Betsy

I'm always eager to add a pretty floral print to my wardrobe, and the Betsy dress from Voodoo Vixen really fits the bill. I love that it's both a subtler floral and an LBD, as that'll make it versatile for many occasions throughout the year. I've owned several Voodoo Vixen dresses, and though I've found most of them to run pretty true to size (and even a little big in the waist at times), I would definitely recommend sizing up in this style if you're well-endowed. Because of the side zip, it was a bit of a struggle to get this dress on – but I absolutely fell in love once it was on! It's flirtatious and fun without being bare in any way; I love a good cleavage-bearing dress or top, but I don't get nearly as much use out of those pieces, and I'm always reminding myself to diversify my closet with items that will allow me to get a lot of longevity out of my clothes! If you've got your eye on the Betsy (or any other beautiful Voodoo Vixen dresses), you can use the code Sammi20 to get 20% off your purchase on their website!

Outfit Details

Betsey Dress: c/o Voodoo Vixen

Beauty Everlasting Brooch: c/o Erstwilder

Belt: from another dress  ||  Shoes: BAIT Footwear

If you follow me on Instagram, you might've seen that I've been kind of stressed out. Lots of changes are happening in a very short period of time, and while it's good stuff, I've been feeling really overwhelmed and anxious. I just want to thank anyone who reached out with wonderful self-care ideas and anxiety-reducing remedies. It really means so much to me! I'll update you all on these changes very soon.

Records & Radios

There's no better way to start off the week than a good ol' novelty print... and a novelty bag, to boot! I've loved this print from afar for quite a while, but when Bernie Dexter made one of her Paris dresses with it, I had to take the plunge. (It IS a kitschy, retro, music-themed print, after all... it can't get much more perfect than that in my book.) And I couldn't resist pairing this Betsey Johnson radio bag (which actually plays music – you can hook your iPod up to it!) with this dress! By the way, Bernie Dexter is currently offering 25% off all orders when you use the code 25dress at check out, so if you've got your eye on something, there's no time like the present!

There's been a lot happening in my life lately. My mom and I looked at a bunch of apartments, and I found the perfect apartment of my dreams. Of course, it's more than I was looking to spend, but I think it's doable, and living there would make me really happy. Best of all, my application was accepted, so I just have to work out the final details (and sign the lease). Fingers crossed that it all works out!

Outfit Details

Paris Dress in For the Record: Bernie Dexter

Radio purse: Betsey Johnson (other styles here)

Petticoat: Pinup Girl Clothing

Name necklace: c/o Onecklace

Shoes: B.A.I.T. Footwear

Have a great Monday!

Picnic

Apparently, this past Saturday was International Picnic Day, so I felt it was a fairly appropriate time to finally post these pretty picnicking photos (better late than never)! My best friend Wayne and I decided to have a picnic in Highland Park a few weeks back, right at the end of lilac season. Rochester has a huge lilac festival every year, and Highland Park is the best place to go when they're in bloom (they have over 500 different varieties!); they're my favorite flower (peonies come in at a close second), and being surrounded by their beautiful scent whilst snacking on delicious treats was such a delightful way to spend the afternoon.

To be honest, I'll use any excuse to have a picnic, and finally getting the chance to wear this Trashy Diva dress was a much better excuse than most. My parents surprised me with this beauty when they returned from their recent trip to New Orleans, and it's seriously one of the most flattering dresses I own. I love the features of this "Lucy" style: the oversized pockets, the adjustable tie straps, the cute buttons, the fit, and of course, the gingham print! Red gingham is an obvious choice for a picnic outing, and I finished off this subtly thematic look with my picnic basket purse and Erstwilder soda pop brooch.

Outfit Details

Lucy Dress in Red Gingham: Trashy Diva

Sal's Soda Pop Brooch: c/o Erstwilder

Picnic basket purse: Accessorize

Boater hat: similar

Shoes: Aerosoles

I'm finding out that "adulting" is no picnic. This is going to be a bit of a transitional kind of summer for me. I'm most likely going to be accepting an offer for a new job this week, and then I'll be moving out and living on my own. It's definitely time, but it's scary. But I'll never get anywhere new if I don't push myself outside my comfort zone, and I've been putting off having an actual adult life for too long. I tend to question my own capabilities a lot, but I guess none of us knows what we're doing at first. I've always been a little behind everyone else in reaching certain milestones – there's nothing wrong with that, I suppose, but you have to know when it's time to leave the nest and fly on your own, even when it might feel safer to stay. And I guess this little bird just needs to trust that she knows how to flap her wings and find her own way.

Priscilla

One of the little things I enjoy about blogging and social media is being able to match outfits with virtual friends across the country. Acquiring one-of-a-kind pieces brings a me particular kind of joy, but I also love being able to share a sense of style with other girls around the world – and being able to "twin" with my bestie is... well, it's the best! Ashley featured this same dress on her blog last Monday, and since I recently acquired one for myself, I decided to style mine today. Even if it's delayed by a week, I still get a kick out of showing off our coordinating ensembles!

This dress by The Pretty Dress Company is just so... pretty! This print was too great to pass up, especially since Unique Vintage is now their exclusive retailer for the United States (see their full selection here). This is only the second dress I've owned by this brand, but from my own experience, the quality is really nice. The fabric is thick stretch cotton, and it's surprisingly comfortable (and has pockets!). The bodice is a bit roomier than I'd like (probably due to the fact that the fabric has some give to it – plus, I followed the size chart and went up a size from my normal selection), and because of that, I wish that the straps were adjustable... but at least shortening the straps would be an easy tailoring fix, and it certainly won't keep me from wearing this beauty.

Outfit Details

Priscilla Miami Midi Swing Dress: Unique Vintage

Shoes: B.A.I.T. Footwear (similar)

Petticoat: Pinup Girl Clothing

Belt: similar

I had a pretty low-key weekend that included seeing Finding Dory (which was wonderful), watching the first couple episodes of OITNB and spending Father's Day at home with my parents and grandparents. I'm still going through a bit of an emotional time, but I keep reminding myself to "just keep swimming," and that seems to help. :) Have a great start to your week!

Friday Favorites #134

Happy Friday! I'm very glad this week is coming to an end. And there's no better way to start off the weekend than to look at what I've been loving over the last few days... starting with some pretty printed dresses!

a    ||    b    ||    c

This strawberry-shaped kitty house is one of the cutest things ever!

How lovely is this skirt? It reminds me of sherbet.

These book brooches are beautiful.

1    //    2

I need this impressionist-themed coloring book!

This carousel swimsuit is downright adorable.

This mixer is just marvelous.

I may or may not have purchased three pints of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams to have shipped to my door... I admit nothing... but honestly, who could resist an ice cream with peach jam and biscuits mixed right in?!

Love this plaid dress!

Oh, mint wicker handbag. You are so beautiful (and yet so impractical – sob!).

This nautical skirt is wonderful.

These flats would be so fun for the 4th of July!

And finally... Happy OITNB and Finding Dory day, everyone!

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