QUARANTWINNING: Ashley and Sammi style Butterflies & Begonias

Wow, how has it been so long since I put together a blog post? In all honesty, the last few months have gone by really quickly – which seems odd since quarantine life isn't all that exciting. Still, I'm hanging onto the highlights for dear life... and new dresses are definitely among the highlights!

I sadly wasn't able to visit Ashley in California this spring due to the pandemic. But even if we're way more than 6 feet apart (try 2,500 miles!), we can still feel like we're together when we coordinate what we wear. When Trashy Diva's "Butterflies and Begonias" collection launched, Ashley and I both purchased the Hollywood Circle style dress and decided to wear it together – but apart.

I love this fuller skirt and the shoulder ruffle (which can be worn up or down!) is probably my favorite feature. This vibrant orangey-red is such a beautiful color for summer, as well. I do tend to be particular about floral prints, but I have to say that this one has grown on me quite a bit.

A note about sizing: I wish I had ordered up in this style! Although the Hollywood does have elasticized side panels, the waist here is firm – and it runs a bit smaller than the size chart indicates. I do tend to like my clothes to be on the more fitted side, but I probably wouldn't wear this dress on a day that involved a lot of eating or lounging. But since I have lots of other clothes for those activities, that's fine by me.

Outfit Details:

Butterflies & Begonias Hollywood Circle Dress: Trashy Diva

White dahlia hair flower: similar  ||  Sandals: Naturalizer

You can see more of how Ashley styled this dress and get her outfit details over on her blog today. And as luck would have it, it looks like Trashy Diva will be launching a brand new collection today at 12 noon (central time)... so be sure to check that out and see what they have in store for us.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Easter!

It's been a while since I posted here! Things have been strange lately – which is a massive understatement, I realize. But getting to enjoy the signs of spring (by myself, of course) has helped a little bit. I don't really feel like dressing up for Easter this year, but I did want a chance to show off this beautiful dress from Cheshire Vintage!

Outfit Details

Dress: Cheshire Vintage

Hat: vintage (similar)  ||  Gloves: vintage (similar)

Heels: Irregular Choice (similar)

Whatever you do today,  I hope you're sweet to yourself.

[CLOSED] KINDNESS ISN'T CANCELED: $50 PayPal Giveaway

I know it's been a while since I updated my blog – and there have been a lot of changes in the world since I last posted. Most of us have had to make major adjustments in our lives due to the spread of COVID-19. In addition to the health threat posed by the virus itself (which is scary enough), many people have lost their jobs or their businesses may be hanging in the balance. We have to separate ourselves from our loved ones, put off vacations, and be careful about every move we make. Simply put, there's a lot that's uncertain right now. 

But there's one thing I do know: that kindness isn't canceled. Although I'm very anxious about the state of the world and feel overwhelmed with all of these new changes, I'm simultaneously inspired by those I love and by perfect strangers. While this pandemic has certainly brought out some of the worst in people, it's also highlighted some of the best of humanity.

I know it isn't much, but I wanted to find a way to do something nice for one of you in a way that's safe. So I'm hosting a little giveaway for a $50 to be paid via PayPal. I wish I could swing a higher amount, but I hope it will provide a little relief or bring a smile to someone's face! Here's what you need to know.

$50 PayPal Giveaway Rules

One (1) follower will receive a $50 friends and family payment via PayPal. Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter widget below and follow all instructions to be eligible. This giveaway is U.S.-only and will run from now until 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. The giveaway winner will be contacted via email and will be announced via the widget once confirmed. The winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is not sponsored or endorsed by PayPal. Thanks for entering and best of luck!

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Galentine's Day

Friends, waffles, work. Only the first two are really important on Galentine's Day, when we celebrate our relationships with other women (and our relationship with delicious breakfast food). I've wanted to throw a Galentine's get-together for a few years now, but the scheduling has never really worked out. But I was determined to have a little celebration with my mom – who is both my best gal pal and the one who helped bring my vision to life! – and enjoy some homemade waffles together.

Items Used

Waffle tray: Target  ||  Heart straws: Target

Heart wreath: made by my mom (similar)

Galentine's Day banner: Amazon

Other items: Joann's, vintage

Dress: Bernie Dexter  ||  Brooch: Femme de Bloom

Of course, it doesn't need to be February 13 for you to publicly appreciate the incredible ladies in your life. But it's certainly a good excuse to get together, share some laughs, and stuff your face. :) 

Do you have anything planned for this Galentine's Day or for this lovey-dovey weekend? Whatever you do (or don't do!), I hope you enjoy yourself!

PS: Congratulations to Amber, the winner of my recent giveaway! 

Thanks so much to everyone who entered and stay tuned for more giveaways coming soon!

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[CLOSED] The Soubrette Brunette's 7th Blogiversary Giveaway!

I can't believe that my blog is seven years old! When I started The Soubrette Brunette, I really just wanted a place to document the fun clothes in my closet. I didn't imagine that it would turn into such an important part of my life. Thanks to my blog, I've made so many friends and was lucky enough to have a consistent creative outlet. I've never made much money from blogging, but it's meant a lot more to me than a source of income (and it was at least part of the reason I was able to do the full-time work I'm doing now). Blogging isn't as popular as it once was, but I'm really glad I have this little corner of the internet for my fashion and for my musings – and I'm really glad you're here, too!

If you've been following my blog for a while, you probably know what's coming: a giveaway! I always like to give something back during this time of year. One follower will win a really fun prize package that I've put together just for the occasion:

You can win...

• $25 gift card to BoxLunch
• Colourpop "Truly Madly Deeply" eyeshadow palette
• copy of The Great British Baking Show: The Big Book of Amazing Cakes
• Pusheen travel mug
• 14-ounce bag of pink Starbursts
• pink heart sunglasses
• and other assorted goodies!

Now that I've piqued your interest, you'll need to know how to enter and win! 

Read the rules below carefully (and be sure to follow them exactly!) to ensure you're eligible to win.  

Giveaway Rules

Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter widget below. FYI, you must be a follower of my blog and my Instagram to win. This giveaway is open worldwide and will run from now until 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, February 8, 2020. The giveaway winner will be contacted via email and announced via the widget once confirmed. The winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. Please note that in the event of product unavailability, comparable substitutions may be made. Best of luck and thank you for supporting my blog!

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Friday Favorites #162: Valentine Wish List

Today's the last day of January (finally!!!), which means that Valentine's Day is just two weeks away. I may not have a sweetheart this year, but I'm taking that as an excuse to treat myself instead. I thought it was high time I put together a new Friday Favorites post – and this one is Valentine-themed! See what I'm swooning over below.

Please note that this post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of those 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

Have a LOVE-ly weekend!

2019 Recap

It's hard to believe that 2019 is coming to a close. This year was incredibly difficult and came with a lot of (very necessary) changes. But I feel emotionally stronger and more optimistic than I have in a while. And while I don't post on my blog as frequently as I once did, I think it's a really good exercise to look back on the last 12 months and appreciate how far I've really come in such a short time... and appreciate all of the outfits I've worn!

In January, I was still reeling from my recent breakup and contracted food poisoning from one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Talk about betrayal. I didn't post a whole lot. But I did celebrate my blog's sixth birthday in February and my mom made breakfast for dinner for us on Valentine's Day. Emma and I did a couple of fun shoots and I savored the flowers at the Dutch Connection exhibit. I spent a lot of time yearning for warm weather. Emma and I also made a big decision to rent a studio for our photography projects (though we didn't tell many people until months later)!

By April, I started to feel reinvigorated. Spring blossoms started to emerge. I saw Hamilton and started posting more frequently again. In May, my mom and I had Mother's Day tea at Sonnenberg Gardens. In June, we saw Waitress. Emma and I started creating content to promote the studio and I started feeling more confident again. I also came to terms with a really painful end. My mom and I spent a weekend in Skaneateles, followed by many excursions to different orchards and farms.

In July, I went to the NY Lavender Festival with friends and hunted for antiques. I found my collection of bathing suits that I thought I had lost three years prior. I didn't want summer to end. In August, Emma and I officially launched Dear Blossom Studios. We picked a lot of fruit, made our annual excursion to the sunflower fields, and went on a picnic. By the time September rolled around, I signed up for a flower share, pushed myself to take photos in public places, and took in the wonderful wackiness of the Fringe.

October was filled with spooky outfits, boudoir sessions, and birthday fun. I officially lost 50 pounds just in time to turn 31. November was slightly somber and nostalgic, but I also started rehearsals for "Winnie the Pooh." I received a promotion at work for a position I helped to develop and started feeling a lot more positive about my professional aspirations. And in December, I felt joyful in partaking in activities (aside from being involved in a car accident, that is) and putting together seasonal outfits.

This year might not have turned out the way I thought it would – and I still have a long way to go – but I am glad to be where I am now. What are you proud of accomplishing in the past year? Be sure to check out my post on Instagram later today to see my last outfit photo of 2019!

See you next year!