A taste of honey

Outfit Details:

Bee My Honey Dress: ModCloth (similar here)

Cardigan: Old Navy (similar here)

Jelly flats: ModCloth (similar here)

Hair bow: American Apparel

Belt: from another dress

Spoon ring: Mom's

I haven't worn this dress in a year. I wore it only once last spring, during an outing with my then-boyfriend.  The zipper broke that day, and then soon after, so did our relationship. I've been thinking about it a lot lately (the relationship, not the zipper). I'm not sure whether it's because I'm seeing someone new, or because I'm rehashing things with a mutual friend (and other friends as well), or because the reality of the situation is still settling in for me. It's probably a combination of all three. I yo-yo between seeing everything very clearly in hindsight (as one is wont to do) and being grateful that I'm no longer in that situation, and then missing aspects of our relationship and wondering if I was in the wrong. I caught up with an old friend yesterday, and we talked about how you can come to rationalize just about anything in a relationship. I did a lot of that. My ex probably did, too. We convinced ourselves that we were supposed to spend our lives together, and I really never questioned it. There's a small part of me that still wonders about it. I know ultimately that I am better off now, but I have been thinking a lot about whether or not there is even someone out there who is better-suited for me.

I have never wanted to be cynical; I believe in vulnerability and beauty and true love and joy. I think I need to stop sweeping my feelings under the rug, and just allow myself to feel the way I do. Avoidance helps for a while, but you can't live your life that way. Long story short, this is why I decided to wear this dress again. Yes, it's associated with my lost love... yes, it's painful to think about the fact that he is not in my life anymore... but I will never get to a better place with any of this if I don't challenge myself. I want to move forward in my life. It's strange that a piece of clothing could symbolize that for me... but then again, maybe it's not so strange. Though I didn't manage to mend the relationship, I did mend the zipper by myself. And it's also up to me to mend my heart. No one else can do that for me. I've never been good at letting go of situations or people. But I'm tired of carrying it around with me. I guess admitting all this is the first step to freeing myself of it. I consider myself to be a genuinely happy person, most of the time, but like I said in my last post, I would say that I'm struggling a bit at the moment. Thank you all for allowing me to express this, and for listening. I want my blog to be a positive place, but even more than that, I want it to be an honest one. I do love a healthy dose of fantasy in both my sense of style and my chosen career, but I can't play pretend all the time. I know this isn't the typical escapist copy that I write, so I truly appreciate anyone who has actually read all this, and those who are willing to keep reading. 

In closing, I am hopeful. I know I'll figure it out eventually. It's just going to take some time.

Have a beautiful Monday.

xox Sammi

Merry-go-round

Outfit Details:

Carousel dress: c/o Bonne Chance Collections

Pink coat: ASOS (similar here)

Castle ring: Sammydress

Tights: Target

Boots: eBay

This dress is so much fun!  I'm so enchanted with the print of the skirt -- not only does it have carousel animals, but it also has bows and teacups!  Plus, the colors are pretty perfect.  The kind ladies at Bonne Chance Collections actually sent me this dress as a gift, for which I am so grateful.  They have been nothing but kind and supportive towards me and my blog.  I was disappointed when another version of this dress sold out on their website, and they were so sweet to send me this one!  I wish it were a little roomier in the bust, but it's too cute a dress to be sitting in my closet!

This weekend is filled with shows for My Son Pinocchio -- we had our two school shows yesterday (where kids from various schools come to see the show on field trips), and then we have one show today and two tomorrow.  This show isn't really physically-demanding for me, by any means, but for some reason, it's really exhausting.  I'm not sure if it's doing the show on top of everything else that's going on for me emotionally, or whether it's because I'm out of shape, or what... it's most likely the combination of these things, haha.  I know I really need to make some changes in my life, but I'm finding that I'm short on willpower these days, and I am definitely struggling more than I thought I was. These last 6+ months have been emotionally-trying, and I'm still trying to sort through and come to terms with everything.  It's hard.  Sometimes I think I'm over things, but the truth of the matter is that I'm not, and have a long way to go yet.  But recognizing that you're struggling is a good first step to figuring things out, I think.  I usually want this blog to be a place of escape and positivity, but not at the risk of feeling like I'm deceiving anyone -- lest of all, myself.  So thanks for bearing with me, friends.

Have a great Saturday!

xox Sammi

Friday Favorites #44

Another week's gone by, and my spring fever is in full force!  I'm really into home furnishings this week (more so than dresses, even -- a shocker!).  Here are some of the dreamy home goods I've found.  I especially love the pillows shaped like sweet treats, the magic wand whisk (I'm playing a fairy right now, so this is too perfect), and the retro tins!

a // b // c // d // e // f // g

h // i // j // k // l // m

This botanical cake stand is so pretty:

I think I'm getting more into florals lately (I've said before that I can be picky about floral prints) because I desperately want to see flowers outside.  I really adore these two floral pieces:

a // b

I'm in the market for a pretty pink dress for spring.  Any of these three would do nicely:

1 // 2 // 3

These Mary Janes are so sweet:

I want all of the unicorn decor (decornicorn?) that there is, and this jewelry dish is no exception:

This lavender dress is absolutely darling.  I actually like the back more than the front!

Bunny slippers loafers!  I want these for Easter!

Also, these emoji loafers are nothing short of amazing:

Charlotte Olympia sure knows how to make cute (and ridiculously priced) handbags:

A // B

I adore the colors of this retro frock, and the syfy ray gun print is pretty rad:

Sweetest socks ever!  Sprinkles and ice cream!

a // b

And speaking of sweet, these retro appliances and furnishings really hit the spot:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11

Some of my favorite links this week include...

Samuel L. Jackson's reading of Boy Meets World slam poetry:

These stunning human and animal portraits by Russian photographer, Katerina Plotnikova:

The cast of The Lion King performing "Circle of Life" on a plane:

This list of 69 inventions every girl wants, needs and deserves

That's all for now!  Have a great Friday!

xox Sammi

Name game

Outfit Details:

Customized name necklace: c/o oNecklace

Top: ModCloth (similar here)

Pants: ModCloth (similar here)

Cardigan: Forever 21 (similar here)

Character shoes: old

As a blogger, one receives an influx of e-mails from companies looking for exposure for their products or services.  Many times, the company's offerings will not be in-keeping with my personal aesthetic (or "brand") -- or sometimes will be totally impersonal or just plain bizarre -- and I will have to decline.  But sometimes, a new company will reach out to me, and I'll find that their products are a great match to my own point of view.  I always want to stay true to who I am, and I would never accept any item or service for free if I would not fully endorse or purchase it on my own.  Luckily, when oNecklace contacted me, I found that their jewelry was perfectly suited for my taste, and I'm ecstatic to have a necklace that bears my name!

I was tempted to give in to my desires to emulate Carrie Bradshaw with this necklace, but then I saw the retro-inspired script of this necklace, and I knew it would be a perfect fit for my many rockabilly dresses (though I am wearing pants in this post -- so rare!).  The chain is actually a bit longer than what's shown here, and the quality is fantastic.  Most of my jewelry is definitively on the cheap side (I don't often spend more than $15 on any one piece), but this necklace is 24 karat gold plated, and the difference between this and my inexpensive, now-tarnished necklaces is pretty obvious.  I'm also a sucker for customization, and not only can you customize exactly what you want on the necklace (you can get initials and monograms, too!), but you can also customize the type of chain and its length!  You can even preview how your name would look in different fonts before you order.

I've turned down jewelry sponsorships before, but I'm really glad that I decided to partner up with oNecklace.  I can be really picky about the kind of jewelry I wear (I dislike flashy things, and I'm drawn to either kitschy, unique pieces or very simple, delicate ones), and I can say nothing but positive feedback about my communication with the company representatives, their prompt shipping, and quality of the necklace itself.  If you'd like to snag your own customized piece, the kind folks over at oNecklace have offered a 10% discount when you use the code soubrettebrunette at check-out!  :)

Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post, but did receive a product for review purposes.  All opinions are completely my own, based on my experience.  Any company or product endorsed on this blog is one I fully believe in and support, and would continue to do so, regardless of whether items are gifted or are paid for by me.

Have a great Thursday!

xox Sammi

Blogger Interview: Rhiannon of Happy Leaps

Hello, all!  I've been really inspired by the idea of creating positive energy in my own life lately, and I think supporting other bloggers is incredibly important.  I want to be able to feature other bloggers (especially newer ones!) on my own platform, so I've decided to try out a new feature on the blog.  I'm going to try to post a new one on the first day of each month for a while, since I think that's a nice way to start anew and gear up for the next 30-or-so days.  I'm starting off this feature with the lovely Rhiannon from Happy Leaps!

Name: Rhiannon Sarah McLeod

Age: 20

Tell me about yourself and your blog: I blog over at Happy Leaps, where I mainly write about fashion and my day-to-day life, sharing my music, art and experiences throughout school.  I spend nearly all my time at school, studying jazz.  My principle instrument is the alto saxophone, and I am pursuing a degree in Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music.  I'm also a photographer and freelance graphic designer.  I love musicals, dogs, snow, Star Wars & LOTR, salt and vinegar chips, collecting sand from famous beaches, and spending nights out with my dearest friends.

How did you get into blogging?  I discovered the blogging world through the ModCloth Style Gallery, where I started reading and following people.  My life was feeling a little direction-less at the time, and after reading other people's blogging experiences, I thought it might be a nice way to allow myself some sort of outlet -- something that I had previously kept only to myself -- all while posting fun outfit photos!

If you could live during any other time period, what would it be?  Possibly any time between the 1920's and the 1950's, during the height of jazz.  It would have been truly remarkable to be able to go out, listen and play jazz in a club.

What's your favorite season and why?  Fall -- I love the changing of the leaves and it's always just warm enough out to wear a cute dress without tights (and without it being so scorching hot that I need a heaping dose of sunscreen).

Drink of choice: Milk, or a nice IPA beer while out with friends :)

Favorite food: Eggs -- I can eat them every which way, forever and ever.

What's your favorite musical?  The Sound of Music, without a doubt!

One character from a movie or TV series with whom you identify:  This may sound odd, but I like silly TV shows and movies, and I find that if I watch a TV series long enough, I will unintentionally find a character I like and I will start acting like them for a good week or two!  Right now, I'm watching a lot of Community (best show ever) and I love Abed's character.

Favorite book (from childhood or now): I'd have to say The Hobbit, most likely.

What's been your favorite post from your blog so far (or favorite outfit you've worn)?  One of my recent favorite posts was one where I wore my favorite ModCloth dress and cardigan, paired with my beautiful YesStyle heels and my thrifted picnic basket purse.  You can see more from this post here.

How would you describe your personal style?  I'm not really one to subscribe to any kind of label; I feel as though I'm often changing it up over at my blog.  However, I'd mostly say I adore collars, wearing a lot of pastel colours, and pairing a pair of jeans with some cute heels!  Plus, I have a vast collection of dresses (my closet is bursting).

Where's your favorite place to shop?  I love to shop local and support local brands, so one of my favorites is Noul (formerly Loft82).

Do you have a style icon?  If so, who?  I always look up to my favorite bloggers, and I adore Zooey Deschanel's style, but I often like to think I pull my style from colours around me and old photographs (if that counts, haha).

Go-to accessory?  My collection of hair bows from American Apparel.

What's the most beloved article of clothing you own?  That's a hard choice, but I'd have to say that my two graduation dresses (one from 9th grade and one from 12th grade).  They are two beautiful pieces of clothing that I adore, and luckily, my grade 9 one still fits!

If you could wear only one outfit every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?  I would probably pick something simple, seeing how I'd be wearing it for the rest of my life.  I'd most likely wear one of my many skirts and pair it with one of my collared blouses.

What are some other blogs that you love?  I love reading Someone Like You, Amy Flying A Kite, Hello, Mr. Rabbit, The Pineneedle Collective, and your blog!  The list goes on, but those are just a few of my favorites!

Thanks so much to Rhiannon for being my first interview, and be sure to check out her blog!

If you would like to be a part of this new monthly series, please send me an e-mail!  :) 

Have a great Wednesday!

xox Sammi