Carousel Roses

I don't mean to keep taking such long breaks between posts. Even though the days are a bit longer now, it seems like I somehow have less time in which to get everything done. And to be honest, I'm trying to actually savor what free time I have doing things other than editing photos. Maybe one day I'll actually achieve some balance in my life...

But at least I got the chance to enjoy the flowering trees this year. And while spring may have already come and gone, I'll be wearing this dress all summer. It is, without a doubt, my favorite piece I've ever gotten from Sourpuss Clothing. It's really nicely made (and doesn't wrinkle!), with adjustable straps and a longer length skirt. It's a little too revealing to wear to work, but it's comfortable, flattering, and has pockets – so you won't hear any complaining from me! It looks like it's no longer available at Sourpuss, but they still have the skirt version and a swimsuit. You could actually pair the two together to create the perfect beach day outfit! If you're interested in getting one of these pieces for yourself, you should be able to score 25% off your Sourpuss Clothing order through today with the code SUMMERTIME.

Outfit Details

Carousel Roses dress: c/o Sourpuss (other styles here)

Heart necklace: similar  ||  Flats: Aerosoles

Parasol: similar

A little life update: I'm doing a reading of an original musical next week. It's nothing too major, but it's with a small, all-female cast of some really talented women whom I also like a lot. And it's all about puppy dogs. I'm also excited to spend a long weekend (more or less) at the lake for the 4th of July. I'm planning to take a day trip or two with my mom this summer. And I also really need to get active again after the holiday, though I'm struggling to figure out how (again... balance...).

I don't always get super-personal on this blog, especially not these days. But for those of you who engage here or on social media, please know that I really appreciate your presence and support when I'm feeling down or overwhelmed. I'm learning that we're all just figuring things out as we go and that no one has the answers – and I'm trying to be okay with that and listen to myself very closely to find out what I truly need. That's all you can really do, right?

Butterflies and Blossoms

As someone who owns a lot of fancy dresses, I sometimes feel like I have nowhere to wear my formal frocks. But I'm always reminding myself that I don't really need a special occasion to wear something pretty. Yes, I always fear the "what are you so dressed up for?" comments... but they actually don't come up as often as I'd think. And honestly, what could be better than taking in the short-lived spring blossoms in a dress that feels every bit as lovely?

This dress from Voodoo Vixen features an absolutely enchanting print (featuring monarch butterflies and carnations) and a to-die-for back drape. I love dresses with interesting back details like this! The only problem with this, however, is that there's a side zipper (aka the bane of my existence). Because of this – and the fact that this fabric doesn't contain much stretch at all – I actually had to size up to the largest size Voodoo Vixen carries. Admittedly, it's not a perfect fit; it's a bit roomy in the shoulders and even in the waist, since I had to size up to accommodate my bust. But I always award bonus points for big pockets, so this dress definitely has its share of pros.

Since this dress truly encapsulates springtime to me, I had to take advantage of all the gorgeous cherry and apple blossoms that seemed to pop up just about everywhere this year. Flowers are fleeting, which makes me sad sometimes... but it also means we have to appreciate the sight (and smell!) while it lasts.

Outfit Details

Laura Butterfly Swing Dress: c/o Voodoo Vixen

Butterfly brooch: similar  ||  Heels: similar

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Clowning Around

Does anyone else feel like there simply aren't enough hours in the day... EVER? Even though the sunlight is lasting longer, I'm still feeling like I don't have nearly enough time to get everything done in a given day – hence why I've once again fallen behind with blogging. I've actually been taking a ton of photos lately, since the weather's been pretty great. It's the photo editing that I'm struggling to keep up with. I have a lot of fun things on the horizon, so thanks to you all for sticking with me!

This dress from Sourpuss Clothing definitely falls under the "fun" category! I'm obsessed with anything off-the-shoulder lately, and this print appeals to my love of all things circus. I don't have a fear of clowns in the slightest (though I might think differently if I ever watched or read It), so this dress is purely an adorable novelty print in my eyes. I love the pom-pom ball trim, too! This dress style (called the Fiesta) is a bit tough for me in terms of sizing; the waist in this XL is fairly generous – to the point where I could have sized down – but I don't think my bust would have fit in the size large. I will say that this dress is extremely comfy and easy to wear, which means it'll be getting a lot of use this summer.

Outfit Details

Clowning Around Fiesta Dress: c/o Sourpuss Clothing

Belt: similar  ||  Necklace: similar

Jelly flats: similar

I'm going to try to prioritize posting on a more regular basis from now on (especially because I have such a substantial backlog of photos to get through!). I have so many summer adventures I'm planning to go on – and outfits I'm planning to wear – and I can't wait to share them all with you!

Have a great start to your week!

Garden Variety

After one of the longest winters in recent memory, spring has finally arrived here in Rochester! I was starting to go a bit stir crazy, so I'm relieved the weather has finally warmed up and things are starting to bloom. But when the temperatures were still frigid, I paid a long-overdue visit to the Buffalo and Erie Botanical Gardens on a gross and rainy day. What a beautiful escape it was! I can't believe I had never been to these gardens before. They had a bunch of different rooms, each more lush than the next. I couldn't even pick a favorite!

This place served as the perfect backdrop for this Dolly and Dotty floral dress. This Elizabeth style fits really nicely and due to the fabric's stretch, it was surprisingly comfortable. And the print is so pretty close up. It's currently on sale (and almost sold out!) for a steal. They also carry a beautiful long-sleeved dress in this same print. I've had such good luck with their dresses -- they're a lot better for everyday wear than some of my other pieces but are easy to dress up when needed.

I'm really relieved the weather is finally nice again. But even so, I have to admit that I'm struggling a lot lately. I've been trying to make some adjustments in my personal life to prioritize self-care, but I'm still having a really hard time (and have been for a while). I'm impatient by nature, which makes it hard for me to accept that things aren't just going to magically improve overnight. And I have to remember that making significant changes is really hard and to not beat myself up over it. I guess I just keep hoping that the change in seasons will bring about a change in myself... and who knows, maybe it will.

Outfit Details

Elizabeth Floral Dress: c/o Dolly and Dotty

Hair flower: similar  ||  Flats: Amazon

Have a great rest of your week!

Friday Favorites #153

Hi friends! I know, I know... it's been a while (AGAIN) since I posted a Friday Favorites. I'm trying to get back in the swing of blogging, so I finally made time to put this one together. Here's what I've been lusting after lately...

Who else is OBSESSED with the Unique Vintage x Barbie collection? It was literally my childhood DREAM to have my dolls' outfits in my own size and now I actually can! These two pieces are my favorites from the range. I'm secretly hoping they come out with more in the future.

a     ||     b

Do I need this Bettie Page pin?

How cute are these gingham sandals?

And I'm pinching myself over these little lobster purses:

a   ||   b   ||   c

Should I get this Sebastian pool float for summertime?

This ASOS swimsuit is right up my alley:

This might be the prettiest water bottle I've ever seen.

These peach dresses are so dreamy:

1    ||    2

This Minnie purse is the perfect shade of millennial pink!

I'm dying over this pastel yellow poodle print dress:

And finally, this Kate Spade strawberry purse might be my favorite thing ever.

Have a great weekend!

Is It Spring Yet?

It may technically be spring here in the Northern Hemisphere, but you wouldn't know it from the weather forecast. We've had cold temperatures, ice storms, and even snow in the past couple of weeks. It's really a bummer because I'm dying for everything to be in bloom. Until it starts to warm up, I'm trying to wear as many springy prints as possible.

This Heart of Haute dress is undeniably springy and cheerful. This "Amanda" style is one I'd never tried before and it's great for layering. It also comes with a matching fabric tie belt, which is always a nice feature. I went all out for Easter with the styling on this, but it's really a versatile piece that'll be light and breezy for the months ahead. 

Outfit Details

Amanda Dress in Blue Skies print: c/o Heart of Haute

Vintage hat: similar  ||  Wedge sandals: Chase and Chloe

Cropped yellow cardigan: available here

Fingers crossed it gets nice this weekend!