Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Blueberries For Sal

collectif blueberry dress

As you may have realized, I've been planning most of my summer excursions around fruit picking. It's one of my favorite things to do. I love supporting local farms and orchards (and having fresh produce is always a plus), but I mostly enjoy having any excuse to spend time outside. I'm not a religious person, nor do I really identify as spiritual... but communing with nature is the way I feel close to something more than myself and it's sort of my gratitude practice, in a way. I never really thought about it in those terms until I started to write this post, but it makes sense that I would do everything possible to make time for it – especially when these warm days are so precious here.

blueberry picking rochester ny
blueberries rochester ny

Fruit picking also gives me the chance to spend time with people I love (and to dress thematically!). My mom and I had the chance to go blueberry picking during evening hours, which was a nice change. The experience reminded me of the picture book Blueberries For Sal – my mom's name is Sally and I have fond memories of us doing things like this as a kid. Of course, I had to wear this blueberry print dress from Collectif for the occasion. You know I can't resist a fruity novelty print frock!

blueberry dress
blueberry picking green acre farms rochester ny
blueberry print dress collectif
Outfit Details
Mainline Eliza Blueberries Swing Dress: Collectif (other style here)
Necklace: similar  ||  Flats: similar

blueberries
blueberry print dress
collectif dress

On a separate note, thank you so much to everyone who reached out to express their support for my newest venture, Dear Blossom Studios. In case you missed the big announcement, you can read all about it here. And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram if you haven't already! You are all truly the best and I'm so excited about what's to come. Being able to focus on something new and creative has made all the difference these past few months. That's always been how I've gotten through heartbreak in the past and it feels apt that my newest project is all about blossoming and coming into one's own. 
off shoulder fruit dress
Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Strawberry Season

joanie clothing jam jar dres

Holy cow, I can't believe it's been exactly a month since I last posted. It's amazing how quickly time seems to pass. I've been a little busier than normal (I did a staged reading, spent some time at the lake, and have been trying to put together my show for the Fringe Festival in September), but mostly... I haven't felt much like blogging. I still love blogging and don't plan on giving it up any time soon. But the work that's involved feels like a lot when you're running on empty. I've been taking photos, which means I have a big backlog. It's actually the photo editing that's keeping me from posting more frequently. It's so much easier to edit a single image for Instagram than it is a slew of large photos for this blog. I love doing it when I have the time and energy; those two things are just harder to come by these days.

strawberry jam dress
strawberry dress joanie clothing
strawberry picking rochester ny

That said, I have no shortage of time or energy when it comes to fruit picking! I know how quickly these seasons fly, so I've been making it a priority. I kicked things off with strawberry picking at Chase Farms. My mom and I went early one morning last month and we weren't disappointed. Of course, I had to wear this adorable jam jar dress (which is currently on sale!) from Joanie Clothing. It happens to match my jam jar brooch from Erstwilder perfectly, which isn't all that surprising when you consider how much I love a good food-themed outfit.

jam print dress

I never actually make anything from the strawberries we pick (other than strawberry shortcake!), but that's fine with me. These were so delicious. There's nothing quite like a ripe, local strawberry. I'm trying to savor all this fruit as much as I can because once it's gone, it's gone. I think a lot of my favorite things are like that (e.g., lilacs, peonies, peaches) – and that's probably not an accident. Everything feels so much more special when they're around.
joanie clothing dress
Outfit Details
Betty Jam Jar Dress: c/o Joanie Clothing
Popular Preserve Brooch: c/o Erstwilder (similar)
Flats: Crocs (similar) - they're good shoes for walking around in dirt!

strawberries chase farms fairport ny

I guess things have been a bit hectic lately. Aside from all of the other stuff I mentioned, my best friend was in a really serious car accident last week. Miraculously, he's going to be alright and I am so, so relieved. I've been reminded once again not to take people you love for granted or put off the important stuff. That means I'm enjoying as much as I can and that I'm wanting to take better care of myself, too. I hold myself accountable for so many things, but that last one's tough. I guess I'll start with savoring every moment – especially the moments that involve eating fresh fruit. 

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Pretty As A Postcard

j crew postcard off shoulder dress

Happy Tuesday, friends! It's been a minute since I had a chance to put together a post. I had a great time enjoying the Rochester Fringe Festival last week, but seeing so many shows left me no time to blog. I'm trying to create a better work/life balance for myself though, so I'm hoping I can get back on schedule soon. That said, I'll be starting rehearsals for a show in a week or two... so I'm trying to figure things out quickly without putting too much pressure on myself.  :)

j.crew ruffle shoulder dress
postcard print dress
vacation dress

It may be the end of September, but it's been hot as all get-out for the last couple of weeks. I actually don't mind that much, since this summer was pretty temperate and I didn't get much of a chance to wear seasonal clothes. It's going to cool down later this week, but before it does, I'll be wearing this J.Crew postcard print dress as much as humanly possible.

off shoulder dress
spanish print dress
off-the-shoulder dress

Ashley was the ideal enabler and convinced me to buy this dress when it was on sale. I'm really glad I did, because it's the kind of dress that works in nearly any situation. I love the off-the-shoulder neckline (so much that I actually like wearing my hair up with it – and that never happens!) and it's so easy to wear. Whether you're running errands or on vacation, this is a great go-to. Unfortunately, it's completely sold out, but I found a few good dupes! Scroll down to the outfit details for my picks.

jcrew dress
Outfit Details
Postcard print dress: J.Crew (similar at ASOS, Macy's, and Nasty Gal)
Necklace: similar  ||  Toni Pons wedges: available here

printed dress

As much as I'm enjoying wearing my summer wardrobe, I'm finally feeling ready to do fall things! I hope there'll be some apple and pumpkin picking in my future. What are you hoping to do this fall?

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Summertime Outfit Roundup

Happy Autumn! I feel like this summer really flew by – but maybe that's because I managed to fit in so many fun things! Here are some of my outfit (and real life) highlights from the past few months:

June
outfit roundup


In June, I went out in search of lilacs, poppies and strawberries! I busied myself with rehearsals and received dresses from my dearest friends. I even won an Instagram contest! It was very nice start to the summer.

July
summer outfit


In July, I went cherry picking and visited a rose garden right in the middle of the city. I also visited a transportation museum, watched fireworks and performed in an awesome show. July was a pretty memorable month!

August
outfit posts


August was filled with friends on both the west and east coasts! I finally met both Kate and Ashley in person, and it was wonderful to find out that our friendship extends beyond the Internet. I also got to see old friends, and it was nice to know that time and distance doesn't change real, lasting bonds. Plus, I saw a few great movies, went to Disneyland and the Renaissance Faire, and ate a lot of yummy food!

What was your favorite thing you did this summer?

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Summertime Round-Up

I guess it's finally time to face facts: summer has come to an end.  Although I've always loved autumn, I'm still not quite ready to bid farewell to bare legs in favor of bundling up.  But I don't have much choice in the matter (unless I want to freeze!), so I'll have to make do with revisiting some of my favorite ensembles from summertime.

June
dresses

Favorite outfit: Cherry picked
Runner-up: Playing house

July
modcloth dresses

Favorite outfit: You don't bring me flowers
Runner-up: Beehive
Highlight: Being featured on the ModCloth blog

August
retro dresses

and being featured in the Sunglass Warehouse Lookbook

Despite the fact that I felt like the summer flew by without getting to do many summery things, at least I wore some good, summery ensembles!  Which one was your favorite?

Have a happy first day of fall!
xox Sammi