Independence

Happy 4th of July! I guess it's sort of apt that today is Independence Day, since I've been thinking a lot about my own impending independence lately. I signed the lease on my brand new apartment last week(!!!), and I'll be both starting my new, full-time job AND moving in to my new place next week. Needless to say, I'm already pretty stressed out. Even though I'm taking positive steps to becoming a "real adult," it's still very overwhelming and I keep asking myself if I'm doing the right thing. Ultimately, I know that popping my own little safety bubble is imperative to my personal growth, and though I'm nervous about what the future holds, I think (read: hope) I'm doing something that will make me happy. It might not look like what I had pictured for myself a few years ago, but then again, I'm not the same person I was back then, either. I know I'll continue to make a lot of mistakes (which, as a Highly Sensitive Person, I hate doing), but that's also how we learn. I can't let fear of the unknown hold me back from forging my own path. So today, I'm going celebrate my own independence just as much as that of our country.

I always feel celebratory when I wear cute dresses (it's the little things!), especially for holidays. This Emily and Fin dress isn't traditionally patriotic, but I love that it features red, white, and blue. Their "Jenny" style dress is one of my favorites, and the synchronized swimmer print is one of the most adorable (yet subtle) ones I've seen! This dress is super comfortable, and I adore the button-down front and big pockets. Since it's made of lightweight, breathable cotton, it's an excellent summer dress. I know Emily and Fin can run long on some people; this dress might be a bit more flattering in a slightly shorter length, but since I really don't like worrying about whether my hemline is too short, it fits my needs in a dress! It'll be perfect for what I have planned for tonight: watching my dad's band  play and enjoying the post-show fireworks. What are you doing for the 4th?

Outfit Details

Brunch With Buds Dress in Swimmers: ModCloth

Boater hat: similar  ||  Flats: Aerosoles

Bracelet: similar  ||  Necklace: similar

Have a great holiday!

Red Fans

Although I don't normally do outfit posts on Fridays, I'm super excited to share these photos featuring pieces from Trashy Diva's newest collection, Red Fans! This range just launched on Wednesday, and clearly, it's a total hit (and going fast!). The sweet ladies at TD were kind enough to send me a pair of separates from this new line, and since I'm a newer convert to the world of separates (especially those from Trashy Diva), I'll be reviewing some of the finer details of these pieces in today's post – and showcasing this beautiful Asian fan print against the scenery of Sonnenberg Gardens.

The two pieces I'm wearing here are the Lena blouse and the Honey Baby skirt. I was initially a little nervous about wearing these separates, since I wasn't sure how the length of the Lena blouse would work on my frame. However, my worries melted away when I realized the final effect really looks like a dress, as the blouse is easily able to tuck into the high waistband of the skirt. Funnily enough, I actually decided to untuck the blouse from the skirt after I took these photos, and I loved that result just as much; it shows a tiny bit of skin – the section of midriff that looks good on pretty much everyone – and it's a fun & flirty look that can't wait to wear again throughout the summer.

As with many Trashy Diva styles, I did size up a bit in these pieces. The lightweight cotton (a great choice for summer) has stretch to it, and the Lena top has elasticized panels that provide additional stretch; because of this, I could have potentially worn my normal TD size in the top (which is a 10), but the 12 also fits well, and the adjustable straps are definitely a bonus. I love how the Honey Baby skirt has a contrasting black panel (which makes it pair so nicely with the Lena), and the size 12 fits me perfectly. Although the skirt is a bit shorter than I'm accustomed to, I think it's really flattering – and it has pockets! Of course, I love the look of these pieces together, but I'm eager to mix-and-match then with other items already in my closet. The rest of the Red Fans collection is really lovely, with lots of different styles to choose from. Be sure to check out the full collection here! All I can say is, after trying these separates... I'm definitely a fan. ;)

Outfit Details

Lena Blouse in Red Fans: c/o Trashy Diva

Honey Baby Skirt in Red Fans: c/o Trashy Diva

Belt: available from Pinup Girl Clothing

Shoes: Chase & Chloe

Hair flower: similar

Have you tried any separates from Trashy Diva? And are you as big of a fan of this new collection as I am? :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Betsy

I'm always eager to add a pretty floral print to my wardrobe, and the Betsy dress from Voodoo Vixen really fits the bill. I love that it's both a subtler floral and an LBD, as that'll make it versatile for many occasions throughout the year. I've owned several Voodoo Vixen dresses, and though I've found most of them to run pretty true to size (and even a little big in the waist at times), I would definitely recommend sizing up in this style if you're well-endowed. Because of the side zip, it was a bit of a struggle to get this dress on – but I absolutely fell in love once it was on! It's flirtatious and fun without being bare in any way; I love a good cleavage-bearing dress or top, but I don't get nearly as much use out of those pieces, and I'm always reminding myself to diversify my closet with items that will allow me to get a lot of longevity out of my clothes! If you've got your eye on the Betsy (or any other beautiful Voodoo Vixen dresses), you can use the code Sammi20 to get 20% off your purchase on their website!

Outfit Details

Betsey Dress: c/o Voodoo Vixen

Beauty Everlasting Brooch: c/o Erstwilder

Belt: from another dress  ||  Shoes: BAIT Footwear

If you follow me on Instagram, you might've seen that I've been kind of stressed out. Lots of changes are happening in a very short period of time, and while it's good stuff, I've been feeling really overwhelmed and anxious. I just want to thank anyone who reached out with wonderful self-care ideas and anxiety-reducing remedies. It really means so much to me! I'll update you all on these changes very soon.

Records & Radios

There's no better way to start off the week than a good ol' novelty print... and a novelty bag, to boot! I've loved this print from afar for quite a while, but when Bernie Dexter made one of her Paris dresses with it, I had to take the plunge. (It IS a kitschy, retro, music-themed print, after all... it can't get much more perfect than that in my book.) And I couldn't resist pairing this Betsey Johnson radio bag (which actually plays music – you can hook your iPod up to it!) with this dress! By the way, Bernie Dexter is currently offering 25% off all orders when you use the code 25dress at check out, so if you've got your eye on something, there's no time like the present!

There's been a lot happening in my life lately. My mom and I looked at a bunch of apartments, and I found the perfect apartment of my dreams. Of course, it's more than I was looking to spend, but I think it's doable, and living there would make me really happy. Best of all, my application was accepted, so I just have to work out the final details (and sign the lease). Fingers crossed that it all works out!

Outfit Details

Paris Dress in For the Record: Bernie Dexter

Radio purse: Betsey Johnson (other styles here)

Petticoat: Pinup Girl Clothing

Name necklace: c/o Onecklace

Shoes: B.A.I.T. Footwear

Have a great Monday!

Picnic

Apparently, this past Saturday was International Picnic Day, so I felt it was a fairly appropriate time to finally post these pretty picnicking photos (better late than never)! My best friend Wayne and I decided to have a picnic in Highland Park a few weeks back, right at the end of lilac season. Rochester has a huge lilac festival every year, and Highland Park is the best place to go when they're in bloom (they have over 500 different varieties!); they're my favorite flower (peonies come in at a close second), and being surrounded by their beautiful scent whilst snacking on delicious treats was such a delightful way to spend the afternoon.

To be honest, I'll use any excuse to have a picnic, and finally getting the chance to wear this Trashy Diva dress was a much better excuse than most. My parents surprised me with this beauty when they returned from their recent trip to New Orleans, and it's seriously one of the most flattering dresses I own. I love the features of this "Lucy" style: the oversized pockets, the adjustable tie straps, the cute buttons, the fit, and of course, the gingham print! Red gingham is an obvious choice for a picnic outing, and I finished off this subtly thematic look with my picnic basket purse and Erstwilder soda pop brooch.

Outfit Details

Lucy Dress in Red Gingham: Trashy Diva

Sal's Soda Pop Brooch: c/o Erstwilder

Picnic basket purse: Accessorize

Boater hat: similar

Shoes: Aerosoles

I'm finding out that "adulting" is no picnic. This is going to be a bit of a transitional kind of summer for me. I'm most likely going to be accepting an offer for a new job this week, and then I'll be moving out and living on my own. It's definitely time, but it's scary. But I'll never get anywhere new if I don't push myself outside my comfort zone, and I've been putting off having an actual adult life for too long. I tend to question my own capabilities a lot, but I guess none of us knows what we're doing at first. I've always been a little behind everyone else in reaching certain milestones – there's nothing wrong with that, I suppose, but you have to know when it's time to leave the nest and fly on your own, even when it might feel safer to stay. And I guess this little bird just needs to trust that she knows how to flap her wings and find her own way.

Priscilla

One of the little things I enjoy about blogging and social media is being able to match outfits with virtual friends across the country. Acquiring one-of-a-kind pieces brings a me particular kind of joy, but I also love being able to share a sense of style with other girls around the world – and being able to "twin" with my bestie is... well, it's the best! Ashley featured this same dress on her blog last Monday, and since I recently acquired one for myself, I decided to style mine today. Even if it's delayed by a week, I still get a kick out of showing off our coordinating ensembles!

This dress by The Pretty Dress Company is just so... pretty! This print was too great to pass up, especially since Unique Vintage is now their exclusive retailer for the United States (see their full selection here). This is only the second dress I've owned by this brand, but from my own experience, the quality is really nice. The fabric is thick stretch cotton, and it's surprisingly comfortable (and has pockets!). The bodice is a bit roomier than I'd like (probably due to the fact that the fabric has some give to it – plus, I followed the size chart and went up a size from my normal selection), and because of that, I wish that the straps were adjustable... but at least shortening the straps would be an easy tailoring fix, and it certainly won't keep me from wearing this beauty.

Outfit Details

Priscilla Miami Midi Swing Dress: Unique Vintage

Shoes: B.A.I.T. Footwear (similar)

Petticoat: Pinup Girl Clothing

Belt: similar

I had a pretty low-key weekend that included seeing Finding Dory (which was wonderful), watching the first couple episodes of OITNB and spending Father's Day at home with my parents and grandparents. I'm still going through a bit of an emotional time, but I keep reminding myself to "just keep swimming," and that seems to help. :) Have a great start to your week!