Nifty fifties

Outfit Details:

Daily Special Dress: ModCloth (on sale!)

Customized name necklace: c/o Onecklace

Betsey Johnson purse: ModCloth

Saddle shoes: Payless

As anyone who reads my blog probably knows, I am a sucker for a kitschy novelty print.  And when that print has an overload of 1950s nostalgia?  Forget it!  I knew I had to have this dress when it arrived, and it's fortunate that I love the print so much, because I'm not totally sold on the fit.  In my opinion, this dress runs a tad tight.  I have to size up for the bust in these types of dresses, and the large just fit; although there is no gaping, I wish there was a little more breathing room.  The silhouette is actually a little different than how it appeared on the website, too.  There's some pleating on the skirt, but it starts where a drop waist would, so I was concerned that it would be unflattering.  Luckily, I think the dress looks fine the way it is, but I have to admit that the Bea & Dot in-house brand from ModCloth sometimes leaves a little something to be desired in the fit department (even though their designs are usually beautiful).  I'm sure it's something with which they're still tinkering, so hopefully they'll continue to make improvements to their sizing.

Speaking of making improvements to sizing... I've started back on Weight Watchers (after more than a year-long hiatus), and I'm really determined and excited about it.  I first went on Weight Watchers back in 2011, a little while after I graduated college, and I had a lot of success on the program -- I lost about 45 pounds in about 8 months.  I had actually been called in to audition for a Weight Watchers commercial, and then subsequently called back, but I didn't end up booking it, which was really discouraging and actually led me to stop doing the program the way I should have been.  Ironically, I had gone on Weight Watchers because I knew I wouldn't be able to play the roles I wanted to in my career if I didn't lose weight... so it was an even more devastating blow when I couldn't book a Weight Watchers commercial once I'd lost it.  (In retrospect, the fact that I was a performer might have worked against me, but I digress.)  I've been dealing with a lot of emotional stuff over the past year, and like many people, I always turn to food for comfort.  It's definitely a vice for me, and weight gain is incredibly sneaky!  Not only are some of my clothes fitting more tightly than they used to, but there are some dresses I simply can't wear right now because of my weight -- which was exactly the wake-up call I needed!  My dresses are some of my favorite possessions (is that sad?  Don't answer that!), so it's hurtful to think of not being able to wear them!  I decided then and there to go back on Weight Watchers and make a real effort to implement consistent exercise into my routine.  I've been back on it since last week, and already feel happier and more energetic because of it.  It's so easy to slip into the habit of making unhealthy choices, and it just feels good to make healthy ones!  It's going to be an adjustment, for sure, but I'm going to take it one day at a time.  :)

Have a great Tuesday!

xox Sammi

Mint condition

Outfit Details:
Dress: purchased from Kate
Necklace: Forever 21 (similar here)
Heels: estate sale store

I always seem to luck out when Kate sells items from her closet.  It sort of goes without saying that she and I have a similar aesthetic, and it's fortunate that she and I wear the same size in most of our clothes.  I managed to snag this beauty in her latest sale (along with a fantastic citrus print dress), and I couldn't wait to wear it.  I was beyond thrilled that both dresses fit well, and this dress wasn't nearly as see-through as I had feared (thank goodness!).  With its little cape-like bodice, this dress feels so special that there isn't much of a need for fancy accessories, so I paired it with a simple wishbone necklace from Forever 21, and the best vintage shoes ever (a $10 estate sale store find!).

This week was rough.  In addition to dealing with all the stress that comes along with tech week for any show, my grandma passed away on Friday morning (if you missed my post yesterday, you can take a look here).  My mom went to Florida on Wednesday (she's coming home this morning), and I'm glad she was able to make it there in time.  She and my grandma were quite close, just like my mom and I are.  My mom is essentially my best friend.  I've been thinking about mortality and aging a lot because of this, and frankly, it scares the hell out of me.  I am not exactly a realist, by nature, and I'm so sensitive to the thought of change that I can't bear to think about losing my own parents.  I don't want to lose anyone I love.  I know it's a part of life, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.  

It can be really difficult to put a positive spin on these types of situations.  I guess I have to close with the hope that you can live in the present, enjoy your life, and take nothing for granted.  Easier said than done, especially given this world in which we live.  But I do hope you have a beautiful day.

xox Sammi

Friday Favorites #43

Happy Friday, friends!  This week has been a long one, and I definitely need a weekend pick-me-up.  This week's picks are putting a smile on my face!  :)  First up are these two gorgeous, floral frocks.  I don't normally gravitate towards traditional florals, but these are anything but.  I love the delicate nature of the first one, and the rich, photographic poppy print on the second.

A // B

I also like these two printed dresses, both of which are a take on floral (or at least vegetative) prints.  I adore anything with sunflowers, and the second is a lemon print (which matches a lemon print swimsuit I have).  I'm a sucker for anything sunny or citrus-y!

one // two

A grapefruit print romper and a fruit bracelet!  So yummy!

1 // 2

I already have this red Coco Fennell dress with ant detailing, but I am very tempted to add this picnic-worthy piece to my wardrobe (despite the fact I hate bugs)!  I especially love the strawberry buttons!

Speaking of Coco Fennell, I love these two pieces from her new collection!

a // b

I'm not sure why I didn't know that Bettie Page (which is now called Tatyana, except the brand is still listed as Bettie Page almost everywhere it's carried) made shoes, but I'm glad I know now!  All four of these pairs are from Bettie Page, and I adore them all.  They come in more colors, too!

a // b // c // d

Kristina from Twee Valley High did a bumper bangs tutorial for xojane this week, and I'm dying to try it out!  I'm not sure how well it will work on me, since I have real bangs, but I definitely want to give it an attempt!

Loving this greaser print set from Lazy Oaf!

(top // skirt)

These little beach radios are darling!  They make me want to have a beach party.

The girl who made the "What languages sound like to foreigners" video also made this "1 girl, 14 genres" video.  She's pretty incredible, and it's obvious she has a great ear.  Dialects are something in which I sort of specialize, and this further cements the idea I have that the better ear you have for pitch and adapting to stylistic elements, the better ear you have for dialects.  It's probably all related to the ability to mimic.  I find this subject so interesting, and it's this kind of thing that pushes me to challenge myself.

These circus clothespins are the cutest!  I wish I had a use for them!

I sort of had to buy these knee socks.  I have no idea what I'm going to wear them with, but they have Flora, Fauna and Merryweather on them!  Hot Topic has the weirdest selection of Disney merchandise.

This pink dress is so pretty, and I love the girl silhouettes all over!

Bunny tights!  How perfect are these for Easter?!

And speaking of Easter... here are all the Easter-ish pastels for this week:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

The cutest, comfiest-looking pastel sweatshirt!

I love the look of these vinyl skirts:

1 // 2

I'm so smitten with this pastel cloud print dress!

And finally, I wish I had a place of my own so I could decorate with these:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

Have a fantastic Friday!

xox Sammi

Popcorn and ice cream

Outfit Details:

Rose Dress in Delicious Sundae Print: Bernie Dexter

Dream of the Crop Cardigan in Red: ModCloth

Vintage milkshake brooch: Good Goody Girls Jewels

Red Mary Janes: Urban Outfitters (old)

Popcorn purse: Sweetbox Store

Red coat: eBay

I may have been a *little* overly zealous for the end of winter when I took these photos.  I am just so, so sick of wearing boots and bundling up that I decided to don a summery dress and Mary Janes and cold be damned, I was going to take photos without ruining the effect via clunky boots!  Of course, I immediately regretted my decision when I got snow in my shoes.  I can't wait to wear this outfit when it's actually weather-appropriate and I don't risk getting frostbite.

I wore this dress for our first day in Disney World, when we went to the 1950s-themed restaurant at the Beach Club resort and dinner at the Boardwalk.  I am nothing if not thematic.  I received more compliments on this dress than I could ever imagine.  I'd planned on packing a petticoat (I think this dress looks better with a little fluff underneath), but that wasn't in the cards, and for some reason, the one I use most makes this dress look WAY too voluminous.  I need one that has less layers!  I'd been crushing on different versions of this amazing printed dress from Bernie Dexter for forever, and I finally took the plunge when it was on sale a while ago.  I'm so glad I did, because every dress I've ever purchased from her has been incredibly flattering and dreamy.  I always have about 3 different dresses of hers at a time on my wish list!  They're definitely more summery frocks, but that just makes me all the more excited for warm weather.  Spring, please hurry up!

Have a beautiful Saturday!

xox Sammi