21 Things I'm Thankful For

This year has tested my natural optimism quite a bit. Recently, I wrote about my journey to accept my feelings of sadness and anxiety. And while I do think it's crucially important to learn to be ok with not feeling ok or upbeat all the time, I also make it a habit to consciously look for the bright side.

Wardrobe Remix: Bernie Dexter Veronique in Oranges

Among other things, in 2017 I'm working on appreciating what I already have, rather than going out and buying new things all the time. To document my efforts, I'm launching a new wardrobe-remix series on the blog, where I put a new spin on pieces I already own. My oranges-print Veronique dress from Bernie Dexter was the perfect first subject for this series, since I've had it for almost a year and was recently tempted to buy the same print in a long-sleeved shirtdress version. (I resisted! Geef me compliments.)

One Piece Three Ways: Mary Blair Umbrella Skirt

It's hard to express how happy skirts with pockets make me. And a skirt with pockets that twirls well, in an adorable print? Um, you had me at hello!

For the longest time, I honestly wasn't crazy about the Mary Blair Umbrella skirt from Pinup Girl Clothing. Sure, it looked super cute on literally everyone I saw wearing it, but it wasn't a must-have for me the way it was for so many others. But then it was restocked right when the orange-border skirt hit the site. Now, I'm one of those people who would rather spend a lot more money buying something to get my order over the free-shipping threshold than spend a couple of bucks on shipping. I debated for a few minutes, and then threw the umbrellas skirt in my cart.

Every so often, my impulsive decisions work out a zillion times better than I could've hoped, and thankfully, this was one of those times! This skirt is glorious and so easy to style, and now it also comes in yellow! There are lots of colors in this skirt (red, blue, lime green, black, and white), which make it super easy to style, and the pockets are big enough to fit the Kingslayer's golden hand! In my book, that adds up to a major win.

The Best Day of my Life

In case you couldn't tell, I tend to think in terms of narratives, anecdotes, and 'onion stories.' When it comes to my to-do list/practical tasks, my memory is like Swiss cheese, but for major moments from my past, minute details of Stuff that I Did, or the like, my mind is a steel trap. It's quite nice for the most part, because it means that I can remember the happiest moments of my life in high definition, so to speak.

I'll get to the Best Day Ever in a minute, but first: the skirt of my dreams! I waited for what felt like an age (e.g. about six months) for this skirt to restock, and as soon as I got the email notification that it was back in stock, I snapped it up. To my never-ending joy, it arrived last weekend!

One Skirt Three Ways: Aqua Circle Skirt

It is good to be home! I've been having a lovely time seeing everyone, playing with my godchildren, and generally running around.

Today's installment in my "One Piece Three Ways" series features my aqua circle skirt from Le Bomb Shop. I've written about Le Bomb Shop before, and this skirt is one of my favorite things I've bought from them. 

A bonus outfit, from the days before I learned to take better photos of myself. This top is actually a dress!

Hot and Fresh Out the Kitchen

The minute I saw this Bernie Dexter dress, I knew I had to have it. A shirtwaist dress with a zipper instead of buttons, a full gathered skirt, pockets, and a cooking-themed print? YES PLEASE. I pretty much count the hours each day until it's time to start making dinner, so a cooking-print dress is exactly what my wardrobe needed. I held off for as long as I could, but once the fabulous Bristol got hers and posted an outfit pic, my resolve was shattered. When it arrived barely two days later, I wondered what on Earth I'd waited for.

A Bevy of Brooches, Part 2

Broochstravaganza 2K16 marches on with its second installment, as I share the next third or so of my collection, and my experiences shopping with Femme De Bloom, Luxulite, the Oblong Box Shop, and Pin Em Up Designs.

Brooches of the day.