AW Bridal Collaboration: The Thetis Dress

The second dress in my collaboration with AW Bridal is the Thetis dress.  Although this dress comes in six different colors, I was smitten by the black version.  It reminds me of the painting Madame X by John Singer Sargent.  If you're not familiar with that beautiful painting and the scandal surrounding it, I encourage you to do a little research, it's an interesting read and truly one of his finest works.  In fact, forget the research, I'll do it for you in an upcoming post!

Back to the Thetis dress.  With layers of floral lace and sequins this dress is a dream.  It comes in US sizes 0-30 and can be custom sized for free.  The corset boning in the bodice provides great support and the fit is perfect.  I am so glad I got to collaborate with this brand.  They have so many great qualities and at amazing prices.  And don't forget you can save an extra 15% off your purchase with code Leandra.  For a full and detailed video review, I've linked my YouTube review below.

Outfit Info:  The Thetis Dress-$139.99 from AW Bridal.  Use promo code Leandra to save 15% off your purchase.

AW Bridal Collaboration: The Millie Dress

Life is filled with special moments and they are worth celebrating in style.  The holidays here and with them come so many opportunities to dress up, no wonder I love this time of year!  When the lovely people at AW Bridal reached out, of course I agreed to try a couple of their gorgeous dresses starting with this Millie dress in Dusty blue.  I love this color, the way the applique forms the heart around the bodice and the 3D flowers.  Such a lovely dress!  They offer sizes US 0-30 and you can custom size for free.  They also have lots of color options and you can even get different fabrics on certain styles.  I have a full review posted on my YouTube, but the best part of all is that my readers get an extra 15% off their purchase with code Leandra.  There is a lot to love about this dress and AW Bridal, and I'm excited to bring you another gorgeous dress in tomorrow's post, so check back with me or if you just can't wait another day to see what I got, I'll leave the link for my YouTube video below.  It airs today at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

Outfit Info:  AW Millie Dress-$119.99 from AWBridal.com  Save 15% off your purcahse with code Leandra.  Gloves from Unique-Vintage, Shoes by Chelsea Crew.

Emerald Jewel with NEWBELLA

Black is a timeless classic, as we all know, but it's also the most neutral of colors which is why it has stood the test of time.  Since it is a neutral, the doors of possibility and creativity are wide open.  So, why not go bold.

Emerald green is a magnetic color; it draws the eye.  But, pair it with a patent suede bow heel and it totally captivates.  As soon as I saw these lovely little Stiletto Y2K & Date heels, which also come in orange, hot pink, apricot, and black, I knew it had to emerald.  

This dress is quite lovely on its own and if you'd like to see a previous outfit with this dress, please click here.  If you do, I think you'll agree that it's these NEWBELLA shoes that totally make the outfit.

These shoes are in fact just hte perfect heel height and I love that they have both ankle bows and toe bows.  Plus, the suede over patent is such a lovely contrast and the perfect extra visual interest.

I have so enjoyed my collaboration with NEWBELLA.  They have helped make my outfits extra glam. And if you find yourself in need of a little glam in your wardrobe and life, you can use my code BLEU to save 18% off your purchase at NEWBELLA.

Shopping Info:  Stiletto Y2K & Date Heels-$64.90 from NEWBELLA  

Use my code BLEU to save 18% off your purchase.

Selkie Winter Sale

 

After a brief hiatus, Selkie reopened their doors at Midnight, PST with a winter sale.  Up to 40% off select products starting 1/27 @ midnight pst - 1/29 Here's what I snagged at the sale:  

The Crimson Beach Day Dress was something I nearly bought in the fall launch.  It looks perfect for winter and holidays, just the right blend of cottage and princess,  "Prairie Princess," maybe?  Whatever the case, I was drawn to it, but I just didn't love it enough to pay full price.  Thanks to the sale and the promo code (Yes!  You can stack your sale savings with promo codes!) I saved about $85.

There are some great savings here and you can stack them with a promo code to save an extra 10%.  I don't make any money off these codes, but I'm sure these lovely affiliates appreciate it when you use them as much as we like getting an extra discount.

So give these lovely people a little love by using their promo codes and save an extra 10% yourself in the process, win-win!

SAMMIIASH

Queen

Tammy

TICIJA

MaryBears

PetiteDoll

Selkie's Valentine's Drop

Selkie's Valentine's Drop is here!  Hurry!  Use any of these codes to save 10%  (these are affiliate codes and none of them are mine)

NATALDEE

Julia

Trisha

Sam

Emilee

VYVY 

FYI: this is the one that stole my heart and emptied my bank account. No regrets!

 

Toast the New Year

NYE, it's become such an event that it has its own acronym.  I love New Year's Eve.  Never mind the idea that we're celebrating the birth of a new year and all the hope and possibility that it brings, but we do it in such style how could I not love this holiday.

Some years I'm all in for the glitter and sequins, but never underestimate the power of champagne and pearls.  This lovely gown from Ledssiwe is the perfect party dress for New Year's Eve, prom, or any other occasion.  This color has so much vintage elegance and the embroidered stars crowned with pearls make this dress a vision.

I always have so much hope when I see a dress that it will be as lovely as the photos.  That's not always the case, but with this particular dress, it far exceeds my expectations, in fact I think it's much lovelier in person than in the photos.

I custom sized this dress and it fits like a glove, not to tight or too loose, just perfect.  In addition to custom sizing, Ledisswe also offers custom colors with 50 color options so that you can get a gown that is unique for you.  Even with custom sizing, the dress arrived in only three weeks which is pretty amazing.

Because this is an off-shoulder dress, finding the right bra could be difficult, but Ledssiwe has added corset boning and padding to the bust for shape and for support there is a built in band under the bust that has some elastic and adjustable hook bars so that you can get the best fit.  

Whatever your event, and even if you're on a tight budget, Ledssiwe has lovely gowns to make you feel like princess at the ball.  I can't wait to toast the New Year in this beautiful dress!

Shopping Info: Off Shoulder Champagne Tulle Gown-$185.99 at Ledssiwe.  Save 10% with code bleuavenue10

Leave Your Comfort Zone

For many years, I had a birthday tradition of trying something I always wanted to do.  Sometimes I found something new to love an enjoy, sometimes it was terrible, but at least I tried it and didn't have to wonder anymore.  I've had this little tradition (I can hardly believe it!) for 15 years now, but this year I'm thinking of changing it up.

One of the fun things about blogging and doing collaborations with so many different brands is that I am constantly getting to try things that I might not have dared endeavor.  It's been interesting, challenging, and a little scary at times but I've loved it.  

When Sungtin asked me if I'd like to try these Slouchy White Boots, I looked at them and thought that they were not something I would have chosen for myself because white shoes seem a little scary to me.  I live on a farm and dirt happens out here.  Fortunately these boots are made of a soft faux leather that is easy wipe down should I happen to get them a little muddy.

In spite of my fears, I wanted to see what I could do with these slouchy boots and after raiding my wardrobe and trying a few different looks, I found a few pieces to get me started and I loved the results.  

Not only do these knee high flats look perfect with my princess puff dresses, but I love the 60s vibe from my previous outfit so freaking much! I hope I get to collaborate with Sungtin again soon!

Since I've been trying so much lately, this year I've decided to celebrate my birthday with some old favorite instead, favorite restaurant, flea marketing, and just walking around.  Sounds perfect to me.  If you're in the market for something different checkout Sungtin's other boots, like these White Knee High Cowboy Boots

Even if you're not the princess dress or cowboy boots type, why not try something totally different and see if you find a new favorite in the process.

Shopping Info:  Selkie Coat of Arms Cottage Puff Dress, Sungtin Womens Slouchy Faux Leather Boots-$45.99, to save an extra 20% off these lovelies use code 20LQ8L2E 

The Thrill of Country Living

Yesterday was a normal day, lots of paperwork, lots of phone calls, lots of busyness.  Everything was going as usual until we got home and saw a bear sitting in our yard.  

That's right, a bear who looked to be fairly young still and about the size of a large Rottweiler.  It was sitting on its haunches staring in the direction of our chickens, when we drove up and startled it back into the woods.  It's entirely possible that the appearance of this bear is due to all the people moving out here are making these formerly spacious woods quite crowded, but it also is likely due to how dry the summer has been.

The woods up on this mountain are normally filled with wild blackberries and wild grapes and there are plenty of little ponds too.  This year they've all dried up and the berries died by the end of June, so my guess is that wildlife like this bear, whom I have already named Joshua, are hungry and more than a little thirsty. 

I wish there was something I could do to help, but I worry that if I put out any food or water, it will keep the bear coming back and that our timorous invertebrate Texas neighbors will shoot it without cause.  (No offense to all Texans, just these two jags)  It's probably better if the bear just fends for itself and swipes a chicken or two to get by.

No one should move to the country thinking they'll have life easier.  It may be quieter at times and the pace may be slower at times, but I assure you it is a harder life and I for one am grateful for the challenge.  Sometimes the surprises out here are delightful and sometimes they're scary.  Usually they're a little bit of both which certainly helps keep the thrill of living out here alive and keeps us ever on our toes.  

Shopping Info:  Ocean Draped Hearty Dress from Teuta Matoshi.  Use my link to save 10% off your purchase.  Click first then shop.