Mistletoe

This is the second out of four Christmas-themed outfit posts that I've planned.  (If you missed Saturday's post, it contains a great novelty print holiday dress + clutch!).  I really love vintage square dance dresses.  I think they're so charming and unique.  I certainly can't wear them for every occasion, but I'd had my eye on this one from The Braided Bandit forever, and I knew it'd be perfect for Christmastime festivities.  I feel like a storybook character in this dress!  Hannah has so many gems in her store, and I'm always impressed with the amount of care and thought she puts into both her curation and packaging.

While trying to come up with a name for this post, I started thinking about the holidays -- specifically, what it's like to celebrate them alone.  Well, I'm not really alone; I'm incredibly lucky to have great parents with whom I can celebrate.  But the fact is that I spent quite a few holidays with someone who I thought was the love of my life.  And even though it's been more than a year since we broke up, I'm still adjusting to celebrating sans boyfriend.  It's still weird to not be buying him presents or to be making plans for New Year's Eve.  And even though kissing is something I miss during the rest of the year too, it seems like those holiday kisses are a little more important, somehow.  When you're faced with constant reminders -- whether they be sprigs of mistletoe or the ball drop -- it's hard to forget that you're single.  I came to the realization recently that the issues that plagued my ex during our relationship will probably follow him for his entire life (it's a long story, but if you feel like googling "Pure OCD," you might get the gist), and I know that I deserve to be with someone whose mind doesn't make him question whether or not he loves me or is attracted to me.  But there is still a significant part of me that misses what we shared, and it hits me especially hard around this time of year.  This is not to say that I think I need to be with someone for the holidays.  I don't want to be with someone for the sake of not being alone.  I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who love and care about me.  All that I'm trying to say, really, is that I wouldn't mind being kissed this Christmas -- with or without the presence of mistletoe.

Outfit Details

Dress: The Braided Bandit Vintage

Hair bow: American Apparel
Shoes: estate sale store

Petticoat: eBay
Bracelet: old

Have a marvelous Monday!
xox Sammi