Magnolias

All photos by Emma Rizzo

I guess I have to face facts: summer's starting to wind down. I'm not totally ready to say goodbye to this season yet... especially because I still have photos from the spring that I haven't had a chance to share yet! I guess I'd better hurry up, huh? But I think these ones were worth waiting for.

I love going on photo adventures with Emma. We actually had a very thematic evening when we took these. We had dinner at Magnolia's (one of my favorite places – and not just because Obama ate there!) and then sought out all the magnolia trees we could find.

I finally had a chance to wear this darling dress from the Barbie x Unique Vintage line. When I was little, all I wanted was for my Barbies' outfits to come in my size. I used to wish for it all the time (like so many other kids, I'm sure!). That desire really never went away, so you can imagine how excited I was when this collection came out. My mom actually owned the doll version of this dress and recognized it instantly! I think it's such a beautiful, fun dress. It does run a bit tight in the bust, but I actually found it to be quite comfortable and supportive. Although it's been a while since this collection came out, this dress is still available at UV – so if you've been sleeping on it, don't wait until it's gone!

Outfit Details

Suburban Shopper Sundress: Unique Vintage

Bag: Bettie Page by Lola Ramona

Boater hat: ASOS (similar)

Flats: Aerosoles

I had a really wonderful weekend (and took a ton of photos!). Things have been difficult over the last couple of months in terms of my mental health. My physical health has been suffering too, as I haven't been taking good care of myself. But I feel refreshed and my heart is full. I feel good about what this week has in store. I hope you all have a wonderful week, too.

Plaid and Pies

Happy Thanksgiving week! I don't know about you, but I'm really thankful for this short week. I've been burning the candle at both ends lately between work and rehearsals. I know we're just coming off a weekend, but my body and mind are still exhausted. There are lots of exciting things on the horizon though, so I'm planning to power through this week and enjoy some well-deserved rest.

I also plan on enjoying some delicious food. My boyfriend's family had their Thanksgiving last night, so I'll get to stuff my face twice this year. :) This gorgeous plaid frock from The Pretty Dress Company is perfect for any and all holiday activities from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. I feel like a character out of a book or a classic movie in this dress! I had planned on taking these photos elsewhere, but plans changed at the last minute. Instead, I headed to the Susan B. Anthony House, which felt fitting for this dress's vibe.

Unique Vintage is the only US-based retailer for The Pretty Dress Company (I'm seriously swooning over this other TPDC dress they carry!), which makes it even easier to get your hands on their brand. PLUS, a little birdie told me that Unique Vintage will be celebrating Thanksgiving week... so you might want to check their social media today to see what's in store!

Outfit Details

Plaid Hepburn Swing Dress: c/o Unique Vintage (via The Pretty Dress Company)

Pie brooch: c/o Erstwilder

Belt: similar  ||  Heels: similar

Have a great start to your week!

Briar Rose

Another day, another floral. I'm trying to work through my photo backlog so I can start showcasing more autumnal outfits! If you're not a florals-in-fall kind of person, I think this Micheline Pitt For Unique Vintage "Budding Beauties" dress could work well for a Disneybound or quick Halloween get-up. Pretty much all of my outfits could become costumes in a pinch!

Although this rose print dress definitely skews more summery, the heavy cotton sateen works well for any time of year. Next time I style it, I'll be opting for a cardigan and ditching the belt (since the waist of the dress is a bit below my natural waist, I think it makes the belt look funny). I really adore this dress overall and I think the small details make it special. I sized up to an XL in this dress due to the way the bust is constructed, which was definitely the right move. While the waist might be half-inch too big, the bust is perfect – and I think that's what matters with this kind of dress.

Outfit Details

Alice Budding Beauties Dress: Micheline Pitt For Unique Vintage

Rose headband: similar  ||  Heels: Chase and Chloe

Lately, I'm trying to achieve a better balance between my work and my personal life, so I'm trying not to work later into the evenings (and consequently, give myself more time to blog for pleasure). But I'll be starting rehearsals pretty soon, which means life is about to get busy. It seems like there are never enough hours in the day to do everything... Wish me luck in trying!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Ticket To Ride

Circuses, carnivals, festivals – I love them all. So when Unique Vintage launched an entire collection devoted to life under the big top, I had a tough time limiting myself to just one piece. They designed a three-ring circus skirt with a functioning stage curtain, for goodness sakes! But this ticket print Billie swing dress was the clear winner for me. As a performer myself, how could I say no?

I ordered up in this dress after Ashley told me that her normal size in it was teeny-tiny. But actually, this size is a bit too big on me! I was worried about not having enough room in the bust, but I had to tie it as tight as it could go – and there was still extra fabric along the back. Fortunately, the straps are designed to be adjusted (the fabric bow is the end of the straps), so it's an easy fix. I really love this style overall, with its zip-up bodice and roomy pockets. Plus, it's super comfy and lightweight, making it perfect for summertime.

I have to thank my fantastic photographer, Emma Rizzo, for these shots. All of the photos in this post were taken by her. I really hate taking photos in public under normal circumstances, and having to lug around my tripod and not get in everyone's way would have been really difficult and embarrassing for me. Not only did she save the day by coming with me, but her photos made both me and a rather underwhelming local carnival look our best. And I felt so special having a photog with me! If you're in the area and need a photo session, get in touch with her!

Outfit Details

Circus Ticket Billie Swing Dress: c/o Unique Vintage

Popcorn necklace: similar  ||  Flats: Amazon

Thanks so much to everyone who placed in order in my Shop My Closet store last week! There's still a ton of great stuff left. I'll be out of town for most of next week, so if you've got your eye on something, now's a good time to grab it! 

Have a great Wednesday!

For the Roses

The roses had perfect timing this year: they're all in bloom just in time for me to wear this Unique Vintage dress! I love how they managed to combine two of my favorite kinds of prints – florals and gingham – into one with this design. The fabric is comfy and provides quite a bit of stretch (I probably could have worn my normal size instead of sizing up), and the little button details are so darling. Plus (as of this writing), it's 25% off! It'd be such a great dress for a garden party... I may have to throw one just to give myself another excuse to wear it!

Temperatures are heating up around here and I've found myself itching to have a bit of a break. As much as I love my job, I'm definitely going to be taking advantage of some vacation days soon. These weekends haven't felt long enough to truly recharge. That said, I'm VERY glad I'm able to have more flexibility with my work schedule these days. I'm hoping the weather cooperates this week so I can sneak away for an afternoon and go strawberry picking!

Outfit Details

Green Gingham and Pink Floral Dress: c/o Unique Vintage

Necklace: old (similar)  ||  Flats: Kate Spade

Have a great Monday!