An Apple a Day

I've been sick for the last week, so it probably stands to reason that I should be eating more apples to keep the doctor away. Fortunately, we ended up getting a lot (plus donuts and cider, of course) at our trip to The Apple Farm. Apple-picking season is over by now, but I'll definitely be enjoying the fruits of our labor (literally!) for at least the rest of this month! I've never been one for apple pie, though... I'm a pumpkin gal all the way there.

This look is a bit more classic (read: maybe basic?) than I normally go for – but holy wow, this dress from Torrid is SO soft. I started shopping at Torrid for swimsuits and bras a while back, but hadn't ventured into real clothes until I purchased this. Although the elasticized waistband sits a bit high for me (which I easily fixed with a belt), this dress is really nice and sooo cozy. It looks like it's currently out of stock, but there's a red version that looks like it would be beautiful for the holidays! For anyone who's kind of on the cusp of straight sizes and plus sizes like I currently am, I'm definitely a fan of shopping with them. (Just wait until there's some kind of sale, which they have often!)

Outfit Details

Dress: Torrid (similar here and here)

Plaid scarf: available at ModCloth

Belt: similar  ||  Boots: similar
Basket: similar

I'm looking forward to the holidays this year – mostly for outfit-planning reasons, if I'm honest. I don't know what Thanksgiving and Christmas will bring this year. Things have been tough lately and I'm kind of in a period of uncertainty. But I think that probably means change is on the horizon. And while that can be scary, I'm inclined to believe that's a good thing.

Have a sweet start to your week!

Jolly Holiday

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

Happy Monday! I meant to post this look by Atomic Jax before Halloween, but I kind of forgot how trips to Disney World don't provide much downtime. Fortunately, you can Disneybound at any time of year – and with the new Mary Poppins movie coming out next month, I'll bet I'll be wearing this dress when I see it in theaters!

This was one of those days where everything went wrong (fellow bloggers will know what I mean!). I wanted to take photos on this historic carousel, but it was inexplicably closed even though it was supposed to stay open through Columbus Day. Fortunately, Emma is a master at rolling with the punches and managed to capture some nice shots on the boardwalk. We also had to deal with some heckling from old white dudes playing volleyball on the sand, which we captured on video and powered our rage for the rest of the afternoon. Just the kind of feeling we'll want to hold onto going into tomorrow. Which reminds me: VOTE. Our lives literally depend on it.

Outfit Details

Custom Bert Swing Dress: c/o Atomic Jax

Cropped cardigan: available here

Mary Poppins penguin pin: similar

Flats: Aerosoles  ||  Boater hat: similar

Speaking of Disney characters, thanks to everyone who entered my birthday giveaway! I had a great time in Orlando with my mom (I'll put together a post with some photos soon), though I'm definitely feeling my age now... I spent most of the weekend in bed, which gave me time to pick a giveaway winner. Congratulations to Aly and stay tuned for future giveaways!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a great start to your week!

Fall Florals with ModCloth

Greetings from Orlando! We arrived at Walt Disney World early yesterday morning and have been going non-stop since. It's been great so far, but I'm definitely feeling my age (or older) – and yet I'm recapturing my youth at the same time!

One thing's for sure: it doesn't feel very October-ish here. But there are a lot of beautiful flowers that are still in bloom. I do love the juxtaposition of florals in the autumn, which is probably what made me "fall" for this fabulous fit and flare dress from ModCloth. Don't tell anyone, but I normally really don't like navy blue! But with the other beautiful colors in this poppy print – a vibrant orange-red and a soft periwinkle lavender – I actually like it a lot. Plus, the skirt is super full and it has pockets!

I'll add that I ordered way up based on the reviews (which said it really wasn't forgiving in the bust), but I probably could have gone with an XL. It's not terribly noticeable, especially with a cardigan, and I don't mind extra eating room (especially with the holidays coming up). This fabric doesn't contain stretch, so I'd rather be safe than sorry anyway. I paired it with these gorgeous rose gold t-strap heels, which I will definitely be wearing for every single holiday event this December. This dress would look equally cute with flats, but I felt like making it as festive as possible.

Outfit Details
Dress: c/o ModCloth

Shoes: c/o ModCloth

Cardigan: available at ModCloth in other colors

I'll be rather busy this weekend celebrating my birthday, but I hope if you're celebrating Halloween early that you have a safe and spooky time! Oh, and don't forget to enter my Disney-themed giveaway! :)

Sammi's Not-So-Scary Merry 30th Unbirthday Giveaway! [CLOSED]

Tomorrow, I'm off to Walt Disney World to celebrate my 30th birthday in the most magical way. But every year, I like to make my birthday something to celebrate for my lovely readers and followers, too. So for this milestone birthday, I'm putting together a Mickey-approved prize package of goodies that any Disney fan would wish for! There's a bit of mystery to this year's giveaway, since I'll be choosing some of the prizes myself from what's available at the parks... but doesn't that make it even more exciting? I personally can't wait to see what I find. Read on to see what I'm planning to give away!

One (1) lucky winner will receive:

• Happy Haunts button duo from Kate Gabrielle
• Mystery pair of Mickey ears
• Surprise Disney trading pin
• Small Disney plush
• Other assorted goodies!

Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. This giveaway is open worldwide and will run from now until 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday, October 31 (the last minute of Halloween!). You must leave a blog post comment to be eligible to win. All other entries are optional (but will increase your chances of winning!). One (1) winner will receive all of the prizes listed above. Please note that while I will make every effort to include in-demand items, prizes are subject to availability at the parks. Other than the Kate Gabrielle pin duo, there are no guarantees for specific items and I will make comparable substitutions as needed. The winner will be contacted via e-mail (be sure to provide a valid e-mail address!) and must respond within 48 hours within being contacted. If no response has been received at that time, a new winner will be chosen. The winner will be announced via this widget after the winner has been confirmed. Thank you for entering! Your support means so much and I wish I could give a prize to each one of my followers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best of luck and be sure to follow along with me on Instagram during my trip – you might see some sneak peeks of prizes (and other fun adventures, of course)! See you soon, mouseketeers!

Sunflower Power

All photos by Emma Rizzo

I'm wrapping up my summertime posts with these amazing sunflower snaps that Emma captured. We had a truly magical experience at Frederick Farms back in August. This sunflower field is by far the biggest I've ever seen. We spent most of the afternoon there and then went back at golden hour. It was such a special day that I won't forget for a very long time. These are also among my favorite photos Emma has taken of me. I'm super lucky to have such a great friend and collaborator – and to have gotten a chance to see these amazing flower fields up close!

This dress from Vixen by Micheline Pitt was perfect for a day in the country. I'm also debating whether I want to take it with me to Florida, since it's going to be hot and humid there (which is going to be pretty weird, considering temperatures have been in the 40s here). I'm working just a few days this week and then I'll be off to Disney World! Which reminds me... you'll definitely want to come back here on Wednesday. I've got something magical in store! :)

Outfit Details

Bardot Beauty Dress in Black Gingham: Vixen by Micheline Pitt

Hat: similar  ||  Necklace: similar

Wedges: Toni Pons (similar)

Have a beautiful start to your week!