I love Paris in the springtime

I had my own personal photographer this weekend, when I went to visit Steven for the wedding we attended!  I felt special, having someone following me around like a paparazzo, but it was also a strange adjustment (since I'm so used to hauling the tripod into the backyard).  But Steven snapped some pretty pictures of my travel outfit on the night I arrived...

Outfit Details:

Paris Swing Dress: Bernie Dexter (via eBay)

Ida P. Blue Spectator Pumps: B.A.I.T. Footwear

Necklace: ASOS

I just love the print of this dress!  Bernie Dexter makes another style of dress in this same print (which is still available on her site and at ModCloth), but I had actually ordered it before and didn't like the fit on me; it was too big in the bust, oddly, and simply didn't look right.  Bernie ends up doing quite a number of auctions on her eBay store, and I've purchased several items through her that way.  There isn't much in her store there right now, but if you like Bernie Dexter's designs, you should definitely check that out from time to time!  Her stuff is lovely but can be on the pricy side for me, so I love when she lists items!

I arrived on the train in the late afternoon, so Steven and I were able to go out for a nice dinner at one of our favorite places in his town.  They have the most amazing fish dishes I've ever eaten, and both times we've been, the food's been outstanding.  After dinner, we went on a walk and got ice cream from the Haagen Dazs shop(!) in a neighboring town.  They didn't have our favorite flavor (Blueberry Crumble), but it was still delicious.

Have a lovely spring day!

xox Sammi

Gilly oh golly / Oh, I love my lolly

Outfit Details:

Polka Dot Shirtdress: Forever 21

Oxfords: DSW (additional colors at Amazon)

Oversized readers: Target

Cardigan: Old Navy (old, similar here)

I really like this dress, but it's kind of on the large side.  It's that thing where if it buttons up comfortably in the bust, it's big everywhere else.  It's such a cute color and style that I kind of don't care, though.

I took these photos a while ago, to use when I knew I'd be traveling.  This isn't my favorite outfit ever, but they can't all be, I suppose.

Hope your day is sweet!

xox Sammi

Strawberry shortcake

I'm a little sad I can't be home today, even though my mom and I ended up having a birthday/Mothers Day celebration last Sunday.  We'll be going to brunch with Steven's mom (and dad) today though, so that'll be fun (and yummy).  I'll be coming back home tomorrow, on another looooong train ride.

Outfit Details:

Strawberry Print Shirt: Forever 21

High waisted shorts: Urban Outfitters (old)

Kimchi Blue T-Strap Flats: Urban Outfitters

White belt: ebay

Have a wonderful Sunday, and if your mama is around, hug her tight!

xox Sammi

Polka-dotted remix

I have a lot of "statement pieces" in my closet.  Even though I'm drawn to really interesting, unique and special items, I find that I sometimes wear these items in only one way, because they're so eye-catching and I often let the creativity of the item itself be the star, rather than the way I wear it or what I pair it with.  I think this works well a lot of the time, but I have a suspicion that I don't get as much use out of all my clothes as I could when I only wear them one way!  ModCloth is having a contest right now for their customers (in conjunction with their Style Gallery) where you can show off the different ways you remix one piece, and that inspired me to try remixing this retro polka dot playsuit!

Outfit Details:

Sun Speckled Afternoon Playsuit: ModCloth (Available directly through Vintage Suits by Mary)

Necklace: Betsey Johnson

The Best of Times Heel in Noir: ModCloth

Faux Leather Bow Stretch Belt: Go Jane

I love the pin-up feel of this, despite the fact that it's almost obscenely short... but there are cute little sewn-in bottoms underneath the skirt!  It's still only appropriate for a beach party or something, though.

Then I decided to make this piece a little (read: a lot) more versatile by adding a skirt, changing my shoes and throwing on a hat...

Outfit Details:

(Playsuit, remixed as a halter top) 

Red skirt: Amazon

Heart necklace: ASOS (sold out)

Doo Bee Doo Bee Shoe Heels: ModCloth

Boater hat: River Island

All of the interesting clothing details just happen to be in the chest area.... whoops.

This outfit makes me feel like I'm one of the singers in Disney World on Main Street, USA or something.  I don't hate it.

This remixing thing has been something I've admired on other blogs; so many bloggers have an amazing ability to come up with an infinite amount of new ways to wear their pieces, and I so envy that quality!  This has definitely inspired me to look at the items in my wardrobe differently.  There's so much temptation for me to keep adding new things to my closet, and I should really just try to get as much mileage out of what I already have.  This was a fun challenge, actually.  Maybe I'll make it my goal for the rest of May to not buy new things for the sake of adding, but to come up with new ways to make use of my existing items.  A shopping ban for creativity's sake, maybe.

I'm spending my Saturday at a wedding with Steven.  I hope you have a lovely, fun-filled day!

xox Sammi

Playing telephone

Outfit Details:

Telephone Print Dress: Anthropologie (gift from Steven's mom)

Necklace: Forever 21 (old)

Flats: ASOS (sold out)

I'm actually heading out of town right now for a wedding!  These pictures were taken earlier this week.  I just love the print of this dress.  And I am so grateful for warmth and sunshine.  That's all for now.  :)

xox Sammi