Sci-Fi Rockets: Twinning With Southern (California) Belle

This Trashy Diva print is one of my all-time favorites and seems totally appropriate for the upcoming Independence Day holiday. I remembered that my BFF Ashley and I both own this dress and yet neither of us has ever worn it on our blogs – so I felt it was high time for a twinning post. Funnily enough, we styled it VERY similarly. It just proves that, even thousands of miles apart, she and I are always in sync. You can see more of Ashley's beautiful photos (and get her outfit details) over on her blog today!

My mom and I spent last weekend in Skaneateles and the surrounding area, which felt like the perfect prelude to this celebration. I have to admit that I'm not exactly looking forward to the 4th this year, although I'm glad to be working a short week. Holidays take some getting used to when you're newly single, especially when this one used to be pretty happy. But I'm trying to make some new traditions – and I'm determined to see some fireworks, at least.

Outfit Details

Sci-Fi Rockets Annette Dress: originally from Trashy Diva (discontinued)

Cardigan: ModCloth  ||  Necklace: similar

Boater hat: similar  ||  Red clogs: ModCloth

Have a great July 4th!

INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY: National Donut Day!

In case you didn't know, today is National Donut Day! And to start your Friday on an extra sweet note, I've decided to host a little giveaway over on Instagram. One lucky winner will get this donut-themed prize package, which is guaranteed to give you a sugar rush! Entering is super easy – all you have to do is follow my account, like the photo, and tag a friend (there are a couple of bonus entries, too). Click here to get all the details and enter for yourself!

Have a great weekend!

Friday Favorites #161: Memorial Day Deals

Happy Memorial Day weekend! I don't know about you, but I'm really excited to have an extra day off – and to do a little bit of shopping. Here are just a few things that are sitting in my shopping cart (plus a bunch of promo codes for you to reference before you check out!):

a   ||   b   ||   c   ||   d   ||   e

Aerie: 40-60% off Aerie collection
American Eagle: 25-60% off everything
Anthropologie: extra 40% off sale items
ASOS: 40% off new arrivals
ban.do: 25% off summer favorites
Bernie Dexter: 20% off site with code 20foryou, 60% off Last Chance with code BIG60
Betsey Johnson: 30% off with code HOT
Betty and Veronica: 55% off everything with code MDW55
ColourPop Cosmetics: up to 30% off sitewide
Gap: 40% off everything with code READY
Hearts and Found: 25% off dresses and skirts with code MEMDAY
J.Crew: 40% off with code SHOP40
Macy's: 20% off with code MEMDAY
ModCloth: 30% off full-price + 40% off sale
Old Navy: 50% off all tees, tanks, shorts, and swim
Sourpuss: 20% off with code MEMENTO
Steady Clothing: 20% off with code MEMORIAL 2019
Unique Vintage: 20% off everything with code FRESH
Vixen by Micheline Pitt: 25% off select styles with code MEM25

I'll keep adding to the list above as more codes become available, so be sure to check back before you confirm any orders this weekend! Do you have your eye on anything specific for summertime?

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

Have a great holiday!

Sweetie

If you've followed me for a while, you'll know what a sucker I am for anything novelty. Even as I get a little older, I can't quite give up the kitschiest, campiest parts of my wardrobe. It's a good thing that there are a lot of other people who feel the same way I do – and that Vendula London keeps on making the most adorable bags for me to lust after.

I've reviewed other handbags from Vendula in the past (see those posts here) and have been a fan of their brand for the past few years, so I was thrilled when they sent me this fun box bag to review from their "Sweetie Caravan" line. The design features a retro camper filled with candies and sweets (wouldn't you like to have one of those in real life?). There's even a little corgi inside waiting to greet you! It's surprisingly roomy inside and the lining has a macaron print. The attention to detail is, as always, so impressive. While I chose to hold this purse by its handle, there's also a long, detachable shoulder strap that makes the bag a bit more practical.

These vegan(!) handbags are designed in London, but I'm so glad I've been able to get a few of them across the pond to me. Even better was the fact that this bag matched one of my Gal Meets Glam dresses perfectly. Although this style is no longer available, GMG just launched its May collection yesterday and I'm eyeing at least one dress from it. If you've been waiting to try these dresses, I seriously can't recommend them enough. Some of my GMG dresses from last year are actually a bit big on me now, but they're such nice quality that I will probably try to get them altered just so I can hold onto them – that's how much I love them!

Outfit Details

Colleen Dress: Gal Meets Glam (similar)

Sweetie Caravan Box Bag: c/o Vendula London

Hair flower: similar  ||  Sandals: similar

Have a great start to your week!

Friday Favorites #160: Mother's Day Gift Guide

This month has gone by so quickly! I just realized that Mother's Day is right around the corner, so I decided to put together a little gift guide for today's Friday Favorites. I've already gotten a few things for my own mom (her birthday is only a week away, too)... but now I'm wondering whether I should add a couple more to my cart...

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

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

h   ||   i   ||   j   ||   k   ||   l   ||   m   ||   n

o   ||   p   ||   q   ||   r   ||   s   ||   t   ||   u   ||   v 

Have a great weekend!

Easter Parade

I don't normally post here on the weekends, but I had to make an egg-ception for Easter (and this perfectly pastel ensemble)! Before I head over to my parents' for Easter brunch, I decided to show off these photos from a rather enchanted visit to one of my favorite photo locales here in Rochester.

Although Aly from Sewcial Dee originally made this dreamy dress for herself, I knew it had to come live with me when I saw that she listed it for sale. I can never say no to a pastel plaid – just like I can never say no to Reese's eggs. I paired this frock with a bunny necklace, one of my favorite vintage hats, and my version of an Easter basket to make it extra springy. Since everything is finally starting to bloom, it seemed fitting that I look like the harbinger of the season.

One last important detail that also seemed fitting: the sweet bunny I met while taking these photos. She actually came hopping towards me and she got so close! I was truly in awe. I'm so happy I was able to capture some of it in photos and on video. I think she might have been practicing her route for this morning, don't you?

Outfit Details

Pastel dress: purchased from Sewcial Dee's Poshmark

Hat: vintage (similar)  ||  Basket: vintage (similar)

Gold bunny necklace: similar

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

Last Easter was... kind of the worst. I won't go into detail, but it was really intense and not at all how I'd ever envision spending this holiday. Although I may not always be happy about the ways in which my life has changed in recent months, I have to admit that I'm glad that the most dramatic part of the day this year will likely be locating my Easter basket's secret hiding spot.

I hope your holiday is a truly hoppy one!

Prickly Pear

All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

Rochester is just starting to show signs that it's officially spring... though I don't want to say that too loudly because you just never know when the weather could turn wintery again. But the crocuses and snow drops are definitely popping up and the light really does look like the seasons have changed. So I'm hoping that it's safe to say that we'll soon be enjoying balmier temperatures and more flowers will be blooming before we know it.

The timing is apt because I'm starting to feel more like myself again. I'm eating healthier, have a more positive outlook (though I struggle at times), and am working on an exciting new venture that will soon be ready to emerge. I don't feel quite ready to truly blossom quite yet... but I'm getting there.

Before spring really sprung, Emma and I decided to head to the Lamberton Conservatory for some much-needed warmth and signs of life. We had a delightful morning smelling the flowers and seeing the adorable animals that live there. I decided to wear this Tara Starlet cactus print dress (which I finally tracked down thanks to Miss Amy May!) since I can't resist a good theme. It wasn't necessarily nice enough outside to wear sandals, but I braved the elements so we could create a real desert oasis feel. We almost forgot that there was still a bit of snow on the ground outside.

Outfit Details

Cactus dress: similar here

Belt: similar  ||  Necklace: similar

Wedge sandals: DSW

Have a great rest of your week!