Blueberries For Sal

As you may have realized, I've been planning most of my summer excursions around fruit picking. It's one of my favorite things to do. I love supporting local farms and orchards (and having fresh produce is always a plus), but I mostly enjoy having any excuse to spend time outside. I'm not a religious person, nor do I really identify as spiritual... but communing with nature is the way I feel close to something more than myself and it's sort of my gratitude practice, in a way. I never really thought about it in those terms until I started to write this post, but it makes sense that I would do everything possible to make time for it – especially when these warm days are so precious here.

Fruit picking also gives me the chance to spend time with people I love (and to dress thematically!). My mom and I had the chance to go blueberry picking during evening hours, which was a nice change. The experience reminded me of the picture book Blueberries For Sal – my mom's name is Sally and I have fond memories of us doing things like this as a kid. Of course, I had to wear this blueberry print dress from Collectif for the occasion. You know I can't resist a fruity novelty print frock!

Outfit Details

Mainline Eliza Blueberries Swing Dress: Collectif (other style here)

Necklace: similar  ||  Flats: similar

On a separate note, thank you so much to everyone who reached out to express their support for my newest venture, Dear Blossom Studios. In case you missed the big announcement, you can read all about it here. And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram if you haven't already! You are all truly the best and I'm so excited about what's to come. Being able to focus on something new and creative has made all the difference these past few months. That's always been how I've gotten through heartbreak in the past and it feels apt that my newest project is all about blossoming and coming into one's own. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Strawberry Season

Holy cow, I can't believe it's been exactly a month since I last posted. It's amazing how quickly time seems to pass. I've been a little busier than normal (I did a staged reading, spent some time at the lake, and have been trying to put together my show for the Fringe Festival in September), but mostly... I haven't felt much like blogging. I still love blogging and don't plan on giving it up any time soon. But the work that's involved feels like a lot when you're running on empty. I've been taking photos, which means I have a big backlog. It's actually the photo editing that's keeping me from posting more frequently. It's so much easier to edit a single image for Instagram than it is a slew of large photos for this blog. I love doing it when I have the time and energy; those two things are just harder to come by these days.

That said, I have no shortage of time or energy when it comes to fruit picking! I know how quickly these seasons fly, so I've been making it a priority. I kicked things off with strawberry picking at Chase Farms. My mom and I went early one morning last month and we weren't disappointed. Of course, I had to wear this adorable jam jar dress (which is currently on sale!) from Joanie Clothing. It happens to match my jam jar brooch from Erstwilder perfectly, which isn't all that surprising when you consider how much I love a good food-themed outfit.

I never actually make anything from the strawberries we pick (other than strawberry shortcake!), but that's fine with me. These were so delicious. There's nothing quite like a ripe, local strawberry. I'm trying to savor all this fruit as much as I can because once it's gone, it's gone. I think a lot of my favorite things are like that (e.g., lilacs, peonies, peaches) – and that's probably not an accident. Everything feels so much more special when they're around.

Outfit Details

Betty Jam Jar Dress: c/o Joanie Clothing

Popular Preserve Brooch: c/o Erstwilder (similar)

Flats: Crocs (similar) - they're good shoes for walking around in dirt!

I guess things have been a bit hectic lately. Aside from all of the other stuff I mentioned, my best friend was in a really serious car accident last week. Miraculously, he's going to be alright and I am so, so relieved. I've been reminded once again not to take people you love for granted or put off the important stuff. That means I'm enjoying as much as I can and that I'm wanting to take better care of myself, too. I hold myself accountable for so many things, but that last one's tough. I guess I'll start with savoring every moment – especially the moments that involve eating fresh fruit. 

Pretty As A Postcard

Happy Tuesday, friends! It's been a minute since I had a chance to put together a post. I had a great time enjoying the Rochester Fringe Festival last week, but seeing so many shows left me no time to blog. I'm trying to create a better work/life balance for myself though, so I'm hoping I can get back on schedule soon. That said, I'll be starting rehearsals for a show in a week or two... so I'm trying to figure things out quickly without putting too much pressure on myself.  :)

It may be the end of September, but it's been hot as all get-out for the last couple of weeks. I actually don't mind that much, since this summer was pretty temperate and I didn't get much of a chance to wear seasonal clothes. It's going to cool down later this week, but before it does, I'll be wearing this J.Crew postcard print dress as much as humanly possible.

Ashley was the ideal enabler and convinced me to buy this dress when it was on sale. I'm really glad I did, because it's the kind of dress that works in nearly any situation. I love the off-the-shoulder neckline (so much that I actually like wearing my hair up with it – and that never happens!) and it's so easy to wear. Whether you're running errands or on vacation, this is a great go-to. Unfortunately, it's completely sold out, but I found a few good dupes! Scroll down to the outfit details for my picks.

Outfit Details

Postcard print dress: J.Crew (similar at ASOS, Macy's, and Nasty Gal)

Necklace: similar  ||  Toni Pons wedges: available here

As much as I'm enjoying wearing my summer wardrobe, I'm finally feeling ready to do fall things! I hope there'll be some apple and pumpkin picking in my future. What are you hoping to do this fall?

Summertime Outfit Roundup

Happy Autumn! I feel like this summer really flew by – but maybe that's because I managed to fit in so many fun things! Here are some of my outfit (and real life) highlights from the past few months:

June

Never Never Land  ||  Lilac Lane  ||  Sweet dresses + sweeter friends

When life gives you lemons  ||  Strawberry Patch  ||  Poppies + Popovers

In June, I went out in search of lilacs, poppies and strawberries! I busied myself with rehearsals and received dresses from my dearest friends. I even won an Instagram contest! It was very nice start to the summer.

July

Shortcake  ||  Barbecues + Boat Docks  ||  Choo choo!

Cherry Orchard  ||  Gingham girl  || Painting the roses red

In July, I went cherry picking and visited a rose garden right in the middle of the city. I also visited a transportation museum, watched fireworks and performed in an awesome show. July was a pretty memorable month!

August

Rose of Sharon  ||  Pals + Pastels  ||  Anchors aweigh

Garden Royale  ||  Popcorn Love  ||  Aeroplane

August was filled with friends on both the west and east coasts! I finally met both Kate and Ashley in person, and it was wonderful to find out that our friendship extends beyond the Internet. I also got to see old friends, and it was nice to know that time and distance doesn't change real, lasting bonds. Plus, I saw a few great movies, went to Disneyland and the Renaissance Faire, and ate a lot of yummy food!

What was your favorite thing you did this summer?

Summertime Round-Up

I guess it's finally time to face facts: summer has come to an end.  Although I've always loved autumn, I'm still not quite ready to bid farewell to bare legs in favor of bundling up.  But I don't have much choice in the matter (unless I want to freeze!), so I'll have to make do with revisiting some of my favorite ensembles from summertime.

June

Ice cream social  //  Playing house  //  I never promised you a rose garden

Sideshow  //  Cherry picked  //  Minnie

A little too late for lilacs  //  Nifty fifties  //  French lavender

Favorite outfit: Cherry picked

Runner-up: Playing house

Highlight: a brand new blog layout

July

Fireworks  //  You don't bring me flowers  //  Beehive

It's not easy being green  //  Shutterbug  //  You're the cat's meow

My heart beats true for the red, white and blue //  You are a garden rose // Pink flamingo

Favorite outfit: You don't bring me flowers

Runner-up: Beehive

Highlight: Being featured on the ModCloth blog

August

Toadstool  //  All in the golden afternoon  //  Garden song

Sugar rush  //  On the radio  //  Gonna make a pie with a heart in the middle

Blossom dearie  //  Tease  //  Summertime Blues

Favorite outfit: Gonna make a pie with a heart in the middle
Runner-up: Tease

Highlight: Brooklyn blogger meet-up

and being featured in the Sunglass Warehouse Lookbook

Despite the fact that I felt like the summer flew by without getting to do many summery things, at least I wore some good, summery ensembles!  Which one was your favorite?

Have a happy first day of fall!

xox Sammi