QUARANTWINNING: Ashley and Sammi style Butterflies & Begonias

Wow, how has it been so long since I put together a blog post? In all honesty, the last few months have gone by really quickly – which seems odd since quarantine life isn't all that exciting. Still, I'm hanging onto the highlights for dear life... and new dresses are definitely among the highlights!

I sadly wasn't able to visit Ashley in California this spring due to the pandemic. But even if we're way more than 6 feet apart (try 2,500 miles!), we can still feel like we're together when we coordinate what we wear. When Trashy Diva's "Butterflies and Begonias" collection launched, Ashley and I both purchased the Hollywood Circle style dress and decided to wear it together – but apart.

I love this fuller skirt and the shoulder ruffle (which can be worn up or down!) is probably my favorite feature. This vibrant orangey-red is such a beautiful color for summer, as well. I do tend to be particular about floral prints, but I have to say that this one has grown on me quite a bit.

A note about sizing: I wish I had ordered up in this style! Although the Hollywood does have elasticized side panels, the waist here is firm – and it runs a bit smaller than the size chart indicates. I do tend to like my clothes to be on the more fitted side, but I probably wouldn't wear this dress on a day that involved a lot of eating or lounging. But since I have lots of other clothes for those activities, that's fine by me.

Outfit Details:

Butterflies & Begonias Hollywood Circle Dress: Trashy Diva

White dahlia hair flower: similar  ||  Sandals: Naturalizer

You can see more of how Ashley styled this dress and get her outfit details over on her blog today. And as luck would have it, it looks like Trashy Diva will be launching a brand new collection today at 12 noon (central time)... so be sure to check that out and see what they have in store for us.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Garden Party

Summer may be on its last legs, but I'm not ready to bid farewell to floral prints quite yet. This beautiful dress is from Trashy Diva's new "Garden Party" collection and I was eager to try out a cut I hadn't owned yet – the Norma Jean. I had to be a bit brave in this one, as it's definitely on the revealing side (something to keep in mind for fellow busty gals). But it's seriously so pretty and can easily transition into the colder months with the addition of a cardigan. Although I ordered my now-normal TD size in this one, keep in mind that the waist is firm and the bust is shallow. If you want a bit more breathing room and are on the cusp, I'd recommend ordering a size up. 

I had to be a bit brave taking these photos, too. I love the Maplewood Rose Garden, but I'd never been there alone before. It's actually located in an area I wouldn't necessarily feel comfortable walking around in (it's a really strange juxtaposition to have these beautiful grounds directly surrounded by stores and honking cars), so I usually bring someone along when I come here. That ended up not being possible, which made me anxious, but I went anyway. I'm glad I did. As long as your safety isn't at risk, stepping outside your comfort zone is an important exercise.

Although the print on this dress is actually geraniums, I knew this flowery backdrop would complement them well. These roses are almost gone, so I'm happy I had the chance to capture some of the blooms that remain. It's another reminder that the seasons will soon be changing – something I'm not quite ready to admit. I always have trouble letting go of summer. Stick around just a little longer, please!

Outfit Details

Norma Jean Circle Dress in Garden Party: Trashy Diva

Necklace: vintage (similar)

Shoes: Toni Pons (similar)

Have a wonderful start to your week!

Sci-Fi Rockets: Twinning With Southern (California) Belle

This Trashy Diva print is one of my all-time favorites and seems totally appropriate for the upcoming Independence Day holiday. I remembered that my BFF Ashley and I both own this dress and yet neither of us has ever worn it on our blogs – so I felt it was high time for a twinning post. Funnily enough, we styled it VERY similarly. It just proves that, even thousands of miles apart, she and I are always in sync. You can see more of Ashley's beautiful photos (and get her outfit details) over on her blog today!

My mom and I spent last weekend in Skaneateles and the surrounding area, which felt like the perfect prelude to this celebration. I have to admit that I'm not exactly looking forward to the 4th this year, although I'm glad to be working a short week. Holidays take some getting used to when you're newly single, especially when this one used to be pretty happy. But I'm trying to make some new traditions – and I'm determined to see some fireworks, at least.

Outfit Details

Sci-Fi Rockets Annette Dress: originally from Trashy Diva (discontinued)

Cardigan: ModCloth  ||  Necklace: similar

Boater hat: similar  ||  Red clogs: ModCloth

Have a great July 4th!

Cherry Pies Ought To Be You

All photos by Emma Rizzo

It may be September, but fruit-picking season isn't quite over yet! Emma and I picked some peaches and nectarines yesterday morning (and took photos, of course)... which reminded me that I had yet to post these adorable pictures from when we went cherry-picking. As usual, I picked way more fruit than I could ever eat and enjoyed every single second of it. I know we'll be picking apples before too long. Until then, I'll be savoring all the stone fruit I can get my hands on.

I probably won't be wearing much of this seersucker dress in the months to come, but it's definitely one of my favorite Trashy Diva dresses. I owned this in a smaller size but found it in one that's much more comfortable for my current frame. The bust needs a little bit of tailoring, since it feels a bit bare as is. But other than that, it's definitely one of my favorites for its simultaneous sexiness and sweetness.

Outfit Details

Apple Tart Dress in Seersucker: Trashy Diva (similar here and here)

Boater hat: similar  ||  Cherry necklace: similar

White wedges: DSW

Despite the weird occurrences from this past weekend (a trip to a hot air balloon festival with no balloons... a persistent migraine... and a short bout with food poisoning), this week is off to a pretty good start so far. The extra day off definitely did me good. Although I didn't actually do anything exciting on Labor Day, having the additional time to recharge was really needed. I'm always tempted to squeeze in as much as I possibly can on the weekends, but this made me realize that maybe I shouldn't do that all the time. Food for thought, I guess. I'll mull on that while I munch on one of the many peaches I now have in my kitchen...

Slap and Tickle

It's pretty rare that I come across a unicorn – but when I do, it's pretty extraordinary. Trashy Diva's "Slap and Tickle" print is among the most-coveted (at least, it always has been for me) and it's been tough to find a style from this collection that I like and that actually fits. This style initially had long sleeves, but I ended up taking it to my friend to have them removed. She did an outstanding job. Not only am I excited that I can now wear this dress throughout the year, but I love that I now have a piece that's totally one of a kind. 

Such a special dress requires only the most special of accessories. This feather headband is the perfect match for the blush pink, and it's just the right amount of playful. And speaking of special and playful... nothing will EVER top this purse. I love so many Vendula London unique bags, but their "Cinema" range has got to be one of my favorites. Not only is this design totally adorable and convertible, but... IT LIGHTS UP! It's such a great piece for an unforgettable night out.

Outfit Details

Slap and Tickle Dress (altered): second-hand

Cinema Light Up Movie Clacket Box Bag: c/o Vendula London

Feather headband: similar  ||  Opal necklace: similar  ||  Heels: similar

Have a great Wednesday!