Prickly Pear

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

Rochester is just starting to show signs that it's officially spring... though I don't want to say that too loudly because you just never know when the weather could turn wintery again. But the crocuses and snow drops are definitely popping up and the light really does look like the seasons have changed. So I'm hoping that it's safe to say that we'll soon be enjoying balmier temperatures and more flowers will be blooming before we know it.

The timing is apt because I'm starting to feel more like myself again. I'm eating healthier, have a more positive outlook (though I struggle at times), and am working on an exciting new venture that will soon be ready to emerge. I don't feel quite ready to truly blossom quite yet... but I'm getting there.

Before spring really sprung, Emma and I decided to head to the Lamberton Conservatory for some much-needed warmth and signs of life. We had a delightful morning smelling the flowers and seeing the adorable animals that live there. I decided to wear this Tara Starlet cactus print dress (which I finally tracked down thanks to Miss Amy May!) since I can't resist a good theme. It wasn't necessarily nice enough outside to wear sandals, but I braved the elements so we could create a real desert oasis feel. We almost forgot that there was still a bit of snow on the ground outside.

Outfit Details

Cactus dress: similar here

Belt: similar  ||  Necklace: similar

Wedge sandals: DSW

Have a great rest of your week!

Friday Favorites #159

Happy Friday, friends! I finally had time to put together a Friday Favorites post this week – and of course, it's filled with springy things. Check out what I'm swooning over lately below.

Unique Vintage has some adorable pieces out right now, including these two dresses.

a   ||   b

This little trinket dish is just peachy!

And I love these adorable dishcloths:

How perfect is this plaid dress?

I think I need to find a place in my house for this Anthropologie planter:

I'm all abuzz over this bee bag.

I was already a fan of Rifle Paper Co. before... but now I'm obsessed. This wrapping paper could take my Mother's Day gifts to the next level.

These Bettie Page heels are  e v e r y t h i n g.  This is me as a pair of shoes. So I guess I need to own myself in footwear form, right?

This Gal Meets Glam dress is so dreamy!

This ASOS swimsuit top and bottom set has so many elements I love!

Calling all mermaids! Shell I buy this cute bathmat for myself?

And finally... I'm in the middle of reading this Brené Brown book right now. I highly recommend it if you're a sensitive person, a perfectionist, or a people pleaser... but I think that anyone can benefit from it. It looks like a hokey self-help book, but I promise: it's great.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Please note that this post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission that helps to run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Abracadabra

There was a time when I courageously posed in the snow (sometimes in heels!) and braved subzero temperatures to take outfit photos... but those days are definitely behind me, I'm afraid. It's been so difficult to find the motivation to venture out of the house this winter. To be honest, the only reason I did for these was because we had an unseasonably warm day and I took advantage of the fact that I didn't need to wear a coat. Until spring actually arrives, you're probably going to be seeing mostly interior shots from me.

I'm just glad I had the chance to take some photos at the Warner Castle again. It makes for an enchanting backdrop for this incredible magic-themed skirt by Stephanie Buscema. I'd been patiently waiting for this design to drop for months and snagged it as soon as it went live on her site. It should come as a surprise to no one that I love anything having to do with circuses, carnivals, and magic shows. (What can I say – I basically just wish I were an old vaudeville star.) When I saw previews of this novelty print, I knew I needed to add it to my collection. I love that this skirt feels really special but isn't too fancy to wear all the time. It's not as poofy and dressy as some of my other novelty print pieces, which means I'll probably get a lot of wear out of it. Plus, it has pockets. What more could a girl want?

Outfit Details:

Magic Show Print Spellbound Skirt: Kitschy Witch Designs

Marilyn Tee: Heart of Haute

Brooch: Erstwilder (similar)

Black hat: similar

Flats: Sketchers

I sure am glad it's finally March, even though it'll probably be a while before spring actually shows up here. Until then, I'll be dreaming of blooming flowers... 

Friday Favorites #158

Happy Friday, friends! Today's Friday Favorites is on the shorter side, but I did want to share a few things I've been loving lately. I've definitely got spring fever – anyone else? Bring on all the florals and pastels and cute dresses and hats!

Please note that this post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of those links, I may earn a small commission that helps to run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

a   ||   b   ||   c   ||   d   ||   e

f   ||   g   ||   h

Are you ready for spring like me? Or are you more patient than I am? :) With so many new spring collections coming out, it's hard to bide my time! Plus, my heat was out for most of the week... so I'm definitely ready for warm weather!

Have a great weekend!

Saint Valentine

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

Valentine's Day is here... and to be honest, I don't feel quite as downtrodden as I thought I would. Maybe it's because I'm realizing that love can take many different forms – and doesn't necessarily stop or disappear just because situations change. Maybe it's because I'm lucky enough to be spending time with a lot of people I love during the next few days. Or maybe it's because I got a lot of my crying out of the way last week. I've been saying that I'm my own valentine this year, but I also think that this year is about healing my heart. So I'm trying to focus on that instead of romanticizing what I no longer have.

Also, I might be feeling better than expected because my mom and I are having breakfast for dinner tonight and I'm just plain excited for pancakes... Who's to say, really?

I knew I wanted to feature a lot of pink and a lot of flowers in this post, so I arranged a bouquet (into a heart – totally by accident!!) and ventured out into the snowy tundra with Emma. These photos turned out dreamier than I could have hoped. If you're thinking about buying a dress from the Gal Meets Glam collection, I'd highly recommend it. I can't say enough good things about the quality! The February collection will be out on the 20th and I can't wait to see some of the resort wear (even though I won't be able to wear it for a few months).

Outfit Details

Gal Meets Glam Zelda Dress: Nordstrom

Pink feather headband: similar

Necklace: similar  ||  Heels: similar

I'm not sure whether we'll be dressed to the nines tonight or whether we'll be in pajamas, but I'm glad I have something to look forward to. And I'll be spending the weekend with some of my favorite ladies (because Galentine's Day should last longer, right?). So for now, things are looking up.

Sending you lots of love today, valentines.

PS: the winner of my giveaway has been chosen! Congratulations to Athena and thanks to everyone who entered. There will be more giveaways on the horizon, I promise.

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[CLOSED] The Soubrette Brunette's 6th Blogiversary Giveaway!

Six years ago, I decided to start a blog where I could share my outfits and connect with others in the blogging community. A lot has changed since then, both online and in my personal life. But I am always so glad I made that decision to start. Not only has it provided me with a valuable creative outlet and some really fun opportunities, but it's also allowed me to forge long-lasting friendships with some incredible people. Every February, I like to reflect on where I began and how far I've come since starting this little blog. And every February, I like to give back to my followers with a giveaway of goodies!

This year's prize package is a bit smaller than in previous years, but I tried to pick a few items that you'd all be excited about winning. :) Because I decided not to work with any giveaway sponsors this year (to make things a bit easier on myself, if I'm being honest!), that means you'll have fewer giveaway entries to worry about (which will make things a bit easier on you, too!). Here's what you need to know:

ONE (1) winner will receive:

$50 Etsy gift card

Too Faced Tickled Peach Mini Eyeshadow Palette

Kate Spade New York: All in Good Taste book

Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter widget below. Be sure to follow all giveaway directions and note that you must be a follower of my blog to be eligible to win (no unfollowing post-giveaway, please!). This giveaway is open worldwide and will run from now until 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, February 9, 2019. The giveaway winner will be contacted via email and must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. The winner will be announced via the widget within one week of the giveaway's end. Best of luck and thank you for supporting my blog! 

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