Friday Favorites #162: Valentine Wish List

Today's the last day of January (finally!!!), which means that Valentine's Day is just two weeks away. I may not have a sweetheart this year, but I'm taking that as an excuse to treat myself instead. I thought it was high time I put together a new Friday Favorites post – and this one is Valentine-themed! See what I'm swooning over below.

Please note that this post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of those links, I may receive a small commission that helps to run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

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Have a LOVE-ly weekend!

2019 Recap

It's hard to believe that 2019 is coming to a close. This year was incredibly difficult and came with a lot of (very necessary) changes. But I feel emotionally stronger and more optimistic than I have in a while. And while I don't post on my blog as frequently as I once did, I think it's a really good exercise to look back on the last 12 months and appreciate how far I've really come in such a short time... and appreciate all of the outfits I've worn!

In January, I was still reeling from my recent breakup and contracted food poisoning from one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Talk about betrayal. I didn't post a whole lot. But I did celebrate my blog's sixth birthday in February and my mom made breakfast for dinner for us on Valentine's Day. Emma and I did a couple of fun shoots and I savored the flowers at the Dutch Connection exhibit. I spent a lot of time yearning for warm weather. Emma and I also made a big decision to rent a studio for our photography projects (though we didn't tell many people until months later)!

By April, I started to feel reinvigorated. Spring blossoms started to emerge. I saw Hamilton and started posting more frequently again. In May, my mom and I had Mother's Day tea at Sonnenberg Gardens. In June, we saw Waitress. Emma and I started creating content to promote the studio and I started feeling more confident again. I also came to terms with a really painful end. My mom and I spent a weekend in Skaneateles, followed by many excursions to different orchards and farms.

In July, I went to the NY Lavender Festival with friends and hunted for antiques. I found my collection of bathing suits that I thought I had lost three years prior. I didn't want summer to end. In August, Emma and I officially launched Dear Blossom Studios. We picked a lot of fruit, made our annual excursion to the sunflower fields, and went on a picnic. By the time September rolled around, I signed up for a flower share, pushed myself to take photos in public places, and took in the wonderful wackiness of the Fringe.

October was filled with spooky outfits, boudoir sessions, and birthday fun. I officially lost 50 pounds just in time to turn 31. November was slightly somber and nostalgic, but I also started rehearsals for "Winnie the Pooh." I received a promotion at work for a position I helped to develop and started feeling a lot more positive about my professional aspirations. And in December, I felt joyful in partaking in activities (aside from being involved in a car accident, that is) and putting together seasonal outfits.

This year might not have turned out the way I thought it would – and I still have a long way to go – but I am glad to be where I am now. What are you proud of accomplishing in the past year? Be sure to check out my post on Instagram later today to see my last outfit photo of 2019!

See you next year!

Let it Snow

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

It's exactly one week until Christmas, so I thought it was high time to post at least one holiday outfit here on my blog. I've been posting more frequently on Instagram than on my blog lately, but I still love this space and think it's important to document things here... especially during one of my favorite times of the year!

This dress is an old one – I actually styled it five(!) years ago in this blog post. But it's probably my favorite dress that I've ever owned and I can finally fit into it again, which is a thrill. I convinced Emma to venture out to a Christmas tree farm with me to take some photos on a freezing-cold and icy day. She worked her magic like always, though!

Outfit Details

Dress: Bernie Dexter (other styles here)

Necklace: similar  ||  Hair flower: Stardust Dames

Shoes: Irregular Choice 

Things have been really busy this season, but they've been generally good. My life has changed a lot in the last year and I feel grateful to be where I am now. I'm looking forward to having a relaxing and special Christmas with my parents. We'll be doing our traditional hors-d'oeuvres-and-present-opening on Christmas Eve and we'll be seeing a movie and going out for Chinese on Christmas Day. What are your annual holiday traditions?

Make sure to follow me on Instagram so you don't miss any of my other holiday outfits that I don't end up posting here! And if I don't get a chance to update again before the 25th, have a very happy holiday!

The Soubrette Brunette's 2019 Holiday Gift Guides

Are you gearing up for the holidays? My little place is all decorated and most of my shopping is done. But I had such a great time putting together this gift guide for highly sensitive people last year that I decided I wanted to create a few more this season! If you're stuck on what to give your loved ones or you need one last present to stuff someone's stocking, take a look at these fun gift guides below!

Please note that this post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission that helps to run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

a.   "why you're my bestie" fill-in-the-blank book

b.   "miles apart but close at heart" custom print

c.   custom BFF pendants

d.   long-distance friendship lamps

e.   "life would succ without you" keychain

f.   "best trip ever" photo book

g.   homesick scented candle

h.   candy club subscription box

i.   best friend compass necklaces 

a.   "thoughts of dog" 2020 calendar

b.   personalized pet print

c.   cat mom ugly sweater ornament

d.   "girls and their cats" book

e.   we rate dogs game

f.   corgi succulent pot

g.   custom dog socks

h.   custom pet cross stitch

i.   "unlikely friendships" book

a.   astrological self-care book series

b.   astrology soap

c.   custom zodiac necklaces

d.   seasonal birth chart

e.   astrological glass jar candle

f.   "is mercury in retrograde?" pin

g.   personalized star sign notebook

h.   zodiac cat print

i.   astrology jewelry dish

a.   "the big activity book for anxious people"

b.   ban.do work it out water bottle

c.   letterboard iphone case

d.   "what do you meme?" game

e.   bob ross bobblehead

f.   "i adulted" stickers for grown-ups

g.   succulent weekly desk planner

h.   "mister rogers' neighborhood: a visual history"

i.   jonathan adler cbd canister

a.   "other word-ly" book

b.   "lettering and modern calligraphy" book

c.   anthropologie floral apron

d.   "the writer's toolbox"

e.   rifle paper co. recipe box

f.   upcycled record coasters

g.   "now playing: a hide-and-seek book for film buffs"

h.   literary insults chart

i.   "women in art" book

Did you find any inspiration from these guides? 

Happy Shopping!

BLACK FRIDAY FAVORITES 2019

Hi, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I know the deals started early this year and you've probably begun shopping already... but I wanted to share a few of the things I'm hoping to purchase this Black Friday – as well as a TON of promo codes and deals you might want to use before you check out!

Please note that this post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of those links, I may receive a small commission that helps to run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

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Black Friday 2019 Promos
Abode: 20% off with code LETSGETLIT
A Classic Paradise: 60% off two+ items with code BF60FINALSALE
Aerosoles: 40% off select styles
Anthropologie: 30% off everything + free shipping $150+
ASOS: 30% off with code BIG30
ban.do: 30% off everything with code THIRTYOFF
Bath and Body Works: buy 3, get 3 free sitewide
Betsey Johnson: 35% off everything with code WOW35
BonLook: up to 50% off select styles
Box Lunch: 30% off select styles
Cath Kidston: up to 40% off select lines with code BLACKFRIDAY19
Cheshire Vintage: $60 dress sale (select styles)
Chicwish: 25% off sitewide (excluding sale) with code BLK25
Chronicle Books: 35% off + free shipping with code GIVEBOOKS
Collectif: 40% off with code BF40
Colourpop Cosmetics: 30% off sitewide
Erstwilder: up to 40% off hundreds of items with code GOWILD40
Gal Meets Glam: 50% off select styles
Good After Nine: buy 2, get 25% off sitewide
Hop Skip and Flutter: 20% off sitewide
Irregular Choice: 20% off select styles
J.Crew: 40% off with code WHYWAIT
J.Crew Factory: 60% off everything
Joanie Clothing: 40% off everything
Kate Gabrielle: 25% off almost everything with code JINGLEBELLS (orders $15+)
Kate Spade: 40% off everything with code TGIBF
Kitten D'Amour: up to 70% off
KJP: 25% off sitewide with code COZYCABIN
Lipstick & Chrome/Kinks & Quirks: 20% off kitschy Christmas brooches with code BEJOLLY
Lulu's: 25-90% off sitewide with code FRIDAY25
Macy's: 20% and free shipping on orders $25+ with code BLKFRI
Madewell: 30% off your purchase with code GIFTWELL
Mane Message: 25% off with code THANKS
ModCloth: 40% off orders $200+, 30% off orders $100+, and 20% off everything
Modern Millie: 15% off sitewide with code HOLLYJOLLY
The Oblong Box Shop: 25% off sitewide on orders $50+
Old Navy: 50% off everything
Out of Print: buy one tee, get one free
The Pretty Dress Company: 25% off new arrivals
Red Dolly Swimwear: 50% off your order with code RDBLACKFRIDAY
Retro Glam: 25% off today with code BFRIYAY25 (20% off Nov 30-Dec 2) with code BFRIYAY20
Retrolicious: 30% off sidewide with code THANKFUL
Retrospecd: 30% off everything with code BIGBIGSALE
Rifle Paper Company: 30% off sitewide with code SAVE30
Sephora: up to 50% off select items
ShopDisney: up to 50% off sitewide with code AMAZING
Sirens Swimwear: up to 70% off select swimwear
Smak Parlour: 30% off everything + free hat with purchase
Sourpuss Clothing: 25% off everything with code BLACK
Steady Clothing: 25% off everything with code HOLIDAY2019
Target: up to 40% off with code TURKEY
Tatyana: 40% off everything with code SHOPBF
Too Faced: 30% off sitewide + free US shipping with code PINK30
Top Vintage: 20% off everything
Trashy Diva: 30% off everything (including sale) with code GOBBLEGOBBLE
Unique Vintage: 25% off everything with code BESTWEEK
Valfré: up to 90% off sitewide
Vendula London: 30% off select items
Vixen by Micheline Pitt: 30% off with code BACKTOBLACK

Are you buying gifts for others or treating yourself this Black Friday? I'm doing a little of both!

Happy Shopping!

BIG BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY! [CLOSED]

Well, I'm officially another year older... and that means it's time for a giveaway! The first year of my 30s definitely wasn't easy, but how far I've come is certainly worth celebrating. Since I'm sure I'll be getting more than enough presents this year, I'm giving out a prize package to thank you for your ongoing support. Ready for the details? One (1) lucky winner will receive the following:

• Patsie Dress in Baby Blue (size XS-3X) from May 68
• "Happy Birthday" print skirt (size XS-3X) by Kate Gabrielle
• Simplicity Vintage tote bag and half apron
• Pusheen birthday cupcake plush
• Choice of one (1) Sephora #LipStories lipstick
• ban.do pink glittery tumbler
• Vintage Tea Party book
• bubblegum pink beret
  
  

Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. This giveaway is open worldwide and will run from now until 11:59 PM on November 1, 2019. You must leave a blog post comment (and complete all other mandatory entries) to be eligible to win. One (1) winner will receive all of the prizes listed above. Please note that any out-of-stock items will be substituted with comparable products. The winner will be contacted via email (so provide a valid email address!) and must respond within 48 hours of being contacted to claim their prizes and coordinate receipt. If no response has been received by that time, a new winner will be chosen. The winner will be announced via this widget after confirmation has been verified. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for entering and for your continued support! Best of luck, friends!

An Apple a Day

Apples may not be my favorite fruit in the world, but I do love picking them! Sure, going to the apple orchard is a cliché fall activity – especially here in New York State (even Saturday Night Live aired a recent skit about it!). But that doesn't make me love it any less. I had the chance to go a couple of times this year and probably would go again if I got the chance... except now I have more apples than I know what to do with! The lengths I'll go to for fresh cider donuts and cider slushies...

I found this plaid vintage dress on Poshmark and knew it'd be perfect for this setting. While I certainly still love getting my hands on newly released items, it's getting to the point where I really need to watch my spending. As a result, I've been using Poshmark more – and restyling a lot of the great pieces I already have in my closet. One good thing about getting healthier is that you can go "shopping" in parts of your closet you'd abandoned for a while.

I can't believe we're already mid-way through October... and I haven't even started showing my Halloween-themed outfits yet! Plus, my birthday is coming up SOON (and not much planning has taken place there, either). Can fall just slow down a little bit?? What activities are on your to-do list for the rest of the fall?

Outfit Details

Vintage Dress: Poshmark (similar)

Cardigan: ModCloth  ||  Belt: similar

Boater hat: similar  ||  Shoes: available here

Have a great start to your week! (Mine's going to be a VERY busy one!)