Spring Magic

It's no secret I love spring, the two main reasons being; one: my birthday, and two: blossoms. 

 

I still haven't made it to D.C. to see the cherry blossoms there, but even here in Connecticut we've got our beautiful spots; Wooster Square in New Haven has yet to disappoint. The blossoms always come and go in a flash, and this year their peak weekend was doomed to get rained out, so I hustled to get there before the inclement weather arrived. So did everyone else, and the park was packed at golden hour.

Spot was visiting, so he came along too, though he was far more interested in sniffing than taking photos. I swapped out his retractable leash for a jeweled one - don't tell his mom!

Few things are quite as magical as pink flowers and the glow of the setting sun. Even if it only happens but once a year.

The Rundown
Sage Green Sweater Banana Republic
White Wide Leg Jeans Banana Republic
Sandals Seychelles via TJMaxx
Vintage Japanese Picnic Bag eBay
Link Earrings with Pearl Drop South Moon Under
Bold Cherry Blossom Necklace c/o Rellery
Sunglasses "State Street" Ray-Ban
Dog Spot

Evening in the Rose Garden

The Rose Garden at Elizabeth Park in Hartford has been around since 1904, and yet last week was the first time I ever visited. The stunning grounds, perfectly and symmetrically manicured are accentuated by eight paths lined with rose covered arches leading to a vine covered gazebo in the center. The park is free to visit, free to park at, and there is even a cute cafe called the Pond House you can visit. (Incidentally a few years ago I attended a baby shower at the Pond House and had no idea the rose garden was just beyond it!)

While the roses are said to peak in late June, even by mid July they were still just as beautiful, and as I saw photos cropping up on my Instagram feed, I knew I did not want to miss out visiting the garden this year. I decided to reach out to Courtney and we settled on a weeknight in the hopes that the park might be less crowded. Of course it was still bustling with photographers; engagement shoots, maternity shoots, senior portraits - everyone was taking advantage of the gorgeous evening light.

When Courtney arrived I was excited to see her husband Matthew had come with his drone and we got some really fun aerial photos as well! I love that while no discussion of what we'd be wearing had been had, Courtney and I both showed up in our sundresses with straw hats.

I'm so delighted with how these photos came out, and if you are in the area, a trip to the rose garden is well worth it, even simply to take in the beauty of it.

            

The Rundown
Polka Dot Dress J.Crew
White Slides Ferragamo via Coco's similar
Vintage Japanese Bamboo Bag via eBay similar vintage
Straw Hat Kate Spade similar
Pearl Earrings Maris Pearl Co. 
Pearl Anchor Bracelet Made by Me similar
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Nail Color "Canyon" Ten Over Ten

Photos by Live Lovely Photography

Bohemian Festival

Yesterday I attended the Connecticut Bloggers Bohemian Festival, it was a fabulous event put together by Nonee, and had all the fun vibes of music festival, with live music, lots of food, and local vendors providing so much tempting shopping. (I was good for once!)

When I arrived I met up with Meg and we headed to the Rebel Hair Artists tent to get our hair braided. It was very hot out, so I only asked that my hair be pulled back and let my stylist take creative liberties. She gave me a gorgeous fishtail braid adorned with gold charms.

Next I went to make a flower crown; piles of fresh blooms were at my disposal, so I decided to coordinate my crown to my dress with white roses and red carnations.

There were several fun photo spots set up, and plenty of great spaces for relaxing and socializing. I'm always so grateful that Connecticut now has this amazing blogging community, and I always look forward catching up with those I've met before and meeting new bloggers.

        

The Rundown

Dress "Milanira" Joie
Huarache Mules "Camila" Rebecca Minkoff
Vintage Japanese Bamboo Bag via eBay similar vintage
Beaded Hoop Earrings Gorjana
Flower Crown Made by Me
Nail Color "Canyon" Ten Over Ten

Midsummer

I've been so slow to unpack my summer things. I don't know why - it's not as if waiting longer will prolong the summer. But I finally pulled out my vintage bamboo bag. Now that the market is flooded with them, I'm not sure if they've lost their charm, however the price inflation in the vintage market has calmed down significantly. I've linked up several below on Etsy and they are all under $50.
Even if the bag feels over saturated in the blog world, when I take it out into my own microcosm, it still catches many eyes.

When the humidity dropped down just a titch, I felt like it was my opening to pull out my white wide leg jeans and finally pair them with this bodysuit - the outfit I've had in mind since I added the bodysuit to my closet last fall.

Humidity or otherwise, I'm happy summer is here. The long days, warm sun, and valid excuse to eat ice cream everyday make these some of the best months of the year.

       

The Rundown
Wrap Bodysuit Zara similar
White Wide Leg Jeans Gap similar
Wedge Sandals Loft similar
Coin Pendant Necklace Julie Vos
Vintage Japanese Bamboo Bag via eBay similar vintage
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Hammered Gold Ring Thrifted
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
 Nail Color "Barely There" Avon

The Curve

Goodness, that week certainly went in the blink of an eye - as has the whole half of September. There is no worse feeling than knowing we are charging full speed to the end of summer. The early sunsets, that morning chill in the air. Just another reminder of time lost, time wasted.

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to abandon New England for the winter, to head south, ring in the new year in a place where donning a sleeveless sequined dress is actually a logical choice. Avoid the doldrums of January and February and head back just when life is starting to appear anew.

I wonder if such a plan were in place I would not be feeling so defeated by the knowledge that winter is coming.

For now, let's just pretend there is still plenty of time left for gingham dresses and sandals. 

        

The Rundown
Gingham Dress Cupio via TJMaxx
Mules Madewell similar
Vintage Japanese Bamboo Bag via eBay similar vintage
Square Scarf Loft
Loop Earrings Mejuri

Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
White and Rose Gold Link Bracelet c/o Jeweshop similar
Nail Color "Sunday Funday" Essie

Linking up with

Jeans and a Teacup's Flashback Friday (one year ago today)