What a novelty (Flock Together)

Hi, everyone!  I'm posting over on the Flock Together blog today, and since I didn't have a chance to take photos with any swapped items from the other girls, I'm doing a personal round-up of one of my absolute favorite fashion elements: the novelty print!  Head on over to Flock Together to take a peek at some of my favorite printed looks from the past year!

Have a happy Friday!
xox Sammi

2015 outfit round-up

Happy 2016! In lieu of a Friday Favorites post, I'm taking a look back at the last 12 months in outfits. It was definitely hard to choose just 12 (I had to leave out some of my favorites, like my Halloween posts), but I thought this was a good representation of how my style has evolved since the start of my blog. Click the links underneath to be taken to each chosen post. Did you have a favorite post from this year (maybe one I didn't pick)?

January   ||   February   ||   March

April   ||   May   ||   June

July   ||   August   ||   September

October   ||   November   ||   December

I was lucky enough to have some great opportunities basically fall into my lap this year. I filmed my first commercial, was featured in a Buzzfeed article, collaborated with some amazing companies, visited friends, went to California, did a lot of fruit-picking, performed a lot, started seeing someone, saw some great movies, and tried to challenge myself to try new things (even when they're a little bit scary). I'm going to carry that last bit into 2016 – as Amy Poehler said, "great people do things before they're ready," and that's the only way I'll continue to grow. In terms of my blog, I want to continue to improve my photography and have more of a variety in my posts... what would you like to see more of here in 2016?

Have a great start to your year & weekend!

chocolate with nut(cracker)s

How adorable is this nutcracker print dress from Silly Old Sea Dog?  I'm so smitten with this UK-based shop!  They have tons of amazing novelty print dresses and skirts, and best of all, they carry to women of lots of different sizes (many of their dresses are available in UK sizes 6-28)!  And considering the dress came from overseas, the shipping was incredibly fast; it even arrived in time for me to wear it for The Nutcracker performances I had to work at the box office!  I've gotten lots of compliments on it every time I've worn it, and it's such a great holiday dress.

I can't be the only one who goes a little sugar-crazy during the holidays, right?  It's very difficult not to indulge when there are so many yummy treats around.  Luckily, this clutch from New Look satisfies my sweet tooth (at least a little bit!).  Unlike some of my other novelty clutches, this one is actually big enough to hold the necessities, and I love the little bite detail!

I'm starting to get really excited for Christmas -- especially because we were given next week off from work!  My next paycheck will be sort of sad, but I've been feeling kind of burned out lately, so I'll gladly take a little financial hit in favor of some peace of mind.  I'll be great to be able to spend time with friends and get some much-needed rest.

Outfit Details

Nutcracker Dress: Silly Old Sea Dog

Chocolate bar clutch: New Look

Cropped cardigan: ModCloth

Heels: ModCloth (similar)

Pin: c/o I'm Your Present

My Wintery Wonders Giveaway is now closed, and I'll be announcing the winner on my blog in tomorrow's seasonal round-up post.  Check back then to see if you're the winner!  

Have a wonderful Saturday!

xox Sammi

Auld Lang Syne

Outfit Details:

Black velvet dress: Urban Outfitters

Lady in Rad Boot in Ink: Modcloth

Belt: Forever 21 (similar here & here)

Sheer black tights: Urban Outfitters (similar here)

Fleur Any Occasion Headband: ModCloth (similar here)

Clock necklace: Forever 21 (similar here)

This is what I actually ended up wearing last night, though I really didn't do much!  We ate dinner super late (my dad had an early gig, which is odd for New Year's Eve), and it was generally very low-key.  I truly am a homebody at heart though, so I honestly didn't really mind staying home.  Plus, it was absolutely freezing outside (it was around 15 degrees yesterday, and it supposed to be a whopping 9 degrees tomorrow!), so staying bundled up seemed like the preferable option.

It was so cold, in fact, that I felt like my hands were going to fall off while taking these photos!  Winter lasts for so long here, and I am so incredibly impatient.  My room looks presentable enough for some passable photos there, if I'm in a pinch, but the lighting is so much better outside.  Which reminds me, I need to start experimenting with my new camera... it's totally weird that I'm avoiding it.  I've wanted a DSLR for so long, and yet I'm scared of change!  I'm a silly creature.

I have the next two days off, which is nice (and I'm supposed to see my friend Julia on Thursday, which will be great)... but I'm getting my wisdom teeth out on Friday.  I'm very nervous about it.  Like a lot of things, I put it off for a looong time, and now it's here.  I've never really had any procedures or surgeries in my life, and I don't know what to expect.  I've never been put under anesthesia, either.  I'm also worried about my TMJ acting up as a result, and pretty much every other worrisome scenario one could think of (and believe me, I have).  I'm sure it'll be fine, but I'll definitely look like a chipmunk for a few days (I already have a round face, so I can't even imagine what I'll look like), and I've pretty much been warned that at least the one bottom tooth is going to be kind of painful.  Woohoo.  Anyway, I'm trying to get some posts scheduled in advance so that I don't have to worry about it while I'm recovering.  Those who have had their wisdom teeth taken out: any advice for me??  :-x

I'm thinking of maybe trying something where I pinpoint little joys of my day, or what I'm looking forward to, in my posts.  A main goal for me in 2014 is to always find the joy, so maybe this would be a good way to do that.  A big one for this morning would be... not having to set an alarm!  :)

Have a wonderful first day of 2014!!

xox Sammi

Easy New Year's Eve Mocktails: Non-Alcoholic Libations to Ring In 2021

I can hardly believe it's almost New Year's Eve! While this isn't one of my all-time favorite holidays, I do love any excuse to eat festive food and dress up.

But for some people, NYE is mostly about the alcohol. That (along with the fact that I like to go to bed on the early side) is the main reason it's not on my list of top celebrations. For those who might not be aware, I don't drink – for a few different reasons. This does put me in the minority, but I'm glad that sober living is becoming more widely accepted. Still, I've gotten questions from well-intentioned folks about why I don't drink and have been at gatherings where there are next to no non-alcoholic options for guests. Plus, it's hard not to be surrounded by intoxicated people on New Year's Eve. And all of that tends to put a bit of a damper on things. 

The one nice thing about staying home this year is that you might get a bit more control over your New Year's Eve. Whether you're in recovery, you're an expectant mom, you're on a new medication, you're preparing for Dry January, or you simply don't like the taste of alcohol, holiday celebrations don't have to be boring. There are plenty of Near Year's Eve mocktail recipes out there that you might end up liking way more than options that contain alcohol. And even if alcohol is still part of your life, it's nice to know there are alternatives that everyone can enjoy.

To be honest, I don't get all that fancy with my mocktail recipes. I tend to like sparkling fruit juices and non-caffeinated sodas on their own. (I highly recommend Trader Joe's Sugar Plum sparkling beverage, sparkling grape juice or apple cider, ginger beer, IZZE, or Belvoir Fruit Farms cordials for this!) 

But I decided to try out a few non-alcoholic drinks that are *slightly* more complicated. I mean it when I say "slightly," as I'm not muddling fruit, making simple syrups, or using any specialty ingredients. Below, you'll find three different mocktails I tried out, along with a few others that are on my to-try list. 

Holiday Mocktail: Cranberry Apple Spritzer

This simple and seasonal non-alcoholic cocktail is a little sweet, a little tart, and a lot refreshing. Combine equal parts of apple cider and cranberry juice with your choice of lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, or seltzer. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

Non-Alcoholic Cocktail: Classic Shirley Temple

Although there may be more imaginative mocktails out there... who doesn't love a classic Shirley Temple? Fill a glass with ice and add about an ounce of grenadine (use more or less depending on your affinity for cherry flavor). Then, add ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and a squeeze of fresh lime. Add a lime slice and maraschino cherries, if you've got 'em, to finish.

Simple Mocktail Idea: Grapefruit Lime Refresher

If you're looking for a refreshing mocktail you can enjoy year-round, you might like this tantalizingly tart option. Over ice, add grapefruit juice, key lime LeCroix (or your choice of seltzer/sparkling water), and plenty of fresh lime juice. Kombucha might also be a welcome addition to this drink, especially if you miss the taste of alcohol! 

Here are a few other New Year's Eve mocktail recipes I want to try out this year:

• New York Sour Mocktail
• Lavender and Earl Grey Mocktail
• Sparkling Ginger Pear Mocktail

I'm obviously no mixologist! But I hope that if you're wanting to avoid alcohol – or you're trying to support sober loved ones in your life – this New Year's Eve, you might get some inspiration. I'd love it if you'd tell me about your favorite non-alcoholic beverage in the comments or on Instagram so I can grow my repertoire, too!

Have a happy, healthy, and safe New Year's Eve – and I'll see you in 2021!

Sunflower, good morning

It's way past sunflower season, but I think there's something very cheery about wearing florals in winter. Sunflowers always put a smile on my face (they remind me of my mom), especially when there's snow on the ground. I actually wasn't sold on this dress initially, but after seeing it on Ashley, I decided I needed it (Ashley seems to do that a lot)! I'm really glad I changed my mind on this dress, because I'm going to wear the hell out of it. Despite the fact that all of my Bernie Dexter "Paris" cuts fit slightly differently, they're still my favorite – and I end up wearing them year-round.

I spent the better part of last week sick in bed, but I'm finally feeling better. Luckily, last week was a relatively slow one for me, as it was my time off between my last show and the rehearsals that start tonight for my next one. I guess if I had to pick a time to get sick, that was it! Other than that, I'm glad that we didn't get hit with the blizzard a lot of other people are experiencing (though we already have lots of snow – much more than you see here – and snowstorms are business as usual for us)... but it's been plenty cold, so I've been holed up inside like everyone else!

Outfit Details

Paris Sunflower Dress: Bernie Dexter

Sweetie Sweater in Black: Heart of Haute

Petticoat: Pinup Girl Clothing

Opal necklace: gift (old)

Shoes: ModCloth

Have a great start to your week (and stay warm)!

The Soubrette Brunette's 2024 Mother's Day Gift Guide

It's hard to believe, but Mother's Day is just around the corner. And since I've found myself with a bit more free time these days, I was able to put together a Mother's Day gift guide for this year! If you're looking for some last minute Mother's Day gifts or are racking your brain trying to come up with unique Mother's Day gift ideas, I've got you covered. Check out my 2024 Mother's Day gift guide below (or take a look at my previous Mother's Day gift guides for even more inspo!) to find the perfect present for the awesome mama in your life.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may earn a small commission (which helps to run my blog and social media channels) at no cost to you. I link only to items I truly love! Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette.

Ideas for Mother's Day Gifts 2024

My Gift Guide for Mother's Day

a.  Le Creuset enameled cast iron petal braiser
b.  Kate Spade strawberry garden satchel
c.  Roar! A Collection of Mighty Women book
d.  Betsey Johnson floral pearl drop earrings
e.  Floral ceramic berry basket
f.  Earl grey tea caddy
g.  Sunflower butterfly feeder
h.  Fir + grapefruit bath bomb
i.  Flower garden vintage puzzle
j.  Colette round porcelain box
k.  Gua sha + face roller set
l.  Enamel hydrangea necklace
m.  Spring garden serving platter
n.  MacKenzie-Childs Rosy Check tea kettle
o.  MacKenzie-Childs honeycomb planter
p.  Chantilly fruit cake stand
q.  Lavender + balsam candle
r.  Bee spoon rest
s.  Glass plant mister
t.  Estee porcelain vase

I hope these Mother's Day gift ideas will get your wheels turning and help you find something your recipient will love. 

Happy shopping!

Friday Favorites #152: Valentine's Day Wish List

Holy cannoli, it's been a while since I put together a Friday Favorites post... I hate going on hiatus like that! I didn't have the energy to put together a normal-sized one for today, but I did create a little wish list filled with some lovey-dovey items I've been swooning over! Even though Valentine's Day is less than a week away, I think any of these items will spread the love year-round. I'd be thrilled to receive any of these from my special someone.

a   ||   b   ||   c   ||   d   ||   e   ||   f   ||   g   ||   h   ||   i

I do have a couple of Valentine's Day posts in the works for next week (I know, I'm cutting it close), and I can't wait to share those outfits with you. Do you have any romantic or fun plans for the holiday? I've been told my plans are a surprise, so we shall see what happens. Even if it's nothing exciting, I'm still planning on getting dressed up and putting on a red lip -- because that's what *I* love.

Speaking of things to love... if you haven't entered my fifth blogiversary giveaway, don't dawdle! You have until Sunday night at 11:59 PM EST to enter! There are some really fun prizes this year, so you won't want to miss out. Get all the details and enter here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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

Fairy breath of summer

Outfit Details:

Violet Gloaming Dress: Anthropologie (old)

Flower wreath: Sterling Renaissance Festival

Lilac ring: LeffKatya

Shoes: ASOS

I've had this dress for a few years, and it's from when I was much heavier.  I had thought about selling it, but it's such a gorgeous piece that I decided to selfishly hold on to it.  We ended up taking it to the tailor to have it altered, and this has allowed me to be able to wear it again!  It's not a perfect fit (the shoulder area is a little wonky now), but at least it looks fitted.  I also wanted to have the chance to wear this pretty floral crown before we have to bid adieu to summer.  I wish it were acceptable to not only wear floral crowns for most occasions, but to wear them year-round.

On a less-lighthearted note... I learned of some devastating news on Tuesday evening, about a theatre student from my alma mater.  There aren't a lot of details yet, and because I'm not especially close to the situation, I'm not going to post anything here.  But I will say that he was an incredibly bright light in our Wagner family, and I feel incredibly privileged to have known and worked with him, even within a limited capacity.  My heart is breaking for his family and friends.  I've been very introspective for the last couple of days, just thinking about making the most of the time we have, and cherishing our experiences.  He was such a spirited person, and he always appreciated the beauty in life.  I want to always remember to stop and appreciate the beauty that's all around us.

Be good to each other, and keep your loved ones close.

xox Sammi