Green shoes make the sun shine

The skies were grey on Sunday morning, so I grabbed my purple umbrella, and hoped they would make for good pictures later. But the sun came out instead. I'll have to save the "rain, rain, go away" shots for another day.

What I'm Wearing:

• Ruffle top by WILLI SMITH - hand-me-down
• Pencil skirt by UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON - gift
• Shoes by CAMI - hand-me-down
• Collar necklace - refashioned by me
• Bracelet - gift

The collar necklace I'm wearing was actually the neckline of an otherwise drab and unshapely grey teeshirt. I thought it was too good to go to waste, so I cut it off. I don't think the fabric collar necklace trend is quite so hot as it was, but it's fun to have something a little less traditional to accessorize with! 

I stole these shoes from a dear friend in Nebraska. I was staying with her before her wedding last November, and saw them on her bedroom floor. She was going to send them away to Goodwill, but I smuggled them home in my suitcase instead.

Ok, it wasn't quite that exciting. She gave me permission.

Do you have any clothes or accessories that you've "stolen" from a friend or smuggled home? Do share! :)

-Amanda

Photos by Lydia Flynn

H&M Consciousness Exclusive

I absolutely love some of the pieces in the H&M Consciousness Exclusive collection, which are all made from sustainable materials. It gets me excited how organic, eco friendly options are starting to become more widely available, and chosen by celebrities. (Livia Firth deserves her own post, more on her later...) I think this collection is stunning.

For some reason, the pieces no longer seem to be listed on the H&M website (and they were only released a little over a month ago!) but you can see photos of the whole collection at Vogue UK.

Which piece would you like in your own closet? As much as I love the white lace dress, the fringe on the last one shown here just gets me. It's very flapper-ish. My favorite.

-Amanda

Images: H&M

For this is May!

Come walk with me along this willowed lane,

Where, like lost coinage from some miser's store,

The golden dandelions more and more

Glow, as the warm sun kisses them again!

For this is May! who with a daisy chain

Leads on the laughing Hours; for now is o'er

Long winter's trance. No longer rise and roar

His forest-wrenching blasts. The hopeful swain,

Along the furrow, sings behind his team;

Loud pipes the redbreast - troubadour of spring,

And vocal all the morning copses ring;

More blue the skies in lucent lakelets gleam;

And the glad earth, caressed by murmuring showers,

Wakes like a bride, to deck herself with flowers!

~ Henry Sylvester Cornwell

I know they're a weed, but I truly love dandelions. They make me happy every spring, dotting the lawn with their golden faces. I'm sorry if they wreak havoc in your lawn, but I'm glad they are so resilient.

What I'm Wearing:

• Net Dress by DIVIDED - Saver's
• Military Jacket by CHEROKEE - hand-me-down
• Suede Pumps by STEVE MADDEN - Saver's
• Ring by CHUNKY BLING

It's been a while since I wore this jacket, but really love it, and I don't think the military trend is quite dead yet. (The last time it made it into my outfit photos, I had a long bob, and was seeing double. ;) Both the dress and shoes are Saver's finds, costing about $6 and $5, respectively. The ring was sent to me as a gift from Chunky Bling a year or two ago (it's fun and adjustable!), and the beads in the bracelet are made of roses from my Papa Flynn's funeral five years ago.

Also, a bit of news... just yesterday I finalized my registration for cosmetology school. I made the decision back in January, but didn't want to make it public until the details had been ironed out. But it's finally going to be a reality, and I am very excited!

The program runs from September till June; it's close to my home, and very affordable. Hair/makeup/nails are something I've always enjoyed doing, and this is something I can do to support myself while continuing to pursue a career in writing fiction. I plan on getting licenses as a cosmetologist and an esthetician, and getting further learning and certification in cutting curly hair (believe me, it's an entire science), and specializing in all natural beauty products.

So, come the fall, I will be in school, as well as nannying. I'm not exactly sure what direction the blog will take at that point (I'll be busy!), but I am hoping to run something beauty related as I continue to learn and build my business. I'm looking forward to the adventure!

I hope you've had a lovely week, and that you continue to enjoy the May days ahead... :)

-Amanda

Photos by Lydia Flynn

Anna Karenina

The classic novel might usually make you think of harsh winters in Russia, this photo shoot (from last fall) makes me think of spring. I think there's something about the warmer season that makes me want to dress up in a nice period gown and skip through the forest. ;)

 

What about you? Does the springtime put you in a costume-y or just general fashion-y mood?

Three cheers for spring fashion fever! ;)

-Amanda

Images: Vogue