Little Queen

Outfit Details:

Black velvet dress: Urban Outfitters (similar here)

Flower crown: ASOS (similar here)

Pink denim jacket: Marshall's

Black tights: Urban Outfitters

Belt: from another dress

Necklace: Forever 21

Boots: ModCloth

I really hate overcast days -- for taking outfit photos and in general.  I realize that I am probably in the minority on this, but I usually try to avoid taking photos on cloudy days at all costs.  But I bit the bullet and took these photos last Thursday, when my mom and I went to see Heart in concert.  I was trying to find out a way to look rock-show-appropriate while not looking like a complete poseur.  I think I sort of managed to incorporate my girly, romantic aesthetic with some darker elements.  Also, I think this is one of the first times I've actually worn my hair in its more natural state on the blog (which meant much less work!).  It doesn't always look great with some of my outfits, but with an ensemble like this, I actually really like it.  (PS: can you tell how desperate I was for spring to arrive?)

The concert itself was really awesome.  I can't even remember the last time I had been to a rock concert, to be honest -- which is kind of crazy, considering my parents' chosen careers.  I also don't think I've ever been to a concert where I'm not 100% familiar with the artist's discography.  I really love Ann Wilson's voice, and know a bunch of Heart's songs, but certainly not all, so that was a new experience for me.  I didn't know what to expect going into it, since I had heard tell of Ann having some vocal damage, but she absolutely killed it.  I was totally blown away, and I loved that it was a more intimate show.  Someone once told me that I resemble a young Ann Wilson, which was one of the best compliments I've ever received (she was gorgeous then and still is); the only compliment that might be better would be if someone told me my voice sounds like hers.  The show also really made me want to be the front-woman in a band.  I not-so-secretly want to follow in my mom's footsteps.

It was also really nice to spend that time with my mom.  She is still obviously dealing with my grandma's passing, and I know she probably wasn't feeling like going.  But we had a delicious dinner at this little hole-in-the-wall Italian place (which reminded me a lot of my college days on Staten Island -- and I tried to ignore the fact that it was a 2-minute walk from my ex's former apartment), and we had amazing seats for the show (5th row from the stage!  My dad did very well on this Christmas present).  My mom and I have so much in common, and I was really glad we were able to share this experience.

Have a great Saturday!

xox Sammi

Auld Lang Syne

Outfit Details:

Black velvet dress: Urban Outfitters

Lady in Rad Boot in Ink: Modcloth

Belt: Forever 21 (similar here & here)

Sheer black tights: Urban Outfitters (similar here)

Fleur Any Occasion Headband: ModCloth (similar here)

Clock necklace: Forever 21 (similar here)

This is what I actually ended up wearing last night, though I really didn't do much!  We ate dinner super late (my dad had an early gig, which is odd for New Year's Eve), and it was generally very low-key.  I truly am a homebody at heart though, so I honestly didn't really mind staying home.  Plus, it was absolutely freezing outside (it was around 15 degrees yesterday, and it supposed to be a whopping 9 degrees tomorrow!), so staying bundled up seemed like the preferable option.

It was so cold, in fact, that I felt like my hands were going to fall off while taking these photos!  Winter lasts for so long here, and I am so incredibly impatient.  My room looks presentable enough for some passable photos there, if I'm in a pinch, but the lighting is so much better outside.  Which reminds me, I need to start experimenting with my new camera... it's totally weird that I'm avoiding it.  I've wanted a DSLR for so long, and yet I'm scared of change!  I'm a silly creature.

I have the next two days off, which is nice (and I'm supposed to see my friend Julia on Thursday, which will be great)... but I'm getting my wisdom teeth out on Friday.  I'm very nervous about it.  Like a lot of things, I put it off for a looong time, and now it's here.  I've never really had any procedures or surgeries in my life, and I don't know what to expect.  I've never been put under anesthesia, either.  I'm also worried about my TMJ acting up as a result, and pretty much every other worrisome scenario one could think of (and believe me, I have).  I'm sure it'll be fine, but I'll definitely look like a chipmunk for a few days (I already have a round face, so I can't even imagine what I'll look like), and I've pretty much been warned that at least the one bottom tooth is going to be kind of painful.  Woohoo.  Anyway, I'm trying to get some posts scheduled in advance so that I don't have to worry about it while I'm recovering.  Those who have had their wisdom teeth taken out: any advice for me??  :-x

I'm thinking of maybe trying something where I pinpoint little joys of my day, or what I'm looking forward to, in my posts.  A main goal for me in 2014 is to always find the joy, so maybe this would be a good way to do that.  A big one for this morning would be... not having to set an alarm!  :)

Have a wonderful first day of 2014!!

xox Sammi

Fairy breath of summer

Outfit Details:

Violet Gloaming Dress: Anthropologie (old)

Flower wreath: Sterling Renaissance Festival

Lilac ring: LeffKatya

Shoes: ASOS

I've had this dress for a few years, and it's from when I was much heavier.  I had thought about selling it, but it's such a gorgeous piece that I decided to selfishly hold on to it.  We ended up taking it to the tailor to have it altered, and this has allowed me to be able to wear it again!  It's not a perfect fit (the shoulder area is a little wonky now), but at least it looks fitted.  I also wanted to have the chance to wear this pretty floral crown before we have to bid adieu to summer.  I wish it were acceptable to not only wear floral crowns for most occasions, but to wear them year-round.

On a less-lighthearted note... I learned of some devastating news on Tuesday evening, about a theatre student from my alma mater.  There aren't a lot of details yet, and because I'm not especially close to the situation, I'm not going to post anything here.  But I will say that he was an incredibly bright light in our Wagner family, and I feel incredibly privileged to have known and worked with him, even within a limited capacity.  My heart is breaking for his family and friends.  I've been very introspective for the last couple of days, just thinking about making the most of the time we have, and cherishing our experiences.  He was such a spirited person, and he always appreciated the beauty in life.  I want to always remember to stop and appreciate the beauty that's all around us.

Be good to each other, and keep your loved ones close.

xox Sammi

She's a wildflower

Outfit Details:

Floral dress: Forever 21

Floral crown: ASOS

Flats: yeswalker

Daisy ring: Mom's

After seeing how the beautiful Jessi from Haircut and General Attitude wore her lovely floral crown for her birthday, I was inspired to finally try out one of my larger ones.  I usually gravitate toward my more subtle ones, but I have a couple of statement garlands that I've been itching to wear -- but I couldn't manage to muster up the courage to 'til now!

I'm not sure whether I'm quite ready to wear it out in public yet, though.  I feel like it has to be for a specific kind of place or event.  Something special.  I think my smaller crowns are more for the everyday use.  Or maybe I'm just chicken!

I need to really figure out how to make my own (Jenny Highsmith has a great DIY flower crown tutorial that I want to try!).  Some of the ones on Etsy are so gorgeous, and even though I'd love to be able to support small businesses, I can't really afford to shell out $40 for something I could easily figure out how to make (and customize!) myself.

Have a beautiful Monday!

xox Sammi

PS: Don't forget about switching over to a new blog reader, if you currently follow on GFC!  It's super easy to switch to Bloglovin'!  Click the button below to follow me there, and you can import all of your other blogs in a snap!

Also, I just made a Facebook fan page (finally!) for my blog!  I'd appreciate it so very much if you'd check it out and give it a "like!"  I've put it on my sidebar as well to make it even easier!  Thank you!!!