Cherry Picked

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

Cherries are the quintessential pinup print... or they are for me, at least. So it makes sense that I've put together at least one cherry-themed post each summer I've been blogging. (You can find a bunch of my previous cherry-themed posts here.) It's become a bit of tradition, I guess. Cherries were never really my favorite fruit, but I can't resist a cherry dress – or a good orchard.

This dress from Smak Parlour has such cute details! I love the pom-pom hem and the tie back. It has absolutely no give to it, so I'd recommend ordering up if you're between sizes. But even though it's a bit of a tight fit, I absolutely love the silhouette. It's on sale (both on their own website and at Unique Vintage) now that the season is nearly over. So if you're the kind of gal who likes to snag a bargain for the following year, here's your chance!

Summer has kind of flown by. I know a lot of people are ready for fall to begin, but (as always) I'm not quite ready to let the warm weather go. Technically, we have a few weeks left... and I'm not about to hurry things along. So you'll have to be okay with me posting summery content for just a bit longer! I'll get on the autumnal/Halloween train before you know it – I promise.

Outfit Details

embroidered cherry dress: Smak Parlour

cherry hat: vintage (similar)  ||  clog sandals: available at Nordstrom

Have a delicious day!

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!

An Apple a Day

I've been sick for the last week, so it probably stands to reason that I should be eating more apples to keep the doctor away. Fortunately, we ended up getting a lot (plus donuts and cider, of course) at our trip to The Apple Farm. Apple-picking season is over by now, but I'll definitely be enjoying the fruits of our labor (literally!) for at least the rest of this month! I've never been one for apple pie, though... I'm a pumpkin gal all the way there.

This look is a bit more classic (read: maybe basic?) than I normally go for – but holy wow, this dress from Torrid is SO soft. I started shopping at Torrid for swimsuits and bras a while back, but hadn't ventured into real clothes until I purchased this. Although the elasticized waistband sits a bit high for me (which I easily fixed with a belt), this dress is really nice and sooo cozy. It looks like it's currently out of stock, but there's a red version that looks like it would be beautiful for the holidays! For anyone who's kind of on the cusp of straight sizes and plus sizes like I currently am, I'm definitely a fan of shopping with them. (Just wait until there's some kind of sale, which they have often!)

Outfit Details

Dress: Torrid (similar here and here)

Plaid scarf: available at ModCloth

Belt: similar  ||  Boots: similar
Basket: similar

I'm looking forward to the holidays this year – mostly for outfit-planning reasons, if I'm honest. I don't know what Thanksgiving and Christmas will bring this year. Things have been tough lately and I'm kind of in a period of uncertainty. But I think that probably means change is on the horizon. And while that can be scary, I'm inclined to believe that's a good thing.

Have a sweet start to your week!

Nectarine Dream

Photos by Emma Rizzo Photo

There's no doubt about it: it's really autumn. I do love this time of year. Not only is my birthday coming up, but there's lots of fun spooky stuff to be found... and, of course, there's lots of fresh fruit to pick. Before I share any apples or pumpkins, I needed to post these nectarine picking photos that my friend/intrepid photographer Emma took. We picked some of the last of the peaches, too. I can still taste how good they were! As much as I love fall, nothing beats stone fruit for me.

The past couple of months have flown by. I can't believe it's already the middle of October! We leave for Disney World next week(!!!!) and I still have so much to do before then. By the way: you'll want to stop back while I'm away because I have something *magical* planned! Stay tuned...

Outfit Details

Dress: similar here

Brooch: similar here

Boater hat: similar here

Flats: Aerosoles

Have a sweet start to your week!