Things That Caught My Eye This Week #32

If you look closely at this 50s shirt dress from Vera Vague, you'll see that the print is actually chess pieces. And here I thought that I couldn't love 50s-era shirt dresses more than I already do.

Hello Yellow

 Remember how I said that I love yellow dresses? I wasn't lying. In fact, the moment I got my Modcloth gift card, I searched "yellow dress" on the site in hopes of finding one that would solve all of my yellow dress needs. The result? This one here, in all of its pleated skirt and bird print glory. Go ahead, just throw your best "put a bird on it" lines at me all you want. Joke's on you, I live for Portlandia references.

This is actually the second set of pictures I took in this outfit yesterday. Nataly helped me take some when we hung out at the Orange Circle, one of my favorite places in the world which is filled with vintage and antique shops, but the sun won in the end. It was incredibly bright, and even moving to shaded areas produced photos that weren't doing me any favors. Of course, it didn't help that it was extremely hot, and the feelings of sweaty-ness and grossness that I had at the moment were all too evident in the photos. So, I did a "take two" photo shoot at home later and the setting sun helped to do this dress justice.

Sweaty photos aside (because why wouldn't that be something I want to type?), I had a wonderful day with Nataly, as I always do. It was a day of good company, good food  (waffle sandwiches!), and good vintage. What more could a girl ask for? If only I didn't have to say goodbye to Nataly for a few months, the day would have been absolutely perfect.

One Piece, Four Ways: Hello Cheeseburger Necklace

Welcome to another installment of "One Piece, Four Ways," where I show you four new ways to wear one item. When I was first going through items I own that would work well in this series, I knew I eventually wanted to do one with a necklace. I have a couple of pieces that I wanted to do this with at some point in the future, but once I talked with Jennifer of Hello Cheeseburger about styling a piece of jewelry, I knew that this would be the perfect opportunity. 

The moment I discovered Hello Cheeseburger, it was instantly added to my list of bookmarked sites that I drool over on a daily basis. The site has a wonderful mix of statement pieces and everyday jewelry, all of which are unique. I had a hard time choosing between the adorable options of necklaces that Jennifer gave me, but I loved how interesting this piece was while also being completely different from anything I already own. While I hope you all enjoy the four ways I styled the necklace here, don't expect this to be the last time you see it. Four ways were not enough.

Piece: Angled necklace c/o Hello Cheeseburger

Cost: Retails for $20.00

July Favorites with The Soubrette Brunette

For the July installment of my monthly favorites series, where I introduce you to some of my favorite bloggers, who introduce you to what items they're coveting for the month, I couldn't be happier to introduce you to Sammi. I fell in love with her blog, the Soubrette Brunette, pretty much the moment I clicked on it. She has the best collection of beautiful dresses and quirky jewelry, has such an enthusiasm for clothing and blogging, is gorgeous, and on top of it all, is ridiculously sweet. If all of that wasn't enough, she also manages to make me drool over her finds every week. I'm sure you'll all love her picks as much as I do, and make sure to stop by her blog as well! —Elana

Hi, everyone!  I'm Sammi from The Soubrette Brunette.  I'm an actress and singer with a love for all things vintage, retro, kitschy and adorable.  I'm also an avid follower of Elana's lovely blog (isn't she just the cutest??), and I was so flattered when she reached out to me to ask if I'd like to feature a few items I've been coveting as part of guest blogger series for this month!  I tried to give a balanced sampling of the kinds of pieces to which I'm drawn, from novelty prints to kawaii-inspired items.  I post an admittedly-lengthy Friday Favorites post every week featuring these types of pieces, and I'm a Pinterest fiend, so narrowing down my choices was actually the hardest part!  Thank you so very much for featuring me as your July guest blogger, Elana!  I hope you all enjoy my picks.  :)

Why Not?

Ever since I received this dress from eShakti back when there was still snow on the ground, I've been waiting for this moment. All I've wanted is to wear this dress without layers on a warm summer day as it deserved, which I did, multiple times. Yet, somehow I forgot to take pictures for the blog. Wearing my other eShakti dress recently reminded me that it had been a while since I've worn this dress on here as well. Not only that, but I had never been able to wear it in all its glory. I didn't really have anywhere special to wear it to, but why not?

There's something about yellow dresses that just make me feel happy. If I'm being completely honest, sometimes I get embarrassed to tell people that I'm a fashion major, especially at school. I've known what I wanted to do since I was 13 or 14, and I have no regrets about my major, but that little glint of judgement some people have in their eyes when tell them always gets to me. I understand why it seems like a shallow or vain industry to some people. I get why people assume that I'm just going to be picking out clothes (which is why I usually follow up my answer with an explanation of my journalism minor). And it makes sense to me that some people just don't "get" fashion. But the moment I put on a dress like this, I don't question it anymore. The idea that just putting on a piece of clothing will instantly make me happy makes it worth it. There's something wonderful about knowing that even if I'm having a bad day, I can put on a feminine dress and it'll give me the motivation to be positive or productive. Knowing that fashion has the power to change people moods, give them confidence, and give them an outlet of self-expression that they might not get other places is what makes me want to pursue it. It's cheesy, sure, but it's true. I'll take my happiness in dress form, please. 

Part Two

I don't know how I ended up here, but I'm going heading into my third to last week at home until summer break is over and college takes hold of my life once more. A year ago, I couldn't stop complaining about how summer was far too long and school couldn't come quickly enough. This time around, things are bittersweet. I'm incredibly excited to be heading back to my life in Illinois shortly, especially since the newspaper is like my drug that I get withdrawals from when I'm away, but I've had a great summer at home and I'm not quite ready for it to end. For as much as I've created a life at school that I love, I always get too comfortable at home when I'm here. I've gotten used to seeing my best friends all the time, seeing my parents every day, living in a house with a real kitchen, and just being in the place I grew up in general. That's not even to mention the comfort of being in California. It's funny how eager I was to get away three years ago; I've gotten such an appreciation for this place ever since leaving. What I'm really trying to get at is, I just don't understand why I can't clone myself so I can be in two places at once. I'd settle for a transportation device too. I'm not greedy.

As for clothing and other relevant things to this blog (just kidding. Everything I have to say is relevant because I said so), this is what I wore for part two of my birthday celebration last week when I went out to dinner with my family. Both my mom and sister-in-law complained about how even this tiny wedge made them feel short. However, at 5'2", I think I'm allowed a very tiny bit of height every so often. I'm also allowed a velvet skirt, but I think we're all allowed that from time to time. Okay, all the time. 

21

Well, here's what I wore on my 21st birthday because even going to bars can't stop me from wearing an A-line. This outfit is so simple that I almost considered not posting it, but then I remembered that I even though I wear this dress fairly often, it's hardly been on the blog and it's pretty great if you ask me. This was actually what I like to call my "I don't want to dress like a child or grandma like usual, but I still want to feel like myself" outfit for the night, or rather, my "I'm not picking up guys at the bar, but I still don't want them to think my I.D. is fake" look. That's the type of thought process that comes with looking like a 16-year-old for eternity. 

I had a really great birthday, even if it was fairly tame. I did drink a good amount (anything more than one is considered a lot for me), but didn't get too crazy. My friends kept buying me fruity drinks that didn't taste like alcohol, which, yes, I know will be the death of me for years to come. We ended up only going to two bars — the Tiki Bar at Downtown Disney and another bar in Old Town Orange — before my friend who was driving had to go home, but it was still a lot of fun. My family took me to the Cheesecake Factory the next night (a birthday tradition for me, one of my brothers, and his wife. Mostly because of our love of cheesecake.) and my family all got drinks with me and ordered me another one of those dangerously delicious blended drinks that tastes like dessert. It was great. Best of all, my brother and sister-in-law gave me $50 to Modcloth, so now I can get new things despite the $800 I had to pay to get my parents' car fixed since I damaged it. Stupid poles are stupid. 

All I Ever Wanted

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

Today's my birthday and, if you couldn't tell, I have a childlike enthusiasm about it. As I've said before, I'm mostly just thrilled to be hitting that milestone of turning 21, even if I am incredibly lame about it. I thought it would be fun to share some items on my wishlist, ignoring the fact that they're all out of my own and my loved ones' price ranges. I'd be perfectly happy if everyone just wanted to forgo buying me drinks and just gets me pretty dresses instead. On the off chance that my wish comes true and my brothers or any random kind soul takes the hint, I'm generally a size medium. Thanks in advance, world.

Black on Black

It's not difficult to find me in neutrals (after all, we all know how much I love a good white dress), but I realized the other day that I don't wear too much black. I wear it here and there, of course, but it's usually to accent some sort of color. This top is not only one of my best thrifted finds at $1, but it's also one of my favorite pieces that I own. I had never thought to pair it with a black skirt until yesterday, though, and I love the result. I intend to try my luck with more monochromatic looks now that I know how great they can be. Monochomatic or not, though, a good polka dot never hurts.

I'm not sure I even need to mention these oxfords and all their glory. I picked them up on major clearance and with a coupon from Urban's website a few weeks ago, but have yet to find the right outfit to pair them with. I'm sure they'll be seeing plenty of more blog time as time goes on, epecially with tights in the fall. I don't know what it is about Urban's shoes, but I love them. I think I own more shoes from that store (all bought on sale) than any other store. Can you blame me?

Weekend

Oh, summer. What is it about you that makes me just want to throw something light on and be done with it? For non-internship days (especially days after working at the restaurant), a sleeveless top and airy skirt are just about all I've been putting on. I assume we're pretty much all in the same point at this point of summer, so I don't feel so bad.

The past few days have been fairly exciting. One of my best friends, Jeremy, proposed to his girlfriend last night and as "the female groomsmen" as I've dubbed myself without telling him, I've spent some time helping him with the proposal. His family owns a limo (because that's normal, right?) and he had our friend Adam drive his girlfriend and her friends around on a scavanger hunt around Orange County in it. On Thursday, Adam drove all us, plus our friend Jon, out to dinner in it to practice driving, which meant I got to be fancy for the night. Then yesterday, I helped Jeremy set up for the proposal at his girlfriend's house as she was being driven around. For once my inner Pinterest side came through as I helped make paper lanterns to hang from trees in her backyard. I'm not a particularly sappy person, but I have to admit that it was incredibly sweet and the place turned out to look beautiful. 

Even though Jeremy's a couple years older than me, it's still weird to be at that age where my friends are getting engaged. All of this growing up stuff is messing with my head.

Flock Together: Relaxed

If you're looking for me today — and I know you are — you can find me over at Flock Together. I'm wearing Jen's gorgeous vintage skirt and it's so comfortable, I may never take it off. See you there!

Skirt: borrowed from Jen

Top: Urban Outfitters

Sandals: Target children's section

Bracelets: Fifth & Mae

Belt: Thrifted

Forgotten

Dear dress,

I can't apologize enough for how I've neglected you over the past six months. It wasn't you, it was me. You see, somehow I had forgotten about you, tucked away, waiting patiently to be worn in my closet. It's no excuse, really. How could I have ignored how flattering you are? How was I so blind to to what a standout piece you are? I'm obviously not worthy of your beauty, as I've proved with the way I left you untouched for so long. 

That said, I hope you'll accept my apology and that we can turn over a new leaf together. I'm ready to start giving you the use you deserve. I'm looking forward to pairing you with just about everything, and these peach oxfords seem like a good place to start. They too are versatile, yet unique, and I think you're hitting it off splendidly so far. Mark my words, dress, this won't be the last we see of you for quite some time.

White, Coral, and Growing Up

I don't know what it is about summer that makes me crave white dresses, but they're all I want to wear right now. I think summer does that most of us, but it also might have something to do with my strong desire to create a more classic, mature style. I'll never stop loving Peter Pan collars and polka dots, but with a year left of college until I'm out in the real world, I think it's time to start dressing like a grown up occasionally. A white dress, a statement necklace, and nude flats is exactly the type of style I'm going for — classic, but not boring. I love the idea of mixing timeless clothes with fun accessories like this coral collar necklace from Fifth & Mae. I've always loved the coral, but it's never looked right with my hair color and skin tone. Fortunately, I'm finally figuring out that I can actually get away with it as accessories. Thank goodness.

Of course, part of building a more mature wardrobe may have a little bit to do with turning 21 next week (July 17!). It's my last milestone birthday for a while, and one of the last "Oh, crap. I'm an adult now, aren't I?" birthdays. Side note: I'm not really big on the whole drinking thing, so I'm not expecting to get super crazy on my 21st. I'll go out with my friends and let them buy me drinks, but nothing too crazy. I'm less of a "go to parties and get blackout drunk" kind of girl and more of the "let's go to a trendy bar so I can get a drink named after a Pulp Fiction character" kind. Seriously, there's a drink called the Marsellus Wallace at a nearby restaurant that I fully intend on getting, regardless of what's in it. 

Things that caught my eye this week #31

The clothing from Brkich is so sleek and beautiful.

Fountain

Welcome to Friday's outfit, which I wore to visit my aunt and uncle. My brother and I always make a trip to their house whenever he's in town and we stop at this awesome outdoor mall right by their place on the way. Since it's such a cool place, I had Lucas help me take some outfit photos while we were there. It was a bright day and most of the spots didn't work out very well, but I loved this fountain. I'm finally starting to become more comfortable taking pictures in public places, which I'm pretty proud of. 

This cropped crochet top from Threadsence is fairly new and it's perfect for throwing on over dresses for summer. I bought on clearance and they were out of my size, so I had to size up and it's definitely bigger than I would like. It's still a fun piece though and one that I'm sure will get plenty of wear over the next few months. If it seems like you've never actually seen this floral dress on its own, it's because I always insist on layering it. You see, this dress has become my go-to, comfortable piece for flights and lazy days. It's difficult not to have that feeling of being gross or on a plane when I wear it now, so I turn to layers to make it wearable for days when I actually feel like trying. This was one of those days.

Arboretum

This post is very photo heavy so I'll try to keep this relatively short. I spent Thursday afternoon with Nataly and had a wonderful time — well, minus a minor car accident with a pole, which I'll explain next time. We had lunch (or rather, breakfast at lunch time) at a cute little place in downtown Fullerton and then headed to the Fullerton Arboretum for plenty of nature and photo taking. It was an awesome day, as expected.

My brother, Lucas, came into town last week for a short visit and he and I spent the day together last Wednesday. After getting breakfast at our dad's restaurant, we went to an outdoor mall close-by and ended up in Urban since it was one of the only stores that carried both men's and women's clothes. I found myself coming back to a pair of coral oxfords and this top in the sale section, but kept talking myself out of getting them to save money. I'm not sure if he was just tired of hearing me go back and forth about buying them or if he really is just that nice (he really is just that nice), but Lucas insisted on buying them for me. Apparently he forgot to get me a birthday present last year, and with my birthday only a couple weeks away, he wouldn't take no for an answer. If any of you thought your brothers were cool, think again.