Balloons & Blogiversaries

After two years of blogging, I finally fulfilled my (admittedly cliché) desire to do an outfit post with balloons!  Of course, I didn't realize just how windy it was until I got outside... it was a bit of a struggle, to say the least!  But I managed to snap enough decent-looking photos in the end, and even though my toes were frozen, it was worth it!

I inadvertently matched my outfit to both the balloons and my blog layout, which seems sort of fitting for a blog anniversary post.  I wear so many kooky prints on here that it almost seems strange to play with just color!  I hadn't worn this dress in a while, and it makes me wish it came in more solid colors.  I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of PUG's spring line, so who knows, maybe they'll expand their range of Jenny dresses!  I'm also pleased with this little record player brooch I made (though I use the term "made" loosely, since all I did was hot glue a pin on the back of a dollhouse piece I found on eBay).  Even the name of the little record felt right for this outfit -- it reads: "Give Myself A Party," and I guess I decided to do just that!

I mentioned this in my 2-year blogiversary giveaway post (if you haven't entered yet, get on that!), but I wanted to reiterate how thankful I am for all of you who continue to follow and support my blog.  When I first started blogging, I often felt the need to downplay or apologize for it; I was worried that people would think it was a really superficial and silly thing to pursue.  But over time, I realized that while my blog isn't something that'll change the world, it certainly makes my own little world a lot more joyful -- and that is more than enough of a reason to feel proud of it.  I've chronicled a lot of ups and downs on my blog, and I truly appreciate all of you who've left such kind and encouraging comments and decided to stick with me through it all.  Getting to connect with all of the people who love to have fun with fashion has been the most rewarding outcome of this entire venture.  I'm excited to see what this next year has in store for my blog, and thank you all for taking this journey with me!  </sappy blabbing>

Outfit Details

Jenny Dress: Pinup Girl Clothing

Cardigan: gift from Kate (similar)

Petticoat: ModCloth (available here)

Hair flower: Forever 21

Brooch: made by me

Shoes: similar

Belt: ASOS

Have a wonderful Wednesday, and make sure to enter my blogiversary giveaway!!  The prizes are pretty major (if I do say so myself), and it ends on Sunday at midnight!  Enter here!

xox Sammi

2-year Blogiversary Giveaway! [CLOSED]

I can scarcely believe that my little blog is two years old!  The Soubrette Brunette has grown quite a bit over the last two years, and I'm really pleased with what I've managed to accomplish in that time.  So much of what I've done with this blog has been complete trial and error, and though I've made mistakes (style-related and otherwise!), I've always tried to keep learning -- and to keep having fun with fashion.  What started out as just a way to showcase my ever-growing collection of dresses has evolved into something about which I care very deeply.  The friends I've found through the blogging community are incredibly dear to me, and being able to connect with all of you has been such a rewarding bonus.  As a thank you for being such an important part of my blogging life, I'm hosting my second annual blogiversary giveaway!  I hope you'll be just as excited as I am about this year's prizes (a package worth over $250!).  Here's what's up for grabs!

One (1) lucky winner will receive:

- $50 gift card to Modern Pinup (formerly JBR Clothing)

- $40 gift card to The Braided Bandit Vintage

- Lime Crime Lipstick in Glamour 101

- a retro TV brooch from Poison of Choice

- New Look milkshake clutch

- a copy of Style Me Vintage: Hair
- a pink faux fur tie-on collar

- a 3-pack of hair scarves from Hey Viv!

- DVDs of Grease and Pretty in Pink

- a pack of typewriter note cards

- a pair of heart-shaped sunglasses

- a cake print cosmetic bag

- an adorable pink hair bow

- Taffy-scented gel pens

- Pink flamingo paper clips

Entering the giveaway is easy!  Just use the Rafflecopter widget below.  You must be a follower of The Soubrette Brunette to enter (no unfollowing after the giveaway closes, please!), and you can earn additional entries in several ways.  This giveaway is open internationally, and will close at 11:59 PM (EST) on Sunday, Feburary 8th.  The winner will be chosen at random through the widget and will be contacted via e-mail by Tuesday, Feburary 10th.  If the winner does not respond by Wednesday, February 11th, a new winner will be chosen.  Thanks for entering & best of luck!  <3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday Favorites #80

My week went by super-quickly for a change, so it's hard to believe it's Friday already... but here are some of the lovely little things that have caught my eye lately:

Heart of Haute's spring line is absolutely gorgeous, and I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their hydrangea print dresses, which became available on Wednesday.  I'm torn between these two styles.  I know the first one is more versatile, but I do love the silhouette of the halter dress!

1   //   2

It isn't even February yet, but I'm already in the beginning stages of spring fever.  It doesn't help that there are so many pretty floral pieces coming out now!

This pansy print dress is incredibly darling:

What a cute romper!

I'm not really into a high-end brands, but this dress by Dolce & Gabbana is truly special:

I love pastel coats for spring (or any time, really)!

a   //   b

This jumper is so adorable!

This Care Bears skirt and top set is fantastic:

And I need these Miss Piggy and Kermit socks!

I love this subtle Mickey Mouse print blouse:

I adore these prints that Kate came up with for Pi Day!

This lavender dress is so pretty and fairy-like:

How cute are these house-shaped hand creams?

While totally impractical for me, this pink scalloped swimsuit sure is dreamy:

I have often said that a girl cannot have too many polka dotted dresses, and when it has mint polka dots, how can one possibly resist??  This is such a great spring dress!

Chronicle Books carries such wonderful card sets, and this teacup one is at the top of my wish list!

Is it possible to justify buying this wedding dress, even though I'm very much single?

And finally, as I am a Friends addict, I love this list of 21 questions Friends fans still want answered.

Have a great Friday, and be sure to check back here on Sunday!  I have something very special planned, and you will not want to miss it!!  :)

xox Sammi

This post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission, which helps to run my blog.  I link only to items I absolutely love, from companies I wholeheartedly support.  Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Checkmate (Flock Together)

Good morning!  I'm posting over on the Flock Together blog (for the first time in forever!) today, and I'm remixing this great black + white checked dress that I borrowed from Elana of Room 334!  Check out my full post (and see how Elana styled this adorable piece) here!

Have a great day!

xox Sammi

Junebugs and Georgia Peaches: Disney Stowaway

Happy Saturday!  I'm posting over at Junebugs and Georgia Peaches today while June + Amelia are off in warmer, Disney-filled climates.  I've been suffering from Disney Fever lately, so I'm highlighting some of my Disney-worthy ensembles (and sharing some pieces from my wish [upon a star] list), like this Minnie-esque outfit below!  Follow me over to Junebugs and Georgia Peaches to read the full post!  <3

a  //  b  //  c  //  d  //  e  //  f

Have a wonderful weekend!
xox Sammi

Friday Favorites #79

TGIF!  I wasn't able to do a Friday Favorites post last week, but here are a few things that have tickled my fancy over the past couple of weeks.

I love all of Deer Arrow's pieces, but these classic car brooches might be my favorite!  I'm swooning over the pink one!

Someday, when I have lots of dispensable income, I shall buy a pretty record player like this one:

This is seriously my dream dress.  I'm in love.

Pretty pastel heels!

1   //   2

I've been looking everywhere for a white sweater that I could layer over dresses and wear with jeans.  This one seems like it would suit my needs perfectly!

It's probably bad that I'm already looking forward to spring, because we have at least two months of winter left.  But since I essentially live in flats during the warmer months, I've been eyeing these ones (and I love that they come in 3 different colors!) in anticipation of winter's end:

a   //   b   //   c

And speaking of warmth... these swimsuits make me want to travel to a warm climate IMMEDIATELY.

a   //   b

Look!  A mermaid flipper fin!!

How beautiful is this dress from Unique Vintage?

I'll be doing a separate Valentine-themed Friday Favorites post soon, but I couldn't resist including these adorable love match necklaces from I Love Crafty in this week's post!

And finally... I leave you with this list of 19 Bernese Mountain puppies who just want to make your day better.

Have a great Friday!

xox Sammi

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission, which helps to run my blog. I link only to items I absolutely love, from companies I wholeheartedly support. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Pencil pusher

I'm sure I've mentioned that I'm a huge devotee of the Luck Be a Lady dresses that ModCloth carries.  They're made by a UK-based brand, Closet, and they are among my most versatile dresses.  This newest version is the 5th one I own (oops); the red and purple versions I have are my go-to audition dresses, and then I have an autumnal plaid and a springy print version as well.  But since this saturated spearmint color is a favorite of mine (and I had a coupon to boot), I managed to justify getting this one.  My dear friend Ashley recently styled hers on her blog, and it reminded me that I had yet to wear mine!

Until last weekend, I hadn't much felt like getting dolled up at all.  I'd spent the last couple of weeks in grubby clothes and not putting on much makeup or doing my hair.  To be honest, it was a nice break, but I'm glad to be feeling more like myself again.  I mentioned in a recent post that I had gone to a dermatologist in an effort to get my skin cleared up, and so far, what I'm doing seems like it's had a positive effect on my skin.  Although I still wouldn't feel at all okay about going barefaced to a social event, the nice thing is that my skin has definitely calmed down quite a bit -- and that means I can wear way less makeup, since I don't have to cover up as many imperfections!  I used to have to wear a ton of liquid foundation, concealer and powder to hide blemishes and redness, but now I'm able to dust on some BareMinerals powder concealer and foundation (which isn't anywhere near as heavy as what I had been wearing) and feel great about the end result.  It's still in the beginning stages, but I hope it'll just get better from here!

Outfit Details

Luck Be a Lady Dress: ModCloth

Necklace: Hello Holiday (similar)

Blouse: similar

Tights: similar

Boots: similar

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

xox Sammi