Ruby slippers

Outfit Details:

Luck Be A Lady Dress in Red: ModCloth

Blouse: old (similar here)

Terrier belt: can't remember!

Shoes: Urban Outfitters (similar here)

9 times out of 10, I will plan out a new outfit well ahead of time, either in my head or with the pieces in front of me.  This outfit was one of those 1 out of 10 outfits that was completely spur of the moment, and it's even rarer that I actually liked the result.  I'm usually one to opt for patterns over color-blocking (and I don't think this exactly qualifies as "color-blocking," anyway), but I loved this combination of bright red and light cyan.  It looks more like baby blue in these photos, but it's way more vibrant in real life.  I had worn this ensemble to work with black flats and a black belt, but decided to swap them out for crimson counterparts, instead.  I inadvertently opted for Dorothy-esque shoes and a Toto-inspired belt in the same ensemble, but since I'm not wearing blue gingham and pigtails, I think it's okay.

I'm so impatient about this relentlessly chilly weather.  I haven't really been able to go bare-legged (sans pantyhose) yet, and I hate it!  Rochester has an annual Lilac Festival every May, and it starts incredibly soon (I think this week or next), and we're just starting to see teeny tiny buds on the lilacs!  I can't imagine they'll be in full bloom this year, if at all.  They're my absolute favorite flower, so I can't wait until they're blooming.  But at least there are daffodils and other spring flowers around.  I wish we had some flowering trees in our yard (I love cherry blossoms and magnolias).  Just looking at them makes me happy (and jealous, hah).  I'm afraid that once it's finally spring, it'll skip right to summer!

Have a terrific Tuesday!

xox Sammi

Come back as a flower

Outfit Details:

Vintage dress: Cricket Capers

Spectators: BAIT Footwear (similar)

Watch ring: Mom's

I've scored several awesome vintage finds from Cricket Capers on Etsy, and though I was initially worried about how this dress would fit and look on me, I am so glad that I took a chance on it.  It was inexpensive enough where I felt like it was okay to take a leap of faith.  Shopping for vintage online can be tricky at times, but I think the key is to be very familiar with (and totally honest about) your measurements and what shapes work on your body.  This silhouette is definitely a departure from the typical fit-and-flare dresses I normally wear, and if it wasn't as well-made or used a different kind of material, this dress might have been a disaster.  But I'm so in love with how it looks on!  Plus, the print is so pretty, and I absolutely adore the neckline.  Sometimes it pays to take a little risk.  :)

I feel like there's a lot of change happening around me, and I'm on an emotional roller coaster at the moment. Two of my close friends are moving far away very soon, and it's just a reminder that I am kind of stuck in limbo and am totally unsure of my next move. I know that this uncertainty is okay, but I'm such a perfectionist that it makes me really uneasy and discouraged. I'm stuck here for now, so there's not much I can do at the moment (other than what I'm already doing), but I dunno. Maybe I'm having a quarter-life crisis, come to think of it. I guess I simply have to trust that I will eventually figure things out. I also need to remember that I'm still trying to heal from a lot of stuff, if I'm being completely honest (and being honest is probably the best thing I can do for myself). I have a tendency to get overwhelmed, so I need to remember to take things one day at a time. That's always been a difficult thing for me, but I want to make it a priority.

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I'm grateful that this weekend has been fun and eventful.  I did dinner & a show (Vietnamese + Young Frankenstein, for those who are curious) with friends last night after work, and we're celebrating my mom's birthday tonight!  I sometimes forget how important these kinds of things are to my happiness.

Have a great Sunday!

xox Sammi

Friday Favorites #47

Another week has come and gone!  This week went by pretty quickly, and I'm very glad to be home.  There's a lot going on in the next few weeks (my mom's birthday, Mother's Day, a big event for the orchestra I work for, an audition, and other things), but I'm just so excited that spring is here that I can't get too stressed about it.  Even though it's been chilly and rainy this week, the sight of blooming flowers is enough to put me in a positive frame of mind.  Here are some lovely finds that also put a smile on my face this week, starting with three pretty dresses that are perfect for spring and summer:

a // b // c

I especially love the one in the middle!  It has ric-rac trim, and I think red and mint are a fantastic color combination.  Plus, I'm fairly fixated on plaid, and the silhouette is beautiful.

Speaking of mint, I'm so crazy about this dress (but I'm not sure I can justify another mint dress!):

I really love these mint-colored plastic sneakers, though.  They even have star and heart cut-outs!

I really love swimwear, and some of my favorites happen to be food-themed.  There are a lot of cherry print swimsuits out there, but this one could almost be mistaken for real vintage:

This mixed fruit print swimsuit is too cute!

I adore this ice cream cone print swimsuit, but it's better for smaller cup sizes (which counts me out, sadly).  You can find the separate top and bottoms at ModCloth.

I featured this breakfast print in its dress version before, but I didn't realize it came in a two-piece set!  I love these types of sets because they show a little skin, but are still appropriate.  Plus, as someone who can't really pull off the crop top trend under normal circumstances, this is a great retro option.  You can find the top and skirt set over at Steady Clothing.

These hot dog sunglasses are too funny!

More ice cream!  This ice cream dress from Sugarhill Boutique is so fun!

My favorite food-related item has to be these wedges that are filled with faux goodies.  As someone who is completely obsessed with both fake and real food (I always have been -- playing grocery store and restaurant were two of my favorite games growing up), these shoes are total eye candy for me!

This macaron print is so sweet, too (and perfect, since I pretty much always want another treat):

I wish I could figure out a way to wear the fluffiest pink tutu skirt with confidence!  I feel like I'd get way too many looks in this, but I adore it. O, to be a Carrie Bradshaw!

I love looking at Irregular Choice shoes, and this lavender pair from them is so darling!

I am a firm believer in the wonders of the "Luck Be A Lady" dresses that ModCloth carries (which are from UK brand Closet), and this is one of the newest versions that's coming soon to the site.  Like I said before, I'm a sucker for plaid, and this color scheme is so pretty!  I now have this silhouette in four different colors -- that's how flattering it is!

I also swooned over this apple green dress!  The little bows!  The cap sleeves!  So adorable!

Gah, this kitty paw mug is wonderful!  I need!

This necklace and earring set from Betsey Johnson is perfect for the mermaid in your life:

a // b

Or for the retro-lovin' gal in your life, this burlesque artist print dress would be fantastic:

As would either of these beautiful dresses from Lindy Bop:

one // two

These new novelty bags from Betsey Johnson are awesome (especially the lipstick one!):

1 // 2

Finally, I am determined to get to NYC sometime this summer (blogger meet-up!  It's happening, I swear!), and when I go, I fully plan on visiting as many of these frozen treat meccas as possible.

Have a great Friday!

xox Sammi