Wildflower

Goodness, this week has sure been busy! I'm simultaneously exhausted and invigorated, as the show I'm in opened last night. I think it went well, and it's been such a blast. Because I've been so swamped with rehearsals, these photos are from a month or so ago, but I just had to share them.

I decided to take some photos on this picturesque little path near my house, since I thought all the greenery would go well with this outfit (though it doesn't do justice to the beauty of this Bernie Dexter number). I basically live in Bernie Dexter dresses in the summertime – they're the perfect weight for hot days, and of all the dresses in my closet, her dresses probably bring me the most joy and always make me feel great about how I look.

Outfit Details

Bernie Dexter dress: Unique Vintage

Pettiskirt: Amazon

Flats: similar

Have a wonderful weekend!

Choo choo!

All aboard for a photo-heavy post! This train print dress might be my favorite from Pinup Girl Clothing's Mary Blair collection. This style fits me very well, and I can't resist a dress that looks like it came right out of a storybook. Plus, I really do love trains; they're my go-to choice for longer trips, and they're so much more romantic than other methods of transportation. I knew I wanted to head somewhere fun for these photos, so after a quick Google search, I found the New York Museum of Transportation, which is only about a half hour from where I live. I wish I'd known this place existed before now, because it's a really great place that houses all kinds of historic methods of transportation – including antique trolley cars, locomotives, fire trucks, buses, milk carts and bicycles – and you can even take a 2-mile round trip on their working trolley car! We had an awesome time exploring all of the old train cars, and I'll definitely be back.

They even host birthday parties in this train car!

The lighting inside the barn (where they house most of their non-operational trains) was so tricky; they use green and blue lights everywhere, which meant I had to spend a lot of time in Photoshop afterwards. There's still a weird cast to some of them, but they're definitely a big improvement from the originals. I'll just chalk it up to a good learning experience, and I'm glad I'm challenging myself to take more photos in public. It's still not something I love doing, but I'm getting more comfortable with it. Little victories! Now I just have to work on not feeling out of place wearing a fuller petticoat in public...

Outfit Details

Dress: Pinup Girl Clothing

Pettislip: Amazon

Flats: Amazon

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Tangled up in plaid

This pretty plaid dress from Kitten D'Amour was on my wish list for quite some time before I took a chance and ordered it (thanks to a pretty significant sale). Kitten D'Amour is based in Australia – though I have it on good authority that there may be an LA boutique in the works! – and because returning this dress would have been a bit of a hassle, I'm extra-glad that it's just as perfect as I had hoped it would be. I love the off-the-shoulder ties, and they help make this super sweet dress just a tiny bit more seductive.

Did you all have a nice holiday weekend? I had a very low-key 4th of July with my friend Wayne (and surprise guest Rusty!), and it was great to catch up and see some fireworks. I've had the last three days off from rehearsals, which has been amazing, but our break fell right in the middle of tech week (when all of the technical aspects – like lights, sound, costumes, wigs, etc. – all come together before you open a show), so that's a little stressful. We'll have three more days of tech to incorporate most of those aspects, so I hope everything comes together. It always does... but still, you can't help worrying. Especially when crazy quick-changes are involved!

Outfit Details

Yasmin Dress: Kitten D'Amour

Pettislip: Amazon

Flats: similar

Have a marvelous Monday!

Barbecues + Boat Docks

Happy 4th of July! Since this is the quintessential cookout holiday, I thought it was only fitting to wear my new BBQ print Bernie Dexter dress. Honestly, I had never really lusted after this particular dress, but the more I saw it, the more it grew on me – and I realized how perfect it would be for the summertime. I've been trying to venture to places other than my backyard for blog photos, so I headed out to Irondequoit Bay (a short 15 minute distance from where I live) to see if I could find a place to take photos near the marina.

I hadn't been out to the Bay since the tail-end of my relationship with my ex, which is almost two years ago now. I was worried that I would feel sad being there, but it's amazing how a little time and a change in perspective can help you give up the ghosts who once haunted you. I'm still affected by our breakup (more so than most people would be, I think), but I've been really happy to discover that, as cliché as it may be, time does heal all wounds. I guess I still miss what our relationship was at one time, or maybe what it had the potential to be... but I think I'm ultimately thankful that I found out that things weren't "meant to be" (if you believe in that sort of thing). Finding myself has been the greatest gift to come out of our breakup. And I don't ever want to lose myself again.

I'll be watching fireworks (and eating copious amounts of cotton candy) tonight with my best friend, Wayne. I feel very grateful for the supportive people in my life and the opportunities I have right now. And my freedom. I guess that's kind of what Independence Day is all about, right? Being proud of how far we've come and being thankful we're free? (And also, eating.)

Outfit Details

Dress: Bernie Dexter

Necklaces: ASOS (old)

Boater hat: similar

Pettislip: Amazon

Flats: Amazon

Have a wonderful & safe holiday!

Shortcake

I'm lucky to have friends who are as sweet as strawberries. Case in point, this Emmy dress used to belong to Amanda – and because she knew it was one of my "unicorns" (and it was just my size), it now hangs in my closet! This yellow color is so cheery, and I'm in love with the embroidered strawberry collar. I'm so thrilled to have both this dress and such wonderful people in my life.

I can't believe it's already July! I feel like summer has just begun, but this season always goes by so quickly, doesn't it? This month is going to be pretty busy; in addition to the show I'm in, I'm crossing my fingers that I can go down to New York for a weekend towards the end of July. As far as the Independence Day agenda, I'm hoping to watch fireworks with my best friend, Wayne, again this year (assuming he feels up to it and the weather holds out). I sort of wish we were doing a BBQ sort of thing, but since my dad has a gig, that won't be happening this year. Do you have any fun 4th of July plans?

Outfit Details

Dress: Emmy Designs (from Amanda)

Strawberry ring: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: BAIT Footwear

Petticoat: similar

Have a great day!