Two Great Reeds

    Once again a post about two things that came out at the same time in different colors.  One of those dresses is impossibly hard to find and extremely expensive if one does happen to find it.  The other is treated with a ho-hum attitude.  Usually not as difficult to find, and for much less.  

    I've been looking for the red version of this dress for ages and haven't managed to find it for less than $100.  The blue version tends to run about $70, which is still too high for me on a dress that's been out for three years. If Taylor Swift or Zooey Deschanel, or even someone from Once Upon a Time had worn it, I'd say OK, because for whatever reason cotton turns to gold when one of those fabulous people wear it.  But, not this dress, not to my knowledge.  So, I gave up.  

    Then one day like a bolt of lightning from heaven, not one, but both, BOTH, of these gorgeous dresses pop up in my size (or close enough) for about $40 a piece.  That's $13 more per dress than I typically pay for Anthropologie pieces on ThredUp, but they were worth it and I knew it.

    This time around, I've decided to feature the wallflower dress first, though I think they're both pretty.  I adore shirt dresses for around the house and casual days at the office.  This dress does it with so much style!  Even though it's a size 4 and I typically wear a 0, the waist fits perfectly.  Only the chest is a little too big, and with a few darts in the back, it should be a perfect fit in no time.
    Joining me on my walk in the woods today was my beautiful youngest daughter who also palyed photographer but refused to be in the photos as she was still sleepy-eyed, still in her nightgown and donning her pink work boots.  Also in our walking party was this little tom cat named Cuckoo Clock.  The girls thought it would be just a unique name, but it has turned out to suit him perfectly because he's completely nuts, a real Gonzo of a cat and I love that about him :)

Shop the Look:

Reed Dress By Moulinette Soeurs from ThredUp.  Use my link to sign up and save $10 off your first order.

Charter School Cardigan in Sage from ModCloth

Yours is Divine Heels in Cerulean from ModCloth

Deal of the Day!

    So, I've been on a bit of a watermelon kick this summer and have admired this Watermelon Dress from Unique Vintage for the last month wondering if I should add another watermelon piece to my collection, but at $98 it just wasn't in my budget.  Then I spotted this look alike at Spaghetti Strap Watermelon Dress at Rosegal for only $19.51.  I've been contemplating a Rosegal purchase for two years now, but haven't taken the plunge.  I often see great look alike styles pop-up here for a fraction of the cost.

    Honestly, I don't know what's been holding me back, but I've made this purchase and my review will follow as soon as this dress arrives.  Important to note that this is an Asian company, so please read all sizing information carefully before ordering.  Also important to note RoseGal.com is an online store for vintage clothing and accessories, offering Worldwide Free Shipping and 30 Days Unconditional Return and new sign-up get 10% off their first purchase!

    So, I've taken the plunge and I'll let you know how it all pans out as soon as this dress arrives.

Shop the Look:

Unique Vintage Watermelon Print Dress $98  (left)

RoseGal Spaghetti Strap Watermelon Dress $19.51 

Vintage Dress

    My grandmother was a working mother at a time when most mothers didn't work.  She worked long hours at a piano factory and when she retired they gave her a piano music box with a marble top and gilded claw feet.  I had a hard time as a child imagining her driving a long commute and working the 9 to 5.  To me she was such a farm girl always making biscuits and gravy for breakfast, wearing her hair in a kerchief when she went out to feed her chickens, and keeping the largest and most lovely flower garden I have yet seen, and always the first blossoms she brought in a bouquet to me.  But the simple fact remains that she was once a working girl and it is such a privilege to have one of her work dresses to remember her by.
    It's even more special to me as I have recently rejoined the working world and what a difficult struggle it has been since I have treasured my years at home with my children.These have been the best years of my life so far and now it's all changing.  I think of her often and all the sacrifices she made to hold her family together.  She inspires me and this dress is so like her in so many ways.  The color is understated, a wallflower gem, with oodles of details to fall in love with if one cares to take a moment and look: like the pleated top, the lace trim, and the girl scout style collar with the tiny bow pinned on is my absolute favorite.  I love her so, and I hope I have grown to be like her and I hope that one day I'll pass this dress or maybe one of my own to my daughters and granddaughters.
    I took these photos several months ago when I was missing her one day and wanting to do something to feel close to her.  I don't know that I've done this dress justice--she looked a thousand time better in it.  But it's a part of her and she's a part of me and for now this is the best that I can do.

1950s Hamilton Swing Dress in Pale Peach Dress Review

The second of my Hamilton Dress purchases and unlike the green version it was instant love with Pale Peach.  Even my daughter, who was very critical of the green, giggled with delight and announced, "I loooove this dress!"  So, it's a hit around here with everyone.  All the same fabs and flaws as the green dress apply to this one, but the really good news to highlight here is that this dress is on sale for $66.

Shop the Look:

Unique Vintage 1950s Style Pale Peach & White Stripe Hamilton Dress $66

Unique Vintage 1950s Style Pale Peach & White Stripe Hamilton Dress in Plus Size $66

Red V Leather Heels from Thred Up.  Use my link to sign up and save $10 off your first order.

One Year.

    Hello, I'm a grateful believer in Jesus Christ, and I struggle with depression, grief, and post-traumatic stress.  My name is Leandra.......
     A year ago, in the blink of an eye, my wonderful life came crashing down.  Everything I had known and believed was over.  Over the next few months my weight plummeted to 93 lbs, I developed extreme insomnia, and a host of other issues.  I didn't think I was going to make it through this.  But, with God's help, and the help of some amazing friends and counselors, I did...one day at a time.  

    When I returned to the States, I was lost for help.  I started seeing a counselor, but she was, in a word, awful.  Hey, counselors are just people, and some of them stink at their job just like any other profession.  She did however point me in the direction of a faith based support system founded on the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.  This program however covers any issue one might be struggling with.  I didn't want to go.  Not because I didn't want help, but because I didn't want to need help.  I wanted my old life back.  It's a year long program, I made a commitment to see it through, and I always keep my word.  There have been many weeks that I didn't feel like anything was changing and the program wasn't working, but looking back at where I started, I can tell that it is.  I'm only about half way through the process, but I'm beginning to be hopeful.  

    It's been a year since that awful day, and I'm happy to report that my weight is nearly back to normal, only two pounds to go, most nights I can get a full eight hours of sleep, and my bad days are fewer and fewer.  Life is beginning to feel normal again, even if it is a new kind of normal.  For the most part, I don't mention things from my personal life in this blog, but I felt like I needed to pause for a moment to celebrate life and recovery, and one day victory and freedom from all this hurt because there is hope.  Thanks for letting me share.      

Red, White, and Bleu

Anchor Print, Chevron Rosettes, Chevron Clutch from Etsy.com

    It's that particularly patriotic time of year and I don't mind donning a red, white, and blue, combo for the occasion.  I was hoping to be at the lake today, but plans don't always work out, so instead I'm exploring a historic towns nearby.  I love looking through old buildings, especially ones with so much history.  Sadly the building itself is closed today for renovations, but the grounds are still lovely and shady with a little park full of vintage playground equipment and a few benches.  So, I'm content to sit in the shade and dream of the seashore today.

Shop the Look:
Skirt from SteadyClothing.com
Charter School Cardigan in Red from ModCloth
Striped Tank is old from Target
Wedges are old

Daydream Believer

Red Clover Seeds, Purple Wildflower Print, Thistle Print, and Tiny Wildflower print from Etsy.com

     Something about ModCloth's latest collection, the Daydream Believer series, spoke to me.  I loved the ethereal prints and photos, and since I'm already a fan of the Effie's Heart Guest of Honor A-Line dress in the Birds print, I chose the Heirloom Flowers print to bring home from this collection.  It's well made of a thick cotton and a form fitted bodice with flared skirt.  It comes with a ruched belt of the same fabric.  No pockets on this dress and it is unlined, but having a lining on this fabric would make it impossibly hot for wear in the summer.  As it is, it's fairly light and cool, and I'm hoping that like my other Guest of Honor dress, the print will hold up well to years of wear and washing.
    And since it seems like the fields are full of purple wildflowers, I decided to don this dress, and dash out to take a few pics before they're gone.  I snapped these thistle pics a few weeks ago and I'm glad I did because they've all turned to downy fluff and floated away.

Shop the Look:
Guest of Honor A Line Dress in Heirloom Flowers-$99.99 from: ModCloth
J Crew Cardi from ThredUp.  Use my link to sign up and save $10 off your first order
Raspberry Flats are old

Picnic Under the Pear Tree

Pear Engraving Print, Pear Watercolor, and Pear Botanical Print from Etsy.com

I planted a little pear tree about a decade ago when my youngest child was born.  Now that little pear tree stands full of fruit, in spite of all the spring frosts.  I think it's time we spread out our favorite checkered table cloth and had a picnic or two under this tree.

Skirt Review:  This slate blue gingham print wasn't exactly a Wow! kind of piece, but I think that's why I chose it.  Sometimes it's the understated things that end up being my favorite.  I knew that with a basic white blouse and some flats this skirt would be prefect for work or casual days with friends, and in fact I've received more compliments on it than I have on some of my really bold prints and brightly colored pieces.  I wanted to created a 1950s inspired look and added these vintage beads in cobalt to tie it altogether.  This skirt was a snug fit around the waist when I put it on first thing in the morning.  By the end of the day it felt comfortable.  I don't know if it stretched a little bit or I just go used to it.  It has very nice, deep pockets, but is unlined, so I had to wear a white slip with it.  The best part of this post is that right now you can take this little beauty home for 20% off when you use the code FIREWORK at checkout.  The sale runs through 7/4.

Shop the Look:
Unique Vintage 1950s Light Blue & White Gingham High Waist Swing Skirt $58
LE3NO White Button Down Blouse $22.99
My Stroll Mate Flats from ModCloth
Vintage Blue Necklace.  Here's a similar style on Etsy
Rotund Kitty is for hugs and cute pics only :)