Spring Lilies with UIN Footwear

Spring is undoubtedly one of the lovelies and liveliest times of the year.  With everything spring to life, it's one of my greatest enjoyments to just grab a blanket, slip on some comfy shoes, curl up under the shade of a flowering tree, and watch and listen to it all the excitement.

Our little farm has its fair share of the excitement too.  We have chicks just hatched and everywhere I look there's a little baby bunny running around.  We are moving our garden plot this year so that we can have a larger harvest, and I am expanding my herb garden as well.  With so much to do, I know it seems like a less than ideal time to sit back and relax, but taking time to pause and enjoy these moments is what brings the greatest satisfaction to our hard work.

With all the activity, it's been a blessing to have these comfortable Toledo Slip-ons by UIN Footwear to just grab and go.  They're so comfortable I have some that I just wear around the house to keep my feet warm and my socks dry--I live with people who spill things and don't clean them up!.  And, then I have the pairs like this Yawning Lily print that I wear outside because if everything is in flower, I feel that I have to keep up by wearing my pretty floral prints too.

Maybe spring is just the season for it, but I've noticed I've been on quite a roll with Impressionist themed clothing.  I don't mind, I love them for a reason!  These Yawning Lily shoes have the Impressionist style that I love in the perfect spring pastel palette.

I know that ordering shoes online is a gamble.  You never know if they'll fit or rub blisters, etc, so since I've been wearing my UIN shoes for several months now, let me say that of my experience with these shoes, I have always ordered true to size and found the fit to be just right.  I've worn them with and without socks and never had a blister or noticed any odor.  My experience with UIN has been nothing but positive and I hope to continue collaborating with them.

With styles like these, there is something for every outfit, season, and style.  So, as much as there is to do and see just now, I'm going to spend the day relaxing, and strolling around just admiring all the hard work that nature has already done.

Shopping Info:  Yawning Lily Toledo Slip-ons from UIN Footwear Use code Leandra5 to save $5 off order over $40,and Leandra10 to save $10 off  orders over $120.  Baby Pinstripe French Cottage Puff Dress from Selkiecollection.com

Retro-Stage Butterfly Dresses: Collaboration Part 4

The final piece in my collaboration with Retro-Stage has arrived and it is a stunner!  The BLACK 1950S BUTTERFLY MESH STITCHING DRESS-$59.99 is beyond lovely and remember you save an additional 15% with my promo code LEANDRA15.  

There is just something about black and taupe that I adore.  I can't say why exactly, it's just always struck me as a color combination with timeless and understated elegance.

The front ruching on the bodice with the bow at the center of the bust reminds me of that 1950s and 60s cocktail dress glamour that I adore, but the true cherry on the top of this delightful dress is the velvety butterfly print on the skirt.

The 1950s are my favorite style era of all time.  In spite of limited disposable income, everyone found a way to look their best and it helps a lot that the fashion trends are some of the most figure flattering in all of human history.  

Retro-Stage has timeless and affordable pieces.  I have loved everything in my collaboration with them and I hope that this friendship keeps growing, because these pieces are absolutely divine.  Don't forget you can save 15% off your purchase with my code LEANDRA15.

Shopping Info: BLACK 1950S BUTTERFLY MESH STITCHING DRESS-$59.99 from Retro-Stage.  Save 15% with code leandra15.

Retro-Stage in Bloom: Collaboration Part 3

Winter has finally given way to spring and my herb garden has sprung to life.  I've already ordered seeds so that I can expand my garden to include Bee Balm and Echinacea, and I can't wait to get my hands in the soil and start my garden growing.

Everywhere I look, I see colors; the world is blossoming and it's only appropriate that I put on something bright and floral too.  Originally I had planned on wrapping up my collaboration with Retro-Stage with a warm fur-collared coat.  The coat unexpectedly went out of stock in my size, so Retro-Stage contacted me about a swap.

It was perfect timing too because I'd had my eye on this 1930S FLOWER LONG SLEEVES SWING DRESS.  The colors are lovely and I'm glad it has long sleeves because it's still a little chilly out for bare arms.

I know this dress is called a 1930s style, but to me the collar and sleeves combined with this bold print give me some serious 1970s vibes and I love it!

The dress is lined, fits perfectly, and is just perfect for the season.  I normally wear a size US 0/XS or XXS, but I ordered size S/2 and it's just right, so pay close attention to the size chart info when ordering, and don't forget to use my promo code LEANDRA15 to save 15% off your order. 

Shopping Info:  1930 Flower Long Sleeve Swing Dress-$57.99 from Retro-Stage.  Save 15% with promo code LEANDRA15.  Aria 5º flats in Ginger Yellow-$79 from VIVAIA

Water Lilies and Seashells

It's interesting to me that after all these millennia of human life, we still haven't learned this fundamental thing: geniuses always stand out because they are unique.  Claude Monet was himself, and captured the world he saw the way he saw it.  Impressionism was initially wildly panned and now is universally revered and it will eternally bee unique from any other painting style that ever was before or ever will be again.

While the Impressionist movement gathered many talented artists into its fold, it was all began by one man who saw the world in his own way and refused to change just to fit in.  I will forever admire Monet and his compatriots for being above all else, willing to do something different, to defy the critics, to be themselves.

There's a lesson for us all in that sentiment.  I think of it especially when I walk into a room full of jeans and t-shirts  wearing one of my Selkies or other note-worthy dresses.  Heads turn, and while some people look admiringly, many glare with disdain.  Some feel that by dressing in a way that doesn't conform to the crowd, I feel myself above them, better than.  I don't, by the way, but for most, it simply makes them feel inadequate to see the effort they could have put in and chose not to.  

May I just say that a person's best is never inadequate.  Jeans and t-shirts worn the best way a person can wear them, are appropriate.  But if jeans and t-shirts aren't your best, if they're your laziest, then they are inadequate because it isn't the quality of the clothes but rather the quality of the mindset.  I've seen lazy people make expensive brands look sloppy and cheap because of how they wear them; it's the attitude behind it.  When you are confident and comfortable, you don't notice what other people are wearing.  I don't even notice the glares anymore unless someone tells me about them.

As much as I want to say, "be yourself," that just isn't very helpful in a world full of people who have checked out of living life and being accountable.  What people really need to hear is, "be your best self."  When you try your hardest, you will succeed.  Want to leave a lasting impression and take your place alongside the Monets of this world?  Don't listen to the people who are trying to drag you down into the mire, to make you fit in to their mediocrity.  Be different by being your best you, do what you love, wear what you love, and give it your best.  That's how you really stand out.

Speaking of standing out, this is my first time to try the Seashell Gown from Selkie and I think I picked a winner.  I love the scallop ruffles along the neckline and shoulders and the ruched bodice creates the perfect detail.  It is quite long and I may have to hem it an inch or two, but I actually like the empire waist on this style because of the details on the bodice.

I chose this dress because of all the Water Lilies prints, this one looked to be the most bold and crisp and that's what I want from these dresses, the great prints.  I had heard that this style runs a bit big, but I ordered my usual XXS being prepared to have it tailored, and was instead delighted to find that it is a perfect fit like everything on the new size chart.

If you want to see my full review, here's the link to my YouTube video.  Just know that even the photos don't do this print justice.  It really is a lovely dress and I cannot wait to wear it.

Shopping Info: The Water Lilies Seashell Gown  Use one of these affiliate promo codes to save 10% (none are mine) Queen

Tammy

TICIJA

MaryBears

PetiteDoll

Selkie's Monet Giverny Collection: Sunflowers Day Dress

Sunflowers, 1881

Selkie's spring collection remains unreleased at the moment I write this even though it's already April.  Normally I would be on the edge of my seat and scouring the shops for the occasional isolated piece from the drop, but this year I am not at all excited for their spring collection and in fact, foolishly thought I would skip spring altogether and just save my money.  And, I would have if not for the Monet inspired collection, Giverny.  

We have spoken of Van Gogh and his sunflowers in Selkie form, but did you know that when Monet exhibited his still lifes (is it lifes or lives?) of sunflowers, word of it reached Van Gogh via renowned pot-stirrer and total hack, Paul Gauguin. For his part, Vincent spoke with nothing but admiration for Claude Monet in response to the news that Monet had also released some sunflower compositions and they were revered by critics.  Even back in the 1880s people were trying to stir up celebrity rivalries.  I'm glad Van Gogh didn't take the bait, preferring instead to admire Monet's work, praise him for it and then press on with his own inspired creations.  

Claude Monet is a man about whom I know much.  Not because of a particular class or field of study, but simply because when I admire someone or something, I make it a point to learn as much as I can about them.  The flowers for this painting which was exhibited in 1882 in the seventh Impressionist exhibition, were from Monet's own garden in Vétheuil.  

Monet often painted scenes or items from his garden and some of his most famous pieces are from his quiet time spent there.  Beyond a love of sunflowers, there is one thing that both Monet and Van Gogh have in common and it is that they were staunchly themselves even in the face of opposition.  

The two men both faced harsh criticism in the early days of their careers for deviating from artistic standards in order to express themselves in their own way.  Monet was the leader of the Impressionist movement and perfected his technique by painting the same subjects in changing light.

Do you think Monet was at all offended when Van Gogh's sunflowers were exhibited?  I think not.  I think these two men were so entirely comfortable in their own talent, work, and interests that if and when they learned about each other, they probably, much like Van Gogh, wished they other well and went on about their work and let all the wagging tongues of the Gauguin's of the world go on wagging.  If two such genius men can be comfortable to let the world be the world and carry on doing what pleased them, we should all be able to do the same to some degree. 

As far as this dress goes, it is so brilliant in person, I cannot express the loveliness in words and fear that photos don't do it justice either.  When I first saw it in the drop sheet, I wasn't so sure that sunflowers on a pink background looked well together, but seeing it in person, I have no regrets about this purchase.  It fits perfectly, feels quite comfortable and the fabric is an excellent quality.  I have noticed that one of  my day dresses in a re-released print was coarse and didn't feel up to par on the quality.  I was concerned this was part of a trend, but this dress is excellent in every way.

I won't carry on with my expositions about the world-the way it is and the way it should be-or go into too much detail about the dress.  If you want the full dress review, I'll leave the link to my YouTube video and the video itself below.  Instead, I'll just leave the photos of this lovely dress on a beautiful spring day to do the rest of the talking for me.

Shopping Info: The Monet Sunflowers Day Dress, Aria Flats from VIVAIA.com Promo Codes for affiliates that will save you 10% Isabella

BbyBruh

Pammy

Milaz

Maranda

XOXOBRITT

SelkieFirst

Bride's Maid Haul with Yelure: Part Two

As promised, here is the second installment in my collaboration with Yelure and isn't she lovely!  Olive green was definitely the right choice for this style for me.  All that's missing is my wildflower crown and a few bluebirds to hang the garlands.

This dress from Yelure came in at only $89 (you can save an extra 15% with my code!) and features this wonderful double criss-cross back with adjustable straps.  I was unsure of which bra I could wear with it, but as it turns out, thanks to padding and corset boning, there's no need for a bra, this dress does it all.  One less thing for a bridesmaid to worry about before the big day.

I'm 5'6" and this dress is a little long, I thought that heels would be a must for me, but it also has this lovely little train at the back when I wear flats so, I had a hard time deciding which way to wear it, because really it look fantastic both ways.

Personally I think this fabric makes this the ideal dress for a June wedding or at least a warm-season wedding, but with all the color options, it could work for anytime of year.  And this high slit at the side with cascading ruffles would make this bridesmaid feel every bit as special and glamourous as the bride.

I have so enjoyed this collaboration and I hope it is the beginning of many with Yelure because I have been so impressed with all the options and the quality of their dresses.

Shopping Info: Chiffon Tie Back Bridesmaid Dresses With Ruffles Slit-$89 from Yelure.com Save an extra 15% with my code CH15

Bride's Maid Haul with Yelure: Part One

We've done a lot of wedding gown hauls over on the YouTube channel, but only one Bride's Maid dress haul that I can think of and it's high time we remedy that.  So, when the lovely people at Yelure reached out for a collaboration I enthusiastically agreed.  I chose two dresses, this Velvet Tea Length Dress and another in chiffon which we'll see in the next post.

I feel like I sho-uld note first of all that Yelure has so many colors to choose from but they said they would choose the color of this dress for me, and thankfully too because there were so many great options I had a hard time choosing for the other dress.  When I opened it I was so delighted to see they had sent the dress in this gorgeous pink.  It's so rich and the way it shimmers in the velvet is fantastic!  Plus, this dress has adjustable straps, pockets, and is perfect for twirling.

Yelure offers sizes 0-30 and free custom sizing.   I custom sized this dress and it fits perfectly.  From ordering to arrival it takes about 3-4 weeks so give yourself at least a month from the big day for your dress to arrive.   Prices for their bridesmaids dresses range from $89-$99, which is perfect for the bride or bride's maid on a budget.

My experience with Yelure was awesome and I can't wait to show the next dress in our collaboration, so please check back Monday for that.  In the meantime you can save an extra 15% off your purchase at Yelure with my code CH15.

Shopping Info:  Glamorous A Line Tea Length Velvet Bridesmaid Dresses-$99 in Fuschia from Yelure.com  Use code CH15 to save 15% off your purchase.