INSPIRATIONAL TAYLOR WOMEN - INTRODUCING ASHLEY TOTH #12

Ashley is always such a joy to have in store, dressed up or dressed down, we love how effortless and edgy our clothes look on her! Ashley's bright smile and warm personality certainly reflect the same core values that we have here at taylor. We recently sat down with her to catch up and hear about why she's such a fan of the taylor brand and find out a little more about her life.

Ashley wears the Covet Coat in Sienna, Refinement Tee, and Attained Pants.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in small-town of 5,000 people in Ohio. Small town life was simple, but I knew big cities are where my heart was. Before moving to Wellington five years ago, I lived and worked in New York, London, Melbourne and Cuernavaca.

New Zealand was initially meant to be a short-term stay, but I met my partner through our shared passion of golf and Wellington is now my home.

For the past three years, I have been providing independent consulting, advisory and management services to the environmental and international development sectors. I have done a number of high-level projects in these areas. My new passion is in the technology and New Zealand professional sports industries. I want to revolutionise the fan and player experience through sophisticated analytics and machine learning. More details on that further below.

Left: Ashley wears the Covet Coat in Sienna, Refinement Tee, and Attained Pants.

Tell us how you first discovered taylor?

When I first moved to New Zealand, I was struggling to find a go-to boutique with modern style to meet my everyday fashion needs. My partner’s mum, Shirley, introduced me to the taylor brand. She told me that the clothes were basically designed for a tall person like me, so I had to check it out. I’ll never forget my first trip and purchase at the Wellington taylor store – the black Integral Pants. That’s when I fell in love with the brand.

What is it about taylor that you love?

Finally some pants that are long enough! Being six feet tall (1.84m), it’s difficult to find the length I need. Taylor pants have an inseam that’s every tall person’s dream, and it’s made of sustainable, high-quality fabrics that’s not contributing to today’s trend of synthetic, fast fashion that harms the environment.

I also love that the fabrics are hand-picked by Vicki, and are then designed and manufactured in limited quantities here in New Zealand. I am proud to invest in forever pieces from taylor that have evolved from transparent, local production.

Ashley wears the Transparency Jacket, Trace Sweater, Departing Shirt and Belted Transpire Pant.

Have you had any amazing moments when wearing taylor?

“Excuse me, can you tell me where you got the outfit you’re wearing right now?”

Last summer, I was stopped and asked this by a stranger in the Melbourne CBD. I was wearing the Inflate Top and linen shorts. I linked her to the taylor website on her phone, and she was so happy that the taylor style could be shipped to her internationally to incorporate into her closet. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Ashley wears the Transparency Jacket, Trace Sweater, Departing Shirt and Belted Transpire Pant.

How would you describe your personal style? Has your style changed over the years?

Growing up, my parents would take me back-to-school shopping every year and I would be so excited to pick my outfits. It was an outlet for me to express my creativity, and it was fully supported by my mum and dad. For my 4th grade picture day, I wore parrot earrings and a white, ruffled poet blouse with a cropped leopard print jacket. To this day, I still haven’t lived that outfit down from both my friends and family!

While my style still exhibits statement jewellery (sadly, I no longer have the eclectic parrot earrings), it has evolved to more sophisticated and chic investment pieces. I’m also a fan of edgy Asian streetwear brands, and like to recreate tailored dark monochrome outfits with different textures for casual looks.

What are your favourite pieces from our current collection? What drew you to these?

I love the white Attained Trousers because of the flattering and sophisticated look. The high waistband with a wide leg and an extra-long length forms an inherently, contemporary silhouette. I pair it with the Transparency Jacket to complement my workwear style, or with the Inflection Slip dress with Yeezy’s for a chic casual look.

Left to right: Attained Pants, Transparency Jacket, Inflection Slip Dress.

Tell us a little bit about your studies and projects that you are passionate about?

I’ve earned a Strategic Communications degree from The Ohio State University and a Masters Administrative Science, International Relations and Diplomacy from Fairleigh Dickinson University. I am currently an Executive MBA candidate at Victoria University of Wellington, and it has sparked my entrepreneurial mindset.

I’m passionate about technology and bringing people together, underpinned by sustainable values. Recently, I managed the development and deployment of the first geospatial environmental risk assessment tools referenced in New Zealand regulation.

As mentioned in my intro, my passion project is enabling a data revolution in New Zealand professional sports to win more games, prevent player injury and enhance the fan experience (both at home and at the stadium). I’m looking to connect with more people in this industry to further grow this idea. For business contacts, please connect with me through LinkedIn.

Ashley wears the Reversible System Anorak, Activation Tee, Merino Camber Tunic and the Upright Integral Pant.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to spend time outdoors and explore my own backyard. I’ve been lucky enough to travel and visit nearly every corner of beautiful New Zealand. From surfing in Raglan to playing golf in Queenstown, I enjoy getting back to nature.

Left: Ashley wears the Trace Sweater, Departing Shirt and Belted Transpire Pant.

Can you tell us something about yourself you think we would find intriguing?

I was a member of the United Nations team that worked on the formulation of the landmark international policy – the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What do you love about living in Wellington?

The overwhelming amount of friendliness.

Ashley wears the Transparency Jacket, Trace Sweater, Departing Shirt and Belted Transpire Pant.

Click here to explore and shop all of these items Ashley wears above.