Thursday, October 10, 2019

A Very Short To-Do List

Grey Loungewear Tracksuit set- Maria from FemmeLuxeFinery.co.uk

I'm writing this post from my favorite place in the world—my bed.  It's so warm and snugly here and I've been on the go for so long, I just need a few extra minutes in bed today.  This year I decided to reconnect with a dear friend of mine from university.  She lives in Europe and I'm stateside, so we decided to meet in the middle in Iceland.  A post with all the travel deets (i.e. great hotels, things to do, and yummy cuisine not to mention tons of photos of stunning natural beauty) is on the way, I've just been too busy to sit down and write it....maybe I'll put that on my to-do list for tomorrow.  
Grey Loungewear Tracksuit Set- Maria from FemmeLuxeFinery.co.uk
That epic girls' vacation was in early September and when I came home I only scheduled myself one day to rest and recover before heading back to work to begin my latest busy season.  It wasn't the best idea I've ever had, but it was either only leave myself one day to rest or put off the trip entirely until spring.  So I decided to power through.  I missed my friend and I was afraid that the longer I waited the more things would get in the way until we just gave up on seeing each other again.  Yes, I did pretty much sleep all that day and I may or may not have gone to bed at 7 p.m. for the next few nights following, but it was all worth it for alone time with a good friend.
Grey Loungewear Tracksuit Set- Maria from FemmeLuxeFinery.co.uk
Not only have my programs begun at work, but autumn is also harvest festival season and I really wanted to get involved.  So, I have been out for the past few weeks working in local communities to help make their festivals a success.  I'm not trying to over inflate my role, it was actually pretty simple, being helpful usually is.  
Grey Loungewear Tracksuit Set- Maria from FemmeLuxeFinery.co.uk
Some of my work involved creating some activities and contests and all the associated fliers and images for social media, but most of it was just being a body to walk the grounds helping where needed.  None of it was particularly difficult, but it did make my typical 38 hour work week look more like 70.  Somewhere in the peak of all that activity, I caught a cold too.  I'm on the mend, but at the end of all this activity I am feeling pretty run down.  Time to hang up the work schedule for a little lounging.
Grey Loungewear Tracksuit Set- Maria from FemmeLuxeFinery.co.uk
Today is my long awaited and much anticipated day off and I have blocked out my entire schedule for doing nothing.  Ok, ok, I know I say I'll be doing nothing and I've been fervently telling myself that today I'll be doing absolutely nothing, but I can't actually do nothing.  I have to take the kids to school and run a few quick errands before I can come home and kick back with a nice cup of tea and the latest episode or two of my favorite British situational drama.  But, I can do all of it, from errands to a cup of chamomile tea and sunbutter cookies while snickering at Doc Martin's antics, in the comfort I need today and the stylishness I love with a loungewear set from FemmeLuxe.  
Grey Loungewear Tracksuit Set- Maria from FemmeLuxeFinery.co.uk
FemmeLuxe has quickly become one of my favorite brands for everything from Co Ords and Lace Bodysuits to little White Dresses and of course I love the loungewear sets.  Even though I haven't turned on the the tv to see our chipper meteorologist with his winning smile and impossibly white teeth tell me that autumn is truly beginning I know that it's true.  The temperature has dropped sharply overnight and I'm glad I put a fleece throw over the comforter before I fell asleep so that the chill didn't wake me.  
Grey Loungewear Tracksuit Set- Maria from FemmeLuxeFinery.co.uk
I'll need to start a fire before I venture out from under these soft, warm blankets.  I'm glad I have this Maria Loungewear set to keep me warm today.  There is something I love about heather gray this time of year in particular.  It's such a soothing color like the smooth gray clouds gathering on the horizon, blocking out the sun, almost like nature's snooze button beckoning me to go back to sleep awhile. Alas, I can't stay in bed any longer.  I have to be up to get my short to-do list knocked out before the rain comes and I'll try to enjoy this restful day while it lasts.
Grey Loungewear Tracksuit Set- Maria from FemmeLuxeFinery.co.uk 
from FemmeLuxeFinery.co.uk

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Movers and Bakers

I love it when a stand-out dress goes the extra mile, adding details that really make it an over the top piece.  Everything about this dress was love at first sight, but that bow in the back has to be the best and cutest feature of all.  This little beauty is out of stock on MC, has been for a while, but should you find it on the thrift sites, purchase with confidence and all possible expedience.  It's perfect for summer, perfect for girly-girls, perfect for the vintage lover in all of us.
Hell Bunny by Vixen Movers and Bakers Strawberry Dress from ModCloth
Hell Bunny by Vixen Movers and Bakers Strawberry Dress from ModCloth
Shopping Info:  Hell Bunny Vixen Movers and Bakers dress from ModCloth

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Charmed

KarinaDresses.com has just released their newest Bewitched Collection bringing you all sorts of treats in the form of lovely fall prints and styles that look great on every body.  No tricks here, just the same wonderful quality that I've come to rely on with KarinaDresses.com 
Ruby Dress Review in Charmed from KarinaDresses.com
Today's post features the Ruby dress in Charmed.  If I've never mentioned it before, I am a huge fan of three quarter sleeves.  They're my favorite in fact and although they're not as common in the dress world as I'd like, I think most women feel that way about them and that's why KarinaDresses carries an assortment of 3/4 sleeve dresses--they know what women want from a dress.
This particular Ruby dress also features this stunning midnight blue and twilight purple print that I absolutely adore, not to mention the flattering neckline and tie waist.
The leaves are changing and looking ever so lovely today.  Nature truly does a wonderful job of making autumn look lovely, but I leave it to Karina to keep me looking fab all year long!
Shopping Info:  Ruby Dress in Charmed from KarinaDresses.com
Shopping Info:  The Ruby dress in Charmed from KarinaDresses.com

Friday, October 4, 2019

Bewitched

Those first whispers of autumn are rustling the leaves in the woods and turning them deep shades of red.  I spotted these leaves on my evening stroll and felt that deep joy rising up at the changing of the season.  
I wait for autumn each year the way children wait for Christmas.  I can't wait to see how the world will decorate itself in all those beautiful colors and I have never been disappointed yet.  
KarinaDresses is keeping up with the season with their new Bewitched Collection.  I'm so honored to be collaborating with them on this stunning collection for autumn.  This Pendant Plaid print in the Nora style was an instant favorite.  With its warm fall colors arranged a seasonal plaid, the oh so flattering cut and not to mention it has pockets, this is an autumn must have!
Whether it's the demanding schedule of work, or the holiday parties already filling up my schedule, or a simple quiet stroll to admire the leaves, leave it to KarinaDresses to make me feel fabulous and comfortable no matter where I am or what I'm doing.
I'm styling my Pendant Plaid Nora dress with a gold cardigan and rich brown lace topped heels.  To accessorize I chose some chunky gold earrings, a small deer necklace and a leaf ring that, I'm not ashamed to admit, came with a pumpkin cupcake last year, but has since been a regular feature in all my fall outfits.  
I'm so excited to share this season of style with you as we transition our wardrobes from minimal to lots of layers and as far as photos go, the backdrops I find in my own backyard are hard to beat.  While I never know what fresh beauty I'll find in the woods each autumn, one thing I am certain of is finding something beautiful that fits like a dream at KarinaDresses and this Nora Dress in Pendant Plaid is one of my top fall picks.  
I hope you'll continue to join me this autumn as I share my tips, and top picks for fall fashion and rest assured another stunning pick from KarinaDresses' Bewitched Collection is on the way. 
My pumpkin cupcake leaf ring has become my favorite fall accessory.  Comment below and tell me:  What is your favorite piece of bling for autumn?  
Shopping Info:  Nora Dress - Pendant Plaid from KarinaDresses.com

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Vintage Inspired Accessories with CapsulJewelry

Special Edition Pavé Hotel Key Necklace

Custom Envelope Locket Necklace - $170.00
Custom Envelope Locket Necklace - $170.00
Capsul Locket Necklace - $65.00
Custom Hotel Key Necklace - $170.00
from: Capsul Jewelry

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

The Fairy Ring

The Fairy Ring
by Eugenie Thornton
Oh have you seen the fairies dance
Upon a summer’s night?
And watched the gnomes and pixies prance
Whene’er the moon is bright?
‘Tis splendid fun to see them run
As soon as it grows light.
One evening Sister May and I
Went out after ten:
The moon hung like a ball on high
Above the fairy glen,
And round and round above the ground
Danced feys and elfin men.
And there, at dawn, they leave behind
A ring of toadstools wee
Where they have danced you’ll always find
This mark for folks to see.
Then off they fly into the sky
Just as the clock strikes three.
COLLECTIF VINTAGE DOLORES FOREST FRIENDS DOLL DRESS
COLLECTIF VINTAGE DOLORES FOREST FRIENDS DOLL DRESS Blue Orange animal print
COLLECTIF VINTAGE DOLORES FOREST FRIENDS DOLL DRESS
Collectif Vintage Dolores Forest Friends Doll Dress Blue Orange Novelty Print
COLLECTIF VINTAGE DOLORES FOREST FRIENDS DOLL DRESS
Shopping Info:  COLLECTIF VINTAGE DOLORES FOREST FRIENDS DOLL DRESS, ThredUp.  Use my link to sign up and save $10 off your first purchaseElegant Edges T-Strap Heel by Bettie Page from ModCloth  All jewelry is handmade by me :)

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Ready for Fall

It's been a while since I've done a thrift shop outfit, so I thought I'd pull one off the shelf from last autumn that somehow got lost in the shuffle and just didn't get posted. 
 I get excited when I see the shops filling up with red, gold, and orange.  Something about it warms my heart and fills my head with thoughts of good books read by the firelight, hot cups of tea, and long meals with loved ones.  
It happens every year.  But, just as a little detour from red and gold, I thought I'd put together this cool weather outfit in pink, burgundy, and purple.  It doesn't exactly scream autumn, but sometimes I think it's better to go with a subtle homage over worshipful tribute to the season.  
Not that I'm opposed to a more overt autumn theme, it's just not always necessary.  In any case this little thrifted outfit did keep me warm, and the little felt corsage brightened my day just the same and all for around $30 for the top, skirt, and shoes.  Not a bad bargain I'd say.
Looking back on last year's hairstyle, I have to say that I miss the bob.  I've been thinking of going back to it maybe as a transitional look if I ever decide to stop dying my hair and let it go to its natural salt and pepper color that I've has since my early 20s.  Going gray so early used to feel pretty special, but now in my late 30s I'm not in the minority anymore and changing things up with a fun color just seemed like a happier alternative.
What's your favorite hairstyle and how has your hairstyle changed over the years to reflect your life changes?  Comment below :)
Shopping Info:  Shirt, flats, and Skirt from ThredUp, Tights from ModCloth
© Bleu Avenue. Made with love by The Dutch Lady Designs.