Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Siamese (If You Please)

siamese cat dress

Like many women, I'm in love with those vintage Lady and the Tramp skirts... but since they sell for $700+, I've resigned myself to the fact I'll never get my hands on one. There's another one inspired by the movie that's referred to as the "Si & Am" print, though the cats on it don't really look like the Siamese cats in the film. This Vintage Inspired By Jackie dress, however, looks exactly like those bad kitties!

cat print dress
disney cat dress
lady and the tramp dress

After playing a cat in my last show, I'm really glad to have some free time back. As much as I love doing children's theatre (and believe me, interacting with kids was a blessing during this emotionally trying time), I've learned that I don't do well when I don't have ample time to recharge. When I was younger, I wasn't working full-time and would do as many shows as possible in order to stay physically active and creative. But now that I work 40 hours a week at a job that's both demanding and creative, I need downtime to prevent burnout. Suffice it to say, although I enjoyed being a cat for a bit, I'm glad that now I can just wear dresses with cats on them instead. :)

siamese cat disney dress

While Jackie made this print into a dress for me, it can also be ordered as a skirt (in several different colors!). Just send her a message – she can make you almost anything! Although I wear skirts a lot more now, I do like a lot of the details of this design. It's made of 100% cotton and keeps its shape without the use of a voluminous petticoat. Personally, I wish the fabric were a bit softer to the touch, but it's not something I notice much when wearing it. Since it's a relatively new design, I made a couple of suggestions to Jackie about fit for the future, which she was gracious enough to implement. One thing to note: this fabric has no stretch whatsoever, so I'd strongly recommend making sure you have ample room to breathe. If in doubt, give yourself at least an extra 1/2 inch. I'll be debuting another design Jackie made for me very soon, and I can't wait to style it.

cat dress
Outfit Details
Cat border print dress: c/o Vintage Inspired By Jackie
Cropped cardigan: available at Trashy Diva
Black flats: similar

The Soubrette Brunette: Siamese (If You Please)

PS: Have you entered my 4-year blogiversary/Valentine's giveaway yet?! I'm giving away an adorable prize package of sweet treats! Get all the details and enter here through Saturday!

Monday, January 30, 2017

4th Blogiversary Giveaway: Valentine's Edition! [CLOSED]

blog valentine giveaway
It's pretty astounding, but in a couple of days, I'll have been blogging for four whole years! Time has flown by, and yet so much has happened since I first began. When I started, I had recently moved back to Rochester and wasn't sure what I wanted to ultimately be doing – so I filled my free time with clothes, slowly figuring out my personal style and my voice along the way. I was still living at home, was doing as many shows as I could, still thinking I'd move back to New York at some point. Now, I'm working full-time as a writer, doing shows only when I feel like it, and living in my own place here that I love. In short, my life now looks totally different from what I pictured for myself four years ago. But I really am glad things in my personal and professional life have turned out the way they have.

As is customary on my "blogiversary," I'm holding a little giveaway for all of my wonderful readers! I hope you all know how much I appreciate you. I may not always have the time to respond to comments here or on social media, but I always read them – and every one of you holds a special place in my heart. And speaking of hearts... since February is my blog anniversary month, I decided to make my giveaway Valentine's Day-themed this year! You can enter to win an adorable prize package of fun goodies. Here's what's up for grabs and what you need to know to win:
valentine giveaway

Valentine Blogiversary Prize Package:

- Red Velvet Cupcake swing skirt from Unique Vintage
- Pink rose hair flower from Stardust Dames Boutique
- "My Funny Valentine" art print by Kate Gabrielle
- Betsey Johnson heart print cosmetic bag/wristlet
- Duo of Valentine heart coffee mugs


Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter widget below. One (1) winner will be chosen at random through the widget. There are a few mandatory entries you must complete to be eligible to win, along with other options for extra chances to win. You must be a follower of The Soubrette Brunette to enter and you must leave a comment (believe me, I check!). The giveaway is open worldwide and will run from now until 11:59 PM (EST) on Saturday, February 4th. This shorter run period will ensure that the winner can get her prizes in time for Valentine's Day! The winner will be contacted via e-mail, so be sure to use a valid e-mail address or leave one in your comment. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Once the winner has been contacted, it will be announced on the blog. Best of luck and thanks to all for entering!




Friday, January 27, 2017

Twinning in Dita

dita von teese cardigan wheels & dollbaby

This week has been a bit crazy, but I'm excited to share this post because it gave me the chance to twin with my bestie! I keep my circle of close friends pretty small for a reason, but living on the other side of the country from your best friend can be really hard sometimes. Luckily, Ashley and I talk almost constantly, so even though she's on the opposite coast, I always know she's there for me. (I just wish it were in person!) We end up twinning all the time, as we own a lot of the same clothes, but when we both got this Wheels & Dollbaby lavender Dita Von Teese cardigan, I knew we needed to do a post together. We haven't done one of these coordinating posts in a long time – it was definitely overdue!

lavender dita von teese cardigan
wheels & dollbaby dita cardigan
lilac dita von teese cardigan
dita von teese wheels & dollbaby
dita cardigan

It's not often that I really splurge on something like a sweater. I'll drop a pretty penny on a dress, but I tend to be a bit of a spendthrift when it comes to separates. But lavender is my favorite color, and I couldn't stop thinking about this cardigan for weeks. So I finally bit the bullet and am now the proud owner of an infamous Dita cardigan. This color is no longer available at Wheels & Dollbaby, but they did just release the newest Dita cardigan in a luxe silver hue. I don't know if I'd buy others (not at full price, at least – I can't afford that kind of habit!), but I will say that this is absolutely one of the most beautiful cardigans you could ever imagine. It's incredibly well-made and soft, and the details are divine. It feels truly special and it's certainly not a purchase I regret. And of course, now my bestie and I can match! You can find all of Ashley's outfit details over on Southern (California) Belle! I love how she styled it (and hot damn, that girl looks good in pants). Even though we're separated by hundreds of miles, being able to do posts like this makes me feel even closer to her.

wheels dollbaby dita cardigan
dita von teese
Outfit Details
Dita Von Teese Cardigan: Wheels & Dollbaby
Black Lola Skirt: c/o Hearts and Found
Heels: ModCloth (similar)

lavender dita cardigan wheels & dollbaby

It's my first full weekend off in a while, and I'm so excited. I plan on sleeping in (finally!), getting a massage (yay!), getting a new phone (double yay!), catching up on blogging (something exciting is coming next week!), and having brunch with some of the girls from work (yum!). As much as I love performing, I'm realizing how much I need time to recharge and have real downtime. Isn't it funny how we used to hate being bored as kids, but doing nothing is such a privilege as adults? 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Friday, January 20, 2017

Friday Favorites #146

It's been a minute since I did a Friday Favorites post, huh? I finally had time to put one together this week! Here are a few things I've been loving lately:

Coloring books can definitely help reduce my high levels of stress, and this #OOTD coloring book is a must!
ootd coloring book

How pretty is this polka dot dress from Kitten D'Amour?

polka dot dress kitten d'amour

Betsey Johnson novelty bags for all!
betsey johnson novelty bags

a   //   b   //   c

And I'm swooning over this Kate Spade typewriter purse (IT'S MINT!):
kate spade typewriter purse
You all know how much I love novelty prints, and this vintage valentine skirt from The Oblong Box Shop has me looking like the heart-eyes emoji:
vintage valentine skirt oblong box shop

I weirdly identify with this pink jellyfish pin.
pink jellyfish pin

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know I couldn't resist getting this pretty pink agenda for 2017. I don't always manage to write my schedule in my planner, but it definitely helps me feel more organized.

pink agenda rifle paper co

I don't wear nice stuff during the week much these days (when you work from home, there isn't much point), and subsequently, I wear a lot of sweatshirts. This one is so cute – and could totally be dressed up a bit!
modcloth victorian lady sweatshirt

My mom got me this Pixar crock pot for Christmas and I can't wait to start using it. Do you have any favorite crock pot recipes to recommend?
pixar crock pot

I'm always a big fan of Kate's pins, but I need these ones in particular.
democrat lapel pins

I know today is a pretty dark day for many of us. Personally, I'm actually thankful that I'm spending the day performing for kids because it might make me feel a little optimistic about the future. But if you need a little something to make you smile today, you need to look at this list of perfect pups.



This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission, which helps to run my blog. I link only to items and brands I really love. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Leopard

leopard dress unique vintage

Leopard is one of those ubiquitous, go-to pinup prints, but I've never had much of it in my wardrobe. Over the last year or so, I've found myself drawn to it more and more, especially when it's done well. So when I saw this dress by The Pretty Dress Company – a brand that's carried in the U.S. exclusively by Unique Vintage – I was really eager to try it out.

unique vintage hepburn leopard dress
leopard dress pinup
the pretty dress company leopard hepburn dress

I've owned a couple of other dresses by The Pretty Dress Company in the past. Their quality tends to be really great and their dresses seem to be universally flattering. Given how their other brand dresses fit me (i.e., quite large in the bust), I expected this style would be a bit loose up top. But actually, this dress was a bit tight in the arms and in the bust area. It zips up and I think it looks quite nice on, but if you're concerned about lifting your arms or know you need a bit of extra room for the ladies, I'd recommend sizing up in this style. Other than that, I found this frock to be just lovely. The fact that it has longer sleeves is a real plus for the winter, and I love that this fabric didn't even need to be steamed when I took it out of the box!

leopard dress vintage
vintage brooch top hat cane
rockabilly pinup leopard dress
Outfit Details
Leopard Print Hepburn Dress: c/o Unique Vintage
Brooch: vintage (similar)
Hat: vintage (similar)
Boots: Miss L-Fire
Tights: similar

leopard print dress vintage pinup

In other news, my show opened this weekend, and we have school shows later this week. While it's been a fun experience, I'll be glad to have evenings to myself again. I've been under a lot of stress (a massage is definitely in order!), so I'm looking forward to taking a break from performing. It won't be forever, of course, but I'm going to be a lot pickier about the projects to which I commit. While I used to be in as many shows as possible a few years ago, my priorities are a lot different now. And that's totally okay. I know myself better now, and for that, I'm grateful.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Navy

navy diner dress campbell crafts

Generally speaking, I've never been a big fan of navy blue. I'm not sure why, but it's always seemed kind of dull to me. As far as neutrals go, I'll always choose black or gray over navy. And if there's a print I really like on a navy background, chances are that I may forgo buying the item altogether. But it's a new year, and that means that it's the perfect time to try new things. So I decided to try out this navy diner dress from Campbell/Crafts – and I'm very glad I did!

navy retro dress
navy 1940s dress
vintage navy dress

I styled this dress in a very simple way (I wish I had remembered to add a brooch!), but I could definitely add a cardigan or layer another skirt over it to make the top into a blouse. I was a bit worried about the fit of the top, as button-down fronts usually aren't my friend. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it fits quite well with very minimal gaping. My favorite part is the pink trim, which happened to match a belt I already owned. I've seen this dress styled with a fuller petticoat, but I opted to go without in order to create a more 1940's silhouette. The material is a bit thin for our winters here in upstate New York, but I think it'll transition beautifully into spring. One thing's for sure: while I may not ever be naturally drawn to navy, I'll definitely give it much more consideration in the future.

navy dress retro
Outfit Details
Navy Diner Dress: c/o Campbell/Crafts
Pink belt: ASOS (similar)
Heels: similar

Do you have any colors you tend to avoid? And have you ever challenged yourself to try getting over your aversion?

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Self-Care Tips For Introverts and Highly Sensitive People

I always intended to give this space a fashion focus, rather than making it a true lifestyle blog. But on occasion, I've talked about my personal struggles. These posts have been scary to publish, but they've also been really cathartic (and have often been well-received). I've written about breakups and heartbreak, as well as identity, self-esteem, and the importance of vulnerability. I've always been careful to not turn this blog into a journal, but I also fear that my posts are sometimes too superficial.

Next month, my blog will turn four years old. I'm proud of that accomplishment, but I sort of feel like I'm not doing enough with it. And while I didn't make this an official resolution, I want to branch out a bit in terms of my content – specifically with interesting or challenging things that aren't necessarily related to personal style but that are very much personal to me.

highly sensitive people self-care
Pictured: The Highly Sensitive Person ||  Sensitive enamel pin c/o Color Theory
Target candles and bottle brush tree (similar)
...Which brings me to today's post. I've been incredibly stressed out and totally drained lately. Learning how to balance a creative and demanding full-time job, rehearsals and performances, a relationship, blogging, and various other responsibilities has been a real struggle. As an introvert and highly sensitive person, the pressure of these obligations often takes a bigger emotional and physical toll than it might for others. While we tend to thrive in creative, unconventional environments, there are times when the world gets a little too overwhelming for us.

Even though I work pretty well under pressure, I know that I require significant time alone in order to recharge. But when you barely have any downtime, that can be much easier said than done. It's not always realistic to take substantial time off from work, so I have to take advantage of what little free time I have. If you're feeling anxious, stressed out, particularly sensitive, emotional, or just plain burnt out, you might just need a little break from it all. Below are some of my favorite coping mechanisms and self-care methods for my fellow introverts and HSPs – but I think they'll be of benefit to just about anyone.

The Soubrette Brunette: Self-Care Tips For Introverts and Highly Sensitive People


Spend time in nature

I was in a near-constant state of anxiety this past summer. When I couldn't figure out what else to do with myself, my instincts took me outside. I don't consider myself to be a very outdoorsy person, but whenever I spend time in nature, my mood lifts and my mind feels much more at ease. It's actually been scientifically proven that taking walks in nature can help reduce stress and can even stave off depression. I'll usually head to a local park, but backyards, hiking trails, or other green spaces work well, too. This can also be helpful if you live with other people and don't have a private space in your home.


Get moving

I think most of us know that exercise helps us both physically and mentally/emotionally, but it's easy for me to forget how big an impact it has on my well-being. Any fan of Legally Blonde knows that exercise releases endorphins! Plus, working out can act as a distraction and as a means for reducing frustrations or even solving problems. I've never been a fitness queen by any means, but doing some kind of physical activity on a regular basis allows me to sleep better at night, have more energy during the day, and generally feel happier, more accomplished, and more confident. This year, I want to branch out and try something like Zumba (or maybe tackle yoga again) in addition to walking outside or on the treadmill/elliptical.

The Soubrette Brunette: Self-Care Tips For Introverts and Highly Sensitive People


Escape to another world

Sometimes you need to check out of your own reality for a little while. One of my favorite ways to do this is by getting sucked into a good book or by watching a comforting TV show or movie. While it's not good to run away from your problems, these activities allow me to relax and shift my focus. When I'm too brain-dead or anxious to be productive, I'll turn on an episode of Friends, watch a Disney movie, or read a bit of this book (a gift from my dear friend and fellow HSP, Rusty). Personally, listening to music when I'm stressed tends to backfire – it's usually a bit too stimulating – but I know that many people find it to be a good option.


Write it down or talk it out

Though I've never tried it, my friend Rusty says that journaling his thoughts has been a very helpful practice for him. If you can put what you're feeling into words, it can allow you to see things more objectively. I think therapy can also be extremely beneficial, and I wish there wasn't such a stigma about seeking it out. There are a couple of friends I'd feel comfortable talking to as well, but I don't always want to talk to someone else about my problems; I tend to want to work them out for myself. Writing down what you're experiencing can help you look at things from a different angle or take out unnecessary emotion from the equation.

The Soubrette Brunette: Self-Care Tips For Introverts and Highly Sensitive People


Consider your environment

Until recently, I never realized what a huge role my surroundings play in my overall mood. When I was living with my parents, I felt constantly on-edge because I felt like I never had any privacy. I'm so much happier living on my own, surrounded by things that bring me joy. Another thing I've learned: I can be a messy person, but messes tend to make me anxious. One of my main resolutions for 2017 was to stay on top of the housework and generally be more organized. Since I work from home a lot now, I've found that I need to be in an environment that makes me feel calm. I also decorate with touches that make me feel happy whenever I see them. If you live with roommates or a partner, try to find a quiet space that's all yours for when you're feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed for even a few minutes of precious alone time.


Make a plan, list, or schedule

I'm not sure whether this is true for all introverts and HSPs, but I think a lot of us tend to be "type A." Many of us are perfectionists and planners. I tend to get totally overwhelmed if I have a lot of tasks to complete; for a long time, my response was to avoid them altogether because I didn't know how to tackle them without getting stressed. Often, I find that making a list, a schedule, or a plan with specific goals or a timeline can help a lot. I know that I don't do well when I have to wing it. Even if I end up deviating from a schedule, I can have that to work from. Since I essentially make my own work schedule now, it's more important than ever for me to plan out my days. I always make sure to schedule in breaks for when I'm feeling too tired or stressed!

The Soubrette Brunette: Self-Care Tips For Introverts and Highly Sensitive People


Think about what you put in your body

Admittedly, I am not usually very good at this one. I think it's best to strike a balance between eating thoughtfully and healthfully (i.e., thinking of food as fuel for your body to do its best work) and letting yourself indulge and enjoy. For me, equating food with comfort tends to be a slippery slope because I often turn to junk food when I'm feeling stressed. I have a wicked sweet tooth, and I'm currently struggling to keep it in check. One of my other resolutions for the new year was to be much more mindful of what I'm eating. Weight Watchers has been really helpful for me in that regard because it makes me much more accountable, but food journaling or making a conscious effort to follow certain food standards can help, too.

In addition, HSPs in particular tend to be a lot more sensitive to any substances like caffeine, sugar, or alcohol. Although I drink more caffeine now than I used to, I have to be very careful about how much I have. If I have too much, I'll be anxious and jittery for hours. I can't even take Midol because there's caffeine in it! I never really enjoyed drinking all that much in college and I actually don't drink at all now. It's a personal preference, and if you like a glass of wine at the end of a long day, that's okay too. But if you find your caffeine or alcohol intake is affecting your ability to sleep at night or be productive during the day, you might consider cutting down a bit.

The Soubrette Brunette: Self-Care Tips For Introverts and Highly Sensitive People


Find comfort in a furry friend

Those of us with canine or feline friends are very lucky in that our pets are natural mood stabilizers. Studies have shown that caring for a dog as an adult can lower stress levels and can reduce depression. It's also been proven that a cat's purr can reduce stress and provide a host of other physical benefits. While they may not always do what we'd like them to do when we're upset or anxious (I'm looking at you, Pumpkin), the act of showing affection to your kitty or pup will likely make you feel much calmer – and your pet will enjoy it, too.

Give yourself permission to unplug

In the digital age, we're constantly connected to our devices and our social networks. There's a lot of pressure to be constantly engaged, and while there are benefits that go along with that, it can be a big source of anxiety. This election season was especially overwhelming. I purposely took a break from Facebook for a weekend afterwards and it helped a lot. Although there are a lot of things to enjoy about these platforms, I make it a point to enjoy my life instead of merely documenting it. I might have less engagement and fewer followers, but I'd so much rather spend time with people I love – or by myself – than feel like my life is ruled by social media. Remember that it is perfectly okay (and advisable, even) to take a break from your personal tech use.

The Soubrette Brunette: Self-Care Tips For Introverts and Highly Sensitive People


Get pampered

I find that getting a massage or taking a personal day to catch up on rest can be two of the best things I can do for both my body and mind. No matter your preference, self-care methods are extremely important for overall well-being. Taking a long, hot shower or bubble bath can do wonders. Paint your nails, have a blow-out at the salon, take yourself out to lunch, or meet up with a friend for tea. Reward yourself in a way that acknowledges your hard work and invigorates you for what's to come. Put your own comfort ahead of your other obligations for the day (or at least part of the day). 


Go exploring

Whether you want to take a weekend trip out of town or want to spend the afternoon exploring a familiar place, a change of scenery can also change your entire perspective. I know not everyone can take time off from work and family life to take a vacation, but if you're able, you should. Studies have actually shown that just planning your trip will give you a huge happiness boost – oftentimes more so than the vacation itself! That's why it's better to plan a trip well in advance; the anticipation is even more rewarding than the relaxation. Of course, exploring a new place can be exciting and can help you forget your stress. When you return from being away, you can look at your responsibilities with fresh eyes and a renewed spirit.

The Soubrette Brunette: Self-Care Tips For Introverts and Highly Sensitive People


Acknowledge what you're feeling and tell others what you need

Above all, don't be afraid to ask for help or to tell important people in your life what you need. This can be difficult to communicate when you're overwhelmed, but if you can't express it at the time, reflect on it afterwards. That way, you can tell your friends, family, or significant other how they can help you when you need it. For instance, laughter always helps me a LOT. Whether it's intentional or sheer instinct, my boyfriend knows how to make me laugh when I'm feeling stressed out and it's a huge relief. It helps me breathe and acts as a great reset button.

It's also important to acknowledge how you're feeling, rather than denying or ignoring what you're experiencing. Being honest with yourself and others is how we learn and grow. There's no shame in feeling overwhelmed or being highly sensitive. But acknowledging these things allows us to discover how to deal with issues that inevitably come up. You're likely pretty hard on yourself as it is, so remember to be patient and forgiving for your own sake.

The Soubrette Brunette: Self-Care Tips For Introverts and Highly Sensitive People

Do you have any favorite coping strategies that I didn't mention? Let me know in the comments! I'm always looking for new ways to wind down and refuel. And if you're wondering whether you might be a Highly Sensitive Person, this HSP test might help you figure it out. Finally, let me know if there's anything you'd like to see or learn more about here this year. I'd love to hear from you!

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