I Carried the Watermelon

DRESS: c/o Unique Vintage (plus size listing here) BAG: Gift from Marlena

Well hello! I'm sorry it's been a bit - there are a few things up in the air in my personal life, I've been working on other creative projects, and trying not to be anxious about things that are out of my control. Anyway! I'll be keeping you updated and have several fun things up my sleeve - but until then, here's a cute outfit I wore the other day!

If you know me, you know I'm a sucker for novelty pieces! I personally like pretending I'm in a movie musical where at any given moment Gene Kelly is feeling something so deeply he can't possibly explain it any other way then through bursting into a song and dance routine aided by strangers. Sadly, walking on the sidewalk of the library, the strangers milling around me did not stop their frenzied walking and come together for a big dance routine, but in this Unique Vintage dress, it didn't feel quite as impossible...!

I don't think I will ever tire of a fit and flare silhouette - and combined with the watermelon print, sweetheart neckline and little bow - it's a match made in heaven! I searched high and low for my watermelon purse, but couldn't find it anywhere - so I settled for one of my favorite purses from Marlena instead (a gift from her years ago now), and a watermelon popsicle that sadly melted pretty much immediately. We just went through a pretty terrible heat wave over here in Oregon - and I've been dreaming of pool and beach days ever since (two things I am actually planning with friends - I already have my outfits picked out too hehe...).

I hope you are having a lovely summer so far, and I will be back again sooooon ♡

Picnic with Anastasjia

May was a very traumatic month for my family and me, but following a string of hardships, I was delighted to spend the day with Anastasjia, her boyfriend Ashton, and their darling dog, Caesar! After thrifting and drinking smoothies, we snacked on strawberries in the middle of the park in the sunshine. Catching up with Anastasjia and cuddling Caesar was like a much needed balm that soothed my soul and was the perfect way to kick off my summer. Anastasjia is such a beautiful soul, inside and out - after only 15 minutes in her presence, my face hurt from smiling, laughing, and talking so much... she has that effect on people! Also, how precious is her vintage strawberry suspender skirt? Perfection! Here's to more sunny days filled with delicious fruit, wonderful company, and darling dogs... ♡

ASOS dress, picnic Basket * (a gift from Lancôme that I finally had an occasion to use!)

Me trying not to burst into laughter (it didn't work)

Maggie

Illustration by Anna Birkedal

In summer 2012, Maggie, a seven year old, black chihuahua and dachshund mix, literally fell into our laps. We weren't looking to adopt a dog, but Maggie quickly won us all over with her soulful, sweet brown eyes and quiet but infectious personality. Slowly, as she got to know us, Maggie's personality blossomed, and instead of quietly following us around, she would demand to be the center of attention, bark when she wanted to go on a walk, and we absolutely loved her for it. Maggie exemplified every positive trait of dogs - she was fearless, loyal, always excited, always happy to see us. She genuinely helped me and my family through the most difficult years of our lives.

On May 5th, my sweet Maggie passed away from cancer at age 11. And though it's now been a month and a half, it still hurts so much. Thus why I have avoided writing this post - I still don't want to believe it. I miss her so much, and I keep thinking of all the moments I wasn't able to catch of her on video or in photos (I have a bunch on my phone, but very few on my DSLRs since she never stood still) - I'm so afraid of forgetting. Like how she would click her water dish when she needed water, or how her ears would perk just so when she heard a noise below her...

Knowing we got her for only four of her eleven years has been incredibly hard. I am so heartbroken I wasn't able to spend 11 amazing years with her, but even though this has been so painful I am so glad I was able to know this truly, strong, feisty little dog. I miss you Maggie...

Illustration by Anna Birkedal was a sweet surprise that left me in tears! Thank you so much Anna - I'll never forget your kindness in such a sad time.

Land Locked Mermaid by Karen Sofia Colon

Last January, I had the pleasure of spending the day with Karen Sofia Colon (and our mutual friend Bao Ngo!) talking, eating ice cream, and collaborating on photos! It was an absolute joy to not only get to pose for this incredibly talented individual - but get to talk to her as well. Karen is remarkably warm, infectious - and has the type of personality that immediately puts you on ease... I hope to be reunited with her soon!

For our shoot together, Karen envisioned me as a mermaid - it was absolutely freezing (it being January when these were taken heh...) and sitting in a metal barrel (... thing?! I'm not sure what this was!) was pretty uncomfortable, but the end result is amazing!

An extra photo we took earlier in the day in the forest.

I have a few projects I'm working on and hope to be updating more frequently soon - I'm looking forward to sharing ♡!

Everyday Makeup

I shared my everyday makeup routine (on video!) last year, and thought it was high time I did an updated routine! Here are the makeup products I currently can't get enough of - and how cute is my makeup bag?

- Glossier Priming Moisturizer *
A lightweight moisturizer that makes helps my foundation go on beautifully and lasts longer.

- Maybelline Cushion Foundation *
I've discussed how much I love this foundation in the past - I've been wearing it nonstop since I got it and can't get enough of the buildable coverage and dewy finish.

- Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer *

- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
This is my holy grail translucent powder! For the longest time, I thought all powders gave you a somewhat cakey appearance - until this one from Laura Mercier! It practically melts into ones skin and works wonders for baking under the eyes (which helps disguise my under eye bags)!

- Glossier Boy Brow *
Another product I've been using since I first got it, this amazing brow pomade is fool proof and fills in the brows without leaving them feeling crispy.

- Wet n Wild Color Icon Ombré Blush in The Princess Daiquiris
I really cannot get enough of this $5 blush - it leaves a hazy, delicate peachy cast on the skin. J'Adore!

- CoverFx Custom Enhancer Drops in Celestial *
The absolute best liquid highlighter I have come across - I take this with me everywhere, just look at how beat up mine is in the photo! Highlighter is my favorite makeup product right now - and this gives the most intense, almost metallic beam. I apply it above the cheekbone and on the tip of the nose undiluted, but you can even mix it with your moisturizers, foundations, and more to add a drop of radiance.

- Maybelline Color Sensational Insta-Matte Nudes in Honey Pink *
Another product I've mention in the past - but this truly "honey pink" hue is ticking all the boxes for me this Spring/Summer season! I even got one for my Grammy, who is equally as smitten with it...

- Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist *
I am absolutely in love with Pixi's products and have been for around 6 years now. One of my first eyeshadow palettes ever was from Pixi, and slowly I've been growing my skincare collection with their products! This mist is lovely.

You might recognize a few products here from mentioning them before in prior posts - but when I find something that works, I stick to it! What makeup products have you been loving lately? I always love hearing your recommendations!

Caramel by Bao Ngo

Happy Friday! I wanted to share this photoshoot I did with the amazing Bao Ngo last January! After spending the day shooting outside in the cold with Karen Sofia Colon and visiting a nearby bakery, we headed to an Airbnb we rented. We cranked up the heater and chatted until Karen fell asleep - while whispering we decided to do another shoot in the cosy, warm Airbnb and it was so nice and relaxing! Here's hoping the stars align and I get to see Bao again soon - truly one of the sweetest, most talented and hilarious people I've had the pleasure of working with! You can see the first shoot we did together here.

Here's to the weekend!