Fireworks (Flock Together)

Happy (almost) 4th of July, everyone!  I'm posting over on the Flock Together blog today in an awesome Bernie Dexter dress that I borrowed from the lovely Jana!  Although the print is technically of rocket ships, I've decided they could also easily be bottle rockets -- and what could be more Independence-Day-appropriate than fireworks?!  Follow me over to Flock Together to get all the details & see how some of the other girls styled this lovely dress! 

 Have a happy and safe holiday!

xox Sammi

You are a garden rose

Outfit Details:

Flora Dress: Voodoo Vixen

BAIT Footwear spectators: ModCloth

Necklace: Forever 21 (similar)

Okay, so here's some real talk about this outfit.  First of all, I absolutely love the colors and print of this dress.  I've mentioned before that I can be picky about floral prints, but this one is incredibly stunning.  I have some major love for UK brand Voodoo Vixen, who makes this dress; they have really great prints and do some awesome vintage reproductions.  And normally, I'm all about a fit & flare dress.  But unfortunately, there is something about the fit of this dress that just doesn't work on me.  I think part of the problem is where the pretty pink piping and the seaming falls on my body -- it emphasizes some areas on the sides that I'd rather not.  It might be the kind of thing that could be corrected with some shapewear underneath, but that's not an ideal solution for hot summer days.  I think the seaming on the bust is a little strange on me, too.  All in all, it's a gorgeous dress, but I'm still on the fence about whether or not it'll remain in my closet.  Since I've had good success with the first week of relaunching my "shop my closet" store (again, thanks to all of you who've already purchased something -- and to those who haven't, there are still plenty of great pieces left!), I'm definitely going to be doing at least one other update within the next month or two, so I'll have to decide whether this dress and I will stick it out or part ways.    

The Jazz Fest gig on Saturday went well, under the circumstances (i.e., having no real sound check and not being able to hear ourselves the entire time).  We had a pretty huge turn-out (thousands of people!), so that was cool.  But the calling hours and funeral for my friend were also this weekend, and those were incredibly difficult.  These past couple of weeks have been a bit of an emotional roller coaster.  I think I've been trying really hard to keep it together.  I go back and forth between being motivated and wanting to curl up into a ball.  I guess maybe that's part of my mourning process.  I'm frustrated because I feel like I'm stuck in a "one step forward, two steps back" situation sometimes.  I suppose a little headway is better than none though, and I'm trying to remain positive, even though it's proving hard.  Mostly though, I just miss my friend.

I hope you have a nice Wednesday.

xox Sammi

Blogger Interview: Angela from The Passionista

Happy July 1st, everyone!  This summer is already going by way too quickly for my taste.  But with a new month comes a new blogger Q&A, and this month's interview subject is Angela from The Passionista!  Angela is a super-adorable fashion student (and proud Vespa owner!) who's new to the blogging scene.  Get to know more about this print-loving lady below!

Name:  Angela

Age:  23

Where do you blog?  My blog is The Passionista!  It's a personal style blog with added bits of DIY for right now.

What do you study in school?  I'm in my junior year as a fashion merchandising major at Kent State University.  I also sell vintage clothing on eBay (though I'm looking to switch over to Etsy soon).

How did you get into blogging?  I really started my blog as a style portfolio, but I started noticing how inspiring other bloggers were, and I just wanted to be a part of this super creative community!

What's your dream job?  To work at ModCloth.  Like, any position.  I'd polish shoes for them if it meant I could be a part of their wonderful company, haha!  But seriously, their Pittsburgh office is only an hour away from me and it would be a dream!

Favorite musical artist:  The Beatles

Favorite musical:  Mama Mia!

Favorite movie:  This is crazy that I'm picking just ONE, but I'm going to have to go with Stepbrothers, with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly - so hilarious!

Favorite food in the whole wide world:  I would bring dishonor to my very Italian family if I said anything but pasta here.  So yes, pasta!

Favorite book:  My Life in France by Julia Child

Favorite guilty pleasure:  I couldn't be a fashion major if my guilty pleasure wasn't shopping.

What's your favorite season and why?  Spring is most definitely my favorite season because of the treacherously long winters we have in Snohio -- oops, I mean Ohio -- so it's like the light at the end of the tunnel.  Also, my birthday is on April 13th AND I get to ride my Vespa again after a long winter of it being locked away ;)

Does your Vespa have a name?  Yes!  Her name is Vivian, or "Vivi" for short!

Do you have a celebrity crush?  Yes - Jason Mraz.  I've attended 4 of his concerts, and planning on another during his upcoming fall tour.  Swoon.

Which actress would play you in the movie version of your life?  Mindy Kaling, all the way.  I've been told by friends that our senses of humor are similar.

If you could live during any other time period, what would it be?  Definitely the '60s -- I would be one of those crazy girls at a Beatles concert, wearing an awesome Twiggy-inspired frock.  :)

How would you describe your personal style?  My style is forever changing.  I like to switch up my style daily so sometimes it's very classic and vintage-inspired, and other times it's full of prints and polka dots.  I like to dress based on how I feel... but if I'm having a bad day, you can bet I'm about to put on something colorful!  

Do you have a style icon?  If so, who?  My grandma is my #1 style icon.  She knew how to keep things interesting, feminine and classy all at once.  Whenever I see photos of her, I take note of everything she was wearing, down to the accessories.

What's your most beloved article of clothing?  I have one vintage black shirtdress I received from my grandma, and it will forever be my favorite.  It's so simple, but very elegant.  My family always says I got my style from her - she was such a classic beauty and I miss her dearly!

What's your favorite place to shop or favorite clothing brand?  ModCloth, ASOS and Simply Be are my three top faves, but nothing beats a good vintage/thrift store find!

What's your go-to accessory?  Glasses are my necessary accessory, but I love unique and colorful frames!  I'd probably wear them even if I didn't have bad eyes.

If you could wear only one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?  I'd definitely wear a dress (with pockets), flats and a cardi.  Keep it feminine and comfortable!

What's been your favorite post from your blog so far?  My favorite post so far is "On Self Confidence."  It was one of those posts that I hesitated writing, but I also felt really compelled to share my self-confidence struggles and successes.  I'm a true believer that everyone at any size can feel fantastic about themselves.

What are some other blogs that you love?  Besides The Soubrette Brunette, I love Annabel and Lee, The Red Lip Chronicles, and Thriftburgher.  They're all really great and super-inspiring ladies!

Anything else you'd like to mention?  I'm a Style Ambassador for Coastal.com, and if you aren't already familiar with Coastal -- and you just happen to be a girl (or guy!) with glasses -- you should check them out!  They have a really unique selection of eyewear that's available either as a prescription or for fashion purposes.

Thanks so much to Angela for being a part of my blogger interview series!  Be sure to check out all of her adventures over at The Passionista!  If you'd like to be considered for my monthly interview series, be sure to send me an e-mail! 

Have a great Tuesday!

xox Sammi

Label Love: Bernie Dexter

Hi, all!  Jana of small town... BIG SMILE! is off celebrating her wedding, so I'm over on her blog today with a guest post that highlights one of my favorite designers: Bernie Dexter!  I'm showcasing all of my beloved Bernie dresses and talking a bit about the fit & features of her pieces.  If you love this brand as much as I do, head on over and take a look-see at my post!  I think I may make this "Label Love" idea into a little series -- what do you think??  :)

 Have a great Monday!

xox Sammi

Song for a friend

I've been trying to figure out how to write this post for a week, and grappling with whether I should write one at all.  I try to keep things light around here, but when something is this heart-breaking, it warrants telling.  Saying goodbye to someone is unfathomably difficult, and in this case, it feels almost impossible.  My dear, dear friend Carl died last weekend.  It was incredibly sudden and wholly unexpected.  He was only thirty-two.  I'd known and adored him for over ten years.  I thought there would be many more ahead.  That's what we all think, isn't it?  That we have all the time in the world?  

We first met when he worked as a camp counselor for the children's theatre camp I'd attended since I was little.  Although there were seven years between us, he always treated me as a peer -- albeit one he took under his wing.  He could have very easily chosen not to keep in touch with an awkward 14-year old girl, but he always made a conscious effort to stay in my life.  In retrospect, I think Carl saw the potential in people.  He didn't put up with a lot of bullshit (which was one of the things I always liked about him), but he was the most encouraging, warm-hearted person towards those who were genuine and hard-working.  I feel honored that he deemed me worthy enough to fall into this category.   

Carl in Biloxi Blues (courtesy of KHphotographics)

He always made me feel special.  I don't know if I ever told him how much I appreciated that.  In many ways, he was the first guy who made me believe the good qualities about myself that I'd hoped to possess: that I was talented, attractive, desirable and valued.  Carl was a hybrid of mentor, older brother and former flame, and he has always held a special place in my heart.  He was there for me through every breakup (always ready with threats to kick some ass, should I ever need him to).  He was one of the few people in my life who just "got it," especially in terms of how political the theatre community can be; we both cared immensely about our craft, and we commiserated about our frustrations often.  We were often in complete agreement on our approaches to acting and how we handled the pettiness that can occur, while still seeing the good in those around us.  He was incredibly supportive of my blog, and I think he kept up with it without really telling me.  I don't remember us ever fighting with each other about anything.  There were times where we didn't connect for a while, but we always picked up right where we left off.  I'm still in denial that we won't get to catch up over coffee or finally be in a show together one day.  He had so much to live for: he was engaged to the woman he loved, had started teaching, had lots of plans for the future and thought he had ample time to figure them out.  It simply isn't fair.  I know these things never are, especially when someone dies so young and so full of promise.  But when it happens to someone you care about so deeply, it personalizes the whole thing in a way you never wanted.

A program from the summer we first met, a ticket to Hedwig and the Angry Inch (which we saw together 10 years before it became a Broadway hit), and a playbill from a show I saw three different times, just because he was in it.

Upon reading the numerous Facebook posts that reflected on his untimely passing (because that's largely how we collectively mourn as a society nowadays, for better or for worse), I realized just how supportive he was of the people he cared about.  I am lucky that he cared so much about me.  I am also incredibly thankful that I got the chance to spend time with him recently.  Of course, I'm greedy and wish I'd had more time with him, but at least I had the chance to see him last summer, and then again on our vacation to Disney World.  I'm kicking myself for not getting a photo together during one of those times.  At the time, I didn't want to bother him with it.  But now there's just the one photo of us, from when we first met, and I can't even find that at the moment.  I did, however, find a slew of cringe-worthy e-mails and AIM conversations (remember those?), playbills and ticket stubs that are all Carl-related.  I looked through my books and found the copy of Uta Hagen's Respect for Acting that he gave me after I graduated high school.  The inscription shows just how kind-hearted and supportive of a person he was.  I'm just glad I got some good hugs in the last time I saw him.  They'll have to hold me over for a while.

I suppose I have a choice in the face of this tragedy: I can either let it consume me, or I can let it motivate me.  I think Carl would want the latter for me.  Although I will always mourn the loss of my dear friend, I think it's okay for his passing to light a fire under me.  The truth of the matter is, we don't have infinite time.  Life is too short (which is a hackneyed expression at this point, but it's true).  It's too short to not pursue your dreams.  It's too short to spend with someone who doesn't make you happy.  It's too short to not do what you love.

Carl as Linus in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

I will be forever grateful to my friend for all that he did for me, and how he continues to inspire me.  I hope he knew how thankful I was for his friendship and guidance.  I hope he knew how much I loved him.  I don't know how much I believe (or how much Carl believed, for that matter) in the hereafter, but I hope I'll get to see him again someday.  Until then... I hope I can continue to make him proud.

Thank you all for listening.

xox Sammi

Ice cream social

Outfit Details:

Sundae print dress: Bernie Dexter

Heart necklace: ASOS (old)

Mel by Melissa wedges: get them here

Petticoat: eBay

This is definitely my second-favorite Bernie Dress (the first is the lilac one I wore in this post).  For any girl who loves a novelty print, I'm pretty certain this dress takes the cake -- or ice cream, as the case may be.  I've worn this dress in the past with my vintage milkshake brooch (by far my luckiest brooch find!), but it felt like overkill without a cardigan.  I ended up wearing this dress, sans petticoat, on Father's Day.  I went to a baseball game with my parents and grandparents, which was a lot of fun.  Since I don't have any sports-themed novelty dresses, I had to opt for a food theme (which is really my favorite aspect of baseball games anyway!).  But in seriousness, I actually do like watching baseball.  I was never an athletic girl growing up, but I do have a competitive side to me, and it's one sport that I can actually follow.  Also, the cotton candy does help.

Tonight's the gig at the Jazz Festival!  It'll be an experience, that's for sure, but it'll hopefully be a fun one.  When I sang with them two years ago, I wasn't expecting to be so physically worn out afterwards; I felt like I had been run over by a truck the next day.  I've been doing musicals for 10+ years, but that was the first time I had ever been that physically-affected by a performance.  Although this won't be as long (that show was 2 sets, and this has only 1), I'm still sort of expecting a similar outcome.  Only time will tell!

Have a great Saturday!

xox Sammi

Friday Favorites #53

Happy Friday, everyone!  Here are some of the lovelies that caught my eye this week...

1 // 2 // 3 

It's summer, which means I'm totally fruit-crazed!  I love these fruit slice bags, but my favorite has to be this Charlotte Olympia peach purse!  If only it weren't a thousand dollars...

These sweet mixed fruit pieces remind me so much of my childhood!

a // b

This sweet dress has little ice cream cones on it!

This sundae pillow is so fun:

And these two skirts from Asian iCandy are downright delicious:

(via)

(via)

I'm really obsessed with the brand Kling, and these shoes of theirs are beyond sweet:

I'm not much of a t-shirt girl these days, but I'd wear the heck out of this one from Skip 'N Whistle:

Speaking of cats, this video is SO good:

Kate launched a new store this week with the cutest pins ever!  You can even have them customized for your own "fan club!"  I had to get a few.  :)

(via)

Okay, I might wear this Muppet-related t-shirt, too.

While we're on the subject of Muppets, I loved this collection of behind-the-scenes film photos -- especially the Jim Henson ones.  They tugged at my heartstrings this week, especially.  But that's a topic for another day entirely.

These little totes are so cute!

a // b

I love these imaginary food diaries of famous authors!

A couple of good novelty prints from this week: unicorns and double-decker buses!

a // b

This mermaid book!  I featured the fairy equivalent a couple of weeks ago, and now I need both!

And finally... this mint and pink flamingo dress from Sourpuss Clothing.  I NEED.

Have a wonderful weekend!

xox Sammi

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