Cherry picked

Outfit Details:

Best Birthday Ever Dress: ModCloth (on sale!)

Mel by Melissa wedges: Urban Outfitters (available here)

Cherry fascinator hat: c/o Paulie Antiques

Cherry pie ring: gift from Kate

Frilly socks: similar here

Oh Nishe, how I love thee!  It seems like each Nishe dress I acquire is better than the last!  This one definitely takes the cake, and I can see why ModCloth decided to name it the "Best Birthday Ever" dress; I'm pretty sure I'll be wearing it on my birthday next year.  It's just that sort of dress.  It's so gorgeous and has so many details I love: scallops, polka dots, a peter pan collar.  It somehow manages to encompass both a retro and a twee aesthetic, which sort of perfectly describes my style.  It also reminded me of Mary Poppins!  It'd be perfect for a Disney trip.  This dress has quickly earned a spot amongst my all-time favorite frocks.  Oh, and it's on sale at ModCloth now, too!

These accessories were patiently waiting for the perfect outfit to come along.  I scored these Mel by Melissa wedges from Urban Outfitters on sale (they're sold out there now, but are still available on Amazon!), though I will say that the sizing was a little different than I'd expected.  I'm usually a pretty solid size 9 US (sometimes an 8.5 in flats), and since Mel shoes don't come in half sizes, I thought I'd be safe with the 9.  They were huge on me, and even though they have ankle straps, I didn't trust that they'd stay on.  I ended up exchanging for a size 8, which fits much better but is actually a tiny bit too tight in the toes.  If they made half sizes, it would have been a perfect fit!  All in all though, they're such darling shoes (and they remind me of Minnie Mouse!) and they're really comfy, despite the toe issue, so I can't complain too much.

I feel very lucky to have such kind, creative friends in the blogging world.  This fascinator was a gift to me from my friend Polly, who blogs over at Paulie Antiques and runs a fabulous vintage shop of the same name.  I was actually planning on buying this fascinator myself, but she wouldn't hear of it, and ended up sending it to me for a Christmas gift.  I was so incredibly touched by her sweetness, and I am so thankful to have her as a friend.  This cherry pie ring was a surprise gift from Kate, who sent it to me along with a couple of pieces I purchased from her "shop my closet" section of her shop.  I'd mentioned wanting a pie ring a while back (to go with my pie dress), and I was so shocked that she even remembered, much less made one to send to me!  I really believe that one of the best parts of blogging has been getting to know wonderful bloggers -- they've truly touched my heart.

Have a super Saturday!

xox Sammi

French Lavender (Flock Together)

 Hi, everyone!  First of all... HAPPY ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK DAY!!!  I will be busy binging my brains out over the next few days, I'm sure.  Secondly, I'm posting on Flock Together this morning, remixing this beautiful lilac dress from Hannah!  I really ended up loving this outfit (and it finally gave me a chance to wear my lady tie!).  Check out the rest of my photos and see how the other FT girls styled this dress here!  Thanks so much again to Hannah for letting me borrow this!

 

 

Have a fantastic Friday!

xox Sammi  

I never promised you a rose garden

Vintage dress: Dane Vintage (eBay)

BAIT Footwear spectators: ModCloth

Orange belt: ASOS

Auctions on eBay used to scare me.  Actually, they still kind of do, but I've lucked out with a couple of great vintage wins.  This dress was one of them, and although I wasn't initially thrilled with the fabric (it might be more of a vintage reproduction, since the material has a synthetic feel to it), it really looks nice and the quality is there.  Plus, any dress with a button-down front that fits without gaping AND is flattering in the waist is a rare find!  This dress worked with a petticoat, but I kind of liked the shape even more without it, so I opted for a more practical styling (if you can call this practical).  The colors are so pretty too, and the pink matches these BAIT Footwear spectators perfectly! 

We're in summer hours for the next month or so at work, which is really nice because it gives me more time to do other things and still enjoy some daylight hours.  I've been driving a lot more lately, but I'm still riddled with anxiety every time I drive somewhere.  I was taking private lessons for a while, but stopped back in the fall, and I just wanted to get some basics under my belt before starting again.  I've been going out with my mom, which has been okay, but she isn't exactly a calming presence (sorry, Mom!) and I need someone to actually teach me how to do the harder stuff.  Even when I get my license, I don't know if I'm ever going to really like having to drive.  The independence factor is obviously nice, and I know I'll make for a cautious driver, at the very least... but I'm certainly not at the point where I can relax at all.  I'm such a stickler for rules, and I feel like I don't know nearly enough of them with this.  I guess I'll have to go back to taking some private lessons this month.  Wish me luck.

Have a great Thursday!

xox Sammi

Nifty fifties

Outfit Details:

Daily Special Dress: ModCloth (on sale!)

Customized name necklace: c/o Onecklace

Betsey Johnson purse: ModCloth

Saddle shoes: Payless

As anyone who reads my blog probably knows, I am a sucker for a kitschy novelty print.  And when that print has an overload of 1950s nostalgia?  Forget it!  I knew I had to have this dress when it arrived, and it's fortunate that I love the print so much, because I'm not totally sold on the fit.  In my opinion, this dress runs a tad tight.  I have to size up for the bust in these types of dresses, and the large just fit; although there is no gaping, I wish there was a little more breathing room.  The silhouette is actually a little different than how it appeared on the website, too.  There's some pleating on the skirt, but it starts where a drop waist would, so I was concerned that it would be unflattering.  Luckily, I think the dress looks fine the way it is, but I have to admit that the Bea & Dot in-house brand from ModCloth sometimes leaves a little something to be desired in the fit department (even though their designs are usually beautiful).  I'm sure it's something with which they're still tinkering, so hopefully they'll continue to make improvements to their sizing.

Speaking of making improvements to sizing... I've started back on Weight Watchers (after more than a year-long hiatus), and I'm really determined and excited about it.  I first went on Weight Watchers back in 2011, a little while after I graduated college, and I had a lot of success on the program -- I lost about 45 pounds in about 8 months.  I had actually been called in to audition for a Weight Watchers commercial, and then subsequently called back, but I didn't end up booking it, which was really discouraging and actually led me to stop doing the program the way I should have been.  Ironically, I had gone on Weight Watchers because I knew I wouldn't be able to play the roles I wanted to in my career if I didn't lose weight... so it was an even more devastating blow when I couldn't book a Weight Watchers commercial once I'd lost it.  (In retrospect, the fact that I was a performer might have worked against me, but I digress.)  I've been dealing with a lot of emotional stuff over the past year, and like many people, I always turn to food for comfort.  It's definitely a vice for me, and weight gain is incredibly sneaky!  Not only are some of my clothes fitting more tightly than they used to, but there are some dresses I simply can't wear right now because of my weight -- which was exactly the wake-up call I needed!  My dresses are some of my favorite possessions (is that sad?  Don't answer that!), so it's hurtful to think of not being able to wear them!  I decided then and there to go back on Weight Watchers and make a real effort to implement consistent exercise into my routine.  I've been back on it since last week, and already feel happier and more energetic because of it.  It's so easy to slip into the habit of making unhealthy choices, and it just feels good to make healthy ones!  It's going to be an adjustment, for sure, but I'm going to take it one day at a time.  :)

Have a great Tuesday!

xox Sammi

Blogger Interview: Shermy from Shermette (+ Onecklace giveaway winner!)

Hi, everyone!  Happy June!  Since it's the first of the month, that means it's time for my monthly blogger interview.  I love highlighting and getting to know new bloggers, and this month, I'm featuring the gorgeous Shermy from the blog Shermette!  Shermy's blog focuses on all things vintage, and I'm absolutely enamored with her style and stunning photos.  Here's your chance to learn all about this Canadian beauty!  Be sure to follow her over at Shermette.  (Oh, and the winner of the Onecklace giveaway is listed at the bottom of this post!)

Name: Shermy

Age: 25

Where you blog: I blog at www.shermette.com!  My blog is about vintage and vintage-inspired outfits, findings and travels.

How did you get into blogging?  I started blogging as sort of a creative outlet. There isn't a vintage scene at all where I live, so I just decided to share some of my endeavours online!

Where you work or what you studied in school:  Since I was a young teenager, I have worked for my family's school bus company.  Aside from that, I am an eyelash extension stylist!  My dad and I are also known to shoot a wedding here and there as well, as I'm also a photographer.

What's your dream job?  I have never really pondered this question much before, but I think my dream job would be a fashion stylist (preferably vintage).  I thought I'd like to run a vintage shop, but heck, I like buying and finding vintage, not selling it!  I'm also always trying to dress people, so maybe it's my calling!

Your favorite musical artist: I am very passionate about music and love so many genres and artists, but I really believe Perry Como is my all-time favourite, for many different reasons. Not only did that man have the voice of an Italian angel, but listening to his music as a kid just made me plain ol' happy. I feel so lucky to have had his music as a soundtrack for my life! Nowadays, older music is sometimes viewed as "silly" or "cheesy," but honestly, I think the general population would have happier lives if they listened to it!

Your favorite musical:  It was a toss-up, but South Pacific. I watched this so many times that when I was 11, I broke the VHS tapes.  Balllliiii Haiiii...

Drink of choice:  Not to be unhealthy, but Coke in the glass bottle. It tastes totally different than the can.

Favorite food in the world?  POTATO SALAD.  I'm pretty sure this song is about me.

Favorite book (from childhood or now):  No book has ever inspired me more than the first Harry Potter book.

What's your favorite season and why?  Fall has always been my favourite, as the climate where I live (Ontario, Canada) is the most ideal in the fall, and there's just something magical about the colourful leaves.

 Do you have a celebrity crush?  Clint Eastwood.  More specifically, "young" Clint Eastwood.

Which actress would play you in the movie version of your life?  So this ended up being a community question, as I had no idea! But my friend suggested Elizabeth Banks, and I really think that suggestion hit the nail square on the head!

 If you could live during any other time period, what would it be?  Clearly, I'm a huge fan of the 40s, 50s and 60s, but sometimes I really just wonder what a real home-cooked meal in the 1800s/early 1900s would have tasted like. I know that's random, but everything today is so genetically-altered, and our generation may never know how food was intended to taste. Mind you, I am accustomed to some modern conveniences, so I guess I would like to be my age now, maybe living on a farm in the late 1940s.

How would you describe your personal style?  Vintage with a side of kitsch.  As much as I love vintage, it can look dowdy if you're not careful, so I always try to spice it up with a little kitschiness!

Your favorite place to shop or favorite clothing brand:  Hmm, I really enjoy any flea market, vintage clothing store, or antique mall. The thrill of the hunt gets me every time! As brands go, my favorites are likely Pinup Girl Clothing and Trashy Diva. 

What's the most beloved article of clothing you own?  I searched through my things trying to decide, but I think my favourite piece is a little boys' 50s rayon Hawaiian shirt I found at an antique mall. It works perfectly for me as a crop tie top, and the colours are so vibrant! I'm crazy about anything tropical!

Shermy's favorite Hawaiian shirt

Do you have a style icon?  If so, who?  I find myself drawing inspiration from so many sources, but if I need to choose one, I do really love Betty Grable.

Go-to accessory:  I've been a purse girl for a long time.  (Yes, Sammi, I've been eyeing all of yours!)

If you could only wear one outfit every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Well, let's pretend the weather is nice all the time here, and I'll say probably just one of my vintage cotton day dresses. One with pockets. I'm trying to approach this question with some logic, as I'd normally want to say my puffy pink 50s prom dress!

What's been your favorite post from your blog so far?  Reading back through my posts, I have decided my favourite post is Washington Bound! I really liked my outfit (maybe not my favourite), but my husband and I really had a great time that day. Washington was really something to see, and the weather was so beautiful. Back home, we were still in snow drifts!

from Shermy's favorite post, "Washington Bound!"

Anything else you'd like to talk about?  I want to mention the Toronto Vintage Society, and suggest that anyone in and around Toronto check it out! There's plenty of "old time fun" events to attend, and plenty of opportunities to wear your favourite vintage outfits. Also, stay tuned, as in the near future, I'm launching a line of tropical hair flowers! More info will be up on my blog soon!

Thanks so much to Shermy for agreeing to do this Q&A on such late notice!  Be sure to follow her vintage adventures over at Shermette to see get all the latest!  And without further ado, the winner of the Onecklace customized name necklace giveaway is....

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations, Carla!  Onecklace will be in touch with you about claiming your prize.  Thank you so much to those of you who entered! :)

Have a great Sunday!

xox Sammi

Magnolia

Outfit Details:

Confectioner's Dream Dress: ModCloth

Hair flower: Forever 21 (similar here)

Flats: Urban Outfitters (similar here)

Wicker purse: vintage (similar here)

I really wish we had a magnolia tree.  The blossoms would have been gone by the time I took these photos, but this outfit would have been a perfect match.  I sort of forgot about this hair flower clip until I was trying to figure out how to style this dress, but I'm really glad I rediscovered it.  As far as this dress goes, I think it's really dreamy on the website, but I don't like it quite as much in person -- largely due to fit issues.  Although I think ModCloth has some beautiful in-house designs, I've found that their exclusive lines are a little lacking in terms of fit.  The arm holes on this dress are a bit tight, and it's certainly not the most flattering dress I own.  The buttons on the top are actually a little uneven, too.  I thought long and hard about sending this one back, to be honest.  I think I ultimately just really loved the color, and it's hard to find a blush pink dress in just the right shade.  I may end up selling it in a "shop my closet" sale, I'm not sure.  But stay tuned on that front, because I have a lot of things that are taking up room in my wardrobe, and opening up my online "shop my closet" store is on my short list!

I can't believe it's the last day of May.  We're heading into summer territory at this point (like I've said before, spring never lasts as long as I want it to!).  I need to find a way to motivate myself this summer, and not take it too easy.  I've kind of been taking it easy for too long, at this point.  It's hard to start, though.  I always get overwhelmed with all the things I have to do and end up doing something unrelated to alleviate the stress, which is totally unproductive.  Anyone else have an issue with this?  How do you fix it?  I know it's better to focus on one thing at a time, but I have a really hard time doing that!  Any advice would be most appreciated.  :)

Have a great Saturday!

xox Sammi