Let it Snow

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

It's exactly one week until Christmas, so I thought it was high time to post at least one holiday outfit here on my blog. I've been posting more frequently on Instagram than on my blog lately, but I still love this space and think it's important to document things here... especially during one of my favorite times of the year!

This dress is an old one – I actually styled it five(!) years ago in this blog post. But it's probably my favorite dress that I've ever owned and I can finally fit into it again, which is a thrill. I convinced Emma to venture out to a Christmas tree farm with me to take some photos on a freezing-cold and icy day. She worked her magic like always, though!

Outfit Details

Dress: Bernie Dexter (other styles here)

Necklace: similar  ||  Hair flower: Stardust Dames

Shoes: Irregular Choice 

Things have been really busy this season, but they've been generally good. My life has changed a lot in the last year and I feel grateful to be where I am now. I'm looking forward to having a relaxing and special Christmas with my parents. We'll be doing our traditional hors-d'oeuvres-and-present-opening on Christmas Eve and we'll be seeing a movie and going out for Chinese on Christmas Day. What are your annual holiday traditions?

Make sure to follow me on Instagram so you don't miss any of my other holiday outfits that I don't end up posting here! And if I don't get a chance to update again before the 25th, have a very happy holiday!

Sunflower

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

Last month, Emma and I drove out to Clifton Springs for our now-annual trip to see these incredible sunflower fields. We made the pilgrimage for the first time last year and we knew we had to come back again once August rolled around. The weather proved to be a bit tricky, but Emma came through (as always) with some stunning shots.

While we were traipsing through the fields, I couldn't help but think back to the last time we were there. It was a truly magical experience and we had a great day exploring the area. But that little escape (and others like it) was definitely necessary at the time. In retrospect, I can admit how sad and stressed I was then. It's hard to keep that in mind sometimes, particularly when my heart is hurting and I just want to view the past in a rosy light. But it's moments like these when things really come into focus and I can see that – in spite of all the darkness – the sun still shines... and maybe it's much brighter than it once was. I really do feel like a little sunflower looking towards the light.

Speaking of sunflowers... I know a lot of other people would love nothing more than to capture some special memories in a field like this. If you live in Rochester or the surrounding area, you're in luck: Emma will be having sunflower field mini-sessions a little later this month! If you're interested you can book your slot here – and don't dawdle, as sign-ups are limited and spots will go quickly!

Outfit Details

Arina Dress: Gal Meets Glam (similar here and here)

Boater hat: similar  ||  Flats: Jessica Simpson

Hope your day is a sunny one!

Cherry Picked

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

Cherries are the quintessential pinup print... or they are for me, at least. So it makes sense that I've put together at least one cherry-themed post each summer I've been blogging. (You can find a bunch of my previous cherry-themed posts here.) It's become a bit of tradition, I guess. Cherries were never really my favorite fruit, but I can't resist a cherry dress – or a good orchard.

This dress from Smak Parlour has such cute details! I love the pom-pom hem and the tie back. It has absolutely no give to it, so I'd recommend ordering up if you're between sizes. But even though it's a bit of a tight fit, I absolutely love the silhouette. It's on sale (both on their own website and at Unique Vintage) now that the season is nearly over. So if you're the kind of gal who likes to snag a bargain for the following year, here's your chance!

Summer has kind of flown by. I know a lot of people are ready for fall to begin, but (as always) I'm not quite ready to let the warm weather go. Technically, we have a few weeks left... and I'm not about to hurry things along. So you'll have to be okay with me posting summery content for just a bit longer! I'll get on the autumnal/Halloween train before you know it – I promise.

Outfit Details

embroidered cherry dress: Smak Parlour

cherry hat: vintage (similar)  ||  clog sandals: available at Nordstrom

Have a delicious day!

Prickly Pear

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

Rochester is just starting to show signs that it's officially spring... though I don't want to say that too loudly because you just never know when the weather could turn wintery again. But the crocuses and snow drops are definitely popping up and the light really does look like the seasons have changed. So I'm hoping that it's safe to say that we'll soon be enjoying balmier temperatures and more flowers will be blooming before we know it.

The timing is apt because I'm starting to feel more like myself again. I'm eating healthier, have a more positive outlook (though I struggle at times), and am working on an exciting new venture that will soon be ready to emerge. I don't feel quite ready to truly blossom quite yet... but I'm getting there.

Before spring really sprung, Emma and I decided to head to the Lamberton Conservatory for some much-needed warmth and signs of life. We had a delightful morning smelling the flowers and seeing the adorable animals that live there. I decided to wear this Tara Starlet cactus print dress (which I finally tracked down thanks to Miss Amy May!) since I can't resist a good theme. It wasn't necessarily nice enough outside to wear sandals, but I braved the elements so we could create a real desert oasis feel. We almost forgot that there was still a bit of snow on the ground outside.

Outfit Details

Cactus dress: similar here

Belt: similar  ||  Necklace: similar

Wedge sandals: DSW

Have a great rest of your week!