Magnolias

All photos by Emma Rizzo

I guess I have to face facts: summer's starting to wind down. I'm not totally ready to say goodbye to this season yet... especially because I still have photos from the spring that I haven't had a chance to share yet! I guess I'd better hurry up, huh? But I think these ones were worth waiting for.

I love going on photo adventures with Emma. We actually had a very thematic evening when we took these. We had dinner at Magnolia's (one of my favorite places – and not just because Obama ate there!) and then sought out all the magnolia trees we could find.

I finally had a chance to wear this darling dress from the Barbie x Unique Vintage line. When I was little, all I wanted was for my Barbies' outfits to come in my size. I used to wish for it all the time (like so many other kids, I'm sure!). That desire really never went away, so you can imagine how excited I was when this collection came out. My mom actually owned the doll version of this dress and recognized it instantly! I think it's such a beautiful, fun dress. It does run a bit tight in the bust, but I actually found it to be quite comfortable and supportive. Although it's been a while since this collection came out, this dress is still available at UV – so if you've been sleeping on it, don't wait until it's gone!

Outfit Details

Suburban Shopper Sundress: Unique Vintage

Bag: Bettie Page by Lola Ramona

Boater hat: ASOS (similar)

Flats: Aerosoles

I had a really wonderful weekend (and took a ton of photos!). Things have been difficult over the last couple of months in terms of my mental health. My physical health has been suffering too, as I haven't been taking good care of myself. But I feel refreshed and my heart is full. I feel good about what this week has in store. I hope you all have a wonderful week, too.

Butterflies and Blossoms

As someone who owns a lot of fancy dresses, I sometimes feel like I have nowhere to wear my formal frocks. But I'm always reminding myself that I don't really need a special occasion to wear something pretty. Yes, I always fear the "what are you so dressed up for?" comments... but they actually don't come up as often as I'd think. And honestly, what could be better than taking in the short-lived spring blossoms in a dress that feels every bit as lovely?

This dress from Voodoo Vixen features an absolutely enchanting print (featuring monarch butterflies and carnations) and a to-die-for back drape. I love dresses with interesting back details like this! The only problem with this, however, is that there's a side zipper (aka the bane of my existence). Because of this – and the fact that this fabric doesn't contain much stretch at all – I actually had to size up to the largest size Voodoo Vixen carries. Admittedly, it's not a perfect fit; it's a bit roomy in the shoulders and even in the waist, since I had to size up to accommodate my bust. But I always award bonus points for big pockets, so this dress definitely has its share of pros.

Since this dress truly encapsulates springtime to me, I had to take advantage of all the gorgeous cherry and apple blossoms that seemed to pop up just about everywhere this year. Flowers are fleeting, which makes me sad sometimes... but it also means we have to appreciate the sight (and smell!) while it lasts.

Outfit Details

Laura Butterfly Swing Dress: c/o Voodoo Vixen

Butterfly brooch: similar  ||  Heels: similar

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Is It Spring Yet?

It may technically be spring here in the Northern Hemisphere, but you wouldn't know it from the weather forecast. We've had cold temperatures, ice storms, and even snow in the past couple of weeks. It's really a bummer because I'm dying for everything to be in bloom. Until it starts to warm up, I'm trying to wear as many springy prints as possible.

This Heart of Haute dress is undeniably springy and cheerful. This "Amanda" style is one I'd never tried before and it's great for layering. It also comes with a matching fabric tie belt, which is always a nice feature. I went all out for Easter with the styling on this, but it's really a versatile piece that'll be light and breezy for the months ahead. 

Outfit Details

Amanda Dress in Blue Skies print: c/o Heart of Haute

Vintage hat: similar  ||  Wedge sandals: Chase and Chloe

Cropped yellow cardigan: available here

Fingers crossed it gets nice this weekend!

Dutch Connection 2017

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you might remember this post from last year, where I visited the George Eastman Museum during their Dutch Connection event. It's an annual tradition that honors one of Rochester's most important figures and provides a welcome respite from our long winters. I was actually asked to write a guest post for the museum's own blog about the event, which you can find here. Because of that post, I was able to get into this year's event for free, so of course, I jumped at the chance to go and see some pretty blooms.

I won't go into too many details about the event's history (you can read more about that in my Dutch Connection post from last year or my post on the George Eastman Museum blog), but I do think it's pretty amazing that it's been happening for more than 100 years. My favorite offerings are probably the hyacinths and the daffodils (did you know their real name is narcissus?), but I love the tulips, too. Although we had a fairly mild February, March has been especially brutal, so it's really nice to look back on these photos and remember that spring will arrive... eventually.

I didn't take outfit photos for this, but my mom did capture this quick snap of my outfit (which was themed, of course!). I really want to get this dress hemmed; it's too long for me right now, but the print is so gorgeous that I can never part with it. 

Outfit Details

Dress: Pinup Girl Clothing (similar)

Cropped cardigan: available here

Flats: Aerosoles (similar)

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Dutch Connection

The snow is finally almost gone (hooray!), but just a couple of weeks ago, spring was nowhere in sight – except indoors at the George Eastman Museum. Every February, they fill the rooms of the Kodak founder's historic mansion with tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and much more. The Dutch Connection floral display has been a tradition for over 100 years; George Eastman was inspired to create an annual display after a visit to Holland in 1860, and the current collection is based off the original orders he made with the Dutch bulb companies! I'd only ever been inside the museum once before to take promotional photos for a show I did this winter, and being able to escape the cold and take in these fragrant flowers was such a treat. I have lots of outfit posts on the way, but for now, enjoy some snaps of these beautiful blooms!

Not only did I love seeing the lovely flowers, but being able to explore George Eastman's residence was such a cool experience. They have some really beautiful displays (shown in the photos below of cameras and film dyes), and I really enjoyed exploring the rooms – especially the library and George Eastman's mom's quarters (with an incredible walk-in closet) – and seeing the beautiful architectural details everywhere. I wore this dress for the occasion, but since they don't allow tripods in the museum, I'll have to share that outfit another time this spring. I'm definitely going to visit again when the beautiful gardens are all in bloom! It'll be a perfect location for photos.

Have a great day!