Saint Valentine

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

Valentine's Day is here... and to be honest, I don't feel quite as downtrodden as I thought I would. Maybe it's because I'm realizing that love can take many different forms – and doesn't necessarily stop or disappear just because situations change. Maybe it's because I'm lucky enough to be spending time with a lot of people I love during the next few days. Or maybe it's because I got a lot of my crying out of the way last week. I've been saying that I'm my own valentine this year, but I also think that this year is about healing my heart. So I'm trying to focus on that instead of romanticizing what I no longer have.

Also, I might be feeling better than expected because my mom and I are having breakfast for dinner tonight and I'm just plain excited for pancakes... Who's to say, really?

I knew I wanted to feature a lot of pink and a lot of flowers in this post, so I arranged a bouquet (into a heart – totally by accident!!) and ventured out into the snowy tundra with Emma. These photos turned out dreamier than I could have hoped. If you're thinking about buying a dress from the Gal Meets Glam collection, I'd highly recommend it. I can't say enough good things about the quality! The February collection will be out on the 20th and I can't wait to see some of the resort wear (even though I won't be able to wear it for a few months).

Outfit Details

Gal Meets Glam Zelda Dress: Nordstrom

Pink feather headband: similar

Necklace: similar  ||  Heels: similar

I'm not sure whether we'll be dressed to the nines tonight or whether we'll be in pajamas, but I'm glad I have something to look forward to. And I'll be spending the weekend with some of my favorite ladies (because Galentine's Day should last longer, right?). So for now, things are looking up.

Sending you lots of love today, valentines.

PS: the winner of my giveaway has been chosen! Congratulations to Athena and thanks to everyone who entered. There will be more giveaways on the horizon, I promise.

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Please Come Home For Christmas

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

Well, it's Christmas Eve. It's finally here. I've really been looking forward to having a quiet celebration with my parents. We open all the major gifts (apart from the "Santa Claus presents" that are saved for Christmas morning) and eat a lot of appetizers. It's changed a lot from the Christmases we had when I was young, but it's a nice tradition. The last couple of Christmases weren't what I imagined, and yet I'm still anxious about what this one will be – and how I'll feel once it's over.

I'm not normally one to feel melancholy around the holidays. At all. I'm hoping that by the time this post goes live, I'll feel a lot more excited and a little less lonely. I know I'm very lucky to be spending the holiday with my family and I know I'll be spoiled with gifts. I'm so thankful for both of those things. But I also can't help feeling a bit blue. All those sad Christmas songs on the radio give me the impression that I'm probably not alone in that. The bottom line is that things change and it's hard and I'm trying to make the best of it. Cheers to that.

Speaking of making the best of things... I recruited Emma to come with me to the Christmastime event at the Genesee Country Village and Museum this year and she was sweet enough to oblige and snap some photos of me (in the pouring rain, no less!). It's such a great place with so many historic buildings that have been transplanted to their grounds. I wish I could live in one of these darling houses! I decided that while this emerald green outfit isn't from the right era at all, it would look perfectly festive in this environment. Emma was a real trouper and a true friend to take these photos of me in the cold and the wet. It's a testament to her skill and her positivity that they turned out as well as they did!

Outfit Details

Katie Dress and Jacket Set: Tatyana

Poinsettia hair flower: Stardust Dames Boutique

Gold heels: B.A.I.T. Footwear (similar)

Wishing the happiest of holidays to you and yours, my friends.

Silver Bells

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

I may have a fake Christmas tree at home, but there's nothing quite like the real thing. I knew that I wanted to take photos at a tree farm this year (we opted for Powers Farm Market, one of my favorite local treasures) and this session did not disappoint. My friend Emma and I lucked out on this beautiful, snow-kissed day amongst the evergreens. It doesn't hurt that this ModCloth x Collectif dress may be my new favorite of all time. It's so satisfying when all the elements come together – and you can end it all with apple cider, a fry cake, and a visit with some very curious alpacas.

If you can't tell, I'm gearing up for Christmastime festivities. I've finished all my shopping (and am about to start wrapping), I'll soon be baking cookies, and I'm looking forward to doing some holiday festivities this weekend. I thought this season might be particularly painful – and it is in a lot of ways, believe me – but I'm surprised to find that immersing myself in holiday preparations has been truly enjoyable thus far. If nothing else, it's a welcome distraction.

You know what else is enjoyable? When a dress fits this well. I love a good velvet dress, but this one from ModCloth is an absolute dream. It's incredibly comfortable and yet unbelievably flattering – the perfect combination for the holiday. It's actually back in stock in just a few sizes at ModCloth (as of this writing, anyway), so if you've been hoping to snag it, don't miss your chance!

FYI: I ordered my normal UK size and am glad I did. While there's a good amount of stretch, I personally couldn't have sized down (though some might be able to) because of the bust. This dress is also available in a gorgeous dark green. It's currently sold out right now, but I'd recommend signing up for a restock notification in either color so that you get an email as soon as one is returned or if it's completely restocked!

Outfit Details

Vixen Match Velvet Midi Dress: c/o ModCloth

Necklace: ModCloth (similar)

Silver heels: Bettie Page (similar)

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Sorry / Grateful

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

My world has changed a lot in the last week. I'm not really ready to talk much about it yet, but suffice it to say that there's a lot to get used to and I'm spending a lot of time deep in thought or fighting back tears. Even when you feel a change is coming, that doesn't make it any easier or less heart-breaking. Knowing something might end up being for the best doesn't mean you're ready for it to happen.

Still, there's a lot to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. I am thankful for the people in my life who care deeply about me. I am thankful for everyone who has reached out to me with kindness and compassion. I am thankful for my home and for my job. I am thankful for my cat and for creativity and for laughter and for warmth and for comfort. I am thankful for sunshine and for the seasons and for the knowledge that time does heal (if not completely, at least enough that it won't always hurt to breathe or to remember). I am thankful for my health and for my desire to improve it. I am thankful for words and for music and for art. I am thankful for good deeds in this weary world. I am thankful to have known love; if I have lost it in the end, at least I found it and experienced joy even in the darkest of places and in the darkest of times. I am thankful... in spite of it all.

And now I'm sorry (hence this Sondheim-inspired title) that this post has turned into something more melancholy than I intended, especially because this autumnal dress from Voodoo Vixen should be the star of the show. Emma took some photos of my friend Kelsey and me on what was basically the last day of real fall here in Rochester. We got to capture some dreamy golden moments and my dress looked absolutely perfect against the backdrop of yellow and orange leaves. Now, everything's covered in snow. It seems appropriate that the cold came in all at once, without warning and without apology.

Back to the dress. This is probably the most beautiful plaid I could imagine for Thanksgiving – and you may be able to find it on sale this week for Black Friday. I was eager to get my hands on it because of the print and because it's actually called the "Samantha" dress. I love all the details (the pockets are so cute) and the plaid is even prettier in person. However, I will say that this dress runs small and that the fabric has no stretch. I actually ordered up from my normal size and it's still not quite big enough to comfortably accommodate my bust and my arms. If you want to snag it for yourself, Doll Me Up still has some sizes (and should be restocking soon); they have an accurate size chart to go by and I would suggest choosing your size based on your bust measurement. The dress comes with a matching fabric belt, so you'd be able to cinch it a bit if it's too roomy (plus, you need a bit of space for holiday foods). Other than that, it's truly a lovely dress and it's so perfect for fall festivities.

Outfit Details

Samantha Tartan Dress: c/o Voodoo Vixen

Coat: Hell Bunny (similar)

Tights: similar  ||  Shoes: similar

I'm a bit all over the place lately, but I'm trying to stay busy and focus on things I'm excited about. I've already started decorating my house for Christmas and I'll probably be putting up my tree this weekend. I've always loved the holidays and am trying not to think about the fact they suddenly feel a lot lonelier this year. I don't even feel that excited about pumpkin pie, which isn't like me. Maybe I'll feel differently tomorrow. That's all I really hope for lately – that I'll feel differently tomorrow.

Sending love to you and yours.