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Ring My Bell

Cosy weekend & why I took a step back

Jeans: Nasty Gal. Sweatshirt: Y.M.C. Beanie: H&M.
Sneakers: Isabel Marant.

I’m back in Louisiana and shooting the 2nd series of Salem. After a long week of shooting in a corset I love my cosy weekends spent in snuggly hats and sweatshirts stolen from my husband. I tried (and failed) to resist these leopard Isabel Marant sneakers but the leopard lover that I am was like a moth to a flame. 
I know that my updates have been few and far between over this past year and I wanted to talk about why that was….
Ring My Bell was born out of a genuine love of fashion and in particular street style and whilst these are still huge passions of mine, my first love and real job has always been acting. After leaving ‘Revenge’ I was hungry for another project and to play a different character. ‘Salem’ was just what I was looking for and I put nearly all of my focus and energy into that. We shoot ‘Salem’ on location in Louisiana (away from my closet!) and our shooting schedule doesn’t always allow me the time to update Ring My Bell as much as I might like.
Then there was the influx of other actresses who in the last year or so have also started fashion blogs. It had me questioning if I wanted to be lumped into that over saturated category and if my blog added anything different or if blogs were even relevant any more? I still don’t have the answers but…
Ultimately I still really enjoy sharing my personal style with you and I’m so grateful that you all take the time to visit this site and leave me comments. Ring My Bell is here to stay and I’ll keep updating as often as my filming schedule and access to my closet allows. Thank you for sticking around!

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  2. I love your Blog!
    It´s something special, I like your style and when I watch your Photos it´s like I see a girl next door not the girl in the TV 🙂
    <3

  5. I'm so glad you're still going to be posting! I love your unique style, I also love street style 🙂 I loved you on Revenge by the way! x
    cherieedle.blogspot.com

  8. I love love love this… My stylist and I are gonna attempt to recreate this look and hopefully we won't fail ������

  11. Despite the fact that fashion blogs have become so popular recently, Ring My Bell has been one of my favourites for years! I definitely think it still stands out from other blogs; the photography is beautiful, the content is always good and I think the online world would be a worse place without it!

  12. Cute outfit, just the yellow jumper.
    You're the only actress whose blog I follow because I just love your style. I'm a fan of your acting too, but I don't follow your blog because you're 'Ashley from Revenge', I follow because you have a great sense of style (with a closet to match).
    Rubi | The Den | http://www.the-den.blogspot.com

  17. Thank you for being so honest and open about it! I follow your blog as I follow other fashion bloggers. I'm always so inspired by your looks and you are so authentic, I see Ashley the Ring My Bell blogger and not Ashley the actress. Ashley the actress I see in magazines and on TV and I'm impressed with her on another level. I'm happy for every post here on your blog.
    XXX; G.

  19. I really really really looove your blog. All since i saw you in Revenge i've been following your blog and both your acting and style is such an inspiration to me. Hope you' ll keep the blog posted! 🙂

    / hugs from Finland

  21. Dear Ashley,

    I just quickly wanted to tell you that for me, your blog is not and has never been "one among many". I´ve been following fashion blogs for quite a few years now and yours was one of the first I discovered (along with The Blonde Salad, Song of Style and Tuula). It still is one of my favourites even though I´ve discovered and keep discovering so many other great blogs, but yours is just unique. I really really love your style, I think you're super beautiful and soo nice. Would really like to meet you one day. You come across as the sweet girl next door and in that way you differ from so many other bloggers. So please keep posting! I keep checking your blog, wishing you could post more often, but I get how you´ve got too much on your plate. I´ve been thinking about starting my own blog but at the moment I simply lack the time to put some real effort into it because my job keeps me busy, plus I´ve been wondering whether at this point it´s wise to start a blog as everyone seems to have one. So I totally get your thoughts which is why I just had to tell you that for me, your blog is not at all like all the other blogs.

    Kisses from Hamburg
    Henrikje

    P.S. I´ve been craving those sneakers for months… 🙂

  27. That's my girl, I LOVE those Marants! Just post when you can and when you feel like – keep it fun and light. That's what I started doing, it's why I changed the layout of FD; need to focus on other things. I wouldn't want you to fall back because others jumped on. C x

  28. Always love the outfits but why I read your blog is because the love and fun aspects of fashion shine through! Keep up with the blogging!!!

  30. as a fellow london girl, I love your blog Ashlet, especially the mix of highs and lows. there's only one you so keep doing what you do xxx

  32. I'm like the other girl who commented, I don't follow your blog just because you're the actress from Revenge or Salem. I do it because I absolutely love your style, your clothes and makeup, such an inspiration. While I understand that your priority is acting, I hope you don't stop blogging once in a while, some of your fans (from your other passion) are still here 🙂

    Best of luck for your show :)*

  33. the start of Instagram first embraced, than damaged bloggers, because now we only look at the photos on the App, or sign up to services to get the outfit details instantly to our mail box (which I didn't…I miss that the details are usually not mentiones/enclosed anymore, unless you use the system)…but I love the stories behind the outfits, and that's what keeps me coming back here;

  39. What a sweet post. I have been reading your blog since the beginning and I truly think yours is very special as much for the style and for your personality. And I think the fact that you have a real main job makes it even more enjoyable as most of us can relate to you.

    So I am glad you will continue, as for a minute I thought it was your goodbye letter.

    I too have started my blog in between jobs to share my passion for fashion & photography but as my wedding dress and evening wear brand is slowly taking off, I find it hard to continue consistently. But I keep telling myself that it has to be a pleasure rather than a chore, so I keep posting when I have time without forcing myself for the sake of readership.

    On a more personal note, I remember meeting you in London a few times, but very briefly, as we had some common friends, you were working at "To busy to be beautiful"(or something like that)and studying drama… Well I am very happy about how far you have been and that you never have let your dream slip away.
    😉

    Valentine

    http://www.valentineavoh.com

  41. Love you on Salem, love your blog, and I love those shoes. Glad you decided to keep up the blog, I always look forward to your posts.

  45. I'm glad you decided to keep on updating Ring my Bell. It is without a doubt one of the best fashion blogs out there and a favourite of mine. Not only you are a beautiful and talented actress, but you also have a genuine and great sense of style.
    Love from Portugal!
    Patricia

  50. I honestly love you more for your style than for your acting (maybe your accent is in second place :P). I spent hours browsing through your site when I first discovered it and I continue to follow you for your style. I hope you don't quit, but I'd understand if you do. Acting is your job (your work, your career) and your job comes first. I'm blogging for a hobby and I do it when I can because there are other things that have to come first. I hope you continue to have a passion for Ring My Bell because I know myself and others will continue to support you xx

    Elleosophy

  51. I just finished telling my hubby how much I love your blog and your style right before I read this! I hope you keep it up even if it is few and far between! The thing I love about blogging is that even though there are a lot of blogs out there everyone has there own unique voice. You are super talented at acting and at blogging! Best of luck to you!

    Lindsey
    Thrift and Shout

  58. I'm really glad you're not quitting! I love your style so much! Honestly, I can only think of a couple of other actresses that are currently in the personal style blogosphere and all of you have unique things to offer! Good luck with everything 🙂

  59. Your blog and style have always come across as genuine and authentic. You're the only actress whose blog I follow! Forget everyone else who's just trying to cash in on the fashion blog craze. You're the real deal 🙂

    Love this cozy outfit. Sometimes you need to wear more casual and comfy looks. You still look feminine and super chic!

    xo Azu

    http://www.raven-locks.blogspot.com

  60. I'm glad you are sticking with it, but also happy to hear you evaluated what you want to do with the blog (sometimes you need to look at what's important, what you love and if it is having an impact). It's what has kept me blogging, since I also thought about throwing in the towel. Your blog will always be a destination for me as long as you continue to post!

  61. First of all I want to say that I absolutely love this outfit. Might try to pull something similar one of those days, it won't be very different from my usual casual self, but the jeans really bring out the casualness I think, unlike skinnies.

    I'm glad you are posting again and I think it's just important if you like what you do. For us, your readers and fans it doesn't matter if you are a part of an over saturated blog category, we read your blog because of you and your style and because we love it.

  66. Why I can't look this effortless casually I don't know, I love this look! And you are not lumped into a category as your style and blog is actually lusted after and you aren't jumping on the bandwagon, so I wouldn't worry xx

  67. Pure the only blogger that I follow that I'd consider to be an actual actress. I've looked at many others and most aren't even comparable to yours. I love your style and I'd be gutted if you stopped posting.

  74. I love your blog. If you love it, I don't think you should give it up. I joined the over saturated world of fashion blogs 3 years ago. I think every person has something unique to offer in a blog. Don't give it up just because you think you'll be lumped in with other actresses. Prove them wrong!

    Theatricality by Mariah

  77. i agree. these days it seems so many people are starting blogs left & right. i like that yours is still all you and you offer a lot of affordable alternatives for us with a worldly budget. please keep posting. i look forward to attempting to recreate your styles.

  83. Aww, nice to have you back Ash. I think evaluating the blog shows exactly why you do it- love of it rather than exposure and that really comes across anyway. Hope you are having fun back in Salem. X

  84. Hi Ashley!
    Don't worry about not posting very often. We're really happy to see you making your dreams, to evolve as an actress, come true. It's such a pleasure to watch you on our screens. And we really appreciate the time and effort you've been devoting to update this blog for us. We're grateful for that, so thank YOU.
    Hope you and your castmates are having fun while shooting season 2!
    And great look, as always. Love the jeans and the sneakers and this pretty face:)

    Iga

  87. I really like your jeans.

    Well, we understand you Ashley 🙂 Make all your dreams come true. You're the only one person who know what you love the most. Keep it doing! Take care girl! 🙂

  88. That's the problem with the blogosphere, too many blogs are the same because they are not personal enough. So when I read this post, I was like YES someone (why should your celebrity status have anything to do with it?) who adds details. Photos, once again are everywhere but the same words twice? Not possible!
    http://www.diamants-au-chocolat.blogspot.ie

  91. I'm not a huge fan of animal print on things. But I actually really do like the leopard on those shoes. I think it's the red accent on the back that makes me think they are super cute! Thanks for sharing!

  94. Girl you've been here. We know and feel your passion. Welcome back, totally understand that you needed time reassess. Congrats on your new gig.

  101. I think about this too, want to stop blogging because I feel lost in so many other blogs around. The fact that you thought of quitting makes me super sad. Please, don't stop!
    Lera's Blog

  103. I do love your style and think that your boy does an amazing job at helping you keep at it with those gorgeous photographs. Indeed theres other things in life than blogging and I too question if it's worth my time. I've decided it is because it's a creative outlet where you can be you and write what ever you bloody want. So high five to Ring My Bell sticking around :)))

  107. Hi Ashley!
    I came across your blog even before I knew you were an actress (and before your role on "Revenge"). I really enjoy reading your blog, both because I seriously love your style more than any other's, and because I like the fact that you're able to share your incredibly cool style with us while you're so busy acting on "Salem". There's no one quite like you! After your time on Revenge (my all time favourite show), I feel like your blog kind of makes up for you not being on there any more. So I'm so happy to hear that this thing's not going anywhere! Xx

  112. So nice to read a bit more about you! I knew your blog long before I started watching Revenge and it's always been my favorite blog I guess haha. I keep checking in some time, sad that there is not a new post. But keep doing what you love; totally understand that acting is your nr 1 love & job. Looking forward to your next posts, and missing you in the last season of Revenge 🙁 haha
    xo.
    FROM HATS TO HEELS
    http://www.fromhatstoheels.com

  115. Hi Ashley!
    I came across your blog even before I knew you were an actress (and before your role on "Revenge"). I really enjoy reading your blog, both because I seriously love your style more than any other's, and because I like the fact that you're able to share your incredibly cool style with us while you're so busy acting on "Salem". There's no one quite like you! After your time on Revenge (my all time favourite show), I feel like your blog kind of makes up for you not being on there any more. So I'm so happy to hear that this thing's not going anywhere! Xx

  121. When I read the title I got so freaked out! Glad you're here to stay I love every single one if your posts ❥❥❥

  124. Dear Ashley

    You are a breath of fresh air in a saturated blog world – one that is also becoming saturated by actresses who are not really adding that much to it: the feel of ring my ball is of a pure fashion blog and genuine love for fashion… Don't let the fact that the crowd is getting more intense drive you away from doing something that you love and that you are so good at.

    I am yet to start watching Salem but I will try and find the time to do it soon, you leaving Revenge was one of the reasons I stopped watching.

    I am genuinely hoping that you read this and all the comments that a lot of ladies have posted here – please don't stop blogging.

    Best wishes
    Maria

  127. Absolutely do not stop. Even if you have to post less. I discovered you on Diary of a Call Girl, and I thought who is this gorgeous girl who is so adorable in this role? You have great style and I love your husband on that show too. You make a great couple and always look like you are truly in love.

    And I am not an animal print lover, but I totally dig those sneakers! Your blog is really refreshing.
    Thank you!

  136. I am currently finding myself asking these very same questions? Are personal styling blogs relevant anymore? How are we standing out from the rest of thousands and thousands of other fashion blogs? I too don't have the answer but I do think these are the right questions to be asking ourselves, in order to help us grow, develop and learn more about ourselves and what we want! Love your blog so keep going xx

    http://www.2matesandablog.com

  140. i am personally so glad you are sticking around! i have been a fan of yours since i first saw you appear on revenge (was so sad when you left!) and it's so great that you're now filming salem. i work in the industry so it's been really fun for me to have your blog as a sort of inside look to who you really are.

    on top of that i'm a HUGE fan of your street style. so often the way you piece outfits together is exactly what i love and how i describe my own style. i don't typically even follow fashion blogs but because i loved you as an actress, i came here and fell in love too. i'm a lifestyle and travel blogger and i know sometimes it feels like "is the blog world dead?" but in the end, nothing else matters other than whether or not you're enjoying it. if you love it, do it. and don't let anything else stop you!

    xx
    kylie
    http://www.spencerandkylie.blogspot.com

  141. You are very talented and have a great blog. I was just disappointed that the sneakers are calf hair, which to me is just as bad as fur, and your prior post was all about fur substitutes.

    Still love you, though!

  143. I've been following your blog for a while now and i love it! It's probably my favorite since it inspires me so much and i like the fact that you're not only using really pricey clothes! I love your work as a actress too,you're so down to earth, keep blogging please! xxx

  144. Hello gorgeous, just wanted to say: you're so inspiring to me! I've never seen fashion like this, I love this blog, so please, keep doing your thing.

    xoxo

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