Button-down the hatches (an outfit post)

I really like button-down shirts a lot.  I don't own a lot of them, because they can prove very tricky for those of us who are rather (ahem) well-endowed.  I hate when they gap, even when there is more than enough wiggle room in the fabric!  This particular button-down does gap on top (hence the cami), but it's such a lovely shirt otherwise that I had to keep it.  And most of all, I like that it's more of a feminine button-down.  I dislike feeling schlumpy, which happens with shapeless button-downs, so I love that this is tailored and has a nice cut to it.

Outfit details

Scout Finch Top in Maycomb: ModCloth

High-Waisted Skinny Jeans: dELiA*s

White tank and gold necklace: Forever 21

Madden Girl Pinup Boot: DSW (gift from Steven)

It's hard to tell in these pictures because they're blown out, but this is what the top looks like in person:

And I'm dying to get it in this color combination!

It reminds me of salt water taffy, for some reason.

I think the best-fitting button-downs I own are actually from Forever 21, if only because they give such exact measurements for every item on their website.  My problem is that when they fit on top, I usually have to wear them tucked into a skirt, since they're usually too billowy on the bottom.  You win some, you lose some, I suppose!

Don't you love these boots?  I'm not normally drawn to boots like these, but I'd been eyeing them for a while, and Steven insisted on getting them for me.  I love cognac-colored boots -- they pair with almost anything!

I feel spring in the air... it's so close, I can taste it.  I'm so anxious for nice weather, though I feel like it's probably going to snow again for a little while before spring finally takes hold.  Today is supposed to be a little bit warm(!!!), so I hope I will be able to enjoy some sunshine in between rehearsal and seeing The Book Of Mormon (!!!!!!!) tomorrow night.  My best friend Wayne and I snagged tickets to the final performance of the national tour here in Rochester, and we couldn't be more thrilled!  It's the perfect combination of dark, totally inappropriate humor and legitimately great contemporary musical theatre.  I can't wait to see it, since I know the cast recording -- as great as it is -- can't do it justice.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

xox Sammi

Pumpkin among the flowers (an outfit post)

It's been so gray and wintery here for the past couple weeks, and I'm itching for spring to get here already!  I'm trying to incorporate some springy cheer into my wardrobe to make up for the drab weather.  Naturally, this floral dress fit the bill.  I don't have too many casual dresses (I am so drawn to special occasion dresses that I end up getting those instead of more practical choices), so this one has become a staple of my wardrobe.  I especially appreciate that it can span the seasons and still be appropriate for each.

Outfit details
Plant By Numbers Dress: ModCloth
Lady in Rad Boot in Camel: ModCloth
Tights: a cheap store in Union Square (similar here)
Belt: ASOS

I love how this dress looks with tights and boots!!

The original orange belt that came with this dress broke after the first time I wore it, so I was thrilled to find a belt from ASOS that perfectly matched the original!  I've worn a wine-colored belt (from another ModCloth dress) with this one too, but I think the orange is so lovely with it.

Meanwhile, another orange thing named Pumpkin was very interested in what I was doing...

...Very interested indeed (notice that she was also interested in my boot laces).

I informed her that if she was that interested in what I was up to, she would have to be a part of the photos, too!  She's a natural in front of the camera, don't you think?  :)

I'm SO happy to have (mostly) figured out the solution to my blurry photo problem!  Taking photos in this corner of my room provide the most light, and not having enough was the main issue.  I can't wait til it warms up so I can start taking photos outside, too.

Have a lovely, lovely Wednesday!
xox Sammi