Independence

Happy 4th of July! I guess it's sort of apt that today is Independence Day, since I've been thinking a lot about my own impending independence lately. I signed the lease on my brand new apartment last week(!!!), and I'll be both starting my new, full-time job AND moving in to my new place next week. Needless to say, I'm already pretty stressed out. Even though I'm taking positive steps to becoming a "real adult," it's still very overwhelming and I keep asking myself if I'm doing the right thing. Ultimately, I know that popping my own little safety bubble is imperative to my personal growth, and though I'm nervous about what the future holds, I think (read: hope) I'm doing something that will make me happy. It might not look like what I had pictured for myself a few years ago, but then again, I'm not the same person I was back then, either. I know I'll continue to make a lot of mistakes (which, as a Highly Sensitive Person, I hate doing), but that's also how we learn. I can't let fear of the unknown hold me back from forging my own path. So today, I'm going celebrate my own independence just as much as that of our country.

I always feel celebratory when I wear cute dresses (it's the little things!), especially for holidays. This Emily and Fin dress isn't traditionally patriotic, but I love that it features red, white, and blue. Their "Jenny" style dress is one of my favorites, and the synchronized swimmer print is one of the most adorable (yet subtle) ones I've seen! This dress is super comfortable, and I adore the button-down front and big pockets. Since it's made of lightweight, breathable cotton, it's an excellent summer dress. I know Emily and Fin can run long on some people; this dress might be a bit more flattering in a slightly shorter length, but since I really don't like worrying about whether my hemline is too short, it fits my needs in a dress! It'll be perfect for what I have planned for tonight: watching my dad's band  play and enjoying the post-show fireworks. What are you doing for the 4th?

Outfit Details

Brunch With Buds Dress in Swimmers: ModCloth

Boater hat: similar  ||  Flats: Aerosoles

Bracelet: similar  ||  Necklace: similar

Have a great holiday!

Barbecues + Boat Docks

Happy 4th of July! Since this is the quintessential cookout holiday, I thought it was only fitting to wear my new BBQ print Bernie Dexter dress. Honestly, I had never really lusted after this particular dress, but the more I saw it, the more it grew on me – and I realized how perfect it would be for the summertime. I've been trying to venture to places other than my backyard for blog photos, so I headed out to Irondequoit Bay (a short 15 minute distance from where I live) to see if I could find a place to take photos near the marina.

I hadn't been out to the Bay since the tail-end of my relationship with my ex, which is almost two years ago now. I was worried that I would feel sad being there, but it's amazing how a little time and a change in perspective can help you give up the ghosts who once haunted you. I'm still affected by our breakup (more so than most people would be, I think), but I've been really happy to discover that, as cliché as it may be, time does heal all wounds. I guess I still miss what our relationship was at one time, or maybe what it had the potential to be... but I think I'm ultimately thankful that I found out that things weren't "meant to be" (if you believe in that sort of thing). Finding myself has been the greatest gift to come out of our breakup. And I don't ever want to lose myself again.

I'll be watching fireworks (and eating copious amounts of cotton candy) tonight with my best friend, Wayne. I feel very grateful for the supportive people in my life and the opportunities I have right now. And my freedom. I guess that's kind of what Independence Day is all about, right? Being proud of how far we've come and being thankful we're free? (And also, eating.)

Outfit Details

Dress: Bernie Dexter

Necklaces: ASOS (old)

Boater hat: similar

Pettislip: Amazon

Flats: Amazon

Have a wonderful & safe holiday!

My heart beats true for the red, white and blue

Outfit Details:

Dress: permanent swap from Elana

Name necklace: c/o Onecklace

Boater hat: River Island (similar)

Flats: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Cherry pie ring: gift from Kate

This is what I ended up wearing for my admittedly low-key 4th of July celebrations.  Honestly, it was one of the nicest I've had in at least a couple of years.  My dad grilled (turkey burgers and hot dogs -- pretty standard fare but delicious nonetheless), and I mentioned before that my best friend Wayne and I went to go watch the fireworks nearby.  It was one of the better fireworks displays I've seen as of late, and it was so nice to spend time with my best friend (who I haven't seen much of lately, due to his health issues).  I wore this outfit there, though I later wished I had worn sweatpants like Wayne did!  Luckily, I remembered to bring warm blankets and a sweatshirt.  

I found wild raspberries growing in our yard (and they are scrumptious)!

This darling little dress was originally a Flock Together swap from Elana, but she generously let me keep it after I borrowed it!  It's such a sweet little piece for summer, and I thought it was perfect for the 4th.  It's not technically the most flattering dress I own, but it's so breezy and even though it's a dressier fabric, it's perfect for more casual occasions.  And I love the little row of buttons down the front!

I've definitely been in better spirits the past couple of days.  Thank you to all of you who left such kind, thoughtful comments on my last post.  I suppose that having bad days for "no reason" is sort of part of the whole process.  Like everything else, I'm figuring things out as I go along, and I'm trying to find joy in life's simple pleasures.  I guess that's all anyone can do, really!

Have a great Wednesday!

xox Sammi  

Fireworks (Flock Together)

Happy (almost) 4th of July, everyone!  I'm posting over on the Flock Together blog today in an awesome Bernie Dexter dress that I borrowed from the lovely Jana!  Although the print is technically of rocket ships, I've decided they could also easily be bottle rockets -- and what could be more Independence-Day-appropriate than fireworks?!  Follow me over to Flock Together to get all the details & see how some of the other girls styled this lovely dress! 

 Have a happy and safe holiday!

xox Sammi

Happy 4th!

Outfit Details:

Gingham dress: Forever 21 (and Forever 21+ version here)

Necklace: Forever 21 (old)

Wicker purse: Chicwish

White flats: yeswalker

Charm bracelet: Mom's

Okay, I will admit it: this is not what I'm actually wearing today.  I took these photos last week when I had some downtime.  My truly patriotic outfit is reserved for our party on Saturday, so I will be taking photos of that and sharing them later.  This was the most patriotic outfit I had in the set of photos I took in advance.  So you will just have to wait for more Americana attire.

Also, these were a weird set of photos.  I really didn't like many of them at all.  Usually I have a problem with not being able to narrow down photos, but I had the opposite problem with these.  Which kind of makes me think I don't love this dress.  It's cute, but it's one of those dresses that I'm just not in love with.  Fine for casual, everyday wear.  But not for special things, I don't think.

I do love this charm bracelet, though!  It was my mom's, and before that I think (?) it may have originally belonged to my grandma.  The charms are hard to see, but they're so adorable.  One of them is a water well with a little handle! 

I think we're going downtown to see fireworks tonight and hear the RPO play, if the weather holds up! Not the most exciting 4th of July, but at least I'll be with my family.  :)

Have a wonderful holiday!

xox Sammi