim on denim, but make it a night out. The strapless top and wide-leg trousers match up so it almost reads like a jumpsuit — I threw on a heel and some gold and called it a look.

• Top: Strapless Denim Top in Rinse — $28 ($21.00 with code 26SUMMER)

• Trousers: Denim Trouser in Rinse — $56 ($42.00 with code 26SUMMER)

Look total: $84 → $63 with code 26SUMMER

Look 5: Fringe Benefits

The fringe on this one gets me every time — it moves when you move and it's just fun to wear. Feels like a vacation dress even when I'm nowhere near a beach.

• Dress: Crew Neck Sleeveless Sheath Dress in Black/Gray — $63 ($47.25 with code 26SUMMER)

• Sandals: DV8 Hanna Heeled Sandals in Black — $65 ($48.75 with code 26SUMMER)

Look total: $63 → about $47 with code 26SUMMER, about $96 (with shoes)

Look 6: Heat Wave 🔥

Perfect for a GNO or date night on the town (or beach!!) The print does a lot, so I keep everything else simple.

• Dress: Ruched Bodycon Midi Dress in Animal — $70 ($52.50 with code 26SUMMER)

• Shoes (as worn): Roger Vivier Jewel Heel Satin Sandals — the splurge ✨

  • Dupe: ALDO Pearletta Strappy Heeled Sandal — $74.98

Look total: $70 → $52.50 with code 26SUMMER, about $127 (with dupe heels)

Look 7: Lime Light

A good tank and a white denim mini is basically my summer uniform, and I'm not sorry. This green makes me sooo happy. Add a belt and a strappy sandal and you're ready for whatever the day turns into!

• Tank: High Neck Rib Tank in Bright Moss — $24 ($16.80 with code 26SUMMER)

• Skirt: Denim Mini Skirt in White — $42 ($31.50 with code 26SUMMER)

• Shoes: Sam Edelman Presley Strappy Sandal in Bright White — $83

Look total: $66 → about $48 with code 26SUMMER (tank + skirt)

Look 8: The Little Brown Dress

Forget the LBD for a second — the little brown dress is the sleeper hit of the collection. It's ruched, it's a little sexy, and it surprised even me. Barefoot or with a nude heel, it just works.

• Dress: Button Front Halter Mini Dress in Safari Brown — $63 ($47.25 with code 26SUMMER)

Look total: $63 → $47.25 with code 26SUMMER

Look 9: Sheer Genius

I can't stop wearing this look. It's a little undone in the way I like.

• Cardigan: Crew Neck Long Sleeve Cardigan in Safari Brown — $54 ($28.35 with code 26SUMMER)

• Shorts: Baggy Short in White — $49 ($36.75 with code 26SUMMER)

• Sandals: Unisa Aliane-J Slide Sandals in Black — $45 ($33.75 with code 26SUMMER)

Look total: $103 → about $65 with code 26SUMMER (cardigan + shorts), about $99 (with shoes)

Look 10: Orange Crush 🧡

I wore this one and immediately got the "wait, where's that from" comments. It's the kind of orange that does something for your skin, and the white pumps just make it louder.

• Dress: Sleeveless High-Low Sweater Dress in Spicy Orange — $70 ($52.50 with code 26SUMMER)

• Pumps: Charles David Geno Pointed Stiletto Pumps in White — $49.99 ($37.49 with code 26SUMMER)

Look total: $70 → $52.50 with code 26SUMMER (dress), about $90 (with shoes)

Look 11: Golden Hour

The satin just moves with you. Nude heels, a cold drink, and I'm a very happy woman.

• Dress: Bead Trim Satin Midi Dress in Carmelized Orange — $70 ($52.50 with code 26SUMMER)

Look total: $70 → $52.50 with code 26SUMMER

Look 12: Spot On

This looks like a dress but it's actually a top and skirt — sneaky. The cheetah and the lace hem feel a little dangerous. Pure going-out energy. BUT I love wearing them separate too. Both great adds for the wardrobe.

• Top: Asymmetrical Engineered Rib Top in Peppercorn Black — $35 ($26.25 with code 26SUMMER)

• Skirt: Asymmetric Lace Trimmed Slip Skirt in Blur Animal — $56 ($42.00 with code 26SUMMER)

• Pumps: Pointed Closed Toe Stiletto Heel Pumps — $115 ($37.49 with code 26SUMMER)

Look total: $91 → about $68 with code 26SUMMER (top + skirt), about $106 (with shoes)

Look 13: The Cat’s Meow

Slinky, glamorous, and just the right amount of wild. It’s the print that never goes out of style, cut for maximum impact. Black kitten-heel thongs keep it cheeky and easy ;)

• Dress: V-Neck Sleeveless Satin Animal Sheath Dress in Blur Animal — $63 ($47.25 with code 26SUMMER)

Look total: $63 → $47.25 with code 26SUMMER

That's the whole edit! No rules, wear what makes you feel good, and if you try one of these, tag me — I look at every single one and it always makes my day!!

Xx,
Ashley

I’m fresh from the French Riviera, dahhhling! There’s just something about stepping off a plane in the South of France. The air smells like saltwater and citrus, mixed with what I can only describe as quiet glamour.

I was scheduled to be in town for Cannes Lions, but before switching completely into corporate founder mode for a few days of panels and brand strategy meetings, Justin and I started our trip in Nice with a beautiful, intimate celebration: the wedding of my sweet friend Leonie Hanne and her longtime partner, Alex Galievsky.

We stayed at the Hôtel Nice Riviera. The first night was the welcoming party, where Justin managed to eat about ten slices of truffle pizza (I stopped at a respectable five). It was a gorgeous night, and we slept in until about noon the next day, which was a literal miracle and something we never get to do, EVER.

For the wedding, I wore a long Pucci dress that had an adjustable rope halter top. The girls were strapped in, of course (I’m obsessed with this new boob tape from Boomba—my boobs did get really sweaty when we were dancing but I was able to scoop them back in, it was fine 😂).

You know how weddings work; people always remember the food and the music, and let me tell you, the food (steak! Pasta! Nutella pizza!) and the music was top top top notch—they brought out horn players, which I just think is the best thing to add to a DJ booth. As Leonie captured in her speech, everything in life deserves "a tidbit of drama," and her wedding weekend delivered it in the most elegant, timeless way possible. During the ceremony, fountains synchronized perfectly with the couple’s first kiss. I love love!

But the secret to surviving a high-stakes, super busy work trip is knowing when to protect your peace, so Justin and I took a mandatory “off-day” together at the beach before leaving Nice. No schedules, no calendar alerts. Just a relaxed morning followed by a quiet afternoon of napping (me) and reading (him) while listening to the waves and resetting our nervous systems. Very “calm before the storm” vibes.

The second the sun set on Leonie’s wedding weekend, we headed straight into the thick of Cannes Lions. We were up at the crack of dawn to leave our hotel and check into an Airbnb because there was not one hotel left in Cannes. It ended up being great, because we were off the beaten path a bit. And when I say off the beaten path, I mean just 10 minutes from the Croisette, which is the main strip of Cannes. I was in glam by 6:30AM, then it was off to the races.

I’ll give it to you straight: Cannes Lions is no joke! It’s a beast of a festival, and it brings together the innovators and ultimate decision-makers from every major global brand, creative agency, and tech giant on earth. It’s parties, yes, but it’s also where the real, raw business conversations are happening. And that’s where I wanna be.

My mission for the week was showcasing our collaboration with JCPenney and sharing my journey as a first-time creative director. I wanted to give these global brands a reality check on true consumer representation. We had a jam-packed schedule of speaking engagements, and keeping my hair and makeup composed was a full-on talent in itself. I don’t know if it was 100 degrees, but it sure did feel like it (shoutout to my two electric fans keeping me alive!).

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Here’s the AG play-by-play of how we brought the boardroom to the beach:

Panel #1: Adweek House — Fashion Forward

I kicked off day one bright and early at Adweek House, sitting down with Marisa Thalberg from Catalyst Brands and Adweek’s Jenny Rooney.

• The look: To set the tone for the festival, I wore a lovely morning look from my current JCPenney collection: a flowy cream skirt set with a see-through cardigan and a lacy white Victoria’s Secret bra underneath. We were right on the sea at the Le Majestic, so I wanted to give minimalist mermaid vibes. 🧜🏼‍♀️

• The reality check: Marisa and I leaned hard into the retail blind spot that still exists today. Let’s look at the data, shall we? About 67% of American women are over a size 12/14, yet less than 20% of apparel is actually made in those sizes. We talked about what it actually looks like to genuinely build community for a consumer who wants quality, affordable, trend-forward fashion in her size without feeling looked down upon.

• The pitch: True authenticity should happen organically, from community and conversation, not manufactured behind the scenes by a group of execs trying to piece together what they think will work. IMO, the brands that find themselves chasing that authenticity through a specific creator or influencer are often the ones struggling most. It needs to feel effortless and real!

Panel #2: The Female Quotient — Designed to Be Seen

Next up was the Female Quotient panel on the Hôtel Martinez rooftop, moderated by my girl Allison Statter, the founder and CEO of Blended Strategy Group.

• The look: Allison and I walked out both trending in black capris, so you know the style was locked in! I paired mine with a sea foam green halter top, bright red Jude mules, and a red Chanel bag and sunglasses for that perfect pop of Riviera color. I wouldn’t normally put those colors together but it totally worked.

• The focus: This convo was all about moving past superficial, surface-level inclusion to inspire lasting trust with audiences who are typically overlooked (ahem, curvy girls!). Like I said…when a brand stops chasing assumptions and starts responding to the reality of who their community actually is, THAT’S how you turn a casual customer into a loyal advocate who keeps coming back again and again.

Panel #3: Adweek Marketing Vanguard Inspiration Excursion

On day two, Marisa and I participated in an invite-only discussion tailored for CMOs and brand leaders.

• The look: I wore a gorgeous, beachy black dress covered in colorful flowers with a va-va-voom keyhole top. I felt very ladylike, but still sexy 🥰

• The vibe: It was held at this incredible salmon-colored bubble house, the Palais Bulles, which overlooks the Bay of Cannes and used to be designer Pierre Cardin’s vacation home. As it came into view on our drive, I said, “Oh, that looks like an influencer’s dream come true.” Cut to us pulling into the driveway (this influencer’s dream come true). I hear Lenny Kravitz stayed there. Such a beautiful backdrop!

Panel #4: Dentsu Beach House — Creative Disruption

We headed to the Dentsu Beach House across from the Mondrian Hotel for another fireside chat with Marisa, moderated by Christena Pyle.

• The look: I stayed in my floral dress because it was very Cannes-esque; I really think it’s the perfect vacation dress, but also easy and fun enough to wear with flats at the park with your kids.

• The disruption: Marisa and I broke down the behind-the-scenes strategy of our JCPenney commercial campaign, OMITTED, which has officially generated over one billion impressions, by the way. Dropping another stat right here: only 2% of curvy women cast in film and television are written as the main character. Shameful.

• The franchise model: We disrupted the fashion world by treating our curves-first collection launch like a major entertainment franchise—producing a prestige cinema trailer to give the consumer the true main character energy she deserves. At the end of the day, when we respect the consumer enough to design for her reality, the business results speak for themselves.

Sitting on those panels, I reflected on how much this moment meant to me personally. I’ve done major brand partnerships in the past—swimwear with Swimsuits for All, lingerie with Addition Elle, and my denim line with Marina Rinaldi. I didn’t just smack my name on a label; I loved and fostered those collections to my core.

But stepping into this multi-year partnership with JCP feels entirely different. I’m bringing those years of hard-earned experience in trends, body proportions, darts, and fittings directly to the table. I’m actively raising the design standards to create elevated pieces that I want to see in my own closet, and what I know women want to see in theirs as well.

It’s so rewarding to feel genuinely drawn to the clothes—I love showing them off in my daily life and at these big global events. And yes, the entire collection is available to shop online right now! 🥂

OK, let’s address the question I’m sure a few people were whispering behind the scenes when my name popped on the Cannes Lions speaker lineup:

Why is she here?

On paper, it’s easy for traditionalists to look at a supermodel at a marketing festival and assume it’s only for the glamour or the photo ops (not that I’m opposed to those things 😎). But babes…if you think my career is still just about modeling, you haven’t been paying attention.

I came to Cannes as an investor, founder, and corporate partner. When I’m driving strategy for Lucci, investing in disruptive brands like Coterie and Knix, or deep in my creative director bag for a legendary retailer like JCPenney, my job revolves around business logistics and consumer psychology. Being at Cannes Lions in front of Fortune 500 CMOs wasn’t as much about fitting into their world as changing who gets a seat at the table in a $10B industry.

Ashley’s Final Thought Bubble 💭

Cannes Lions is a completely different experience from the Cannes Film Festival. (To be completely fair, I’ve only been to the Film Festival once, and my memories are basically just a blur of endless fitting and dinners and that one big grand moment on the red carpet before you’re whisked away—but I stand by this.)

Cannes Lions still has all the fabulous food, the late-night festivities, and the fun outfits and all that. But it also brings real, raw, meaningful conversations with incredibly interesting folks from all over the globe who are actively trying to push culture forward.

The biggest piece of advice I gave the crowds sitting at Adweek, Dentsu, and The Female Quotient? Marketers cannot afford to play it safe.

The absolute best brand strategy comes from listening to real-time social feedback and having the guts to dismantle tired corporate pretenses. It requires being brave enough to respond to the real, diverse reality of who your customer is—not who you assume she is.

At each of my panels, I made it a point to meet and mingle with the people who showed up for the exact same reason I did. And after the Palais Bulles presentation, I ended up speaking with two fathers of young daughters. The first dad has a 12-year-old who is desperate to break into modeling. He was so worried; he wanted me to help her realize that this industry isn’t endless glamour and that it can actually be quite brutal on your confidence. The second dad had an 8-year-old, and he literally had tears in his eyes while explaining how insecure she already feels about herself.

It broke my heart, but it also lit a fire under me. I recorded personalized video messages for both girls, reminding them exactly who they are. I also told both dads to grab a copy of A Kids Book About Beauty, so they could have a tangible tool to help start those body-positive conversations at home.

And that is exactly why I belong at Cannes.

When we talk about representation, consumer psychology, and “marketing data,” we aren’t just trying to chase trends. We’re dealing with real people. We are shaping how an 8-year-old girl looks at her reflection in the mirror, and how a 12-year-old girl defines her worth.

When brands stop playing it safe and actually design for the real world, everybody wins.

Sending you love and main character energy,
xo Ashley

A bible verse I love:
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.

Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” — Philippians 4:8-9

A moment I’m especially grateful for:
Our rare day off together in Nice fell on Father’s Day, so Justin and I snuck away for a date night. We chartered a sleek little speed boat to commute to an early dinner at La Mère Germaine, sat right on the water, and ordered everything in sight—lobster, caviar, pasta, you name it—washed down with whisky (him) and Champagne (me). We shared hazelnut gelato for dessert, then took the boat back under a pitch-black sky, lying on the deck and watching shooting stars across the Mediterranean. It was the most perfect, romantic way to end our day off.

The best thing I ate:
Can’t believe I’m saying this, but during the only two hours I had to myself in Cannes, I ordered Uber Eats from Nonna Focaccia and got the most delicious sandwich known to man: mortadella, and fresh stracciatella layered with pistachio cream. I’m still dreaming about it.

The “only in Cannes” moment:
Watching Ludacris perform live while casually catching up with Karlie Kloss, Lindsey Vonn, Priyanka Chopra, and Paris Hilton.

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Here’s the something new: I made a home collection.

I keep saying it out loud because part of me still can’t believe it. I’ve spent years in fashion, in beauty, in front of cameras — but this is the first time I’ve ever stepped into the home space, and honestly? It felt like the most me risk I could take. Because if you know me, you know there is exactly one thing I guard with my whole life. My sleep.

Between the kids, the travel, the work, the everything — bedtime is the one moment in my day where it all finally goes quiet. It’s where I cool down. Where I get to be off. And I wanted to make the thing that makes that moment even better, instead of just surviving the night and chasing the cool side of the pillow (you know the move).

That’s the whole heart of the Breescape x Ashley Graham Cooling Set. It’s cool to the touch the second you get in, breathable all the way through, and built to actually keep you comfortable from lights-out to morning. And the stripes — those are mine. I wanted something that felt elevated but didn’t take itself too seriously. Something that looks like me.

Stepping outside the box is scary. But that teaser ended up being the truest thing — some of the best things really do happen when you let yourself try something new.

The minute my head hits the pillow now? Lights out.

It’s live today. I hope it gives you the kind of nights you’ve been needing. 🤍

Shop the collection here.

xx Ashley

If my suitcase could talk… well, it would probably be begging for mercy. We just wrapped a whirlwind few weeks I've been calling Tour de Lucci—LA, Vegas, Napa Valley, and New York City, all in one beautiful, Lambrusco-soaked blur.

So here’s my one request before we dive in: grab yourself a glass of Lucci, get comfy, and let’s recap this whole wild month together. (If you’re in NYC, you can order a bottle on Gopuff or Instacart right this second—no judgment, only encouragement.) 🍷

Looking back, it's wild how much has changed in such a short time. We introduced Lucci at our launch party in New York, and a few weeks later I was at SOBEWFF actually pouring it and getting to talk about it out loud for the first time—brand-new territory for me, and I was so excited to finally share this thing I’d been building for three years. Now? Seeing our name on the lineup alongside heritage brands and watching people fall in love with a sparkling red, the momentum is real. We are officially on the map.

Keep reading for my play-by-play tour diary—from Sin City to Napa Valley to NYC, and back home to my babies.

✈️ Stop 1: Thank you for choosing Lucci Airlines

We kicked off the trip flying from LAX to Las Vegas, and because I physically cannot sit still, I decided to take over the cabin service. I literally shimmied down the aisle doing my best flight-attendant impression, hyping up Lambrusco to unsuspecting passengers at 35,000 feet. And yes, I was in full glam and a saucy Roberto Cavalli dress, because why not?

🎲 Stop 2: High stakes, higher notes

Vegas, babyyy! This stop hit me hard, but it was so much fun. On Friday, we kicked off Connoisseur by Wynn: Lucci Cocktails & Conversation at Pisces (highly recommended if you love Mediterranean food!), talking all about the inspiration behind the brand with Mariena Mercer Boarini, Wynn’s master mixologist and one of the most decorated female mixologists in North America. She created three original Lucci cocktails—including a banging Lucci Lychee Martini that she called the Modena—that were out of this world!! I loved the Q&A portion, too (shoutout to Melinda Sheckells for moderating).

For the event, I wore a white button-down shirt dress from Givenchy. It was classy, it was elegant, my shoulders were out with a little bit of cleavage, it hugged my waist…it was giving hourglass. I paired it with my bright purple sequined Fendi baguette bag, which I’ve been dying to wear.

Afterward, we moved the party to the AFT Cocktail Deck at Allegro to mingle with pool guests and sip those gorgeous cocktails, then I closed out Friday night at Zero Bond with our Disco Bébé Terrace Takeover. The dress code: All-white optional. The frosé carts: Rolling deep. I also jumped behind the bar to pour rounds myself (my new favorite thing). I wear many hats here at Lucci.

You know I’m not an all-work-and-no-play kind of girl. So of course we made time for a bit of Vegas fun:

The Pool Party: Hit up the Calvin Harris day pool party. I love me some Calvin Harris! I even got to go on stage during his set, though it made me realize my peak club days might be behind me—I only lasted 45 minutes. The real highlight, though? A friend ordered 20 bottles of Lucci, and the bottle girls came parading out with sparklers and a sign like it was a whole production. Seeing Lucci get the full sparkler treatment in a Vegas pool? I have to say… it was a HIGHLIGHT.

The Team-Building Exercise: I took the entire team to see No Doubt at the Sphere. Best. Decision. Ever. I knew about 90% of the lyrics and was screaming them right along with Gwen Stefani.

Pro-tip if you ever go to the Sphere: They have a strict 4x4-inch purse policy. I ended up as the team pack mule and carried everyone’s IDs and wallets in my practical cargo pants. Mom mode activated! And one more: try to snag seats in the 200s—it’s the perfect view for everything.

The Casino Floor: I learned how to play craps and somehow walked away having spent zero dollars of my own. Here’s how: I told my friend I’d go in on $1,000 with him, we promptly lost all of it, and then he got so deep gambling away even more of his own money that he never once came back to collect my half. (Hopefully he doesn’t read this!!) 🎰

The Vibe Check: We had an incredible Cantonese meal at Red 8 (where I had to creatively tape a scarf around my shoulders to adhere to their no-sheer-dress code) and I got to catch up with the stunning Raeann Langas at Delilah (love a curvy-girl Vegas takeover!).

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🍷 Stop 3: Culinary calm at BottleRock

From the desert straight to the vineyards! We caught a JSX flight from Las Vegas to Oakland, and yes, I stayed in full glam during transit so I could hit the ground running. Napa Valley had a completely different, family-friendly, beautifully calm vacation energy.

The highlight of the weekend was probably taking over the culinary stage—hosted by the one and only Andrew Zimmern—alongside the brilliant Chef Evan Funke. He’s an insane talent who owns restaurants around the country—Funke, Mother Wolf, Tre Dita, etc. We did an interactive pizza prep demonstration, and yes, my restaurant skills from the SOBEWFF pizza ovens definitely came in handy. Evan actually put Lucci into a squeeze bottle and used it as a reduction directly on the pizzas, which was pure heaven.

It was a massive networking opportunity—we met with a wine distributor about future opportunities (fingers crossed!) and I did an impromptu interview with former Golden State Warriors player Festus Ezeli. He admitted to me that he wears gloves to eat chicken wings. As a certified wing specialist, I had to tell him right then and there that is an absolute deal breaker! However, my primary mission outside of pouring wine and making connections was hunting down BottleRock’s legendary caviar corn dogs… BUT wouldn’t you know it, they were sold out by the time I finally tracked down the stand. Looks like I’ll have to go back next year to deliver my final verdict!

I did have the option to stay longer in Napa and catch the Backstreet Boys performance, but by this point in the trip, the mom guilt hit me hard. I decided to pass on the concert, pack up early, and fly home to New Jersey to spend a quiet, rainy Memorial Day with Justin and my boys. Like I always say, there is no perfect balance with this working mom stuff—you just have to handle exactly what’s in front of you, and follow your heart when it’s pulling you home.

🥂 The grand finale: Lucci x Williams Sonoma

And then, the sweetest way to close out the whole tour: Lucci Lambrusco is officially part of Williams Sonoma—and to celebrate, we threw a little party on the top floor of the Columbus Circle store in NYC.

Belle English, Williams Sonoma’s culinary and test kitchen director, flew in and made the most gorgeous rigatoni—truly, I’m still thinking about it—and we poured Lucci all night long alongside our Lucci Lambrusco Granita. There was a DJ, there was a meet and greet, and getting to hug some of your necks in person was everything. We even had a sister event happening at the same time out in LA. Intimate, joyful, a little loud in the best way—exactly the Lucci energy I always want to bring you.

The best part? You don’t need a ticket to join the party now—Lucci is on the shelves. So pour yourself a glass and consider this a toast to all of you who’ve come along for the ride.

Ashley’s Final Thought Bubble 💭

A few months ago, talking about wine on a stage was brand-new territory. Now? It’s basically becoming a weekly thing—this stretch alone I was slinging pizzas on a culinary stage and pouring Lambrusco above the clouds. This was just part one of Tour de Lucci, and if the first stretch taught me anything, it’s that stepping out of your comfort zone is where the magic lives. Growth is exhausting, and in my case it usually involves a little bit of mom guilt—but when you build a community that shows up and supports you, every single mile is worth it.

As always, I want to hear from YOU:

First things first: did I get to see you this month? To everyone who came out in NYC (and LA!), thank you—you made it. And if you grabbed a bottle to read along with today, tell me what you’re sipping!

Second things second: Would you ever try a caviar corn dog, or is that a step too far?

Drop a comment below and let’s chat!

Sending you love (and bubbles!), xo Ashley

A bible verse I love “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3

A Lucci recipe I’m loving right now The Lucci Granita with Italian Meringue we made with Williams Sonoma—I’m OBSESSED. It’s light and fruit-forward with a little orange blossom water, topped with airy Italian meringue. The perfect sweet treat for hot patio days. Recipe here:

The song I can’t get out of my head “Spiderwebs” by No Doubt. Ever since the Sphere, I’ve been humming it non-stop, belting it out in the shower, and generally disturbing the people around me. It’s just a perfect song!

A question I’m getting asked a lot lately “What do you think about AI and fashion?” My answer? Technology can obviously track data (sometimes a little too well?), but it can never take away the real, raw emotional connection that models, designers, and creators have with their communities.

The best thing I ate this month The thin-crust pizza at Allegro in Vegas—it honestly tasted like the south of Italy. I’m still thinking about it.

A sweet/funny moment from the boys Lately the boys have been communicating with me almost entirely through Memoji—they’ll pick the most random funny animal and send me voice memos through it. It’s the silliest, sweetest thing, and I’m obsessed.

A workout I’m doing these days While in LA, I got an incredible, high-energy workout in with my friend, the GOAT trainer Shannon Decker!

Five days of Met prep in three minutes — bagel injury, half-built rehearsal rooms, and a dress sewn directly onto my body. The full diary entry, with the parts I held back from Instagram, is [here].

Stay tuned — I might be sharing more “what you missed” moments here from now on. Inbox > al…

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Hi y'all, it's me again. Listen…I know we're all on the verge of Met fatigue (mine included). Your feeds are wallpapered with beige carpet shots and recap clips by now, I know mine sure is! But the days before the carpet had some moments worth a peek behind the curtain that didn't make the grid. So if you're still in the mood — consider this your "here's what you missed on Instagram" cup of tea.

The dress 🐍

A nude mesh draped to mimic snake scales. A second skin that moved with my body instead of fighting against it. The whole look was a love letter to Medusa — not the cartoon villain, but the goddess underneath: powerful, dangerous, unflinching. Metamorphosis, made wearable. That was the brief.

It was crafted by Dimitra Petsa of DI PETSA. Not a new name in my closet… most recently I wore her white “wet look” gown for Vogue’s Costume Art coverage earlier this season. She is SO fab!!!

Met week, day by day 📅

Wed 4/29 — 10 AM facial with Mzia (Mzia Shiman Spa). I got one a few days ahead of the big day, because I wanted my skin to settle. Followed by acupuncture with my girl Sandra at Lanshin in the afternoon.

Thu 4/30 — Marie Claire Power Moms event. Justin presented me with an award. It was a packed room — I'm talking it started with Ciara, jumped to Niecy Nash, the governor of New Mexico had us laughing AND crying, Misty Copeland presented an award to Isabella Boylston, and Olympic bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor was in the house too… I'm talking PACKED house. Very lovely. But a late night. Psst… I'm also their May cover star for their Motherhood Issue. (Sorry, I get a little graphic in there.)

Fri 5/1 — first fitting + the dress(es) you didn’t see.

11:30 at my apartment. First time seeing the dress. Here’s the twist I held back: there were actually TWO. Same gorgeous flesh-toned fabric, same color story, totally different vibes — and I’m not showing you the second one. Why? Because I might just wear it somewhere else. 👀 You’ll have to stay tuned.

The one I picked was a touch sheer for a long night on the Vogue livestream, so Dimitra sewed in a lining before the next fitting. Two parties that night (one with Justin) and a tan at home at 10:30 PM.

Sat 5/2 — Vogue table read in the afternoon with my co-host Cara Delevingne. Then nails, glam, and an IV (just keeping my immune system up — Met week is no joke).

Then back into glam for an event after.

Sun 5/3 — the bagel incident.

This is where things got spicy. The boys came over to our New York City apartment Sunday morning before my appointments started, and I'd ordered bagels for breakfast. I thought using a sharp Japanese knife to slice them would be a great idea. Reader, it was not. I sliced my finger deep open — with chrome silver paint scheduled to cover every fingertip the next day, no less — and then had to go, because there was no slowing this day down.

“The things you have to go through just to get to the Met Gala, darling.”

I powered through the second fitting at 10:30 AM (yes, with a bandaged hand and a butterfly closure I wrapped myself), then headed to the actual Met for full carpet rehearsal with Cara again (2:45–6 PM). The room was so under construction the carpet wasn't even down yet — we were running cues on bare floor. I was leaving it up to my imagination to see what they could pull off in the next 24 hours.

Finally, that night, back at The Mark, a nurse came up to do my stitches and put me in a splint. Real Met prep, baby.

Mon 5/4 — Met Day.

I woke up at 6:38 AM — well, at least that's when I recorded my first voice note (you'll get it if you read the article below). Final fitting in the morning, then straight into glam. The wildest moment? Dimitra was in the room next to mine, hand-stitching the dress onto her assistant in real time — no mannequin in the hotel, so the assistant became the mannequin. Eventually I got sewn directly into the dress myself. No zippers. No shortcuts.

We were toying with the idea of letting me keep the silver splint for the carpet, but ultimately it was too distracting with its blue foam and would have taken away from the look. I also had to hold the mic for the livestream and it would have gotten in the way. We had to be extra careful not to get silver paint into the cut while my hands were getting painted. (A sentence I never thought I would write).

For my full messy, BTS recap: (the new bits start at 1:33, if you watched the above clips)

If you want the full play-by-play of the day itself (with audio voice notes), revisit the Met Gala timeline post below👇🏼

Final thought 💭

Couture is collaborative chaos. Linings sewn between fittings. Stitches under chrome paint. A dress sewn onto a human. A whole team holding it together so I could walk up a few steps and look like a sculpture coming to life.

Endless thank yous to Dimitra, her team, and her MOM (yes, her mom flew in to help) for pulling this look together with us at the eleventh hour. To my glam — Gonn, Dawn, and Kabuki — and to Stella & Ali for keeping me sewn-in and standing. To my team at AG Inc. & IMG for handling the chaos behind the chaos. I could not have done it without all of you. Truly.

I loved every inch of it.

Until next time,
xo Ashley

Hello, it’s me, reporting to you from Met Gala Monday! Listen, I’ve done this seven times now, and the nerves never quite go away. This year was on another level, because I hosted Vogue’s livestream (major) and got to chat with Gigi Hadid, Anne Hathaway, Ciara, and so many more incredible people—it feels like a total fever dream.

The 2026 theme and Costume Institute exhibition is right up my alley. Andrew Bolton curated Costume Art to explore the “centrality of the dressed body,” pairing 5,000 years of art with fashion to feature everything from classical nude and anatomical shapes to bodies that are usually overlooked—like aging bodies, disabled bodies, and pregnant bodies. Obviously this is something I can get behind.

Overall, it was a Met Gala for the books and I’m really excited to be able to take you behind the curtain—tales from the glam chair, catching up with friends on the carpet, and of course, dancing the night away. If the First Monday in May is the Super Bowl of fashion, I want this letter to be your locker room access. Ready to see exactly how my day unfolded? Let’s goooo!

AG’s Met Gala Play-By-Play

6:00 6:38 AM — The early bird gets the glam (and the allergy attack).

6:39 AM — In case you were wondering what (and who) I’m most excited about seeing tonight… 🐝

8:06 AM — I’m opening a gift from Patrick, the lead wardrobe at Chicago. We've stayed in touch since I did the show. He's such a sweetheart and he made a painting of me and Anna Wintour in the style of Michelangelo's Creation of Adam, where we're touching fingers. 😂

10:09 AM — Okay, so we got a bit of a late start, which is…on brand. Anyway, my schedule today is packed: I'm in the glam chair now, then doing a final fitting for my stunning DI PETSA gown (massive shout-out to Dimitra, I can’t stress how fabulous she is!). I have a content shoot, then I have to take my dress off and put on a trench coat—very Beyoncé “Ring the Alarm”—because there's gonna be crazy paparazzi outside The Mark and we don't want them to see my dress. I'll head to the Met for a rehearsal to practice lines and make sure everybody hits their marks and all that. Shimmy to the green room, put my dress back on, and then it’s livestream time, baby!

10:14 AM — Glam is officially done! Big thanks to Gonn, Dawn, and Kabuki, the dream team. I’m getting hungrrryyy

10:34 AM — Time to fit the dress. The custom creation they made for your girl is a masterpiece. Stella, stylist almighty, is sewing the dress to my bra but it’s giving me a bit of boob muffin top? We’re going for organic and effortless, and boob muffin top ain’t it. But we’re gonna work it out. It’s taking three people, plus me, to get this dress on. Turns out clenching my butt helps; I’ve definitely mastered the butt wiggle. 🍑

You want to know more about the look, right? I’d explain it, but I think the designer can do it better. Please welcome to the stage….Dimitra Petsa!

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10:38 AM — Let’s talk about my nails for a second, because there are layers to this. The idea is “clay-dipped,” an homage to the hands of sculptors, and as if I'm a statue coming to life. Dawn did a beautiful job on my chrome nails, now Kabuki is coming in and putting the silver paint on my fingertips. It looks psychedelic! We're gonna take the paint off after I shoot content and then we'll reapply it when we're back at the Met. Praying it doesn’t transfer onto my gown 💅

11:02 AM — Fitting has finished. The dress feels like a second skin, and I’m definitely channeling that femme fatale Medusa energy. You know my snacks are packed. My fuel today was this Snake River Farm Beef Jerky, and my Lemon Lime Flavia electrolytes.

11:50 AM — Jumping on a quick call with my BFF Karlie to go over potential red carpet questions. I can’t wait to see her!

12:18 PM — Content shoot is in full swing; working with Carly Sharp and Keon Gooding is a blast and YES the Lucci is out! The things I’ll do for a good photo 😂

1:32 PM — Everything’s going sooo smoothly. I’m rehearsing and prepping and studying the face cards I was given (I didn’t know many of the athletes, LOL sue me! BUT now I do and I’m their newest fans). I’m trying to come up with cool, original interview questions that not everyone else will ask. Eeee! If I could, I'd have a glass of Lucci waiting for me at the top of the stairs.

2:07 PM — We’re leaving The Mark and I’m in my TTSWTRS trench, looking like a spy on a secret mission. 🧥 I’m with the best team ever and the vibes are immaculate.

2:30 PM — And I’ve arrived! Rolling deep, green juice in hand. Let’s do this.

3:10 PM — Backstage at the Gala and heading through security. I'm in my gown and getting a little nervous. 😬 I’ve got butterflies in my belly and a wedgie that I can’t pick due to the fact that my fingers are painted silver.

3:24 PM — Pre-taping interviews to get the ball rolling! Whaddya know, I’m ahead of schedule. Just waiting on my lovely cohosts, La La Anthony and Cara Delevingne. Time for snacks.

4:23 PM — Calm before the storm. This is actually the most stressful part of the night. I'm about to get my pictures taken on the carpet, basically by myself because no one's here yet. Woosah. Here we go!

4:42 PM — Photos done. I feel like a million dollars, maybe two. This DRESS? Dimitra did the damn thing🔥

5:00 PM — I’ve got hair, makeup, and my stylist right by my side throughout interviews, making sure everything stays in place—no slipping dress, no stray hairs. I’m moving constantly, hugging people, and yes…planning to kick my shoes off early, so they’re keeping everything in check. We’ve started taping pre-interviews so Vogue can seamlessly switch between those and live moments to keep things moving (and give us a little buffer if guests are running late). There’s a whole science to how this all works!

6:00 PM — Officially live on Vogue.com. Showtime!

6:44 PM — Interviews are rolling in! So far I’ve talked to Gigi, Connor Storrie (how handsome did he look?!), Sinéad Burke, Amanda Seyfried, Lena Dunham, Hunter Schafer and Troye Sivan, Law Roach (newly engaged—that rock!), Anne Hathaway and Michael Kors, Aariana Rose Philip, and the stunning Adut Akech, who’s due to give birth any second now. I geeked out so hard over Alysa Liu!! ⛸️

7:13 PM — Got to chat with my gorgeous friend Paloma Elsesser, who is always a great vibe. Tyla gave Cara and I quick dance lesson (I’ll keep practicing that hip swivel) and Heidi Klum’s living statue look had my jaw on the floor. Queen of costumes, forever.

7:22 PM — Rachel Sennott is hilarious. Also, let’s take a moment for Ciara and Russell Wilson, who looked divine. More dancing, this time with Odessa A’zion!

8:00 PM — Livestream wrapped! Time to head inside. The infamous no-phones rule is in full effect, so I’ll catch up with y’all laterrrr

11:30 PM — Back at the Mark; what a night, you guys! I missed dinner altogether because I saw so many friends and got distracted yapping with people. By the time I finally sat down, dessert was there. I had a very fun table: Nia Long, Steph and Ayesha Curry, Jeremy Pope, Rachel Scott from Diotima…then Sabrina Carpenter and Stevie Nicks performed in front of the Met’s Temple of Dendur, which was really iconic—they sang “Landslide” and “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow” together. Now it’s time to rally, because I hear an afterparty calling my name 👑🐝

12:54 AM — Quick glam touch-up, then my team ordered a burger for me to scarf down (lifesaver). I kicked off my shoes for a solid 45 minutes, changed into this Jean Paul Gaultier body dress, Justin arrived, we snapped a few pics, and headed out the door—with Lucci in hand, obviously.

4:00(ish??) AM — Ended up at the afterparty. Justin and I jumped into a “photo booth” that was actually a full production—lighting, photographer, everything. No notes.

Ashley’s Final Thought Bubble 💭

Sadly, I was so busy working that I didn’t have time to check out the Met exhibition! But I’m planning on returning with a friend, or going on a date in the city with Justin to take it all in.

For twenty years, I’ve been screaming from the rooftops that every body is a work of art. To see the Met finally put that conversation center stage—to see “the body” treated as the ultimate masterpiece—felt like a win for all of us.

My custom DI PETSA look was a nod to metamorphosis—that powerful, dangerous, unstoppable side of female nature. It’s a lot of pressure to represent the human form in a room full of people who have spent their lives trying to perfect theirs. But my takeaway from the night is that life isn’t about being the “classical” version of anything. It’s about being the body that shows up, does the work, and isn’t afraid to take up space—even if you’re sucked into shapewear and your feet are screaming at you.

We are walking exhibits of our own history. Whatever body you inhabit, no matter your size, shape, height, or ability, I hope you always, always remember: you are a work of art. No costume required.

Until next time,

xo Ashley

I’ve spent 20 years in front of the camera. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best work happens when you’re willing to go the extra mile to get the flavor just right (also true for cooking).

As you guys know, JCPenney has been such an incredible partner to me. We’ve done so much together, and as we were looking at our upcoming summer commercials, I felt a little jolt of inspiration. I realized I wanted to see a version that felt even more me—something with a little more of that gritty, high-energy New York spirit that I love so much.

So, instead of just talking about it, I decided to be about it. God loves a trier! I tapped back into my entrepreneurial spirit, pulled together a crew of 12, and ran with a Devil Wears Prada–inspired vision for a self-directed shoot. It wasn’t about replacing what we had—it was about turning the volume up and showing the collection through my own lens.

And Honey, the Hustle Was Real 😓

The reality settled in pretty quickly, I’ll be honest. Keep in mind, there was no massive corporate permit or a closed set. We were racing around NYC in a sprinter van, chasing the light and trying to stay one step ahead of the elements. And the elements had their own plans that day:

• The Pedicab Hail Storm: We jumped into a pedicab to get to Bethesda Fountain—because you can’t drive to that part of Central Park, and I was NOT walking 15 minutes in heels in a hailstorm. So when the hail hit, we literally hailed a pedicab, grabbed the shot, and got out. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew trekked through the storm with all the gear and a pop-up tent… absolute troopers. We were supposed to deliver lines to camera, but a busker was loudly serenading everyone walking by, so we pivoted and leaned on the voiceover we recorded earlier (thank God). I’m sitting there in my summer denim jorts (which, by the way, the girlies are LOVING), getting pelted with ice, thinking: this was not in the script—but we’re getting the shot.

• The Guest Appearance: While we were filming a transition in a hotel hallway, a VERY vocal dog decided he wanted a speaking role. His owner warned us he was loud… but this was not a subtle bark. You can hear him around the 13-second mark in THIS clip. And me? Just smizing straight through the chaos.

• The Sprinter Van Salon: At the beginning of the day, I broke a nail. Not a world-ending event, of course, but we didn’t have time to stop. My hairstylist called a nail tech friend to help with the emergency, and she was literally on the floor of the moving van fixing me up as we barreled to the next location. Definition of “the show must go on.”

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Why Does Any of This Matter? ✨

I’m a big believer in the DIY mentality. Sometimes, when you have a specific vision for how you want to be represented, you have to be willing to put your own skin in the game to make it happen. In this case, I wanted to give JCPenney—and all of you—something that felt 100% authentic to my creative taste, and packed with that AG flavor, no matter how unhinged the actual process was.

The final is officially out (!!), but I wanted my Substack fam to see the grit behind the glam too. This is basically the Director’s Cut of the whole shoot—messy, cold, a little chaotic, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

A few never before seen moment below:

Everything’s Better With Bubbles 🍷

Speaking of doing things my own way… we’re officially launching a new little series here, just for the Inner Circle. I’ve been working with some incredible chefs to find the best ways to enjoy Lucci, and I have to share them with you. Expect a mix of elevated pairings and “midnight snack” hacks. The point we’re trying to prove is that everything—literally everything—is better with bubbles.

First up: Prosciutto & Figs with Whipped Ricotta.

This is one of those dishes that looks fancy, tastes incredible, and secretly takes almost no effort—which we love. Creamy whipped ricotta, sweet figs, salty prosciutto, a drizzle of honey… it hits every note.

It’s the kind of thing you throw together for a dinner party (or honestly just for yourself), pour a glass of Lucci, and suddenly feel like you have your life together.

How to make it:

Whip your ricotta with olive oil, lemon juice, and a little salt until it’s smooth and airy. Spread it onto a plate or crostini, layer on prosciutto and fresh figs, then finish with honey, lemon zest, thyme, and flaky salt.

That’s it. No overthinking.

Pair it with a chilled glass of Lucci and let the bubbles do their thing—cutting through the richness and bringing everything together.

Ashley’s Final Thought Bubble 💭

For me, being a founder means knowing when to stick to the plan and when to pivot to make it better. If you ever feel a disconnect from a project you care about, don’t be afraid to step in and add your own flavor. Your vision is worth the investment.

Now that both versions are out in the world… I have to ask: did you like the final cut, or the behind-the-scenes Director’s Cut better?

(And yes, Hallway Dog is still up for debate.)

Until next time,
xo Ashley

Monthly Musings

A bible verse I love
“May you be filled with the knowledge of His will through all wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord—bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. Being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, with endurance, patience, and gratitude.” — Colossians 1:9–12

A promise and a prayer from God. Something I’m leaning on right now.

A career lesson I’m learning
If things feel out of alignment and need to shift a bit, you don’t always have to wait for a board of directors to agree. Your vision should always reflect you (at any cost!).

A song my kids have on repeat

My morning reads
If I’m moving fast but still want to stay in the know, I usually check The Skimm and Morning Brew. It’s my quick catch-up before the day starts.

A cause I’m currently supporting
Room to Grow — I’m so proud to be part of this organization. They support families during the earliest years of a child’s life, providing not just essentials, but real community and care. It’s work that truly makes a difference.

Lucci on the Map! 🗺️
We are officially available at Stew Leonard’s! If you spot us on the shelves, tag me in your photos so I can see Lucci in the wild.

So we took it into our own hands!!

We pulled together a small team (director, DP, audio, producer, swing, social), two vans, and a lot of layers…

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I can’t believe Lucci has officially been out in the world for a whole month. One month of popping bottles, pouring glasses, meeting you guys in wine shops, signing bottles, taking selfies and hearing your thoughts in real time. It’s been surreal in the best way.

If you feel like I’ve been living out of a suitcase lately, you’re not wrong! Between celebrating Lucci in stores, Milan for the Olympics, Paris for Fashion Week, and a few other stops in between, it’s been a whirlwind. But now that I’m finally home for a minute, I realized I never properly told you about my trip to South Beach for the Wine & Food Festival a few weeks ago. And now that I’ve had enough time to fully digest those burgers (wink), it feels like the right moment to share.

Justin joined us on this one, which was an honor and a privilege. Between Lucci events and all the travel, it felt extra special to carve out a little Miami moment together. We’ve started a bit of a tradition of mixing work and play in Miami, and having him there to help me navigate my burger-induced food comas makes everything better.

This was my second year attending the legendary Burger Bash, and this time, I got to be a judge!! It was a very important 2026 bucket list goal for me, so I couldn’t have been happier. I was on the panel with Nick DiGiovanni, Matthew Kuscher, Samantha Schnur, Bert Kreischer, and the iconic Gayle King.

We got to taste our way through some of the best burgers in the country. The contest works in rounds; the first time, I think I tasted seven, and the second round was another seven. 🫣 I was stoked at first, but soon realized I might not actually be built for 14 burgers in one night… let’s just say I took my fair share of Wonderbelly throughout the night to keep my stomach at ease. I started the evening hungry and excited, and I ended it… well, very stuffed and very impressed.

In case you were wondering, our Judges’ Pick award went to NFA Burger from Georgia. Their entry, the “Billy’s Classic,” was a smashed cheeseburger with mustard, pickles, seasoning, and their secret “sassy sauce” on a Martin’s potato roll. It was so mouthwatering.

But the real highlight of the weekend for me was seeing Lucci in its element. I’m slightly biased, but our festival booth was easily the best one—it was bold, vibrant…dare I say bodacious?! We traded the basic white tents for a full Lucci moment, complete with a “Ciao Miami” neon sign and an “Everything’s Better with Bubbles” selfie mirror.

I spent a lot of time behind the bar pouring Lucci samples and meeting you guys. At one point I was even calling out pizza orders to the team from Prince Street Pizza to keep the line moving. By the end of the weekend, I feel like I can officially say I worked in the restaurant industry. I was completely in my element, serving slices and pouring Lucci — and our little tagline, “Cold wine, hot pizza,” definitely drew a crowd.

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I got to put some of my new hospitality experience to good use during Lucci’s ​​Late Night Pizza Party, which I co-hosted with Michael Pirolo and Marc Vetri (two wonderful chefs that I love). We threw the event at Bar Bucce, an amazing family-owned pizzeria and bottle shop. I wasn’t behind the counter this time around, but it was still a blast.

Something that really made me smile was that our driver recommended his photographer wife, Tasula, to shoot photos of the party. We didn’t have a photographer, so we asked if she wanted to shoot it and she did SUCH a beautiful job. I really want to praise her and give a special shout-out because she was incredibly generous to help us out on such short notice. Thank you, Tasula!

🍕Where We Ate & Drank

Miami is a food mecca, and between judging burgers and pouring Lucci, we definitely made the most of it. If you’re heading to South Beach, add these to your list:

• Joe’s Stone Crab: A total classic. This was the first time for some of our team, and let me tell you, it lives up to the hype every time. It’s a Miami rite of passage.

• Casadonna: We had a beautiful dinner here on Saturday night with my business partner, his wife and a group of friends. It’s a Dave Grutman spot, and the atmosphere is just stunning—yummy Italian food, right on the water, pure Miami glam.

• Skinny Louie: They were right next to the Lucci booth, and everyone was OBSESSED. Their smashburger won the top prize at Burger Bash last year, and it was amazing to taste it again.

• Chateau ZZ’s: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this is my favorite restaurant in Miami. Such a cool, vibe-y spot for a late-night dinner with the business partners.

• Papi Steak: Another Grutman masterpiece. The experience here is “extra” in the best way possible—it’s totally experiential and so much fun.

• Bar Bucce: Our home base for the Late Night Pizza Party. If you want a killer slice and a great crowd, this is the spot.

• The Shelborne: We stayed in a beautiful, retro-chic villa that was recently renovated. It was the perfect “team house” for the weekend. The hotel went above and beyond for us with the Lucci! Right as you entered, there was this huge bucket of it—it felt like the official welcome drink. You just helped yourself. It was such a cool surprise, and they kept it stocked all weekend. I even hosted a little happy hour with some friends and a few other guests who were just chilling by the pool.

Ashley’s Final Thought Bubble 💭

If I’m being completely honest, walking into SOBEWFF this year felt a lot like my first day on Broadway. Even after 20 years in fashion, stepping into the food and wine world makes me feel like a fish out of water. I’m the new girl again, and that comes with a lot of nerves.

And speaking of being new… I can’t believe Lucci has officially been out in the world for a whole month. One month of popping bottles, meeting you in wine stores, signing labels, and hearing your thoughts in real time. It still feels surreal. I’ll never forget the first time someone showed me the Lucci logo in a pitch deck. And now that same logo is sitting on bottles in shops all over the country. That kind of moment really makes you stop and take it in.

But the Lucci Lesson™ I’m learning is that growth only happens when you’re willing to be a beginner. I found so much community in the most unexpected places. Meeting up with Guy Fieri was a

full-circle moment—we first connected over my Revlon “chicken wing lipstick” video, but seeing him in his element was so fun! I handed him a bottle of Lucci (with two upside-down cups ready to go), and even though he’d never heard of Lambrusco, he loved it. He even said he’d order two cases. Remind me to follow up on that. 🔥

Then there was the gorgeous Sofia Vergara, who was right behind our booth promoting her coffee, Dios Mio. Seeing her fans swarm the booth was wild—she’s such a powerhouse entrepreneur. Meeting people like Guy and Sofia in this setting, rather than on a red carpet, felt so grounding. It doesn’t matter whether you’re selling coffee, wine, or clothing, we’re all just founders trying to build something we love.

I might have been slinging pizza slices at Bar Bucce and worrying if I was pouring the wine right, but the joy is in the hustle. It’s about finding your people in a new world and realizing that “community” is just a group of people who are as passionate as you are.

And if you’ve been following the Lucci journey from the beginning, thank you. We’re still growing, still learning, still building—and I want you right there with me for all of it.

Question for you: When was the last time you did something that made you feel like a total newbie? Drop a comment and let’s chat.

Sending you cold wine and hot pizza,
xo Ashley

Monthly Musings: The SoBe Edition

A bible verse I love
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” — Zechariah 4:10 NLT

Mark your calendars, Connecticut
One more Lucci stop on the books! I’ll be at Stew Leonard’s in Danbury on March 27th pouring wine, signing bottles, and hopefully convincing a few more people to fall in love with Lambrusco.

An unexpected merch craze
You guys...we brought about 200 Lucci hats and jerseys to the event and people were literally trying to buy them off our backs! (One person even said they’d give us a $500?!) I think Lucci might need to become a full lifestyle brand. The takeaway is: merch is incoming. We’re figuring out the logistics. Who wants a jersey?

A “one month of Lucci” moment
Walking into a wine shop and seeing Lucci on the shelf next to bottles I’ve admired for years. I’ll never forget the first time I saw the logo in a deck… and now it’s sitting in stores all over the country. That one hit me.

My Miami survival kit
A custom Lucci jersey dress (comfy and chic), a heavy-duty sunscreen, and many bottles of Lucci on ice.

A “proud founder” moment
Seeing people’s faces when they realize I’m actually the one behind the bar pouring Lucci. I love being in the weeds of it!

A travel reality
Our flights got canceled on the way home, so we ended up with a few extra recoup days by the pool. Like my mom tells me, “If the devil can’t get you, he’ll make you busy.” That, or he’ll cancel your flight so you have to take a nap in the sun.

There’s an energy when the whole world comes together in one city that you just can’t replicate. Being there reminded me that greatness takes time—whether it’s an athlete training for four years, a brand building for decades, or a bottle of Lambrusco years in the making.

The last time I was in Milan, I fell asleep during a content shoot. That’s Fashion Month for you—long days, quick changes, running on adrenaline. Going back for the Olympics felt like a completely different energy. No chaos. Just incredible food, global pride, and some of the fastest people I’ve ever seen in my life.

I was in Milan with my OMEGA family—you guys know I’ve been a partner of theirs for a bit, and seeing them in their element as the Official Timekeeper was really special. They’ve been doing this since 1932! I got to wear the Seamaster Diver 300M Milano Cortina 2026 edition, and the dial actually had this laser-engraved “frosting” that looks like ice. If you’re going to the Winter Olympics, you’ve got to nail the look.

You also have to commit to the vibe, and I couldn’t head to the heart of Italy without bringing my new baby along. As a newly self-minted Lucci Ambassador, I took one for the team and traveled with a custom wine suitcase full of Lambrusco. (When I say custom, I just mean that my business partner, Danny, put this personalized metal plate on it with “AG” and the Lucci logo.)

Traveling with a suitcase full of sparkling red was honestly my version of Olympic training. I originally planned to carry the Lucci case on with me, but after doing the research realized that wasn’t going to work. I always travel with a carry-on full of backup clothes (because you just never know), so I had to make a call: which bag was boarding with me and which one was getting checked?

Eight bottles went into the Lucci case. I padded them like precious cargo, zipped it up, and sent it down the belt. And when that suitcase came around at baggage claim, I have never stared at luggage so intensely in my life. No leaks. No ruby-red catastrophe. Not one bottle broke.

Gold medal energy.

There is something so surreal about pouring a glass of my own wine — born in the nearby Emilia-Romagna countryside — back in Milan, where it all began. I shared bottles with the OMEGA team, gifted a few to friends in town, and even popped one open during glam with my squad before an event. It felt really special to finally be able to talk about it openly and pour something I’ve been building quietly for so long.

When you work on something for years behind the scenes, there’s this shift that happens when it moves from private to public. From “my little project” to something you can place on a table, share, and sip. Watching people taste it, react to it, ask questions — that’s when it stops being an idea and starts feeling real.

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⛸️ Queen Pin

Usually, I’m in Milan running between fittings and shows, squeezing in work during every spare second. This time, I actually got to slow down and immerse myself in the Olympics experience.

For instance, I fully got sucked into the pin trading tradition. Long story short: OMEGA gave us a set of pins to wear on our lanyards, and apparently trading them is its own Olympic sport. Different brands and companies design these beautiful little enamel pins, and you swap them with people throughout the Games. By the end, your lanyard is basically a scrapbook of tiny, colorful trinkets from around the world. I even found a security guard at the speed skating competition who was down to trade with me — there’s a video below. I was locked in.

And while I was there, I watched one of the wildest finishes I’ve ever seen — the Italian speed skater who literally crossed the line on his butt. The crowd lost it.

Speaking of speed skating, the athleticism was unreal. I consider myself an elite rollerblader (in my own mind), but watching those skaters move made me realize that if I want my butt to round out like that, I might need to get back on my blades. 😂

Truly though, I felt so lucky to be able to actually stop and watch these people who have worked their entire lives for one moment of impact.

It reminded me of the message I heard at church on Justin’s birthday recently: “What impact are you making in your world?” When we eventually go, the world keeps spinning. People move on. But the impact we leave endures.

These athletes are truly dedicated to their craft, and it was exciting to see them push their bodies, and themselves. Whatever your craft is—athletic or not—it’s so motivating to see how far we can take things when we really lock in. It makes me check my own “why” all over again. Does it match the impact I want to leave behind?

❄️ A Moment for the Dress

I looove winter fashion, so I was very happy piling on layers for the daytime events. OMEGA’s merch was thick, cozy, and honestly perfect for running around Milan in February. But one night was a whole different vibe.

OMEGA House is essentially OMEGA’s version of Soho House — a pop-up space in Milan where their ambassadors, clients, and friends of the brand can come hang, eat, lounge, and reset between events. It becomes this little home base during the Games. And every few nights, when an ambassador is in town, they host a party. This time, I got to host!

It was such a fun night — great music, amazing energy, and food from a Michelin-starred chef that we are still talking about. The dress code was “winter cocktail attire with a touch of frost,” so naturally… I had to crank up the drama.

I wore a GORGEOUS white hand-knitted dress from Zuleyha Kuru with a ponytail that hit my butt—the inches, honey! I felt like a figure skater on her way to snatch a gold medal. Huge thank you to my glam squad—Giannandrea Marongiu, and Maddalena Brando—for helping me pull off the ice queen vibe. Can’t wait to channel it again in the Alps 😉

🍝 Where to “Ciao Down” in Milan

Since I wasn’t running between shows, I actually got to visit some of my favorite spots (and try a few new ones). If you are in Milan, run, don’t walk:

• Locanda alla Scala: We had an incredible lunch here. I highly recommend the Milanese risotto with veal sauce — it was phenomenal. I absolutely scarfed it down. For dessert, they brought out an affogato, and the ice cream is scooped from this massive, 1.5-foot mound of gelato that they scrape right in front of you 😭. I’ve been trying to cut back on caffeine, but that espresso was 1000% worth it.

• Bice: It’s been family-owned since 1926 (so you know it’s real), and their homemade pasta is unbelievable.

  Al Baretto San Marco: This was such a vibe. We had rigatoni and wagyu that was out of this world. (We actually swapped eggplant pasta for the rigatoni at the last minute and it was the best choice of the trip.)

• Ristorante Cracco: This is where the OMEGA House was, right inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. That place… I felt like I was in the Renaissance. I’d been there in September for a Marina Rinaldi dinner (we went the wrong way and I accidentally got a tour of the Galleria, which was spectacular). I was just as blown away this time around. We had an amazing meal that was SO clean and fresh. It honestly makes me a little sad about all the preservatives we have in food in the States—you can really taste the difference when the ingredients are this pure!

• PIZ: For something more casual, this pizza spot is a must-visit. There are literally three things on the menu, so you can’t go wrong.

  

Ashley’s Final Thought Bubble 💭

There’s something about watching the Olympics that makes you zoom out. These athletes train for years — sometimes decades — for one moment. One race. One routine. One shot.

It reminded me that most things worth building take longer than we think they will. Whether that’s a body of work, a business, a family, a relationship, or your own confidence.

We’re all going for gold in our own ways. The timelines just look different.

If you were an Olympic athlete, what sport would you actually have a chance at?

I’m still claiming Rollerblading. 🛼

xo,

Ashley

Monthly Musings: The Milan Edition

A bible verse I love:
“Run in such a way as to get the prize.” — 1 Corinthians 9:24

My travel survival kit:
The OMEGA Seamaster (we love punctuality), my evolve together hydrating hand cream, original Beef stick from Anthem, Neuro gum, Revlon PhotoReady Rose Glow Face Mist, water, and a bottle of Lucci in the hotel minibar.

The Olympic sport I’m most obsessed with:
Short track speed skating

My Milan motto:
Eat the pasta, drink the wine, trade the pins.

I’ve been dropping hints for a while, so I think it’s safe to say I am the worst secret-keeper ever. I can’t help it! But today, I’m feeling so emotional I can barely find the words.

The cat is finally, officially out of the bag: Lucci is here!!!

What is Lucci? It’s my very first wine label. I own a wine label! It’s a dream come true, and I could cry just looking at the bottle. Lucci, the little Lambrusco that could.

Lambrusco is an Italian chilled sparkling red wine that’s been my drink of choice for over a decade. I’m obsessed, and it bugged me that I couldn’t always find a good one at my local shop or on the menu at my favorite spots. It felt like a forgotten category that everyone had given up on after its rise in the ‘80s, because the wine here in the U.S. became known as very sweet, so different from the wine I fell in love with in Italy.

So I did what I usually do and took matters into my own hands. I decided I wanted to revive it. I didn’t want sweet; I wanted a dry, sophisticated, sparkling red with lower sugar and high drinkability. I wanted a modern, accessible glow-up for a misunderstood classic.

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You might be thinking, “Gosh Ashley, another brand?” But if you know me, you know I don’t do anything halfway, and I definitely don’t do things just to do them.

Lucci feels like a baby I’ve been building for three years, and the process has been a total masterclass in persistence. My business partner, Danny, and I took several trips to Emilia-Romagna (the cradle of Lambrusco production) to meet with a team of 5th-generation winemakers. Being at the winery watching wine being made was an incredible experience, and the tasting process required a lot of precision. It was important for us to perfect the blend and flavor profile—50% Lambrusco Salamino grapes and 50% Lambrusco Marani grapes, fruit-forward, with notes of dark berries and this gorgeous deep ruby color that looks so chic in a glass. 😍

Tastings aside, getting Lucci off the ground wasn’t easy. We had a lot of people—and I’m talking about distributors and investors—tell us no. Even some of the people we’re working with now initially told us no! We kept circling back, poking and poking, and eventually got them on board. The main reason for the hesitation was that Lambrusco is a new category for them. It feels a bit unknown and untapped.

Plus, people just aren’t drinking as much these days, which I totally get—I’m cutting back too. But I always feel like there’s room for a little celebration or just a casual glass to enjoy with a meal or good conversation. (Lucci has an 11% ABV, perfect for sipping smarter.) That’s why I felt so strongly about pushing through all the rejections, the no-thank-yous, and the whole “it’s not trending” thing. And I’m SO glad I did! That untapped vibe is exactly what makes Lucci perfect for this moment.

How I’m Drinking It (Literally With Everything) 🍷

Lucci happens to be insanely versatile, and I really mean that. In Italy, you typically pair Lambrusco with heavy pastas and fatty Parmigiano to cut through the richness, but since bringing Lucci home, I’ve realized it goes with everything. I’ve been experimenting with recipes and testing it (tough job, but someone has to do it) with:

• The classics—pizza, pasta, and big charcuterie boards

• Sushi, spicy Indian food (surprisingly divine!), and my favorite Tuesday night tacos

• Lamb chops and steaks

• Brunch! Love mimosas, but Lucci and eggs is my current staple.

• One scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream topped with Lucci. It sounds wild, but the way the bubbles hit the cream? Bella.

(And to really enjoy Lambrusco, you gotta chill it—not freezing cold, but definitely not warm, either. When we were shooting the campaign at the actual vineyard in Italy, it was mid-summer and hot as hell. I’m a girl who runs cold and loves the heat, but I’ve never been so overheated in my life. We couldn’t keep the wine on ice for the shots, so every time the director told me to take a sip, it was warm. It’s not fun to spit out your own product, but you gotta do what you gotta do for the shot. 😂)

Lucci is meant for the loud laughs, the girl dinners, and those rare moments where you’re so present you forget to check your phone. It’s for the high-energy celebrations, but it’s also for chilling solo by the pool or getting horizontal on the sofa after the kids are in bed. That’s why our motto is “For every occasion—or no occasion at all.”

I’m entering a massive, $10 billion bubbly market, and I know how many celebrity brands are out there. This isn’t a vanity project where I just slapped my name on a (beautiful) label. I started this with no outside money three years ago. Danny and I pounded the pavement and persuaded distributors who didn’t believe in the category, and I’ve spent more hours than I can count in the weeds of logistics and formulations just to prove that Lambrusco deserves to be back on the map.

Which is why the most important part—and the reason I’m feeling so vulnerable today—is that I’m not rushing this.

We live in a world where everything has to be available everywhere immediately. That drop culture is exciting, but I’m choosing a different path for Lucci. We are rolling out slowly and intentionally. If it’s not in your local shop yet, please know it’s because I want to build this brand the right way. I’m going to be the one popping into wine stores, meeting the teams, and making sure Lucci finds its home on the right tables.

Check out our website at luccilambrusco.com and follow us @luccilambrusco on social media to see where we’re popping up first, and please bear with me as we grow! Good things—the kind that actually last—take time, and I promise these bubbles are worth the wait.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. I can’t wait to see a glass of Lucci in your hand soon.

Ciao for now!!!
xo Ashley

A few nights ago in New York, I hosted a small dinner with women from my community — women who have shown up for me in different ways over the years, whether that’s sharing feedback, supporting my work, asking for advice, or just being part of the conversation. There were 15 of us total, myself included. It was about bringing together women I admire and wanted real time with. On paper, it sounds simple. In real life, it meant so much to me.

I really just wanted a room where we could all sit down, have a meal, and talk — no pressure, no expectations, just us girls catching up and connecting.

We met at ZZ’s Club on the West Side at 6:30PM on a Thursday night and gathered in a private room. I was actually one of the first people to arrive — which almost never happens for me — so I got to greet everyone as they walked in. That alone felt like a little gift. It was really special and honestly kind of fun to flip the script for once.

(Shoutout to Noah and Billy at ZZ’s for taking such incredible care of us — you treated us like queens and kept the Lambrusco flowing all night. We love you!!! Thank you!)

One thing that completely stopped me in my tracks: every single woman showed up wearing a piece from my JCPenney collection!!! That was absolutely not a requirement. Seeing everyone style the pieces their own way and show up with that kind of support honestly meant everything to me. It reminded me why choosing partners like JCPenney matters so much — they’ve always given me the freedom to build community, create experiences like this, and make it feel personal instead of transactional. Seeing how everyone styled the pieces even gave me ideas for how I want to wear them differently. Moments like that are exactly why this work means so much to me.

This wasn’t some formal event with an agenda. It was literally just dinner! Girls hanging out. Taking photos. Making TikToks. Laughing. Throwing out ideas for what to film next. They’re always way more tech-savvy than me, and I love watching the creativity unfold and just jumping in where I can.

Before dinner even started, the first “course” arrived on silver platters: diamond necklaces from JCPenney. (Thank you so much, JCPenney — truly!!! Nobody was expecting to walk out with real diamonds 👀.) Each one was wrapped in a black box with a red ribbon, and watching everyone unwrap them was such a moment. All my girls deserved to be celebrated, and that felt really perfect.

The menu was very me. Lambrusco flowing (of course). Sushi on repeat. Carbone’s famous rigatoni — UNREAL and forever my favorite. We also had spicy tuna rolls, steamed lobster dumplings, miso Caesar salad, salmon and yellowtail sushi, skirt steak, Dover sole, pea shoots, garlic fried rice, key lime pie, and donuts. A little bit of everything. And yes — this is literally the menu I sent back to the ZZ’s team. Just me, a pen, and a lot of circling.

Everyone went home with a goodie bag — one-carat diamonds from JCPenney, a hair straightener, a gift card, and a bottle of my favorite Lambrusco. A little reminder that the best nights don’t have to end when dinner does. 😘

More than anything, I wanted to celebrate these women. I’ve been in this industry for over 25 years, and I’ve seen trends come and go. Bodies celebrated and ignored. Platforms rise and fall. What lasts is staying the course, doing what you love, and building something that feels true to you. Every woman at that table is doing exactly that — and it felt important to pause and honor it.

I wore a black-and-white polka dot dress from my JCPenney collection with a dramatic black-and-white vintage Valentino fur — very Cruella energy — and white Charles and Keith Heels. Comfortable. Grounded. Confident.

Mostly, I just wanted to say how grateful I am. For these women carving out time in their calendars. For getting dressed, showing up, bringing incredible energy, and being fully themselves. Building community doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes it looks like a shared table, good food, great wine, and women choosing to show up for each other in real life.

More nights like this, please!!

xo,
Ashley

Happy New Year, fam! I hope your 2026 is off to a beautiful, not-too-stressful start. January can kick up a lot of emotions; it can be a little bit like a pressure cooker, especially if you’re trying to stick to resolutions. On the other hand, it feels refreshing, like a clean slate and a chance to reset your energy. For me, that usually starts with a little self-care and, of course, a few of my favorite things.

And that absolutely includes earrings. Fun fact: I have 18 holes in my ears! It’s basically a golf course at this point. I’ve got them trailing up and down, plus a conch piercing. I also had one that grew shut, and I’m already thinking about where to go next (maybe a new row at the top?).

People always ask me how this whole ear-piercing thing started — and the answer is… rebellion. (Mild rebellion, but still.) I got my ears pierced for the first time at Claire’s when I was little. Very classic. Very mall-core. But I was also a sports girlie, and I kept having to take them out for games — so they closed up. That happened more than once, and eventually I just gave up.

I didn’t re-pierce my ears until later — late middle school / early high school — when I wasn’t playing sports as much anymore. I also thought I needed pierced ears for modeling, which… honestly, I kind of did. But the reason it turned into this — the reason I started going a little cray-cray — was because my mom never let me color my hair or get tattoos. So this became my loophole.

No hair dye?
No tattoos?
Cool. I’ll pierce my ears.

Some places only let you get two or three piercings at a time, so it happened in phases. Different eras. Different levels of commitment. And before I knew it, I was fully in my ear-stack era. The funny part? My mom was considered a rebel in her town because she had two piercings — in one ear. So for me to show up with all of this felt very full-circle.

Now it doesn’t feel rebellious at all. It feels expressive. Personal. Like a little timeline of who I’ve been and where I’ve been in life. Some people mark chapters with tattoos or hair changes — I just kept poking holes in my ears.

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Since I get so many questions about my ear party, I wanted to share the earrings that are currently in my rotation. Whether you have one piercing or many more, these are the ones making me feel the best right now.

A) Maria Tash Invisible Set Diamond Threaded Stud: Maria Tash is the queen of piercings. These are my go-to for a luxury “forever” piece. They’re tiny, sparkly, and look incredible in a stack.

B) Jacquie Aiche Pave Diamond Mini Hoop: Whenever I want to feel a little extra glam-rock, I reach for Jacquie Aiche. Her pieces have this effortless, bohemian vibe that makes any outfit look intentional.

C) Jewels & Aces Celeste Earring Set: I love these because they are so modular. You can wear them as simple studs or add the jacket for a bit more drama. Perfect for when you need to go from a meeting to a dinner date.

D) Jen Hansen Puff Teardrop Earrings: These are also really versatile; I love combining them with gold pieces (don’t be afraid to mix metals!).

E) Mejuri Trio Chain Stud: You can’t go wrong with Mejuri. This chain stud is lightweight enough to wear all day and the tiny emeralds make a statement.

F) Hey Harper Dove Hoops: For my girls who never want to take their jewelry off (even in the shower), this brand is a lifesaver. These don’t tarnish, and the gold tone is just right.

G) Swarovski Constella Drop Earrings: Sometimes you just need a little high-octane glam. I love pairing these with a classic white tee to let the earrings do all the talking.

H) Catbird Diamond Greco Lariat Earring: If I want something delicate for my upper piercings, I love a gold threader. It adds a little movement and looks so chic and dainty when it catches the light.

I) Jenny Bird Diamond Huggie Earrings: I’m a sucker for a good huggie. These are comfortable enough to sleep in (though I usually take mine out for my earplugs!).

J) Aurate Gold Bar Earring: There’s something about a gold bar going across my ear that feels so badass, and this one has a unique shape.

K) Chopard Ice Cube Ear Cuff: I love adding a cuff to my stack to create the illusion of even more holes. It adds that perfect “more is more” finish.

**And one for my unpierced girlies…Alexis Bittar Jardin Rose Clip Earrings: No piercings, no problem. These are so cool and oversized; great for showing off with a turtleneck sweater or dress.

As usual, I want to hear from you! How many piercings do you have? (They don’t have to be in your ears…I won’t judge. 😉) And more importantly, what are the jewelry brands you’re obsessing over right now? Drop a comment and let’s talk ear parties.

Wishing you a sparkling start to the year,

xo
Ashley

I had a little time to kill before heading out to dinner with Justin the other night and did what I always do — stood in my closet, tried on five outfits, and overthought all of them.

The plan was simple: wine bar, winter layers, cozy but still cute. Here are the looks I tried.

Look 1: The Easy Yes

• Sweater: Staud (it had a built-in-

  scarf!)

  • ASOS Dupe — $60

• Boots: Stuart Weitzman

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I sat down tonight thinking about how to wrap up this year — and realized there’s no way to do it in just one post. Instagram only gives you 20 slides — not quite enough to tell the whole story.

Because progress isn’t just the headline moments.
It’s the prep, the pauses, the relationships, the rest.
It’s the quiet work happening off to the side that makes the bigger moments possible.

This year reminded me that progress doesn’t always look loud.

Sometimes it looks like rest.
Sometimes it looks like work no one sees.
Sometimes it looks like staying steady when things don’t go according to plan.
And sometimes, it looks like simply showing up — again and again.

And honestly? Sometimes it looks like burnout.

I hit a wall around my birthday in October. I didn’t ignore it — I listened. I slowed down. I’m still learning what that season is teaching me — and I’m letting that be enough for now. (I’ll come back with any tips I learn when I feel 100% back to myself!!)

Below are a few overflow highlights from my year — the moments that didn’t make the IG recap 😜 but mattered just as much to me.

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After the launch

After the JCPenney launch, I ended up traveling to a few stores around the country. When I was in Los Angeles, I invited a small group of women from my community to dinner — women I’d mostly known online and was excited to finally spend time with in person.

We sat around a table. Phones came out for selfies (obviously). But no one was “on.”

It was just a girls’ dinner — laughing, sharing advice, talking about life, and getting to know each other beyond the screen.

That time mattered to me.

It’s important for me to build real relationships within the curve community — not just online, but in real life — and to hear directly from the women wearing this line. What they love, what they don’t, and what they want more of.

Listening like this makes the work better.

That’s where it really begins. (And yes — sharing laughs over a glass of red wine never hurts.)

Finding my voice

Behind the scenes of a dress rehearsal for Roxie Hart.

I’m not vocally trained — I’d only ever sung for fun around friends, family, or in the car — so taking this on was… definitely a challenge. I started from the ground up, took vocal lessons, and leaned on an incredible team who taught me everything I needed to know along the way.

Watching this back is a good reminder that it’s okay to step outside the box people put you in. A lot of people know me as a model, but this experience showed me (again) that you can learn new things — even later, even scared — if you’re willing to try.

Dancing it out

Footage from my promo shoot for Chicago The Musical.

Every Roxie who stars in the show does a shoot — this was mine, alongside two of my castmates. Nothing too serious. Just movement, music, and a little joy between takes.

Quiet wins

A few moments that didn’t need a caption — but helped make my year:

1. A portrait taken at the Met Gala before things went sideways.

2. Justin catching me mid-cheers — beer for him, champagne for me — on a Miami weekend that felt like a pause button.

3. The twins on their birthday last January, reminding me how fast everything moves. (And then Isaac’s birthday was two weeks later!)

4. Heart hands with Justin in Tokyo, courtesy of a very enthusiastic guide who took approximately one thousand photos of us.

5. Seeing my Stuart Weitzman campaign printed in an Italian newspaper in Milan.

6. Pouring wine on a boat in Italy with friends, no schedule attached.

7. Behind the scenes on set with my team — the people who make the work possible long before it ever goes live.

8. Running into Fran Drescher at the Golden Globes (I screamed inside).

9. End-of-year karaoke with my team, which honestly felt like the perfect way to close things out. I feel like it is the perfect team building activity for any company! 😜
   

Looking ahead

This year was about building. Adjusting. Listening. Fueling up for what’s next.

As we head into a new year, I’m not setting big resolutions. I’ve learned they don’t always leave much room for real life.

Instead, I’m thinking about small intentions.
Little check-ins.
Moments that feel aligned instead of forced.

If I can offer one gentle challenge for the year ahead, it’s this:
pay attention to the quiet progress.

The rest that fuels you.
The relationships that ground you.
The work you’re doing even when no one’s clapping.

Progress doesn’t need a deadline — and it doesn’t need to be loud to matter.

If you’re reading this, I hope you take a moment to notice your own quiet progress too — the kind that doesn’t always get seen, but still counts.

Grateful for the year that was.
Grounded in where I am.
Ready for what’s ahead.

I’ll leave you with this: “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6

xo,
Ashley

• 77: My Spotify Wrapped age. Apparently, my listening habits are “sophisticated,” which is just a nice way of saying I’m ready for bed by 9:00 PM.

• 9: Curvy girls who walked into a honky tonk. Truly one of my favorite memories this year.

• 128,000: Miles flown. Whether it was for work or family fun, you better believe I was on a plane somewhere.

• 4: Burgers I tried in Miami.

• 17, if I had to guess: Bottles of Lambrusco shared with friends. Something about those bubbles! 🍷

• 5: Alarms I have to set so I don’t oversleep and nearly miss my flight.

• 1 million: The dollar amount raised at the Room to Grow gala. I am so proud to be on their board!

• 42: Pairs of ripped Wolford tights. I tore through them repeatedly while doing Chicago. Stepping onto that stage was a masterclass in confidence, but it really made me rethink my pantyhose budget.

• 90: Minutes late to the Met Gala. A series of unfortunate events—broken elevator, oil spill, NYC traffic—complicated my arrival time a bit.

• 29: Pieces in my first collection for JCPenney. I love seeing how gorgeous you all look in them. It seriously warms my heart, please keep tagging me in photos!

• 15: Years married to Justin. We celebrated with a weekend away in Detroit; the alone time was incredible, and we rededicated ourselves to putting each other first.

• 100: People we hosted on the Fourth of July. I still don’t know how we pulled it off, but it may have something to do with the margarita stand and bouncy house.

• 1: Runway slipped on. I had an amazing time walking the BOSS show during Milan Fashion Week…except for the fact that I fell during the finale. Thankfully, it wasn’t in front of the audience. It was behind some pillars on my way backstage and I went down like a sack of spuds. I recovered with a quick “bend and snap” like Legally Blonde taught me. Another model ran up to me after and said, “The dress is sold out now.” 😂

And then there’s the stuff you don’t track in numbers — but feel deeply.

• Hugs from my boys: Even when they’re covered in dirt, food, or who-knows-what-else.

• Dates with my husband: Unlimited. Always choosing to keep dating him.

• Airport stretch sessions: If you’ve seen a lady doing downward dog near Gate B12, it was probably me.

• Hours spent on TikTok Shop: What can I say? I love a late-night scroll, especially if it means buying something I may or may not need.

• Moments of faith: The quiet mornings with a Bible verse that reminded me to breathe when things felt overwhelming.

• Feeling of gratitude: For this community. Thank you for letting me be my unfiltered self with you all year.

The past few months have been hectic, to say the least. By the time Thanksgiving rolled around, I was extra ready for some quality time with Justin and the boys. We packed our bags (are my bags ever not packed, is the real question) and headed to Amsterdam! I was looking forward to a relaxed week—and while I’d describe the trip as organized chaos (we were about an hour late to everything, no joke), it was absolutely worth it. Justin and I even got to sneak in some much-needed date night dinners and visit a co-ed spa—pure heaven. We also got to hang out with our friends and their daughter, who is just a year younger than my boys. It was so nice to share the city and the experience with them.

AG’s Amsterdam Hits & Misses 📍

I couldn’t possibly come back from a new place without some recommendations for my Inner Circle. If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, here are my picks for where to eat and what to see:

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• The Food Verdict: Okay, I have to be honest with you: the food was surprisingly mediocre. I was expecting some really great cuisine, but I found it to be lacking. I hate to admit it, but I was shocked!

• The Standout Meal: That being said…our best meal was on our last night, at an Indian restaurant called Meghna. It was so unbelievable; we absolutely stuffed ourselves!

• The Must-Visit: If you go, Bun Bun is a must. It’s famously the smallest bakery in the Netherlands, and everything is made from croissant dough. Seriously, run, don’t walk.

• For the Kids (and Kids at Heart): We hit up a few museums that were a total slam dunk:

  • The LEGO Bricks of Wonder exhibit in The Hague. I couldn’t believe how many sculptures and murals there were. Our jaws were on the floor (which was surprisingly not made of LEGOs).

  • The Naturalis Biodiversity Center—it was so clean, orderly, and fascinating. So many animals! Note: it’s technically in Leiden, about 40 minutes outside of Amsterdam, but well worth the train trip.

  • The Corpus Museum—that was phenomenal. It’s basically an immersive journey through the human body (also in Leiden!). Awesome for anatomy buffs and showing little ones how their insides work.

• tThe Cute but Weird Dinner: We tried a restaurant called Le Petit Chef. It was really fun for the kids (the food was just okay). There’s a little 3D hologram of a chef on your table who does performances throughout the meal. And in a room that was full and booked out, mine were the only three kids in the whole place.

• A Note on the Locals: Something interesting about the culture? The Dutch people are very direct. And it’s not in a rude way or meant to offend; their bluntness is more like honesty cloaked in politeness. I embraced it!

Ashley’s Final Thought Bubble 💭

Our Amsterdam getaway was a nice reminder that even when things don’t go exactly as planned—like running behind for every activity—it’s still an adventure. And life is all about staying flexible and going with the flow, as difficult as it can be sometimes. Overall, it was a beautiful way to end the year with the fam, and I’m so grateful for those little windows of time we get as a family.

I’d love to know: Have you been to Amsterdam? What did you see; what did you eat? And what are your go-to coping mechanisms when you visit a new place and the food just isn’t hitting the way you expected (asking for a friend 🫣)? Let me know in the comments.

Sending love and LEGOs,
xo Ashley

A bible verse I love
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” — John 14:27 (NKJV)

This one has been grounding me lately. A reminder that real peace doesn’t come from the noise or the chaos around us—it’s something deeper, steadier, and always available when I need.

A bonding moment with the boys
Filling bagged lunches for the local houseless community. They also picked out a ton of toys to donate to the fire department’s annual toy drive, and it was so special to see the smiles on their faces when we dropped them off. It’s really important to Justin and me that we show the boys how to give back to those who are less fortunate than they are. It’s something I pray sticks with them as they grow up.

I’ve been watching
I’ve been watching The Sean Combs: The Reckoning documentary on Netflix and… wow. It’s intense, and really well done. I’m one episode away from finishing it and need to know—have you watched? Tell me your thoughts.

On YouTube
We’ve been deep in classic Christmas movie mode over here. Watching the boys experience the same movies I grew up with has been so special. Something about sharing those nostalgic moments feels extra sweet this time of year—and YouTube has all my old favorites waiting for us.

Little Holiday Things
Stockings are officially underway. I slipped Wonderbelly’s antacids into Justin’s because he’s always stealing mine, and the boys’ stockings are already filling up with tiny dinosaurs, animal socks, and all the little things that somehow make the biggest excitement.