nila anthony

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Why Yes, I Would Like Smiles With That

Red White Peter Pan Collar Mirella Plain Swing Dress Collectif
Today's outfit is, in a word, Fun.  I love putting playful elements into my style, keeping things light even in serious situations (except for funerals, because that's not the time or place).  I remember when the internet was such a fun place to explore.  When did the internet stop being fun?  It seems like unless you like screaming at people about things that should be settled at the polls or in your own life and home, a lot of the internet is kind of a nightmare.
Red White Peter Pan Collar Mirella Plain Swing Dress Collectif Nila Anthony French Fries Novelty Bag
If you're of a certain age, you may remember when the internet was still in its formative years.  It was a place to find people who shared your interests and learn from them.  To learn about and from people with whom you had nothing in common and developing common ground or appreciating our differences.  What happened?
I have a few theories, but it doesn't really matter how it all got started, the fact is it's a mess.  But it doesn't have to be.  You don't have to engage in the ugliness--does it ever really solve anything?  I don't think so unless the thing you're wanting to "solve" is kicking people out of your life because they don't agree with you.  How stupid is that?!  Not to mention cowardly!  Telling family members and friends that you're removing them from your life over social media arguments?!  Come on.
Solving problems is hard work and involves listening to people, understanding their point of view and making compromises if you can.  Screaming at people via the internet is the easiest thing to do.  With all that said, if you really believe that cutting someone out of your life is the right thing to do at least have the guts to say it to their face after a long conversation about the issue at hand.  And don't forget to take a few minutes to reminisce about everything this person has meant to you in the past, all the laughter, the favors done, the love shown.  Then, when there's nothing else to say and there is no more love, and only then is it appropriate to cut the ties forever.  Chances are, it's less often than raging emotions over political arguments that lead to personal attacks when logical arguments fail would lead us to believe in the heat of the moment.
Can we all just chill out and go back to having fun?  Just for a little while?  I need a break and I think everyone else does too.  That's part of the reason why I don't really discuss sensitive subjects here.  It doesn't mean I don't know about them, think about them, or care about them.  This blog is meant to be a respite from the weary world, not more of the same.  So, let's have fun here.  Let's keep this place just the way it is--sweet and simple with a side of smiles.
Nila Anthony French Fries Novelty Crossbody Bag
So, what's going on today?  A pretty stunning outfit and yes, I would like fries with that.  I found this cute little Nila Anthony novelty bag secondhand for less than $20!  And, of course, there's nothing like a beautiful red dress, especially when it's from Collectif.  I'm trying a new style today, something a little more clingy but ever so lovely.
Continuing my collab with Natuloth earrings, today I'm trying the 18K gold plated dangle freshwater pearls.  So lovely, I've already worn them with half a dozen outfits and they are the perfect accessory for everything.
Natuloth 18K Gold Plated Sterling Silver Freshwater Cultured White Pearl Earrings Drop Dangle Handpicked AAA+ Pearl Earrings
Thanks for joining me here and keeping things light and fun.  Thanks for being kind and for listening even if you don't agree and just generally being supportive and lovely.  This is what the internet should be all about and you help make it that way.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Peaches and Clover: ootd

Necklace, Heart Clover Print, and Clover Field Print on Etsy
    I don't like clover.  There, I said it...because it's not St. Patrick's Day and because no Irish people happen to be standing next to me.  I don't have anything against this holiday, it's just not my cup of tea (or mug of beer).  To be fair, I also don't wear dragons on St. George's Day or a tartan on St. Columba's Day.  It's nothing personal; it's just not something I do.  Maybe the reason I don't like to wear clover is because the only time I see them is on that one day in March.  
    I must admit that when I was browsing The Other Sparrows, this dress wasn't my first (or even second) choice.  The dress I ordered was over sold, so it was either cancel that part of the order and lose my shipping discount or pick something else.  Soooo....I picked this dress and decided to try to move past my aversion.  
    On Labor Day we had a barbecue to attend, and since that sounded like the furthest thing from St. Patty's I decided to go ahead and wear my new emerald sundress.  Of course the first thing my oldest said when I stepped out of my room was, "Uh, Mom, it's not St. Patrick's Day."  She received a stern look and a fist shaken in her direction.  Her little snicker that followed told me she knew what she was doing, but I was undeterred.  
    No one else mentioned anything about this print being unseasonable, and since it was a very hot day, I'm glad I wore this little sundress.  I don't think it really needs a review.  It's the same cut and quality as all the other sundresses I've purchased from The Other Sparrows, and that's a good thing.  I like the color and I plan to wear it all winter with tights and cardis...right up until March that is. 
   
Shop the Look:
Lucky Clover Dress from The Other Sparrows
Nila Anthony Peach Purse from ShopJeen.com 
There's An Apple For That Cardi and My Stroll Mate Flats from ModCloth
Bee Earrings from PeachTreeLane.etsy.com


Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Path Passerby Bootie: Shoe Review

    It was love at first sight with these boots.  I love taupe boots and the crochet doily front was so unique I just had to have them! I really thought they'd sell out right away.  Now, I wish I had waited for them to go on sale.  
    Cons:  They're not water proof, they're a tad narrow, the sole is so thin, you'll have to put insoles in for cushion if you plan on doing any walking in these booties, and they're quite a bit more...blousey than they appear in the photo. I was hoping they would stand up straight, but the crochet front sort of bunches and hangs and looks a bit sloppy.   
    Pros:  The color is a nice neutral taupe so it will go with just about anything, the length is true to size, the style is unique and interesting, and they have laces and a side zipper so you can tighten or loosen and then leave it that way. 
Overall, love the boots, but wish I had paid less for them.
 Shop the Look:
Path Passerby Bootie from ModCloth
Dusty Rose Cardigan from Victoria's Secret
Lace Tunic and Cami From Charlotte Russe
Locket and Bracelet are handmade
Grapefruit Purse by Nila Anthony
Jeans by Yumi



Friday, May 22, 2015

Watermelon Kiss

Verdant is the word for this time of year and rightly so as everything is so very green.  The days are a little longer and the wind is a little warmer.  I lose a little sleep this time of year.  I just can't stay in bed with all the birds singing and the sun streaming through the windows.  Summer is almost here.
I had a little trouble naming this week's post.  Maybe because I had a little trouble with this dress.  It's a little unlike my style.  I don't really go for this many stripes normally, but there was something I just loved about it.  So, I looked at it for weeks without knowing just how to wear it.  In the end I thought it looked a little like a slice of watermelon, so I decided to run with the idea.  I paired it with a pale pink beaded cardi and a grapefruit bag I made myself.  I'm mixing prints with metallic snakeskin heels, but they're very neutral and I think it works well.
Outfit Info:
This little dress is by Carandy and was available at Anthropologie, though it is no longer in stock.

Spritz a Wonderful Life purse at ModCloth.com for $44.99.  I made my own smaller version out of felt.
Faux Pearl Knit Cardigan at Forever21 for $12.90 in sizes S,M, L is similar to my own beaded cardi.
And I don't usually post my make-up info, but for this I used Baby Lips by Maybelline in Peach Kiss.  I have several of the Baby Lips glosses and this one is my favorite for a natural, nude lip.  It's available at most drugstores.
© Bleu Avenue. Made with love by The Dutch Lady Designs.