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.

Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited to eat mashed potatoes, yams, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. I'm definitely of the mindset that while having turkey is a given, the real stars of Thanksgiving are actually the sides. This Hell Bunny dress kind of pays homage to those dishes, with its cranberries, pumpkins, apples, and squash, so it seemed like a fitting choice for this holiday.

To be honest, this silhouette isn't my go-to these days, but it's definitely a cute little dress. It's also pretty lightweight and comfortable, which is good for eating (but not so great for warmth during this time of year). I really like Hell Bunny's seasonal pieces a lot, but I wish the fabric quality was a bit more aligned with the price point. I think I probably will wear this dress tomorrow, maybe with a green cardigan over it to break up the pattern a bit. It also goes perfectly with my little pumpkin necklace!

Outfit Details

Hell Bunny Pumpkin Dress: available here

Pumpkin necklace: Evelyn Mae Creations

Shoes: B.A.I.T. Footwear

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes? I love hearing what families eat on Thanksgiving. We have mostly the same spread every year, but I think my mom is adding butternut squash soup to the menu this year! We also have this strange family tradition of having green Jell-O. I'm not sure when it started, but it's been part of the holiday since I was born. Tell me the dish you can't live without (or the one that might be silly but is also a must-have) in the comments!

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Plaid and Pies

Happy Thanksgiving week! I don't know about you, but I'm really thankful for this short week. I've been burning the candle at both ends lately between work and rehearsals. I know we're just coming off a weekend, but my body and mind are still exhausted. There are lots of exciting things on the horizon though, so I'm planning to power through this week and enjoy some well-deserved rest.

I also plan on enjoying some delicious food. My boyfriend's family had their Thanksgiving last night, so I'll get to stuff my face twice this year. :) This gorgeous plaid frock from The Pretty Dress Company is perfect for any and all holiday activities from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. I feel like a character out of a book or a classic movie in this dress! I had planned on taking these photos elsewhere, but plans changed at the last minute. Instead, I headed to the Susan B. Anthony House, which felt fitting for this dress's vibe.

Unique Vintage is the only US-based retailer for The Pretty Dress Company (I'm seriously swooning over this other TPDC dress they carry!), which makes it even easier to get your hands on their brand. PLUS, a little birdie told me that Unique Vintage will be celebrating Thanksgiving week... so you might want to check their social media today to see what's in store!

Outfit Details

Plaid Hepburn Swing Dress: c/o Unique Vintage (via The Pretty Dress Company)

Pie brooch: c/o Erstwilder

Belt: similar  ||  Heels: similar

Have a great start to your week!

Bountiful

Outfit Details:

Sights to Season Dress: ModCloth

Cardigan: Forever 21 (old, similar here)

Tights: ModCloth (similar here)

Shoes: Stylish Surprise from ModCloth

Leaf crown: Sterling Renaissance Festival

Bow ring: Urban Outfitters (similar here)

Belt: from another dress

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!  I love this holiday (let's face it: any holiday that involves eating a ton of yummy food is going to be at the top of my list).  Our Thanksgiving is going to be pretty low-key this year -- I'll be with my parents, my grandparents, and aunt at our house -- but I always look forward to my mom's cooking.  She always makes everything (except the lime jello, which my grandma always brings... I have no idea how this tradition got started).  I need to learn how to actually cook things.  But for now, I will be stuffing myself full of her mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top.  

This fall has obviously been pretty difficult for me, and because there are so many holidays that focus on family, it's been hard to ignore the fact that a person I considered to be an integral part of my family is suddenly gone.  It's hard to come to terms with that, especially when there are still a lot of things that cause confusion and pain for me that stem from that situation.  But I am determined to not wallow in self-pity (since not only is that an unattractive quality, but it's also in poor taste to do so during a holiday that's about counting one's blessings).  And in the spirit of counting one's blessing, here is a short list of things I am thankful for, today and every day:

- my supportive parents, who generously let me live at home until I can figure out my next steps (and who also drive me around constantly, until I can get my license)

- being able to work as an actor and singer, in any capacity

- a day job that I actually enjoy

- my cat, Pumpkin (and poor old Pepper, my dog)

- kind, funny and talented friends

- music

- plays

- pumpkin pie

- pretty dresses

- my heritage

- my health

- hot drinks on cold days

- Friends reruns

- paychecks 

- shopping

- snuggling

- warm fuzzy blankets

- laughing really hard

- quirky, charming movies

- text messages

- feeling pretty

- my degree and my knowledge

- my good ear (for pitch and dialects)

- people who love and care about me

- being an emotional person, even when it hurts

- everything that has stemmed from this blog: readership, sponsorship and blogger friends!

I know I'm forgetting a ton of things... but these things definitely make me smile (oh, and smiling!  I'm thankful for that, too), and that's a very important quality to me these days.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

xox Sammi