Cupcake cutie

Outfit Details:

Fifi Lapin cupcake phone case: c/o iconemesis 

Nishe cupcake skirt & top set: ASOS (old)

Cardigan: dELiA*s (similar here)

Pink coat: ASOS (similar here)

Tights: ModCloth (similar here)

Cupcake ring: Claytime Designs

White boots: eBay

As you may know, Nishe is one of my favorite labels of all time.  I probably own more Nishe pieces in my wardrobe than those of any other single designer.  I have two dresses from this same cupcake line (see how I wore them here and here), and when I saw this peplum bustier and skirt set last year, I couldn't stop myself.  Although I really love both pieces, I'd never worn either one before this, namely because I've gained some weight back since then and the skirt is not at all forgiving.  I'd wear the top on its own if I could figure out what else to wear it with, but the pink scalloped skirt is so darling, and I feel weirdly guilty at the thought of splitting them up, or loving one half of the ensemble more than the other.  Which sounds super-psychotic now that I read it back.  But suffice it to say that both pieces have been waiting on the hanger for an opportune time.  I knew this outfit would be ideal for this post, in particular, since it encompasses all things sweet, kawaii and pink!

When the kind people at iconemesis reached out to me to ask if I'd be interested in a phone case from their collection to feature on my blog, my eye was immediately drawn to the phone cases featuring the adorable Fifi Lapin, and one sweet case in particular jumped out at me:

My current phone case is actually a rather cheap silicone one, and though I tend to like soft cases rather than the hard shell kind, this one is so charming that I am rethinking my preferences.  I like having the option of being able to switch out my phone's "outfit" to match my own, and although this case probably wouldn't provide quite as much protection as my other phone case, I really love the fact that it snaps on easily and securely, and is all one piece (rather than two that snap together, as has been my experience with previous hard cases).  It's also very helpful that iconemesis provides much of the same case selection for iPhone 4, 4s and 5/5s models; I have the 4s, and it's incredibly frustrating when I see a phone case I love and then discover it's only available for the newest iPhone!  I've already found several other cases I adore on their site (1, 2, 3)!  I've found a new accessory site to love. 

Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post, but did receive a product for review purposes.  All opinions are completely my own, based on my experience.  Any company or product endorsed on this blog is one I fully believe in and support, and would continue to do so, regardless of whether they are gifted items or paid for by me.  

Have a sweet day!

xox Sammi

Peach tea (+ giveaway winner!)

Outfit Details:

Nishe handbag & shoe dress: ASOS

Cardigan: ModCloth (similar here)

Tea ring: find it at SheInside

Bow headband: Forever 21

White t-strap flats: Urban Outfitters (similar here)

Oh, how I love this dress.  Nishe is one of my all-time favorite labels anyway, but this particular frock had been calling my name for quite some time before I finally snatched it up.  It was one of two Black Friday purchases, and I think it was money well-spent.  Peach is such a perfect color for Florida (and I always associate one with the other because peach is my grandma's favorite color, and she has lived in Florida my entire life), and I knew I had to pack this dress for our Disney trip.  When we decided to have tea at the Grand Floridian, I thought this outfit would be an excellent choice (I kind of ended up matching the hotel decor, actually).  Nishe always has the most charming embroidery on their clothes, but there is something about the darling shoes and handbags on this one that just tickle me!  It's the kind of dress that my Barbie dolls would have had, and I would have given anything to have one in my size -- so now I can, albeit a few years late! 

This day was the warmest day we were there (though I still had to wear tights and a jacket), and after we had our tea, we took the boat over to the Magic Kingdom to see the Electrical Light Parade (which was magical and I got to see my friend Brett -- who performs in many of the parades -- go right by me!) and Wishes (the fireworks show with Tinkerbell).  We had a very late dinner at the California Grill in the Contemporary Hotel, which was sadly sort of disappointing.  We've gone there in the past, and their menu was always on the upscale side, but now it's a little too high brow for my taste.  Kind of pretentious.  But we had so many great meals on our trip that it didn't dampen our spirits much.

Mom's banana trifle from our tea

Beautiful boat ride scenery

I'm kicking myself for not getting this purse!

Since coming back from Disney World, I feel like I've been in a very strange tug-of-war; on the one hand, I feel really sluggish and not very motivated to do things I should (though that is not an especially new development), but on the other, I feel renewed and happy about certain things.  Hopeful, I guess.  I feel very fortunate that my blogiversary giveaway has resulted in some new followers (thank you and welcome to those who fall into this category!!), and I hope very much that these newcomers will stick around after this giveaway is announced!  I haven't done giveaways very often in the past, but I am quickly realizing that they can play an important part in terms of increasing readership and drumming up interest of current followers.  I'd never want to be solely driven by these things, mind you, but as blogging has steadily become even more meaningful in my life in recent months, it's something to consider.  Since this giveaway was funded out of my own pocket, I think bigger giveaways like this are going to be reserved for once or twice a year, but I'm really happy when things I decide to do resonate with people (to which most people can relate, I'm sure), and I have been thinking a lot about new ideas for content and posts for my second year of blogging.  It's difficult to start new things in the winter, I think, but the wheels in my head are definitely turning!  One more reason I can't wait for spring.  :)

So, without further delay, I am pleased to announce the winner of my 1-year blogiversary giveaway (who will receive a $50 gift certificate to ModCloth and a whole bunch of goodies from ASOS and Forever 21) is Rebecca T. of The Cinnamon Slipper!!!  Congratulations, my kindred spirit in style, and I hope you enjoy your prizes!  <3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a beautiful Monday, and a huge thank you to all who entered my giveaway!!  :)

xox Sammi

Who's got the button?

Outfit Details:

Children's Theatre Director Dress: ModCloth (old)

White button-down: ASOS (similar here)

Knee socks: ModCloth (similar here)

Brown flats: old (similar here)

Short post again today, guys.  I'm still in a lot of pain from getting my wisdom teeth out (I definitely have dry socket, woohoo) and have kind of been in a haze of sleep and medication.  The weather has also been giving us subzero temperatures, so even if I were in a state to take photos, they wouldn't be outside for now!  These photos are actually from a few weeks ago, when it wasn't unbearably cold.  It's certainly nice to think about that right now.  I hope to rejoin the world of the living very soon; it's getting lonely and I'm getting restless!  Hope you all are well.

PS: Speaking of "buttons" (since I love the ones on this dress so much), I finally got around to making some ad buttons for my blog!  There are a couple on the left sidebar, if you'd like to grab the code!  I also have a bunch more in different dimensions, but I didn't want to clog everything up with them.  I'd be so obliged if you wanted to put one up on your own blog (and if you want a different size, e-mail me)!  One of my goals for my second year of blogging is to put my advertising page up & start charging to advertise on my blog, but I am always willing to talk about ad swaps, as well.  :)

xox Sammi

Prima ballerina

Outfit Details:

Nishe ballerina dress: ASOS (found one on eBay here)

Black sheer tights: Urban Outfitters

Lady in Rad Boot in Ink: ModCloth

Pink heart ring: Urban Outfitters (old)

Pink coat: Tulle

This weekend was Nutcracker weekend for the orchestra I work for (they do a co-production with Rochester City Ballet every year), and it always proves to be kind of exhausting.  It's nice because it gets you into the holiday spirit, but it is a lot to handle.  I worked all day on Friday and came home incredibly sore, just from sitting in a chair for 7+ hours.  I actually took a bath for the first time since I was probably 8 or so, and it was awesome.  Baths are highly underrated, I think.  Saturday was a little easier; despite the fact that I was on the schedule for both concerts, I ended up getting a nice break in between... during which, my dad and I took a trip to Best Buy... and I AM SO EXCITED because I am getting a wonderful, blog-related present for Christmas (hint: it starts with a "c" and rhymes with "ramera")!!!!  I am going to have to act very surprised.  Needless to say, my parents are really great and I feel sort of undeserving these days.

This dress is from one of my favorite brands, Nishe (I thought it was all too appropriate for my work weekend!).  I've worn a bunch of their pieces on my blog before (including this hot air balloon dress, this fruit dress, this heart romper, this mermaid dress, and the cupcake dress I wore for Halloween!).  I'm so pleased that ASOS carries so many of their pieces.  ModCloth carries a few of them, but ASOS seems to carry a much larger representation of their current lines.  If you're not familiar with this label, go check out their section at ASOS.  I don't like as many of the pieces in their current fall/winter line, but I'm excited to see what their spring line will look like!

I'm excited to make some progress on my room makeover!  My mom had been looking for a long, low dresser (and sometimes she doesn't really quite know my taste), and we found one on Etsy for FAR less than she'd originally thought she'd have to pay... so we bought it!  It's goooorgeous, and it's painted white and mint already (I posted a photo of it on my instagram, if you want to see!).  I want to go shopping for paint and such!  My room has french doors that go into the guest room (where I actually sleep), and one room is already a minty color, so we are probably just going to paint that a slightly more pastel mint... and then I'm not sure whether I want to go with the same thing in the other room, or a pastel lavender.  I'm leaning towards the lavender right now.  I also need to paint my set of ice cream parlor chairs -- and find a table to go with them!  One room is going to be for some of my furniture (I have a bunch from my old apartment in New York City, and some new that I'd gathered for my future plans with my now-ex... I refuse to not put them to good use!), clothing racks, a place I can take indoor photos... and then the other one will be a normal bedroom, but with more updates and with my aesthetic.  I'm excited to get started and feel like I actually have a space that is my style.  :)

Hope you have a great Monday!

xox Sammi