Lavender Fields Forever

I get all the awards for going outside when it was 106 degrees, let alone picking lavender in that heat. But I wasn't going to let the extremely uncomfortable temperatures keep me inside this day. Lakeside Lavender farm in Nampa, ID was a place I had been really looking forward to visiting (ever since hearing about the festival they put on every year). And they were only allowing public cuttings for one week. And Sunday was the only day we were able to go. And this was the last year they were going to be doing it (I think the family is moving?).

The heat and sweat was well worth it. It was breathtakingly beautiful out there — with the rows and rows of purple blooms backdropped by golden grass, dense trees, and the pretty blue lake. And boy, I was ready to run through all those fields straight to the lake for a dip after cutting lavender for maybe 30 minutes. But the two giant bundles of fresh lavender I got to take home was reward enough. They had a whole array of different strands of lavender to chose from. I cut a big bundle of the super sweet smelling "provence" and it is now drying out in our bedroom and providing a really pleasant aroma. I also grabbed a great big bundle of a few different culinary strands, which has more of a herby sage-like smell to it. I can't wait to make something delicious. Do you have any favorite lavender recipes? I'll at least make a simple syrup from some to add some lavender to iced coffee! Yum.

It was just so lovely out there guys. I wish I could have fresh lavender in my home year round. But the pretty pictures Will took of me will have to do for memory, I suppose. But I really love all the pictures he took, hence the huge photo dump. Even if I was all sweaty and red in the face, he always captures me so well (I think). Mostly, I'm still shocked that I walked away sunburn free!
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OUTFIT DETAILS

+ Top | DownEast (similar, similar)
+ Skirt | It was a hand-me-down
+ Sandals | Target
+ Hat | Target (similar, similar)
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I've been very quiet over here, and I'll unfortunately say that things will likely continue to be for awhile. Summer gets me down, guys. And when you're depressed, it takes quite a lot of effort to write up posts. These feelings are only exacerbated by the fact that this blog has me feeling a little stuck. I have been working on a new site/blog, but for reasons that would take far too long to explain (and likely bore you), the plans to move everything to a new location keeps getting pushed back. I'm still sharing on instagram all the time, though, if you want to keep up with me. And I won't neglect this space entirely; just expect something more like 1 or 2 posts a week for now :)

xx Emorie

The Calm Before

Will took these pictures of me last night, and although they aren't necessarily the most blog worthy (or my best) I really like them. They feel raw and real and reflect the mood and spontaneity of this moment. We were finishing up a simple dinner while watching Archer (does anyone else watch Archer? I'm in the third season and can't stopppp!) when I suddenly realized how quickly our view out the windows had changed. It had been a humid, warm, windy and overly sunny day (a little too warm for my liking, at 72 degrees) but suddenly the sky was dark and the wind had picked up significantly. It was simply beautiful out and I somehow talked Will into quickly running up the hillside to get a good look at the city and the incoming storm with me.

This outfit is definitely a result of desperately needing to do laundry; I don't give this dress the amount of wear and attention it deserves. I threw on these sandals because they were right by the door from getting the mail earlier (and my feet got really dirty walking up the hill in these). My hair is styled this way because I haven't washed it all week and it had gotten to a high level of annoyance but I still was determined to go another day without cleaning it; scarves and headbands are my best kept hair secret — it's still too short to pull up so I just cover it! I haven't worn makeup for days (and hey, my face needs some serious exfoliating and moisturizing) but I threw on some tinted chapstick for this pictures. The wind was either throwing my dress around or sucking it around my legs. And Pippin photobombed half of the pictures we took. I love that so many small, messy moments can still add up to something beautiful.

OUTFIT DETAILS
+ dress: Forever 21, last year (similar)
+ crop top: DownEast Basics, two years ago (similar | similar | similar)
+ scarf headband: a gift (similar | similar)
+ ring: a gift
+ earrings: Crafted Locally
+ sandals: Maurices, like 5 years ago

It started to rain while we were out and I still can't get over how fresh it felt up there. It was a much needed moment to step back and reflect for a bit — it was just an added bonus that it was so lovely out. My favorite kind of weather. I spent the rest of my evening curled up with a book and Pippin, under a blanket, with all the windows open. I say curled up with Pippin although he spent most of the night sitting in the windowsill (he's part cat, I swear) sniffing the air and listening to the rain. My favorite kind of evening.

Thank you all for your encouragement, understanding, advice, and support for my post yesterday; it means the world. It was nice to vent. And I'm still fighting, don't you fret.

xx Emorie

Weekend Wears: Autumn Leaves and Polka Dots

Want to hear a story? I'm sure I've mentioned before that I am one of those people to hold onto clothes for years. I'm not a hoarder, I just rarely shop and carefully select my pieces. I've had this polka dot dress since I was 15. Yep, this pretty thing has stuck around with me for almost 8 years. My mom helped me pick it out (and bought it for me) for a school dance/celebration. Around these parts, 7th-9th grade is in Junior High (not middle school) and 10th-12th at High School. At the end of every school year, at South Junior High, an event was put on for the 9th graders who would be moving on to Borah (our High school). This is the dress I wore to that Freshman Farewell. And I must say that I'm pretty proud that at 15 I picked out a dress that would still be a staple in my wardrobe so many years later. It's just one of those classic pieces I never tire of. And it has held up remarkably well considering how often I wear it.

Dress: Very old, but if I remember right it was purchased at Macy's. Tag says Love Tease.
Belt: From a different dress
Cardigan: Target (similar)
Scarf: Forever 21, years ago (similar)
Tights: Target (same, but different colors)
Boots: Modcloth

Do you have any aged pieces in your wardrobe that you still wear regularly?

P.s. My sister took these for me this weekend down by the river in Star. Weren't the leaves so perfectly golden and yellow for us? And isn't my sister so so lovely? The answer is yes.

Lace Dress 4 Ways for Fall/Winter

Yesterday I had a little impromptu photo shoot at home. I've been meaning to put this post together for awhile, but it always seemed like it was going to be a huge hassle to take good pictures for four different outfits so I put it off. Finally I decided to just take them in the backyard, to make wardrobe changes simple. But it was super super windy. And really bright, and then really dark (thanks clouds). I tried my best to edit these light discrepancies, but I apologize for weird color changes that resulted from these corrections (I'm still new to this photo editing business). Thanks Will, for playing camera man.

You've seen me wear this dress before, and as I mentioned it is one of my all time favorite clothing items. When I purchased it a year ago, I had no idea it would become such a stable in my wardrobe. I thought it would be fun to share with you a few different ways I like to wear it. Now that Fall is definitely here (and it is only getting colder), I am using full advantage of my wardrobe. I love to layer pieces in unexpected ways, which comes in handy when I want to wear a dress. Which is always; I'm wearing a dress 90% of the time. My dresses are my favorite clothing items and what I feel most cute and comfortable in, so I don't let cold weather stop me from wearing them. If anything, cold weather encourages more creativity in my daily outfits.

I hope you like what I've come up with, and perhaps it will encourage you to continue to wear some of your favorite dresses well into the cold seasons. It's all about the layers, ladies.

Pair it with Bold Colors:

Dress: Bohme, last year

Coat: Target, years ago (similar)

Scarf: Forever 21, years ago (similar)

Tights: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Boots: ModCloth 

Bold colors aren't reserved for just summer, you can wear then whenever you want! Shocking, I know. Fall and Winter clothes can be a bit devoid of color, but don't be afraid to add color again if you feel like it. In fact, I like putting together a bright, bold ensemble on particularly cold and dreary days. This mustard coat I own really comes in handy. Mustard is a great Fall color and instantly adds a bit of happiness/sunshine unknowingly to my outfit/day. Add even more color with a coordinating scarf and a bold pair of tights.

Try Out Some Unconventional Layers:

Dress: Bohme, last year
Skirt: Target, last year (similar / similar)
Tights: Target (similar)
Boots: Target (similar)

Adding layers doesn't always have to mean piling on sweaters and coats. If it's a nice Fall day, try pairing your dress with something you've never tried before, like putting a dress underneath or a skirt over (and wearing your dress like a shirt). You may be surprised at what you come up with and by how much you like it. I love this skirt, but I never know what to pair it with and usually opt for a plain blouse. I love the new option I have created! Down play the flowery, flowy, feminine feel by adding a pair of boots.

Add Just a Touch of Men's Wear:

Dress: Bohme, last year
Men's shirt: borrowed
Belt: Came with this dress
Tights: Target
Oxfords: Urban Outfitters (similar, though mine were not cow hide and were much cheaper)

This has to be my favorite of the four looks. I really love all of these outfits, but I feel this one is the greatest reflection of my style. Simple and sweet. I put the lace dress over a men's button up shirt and rolled the sleeves up for a casual look. I will say, though, that wearing a shirt under something it is much larger than (my dress) is a bit difficult and would probably require a lot of adjusting through out the day, as it kept bunching up (especially around the shoulders). I loved this color combination, though, and couldn't resist. If you have a button up of your own that fits you well, it may be a better option. Wear with plain black tights and polish everything off with a bow belt and oxfords.

Get All Cozied Up:

Dress: Bohme, last year
Turtleneck: H&M, last year (similar / similar)
Coat: Old Navy (similar)
Tights: Target
Flats: 1318 Fashion

I wear this outfit all the time in the butt-cold depths of winter. This super chunky H&M turtleneck is a cold weather must-have, for me. It is so incredibly cozy and I'll pull it over just about everything. Pairing it with dresses and skirts is my favorite, though. I think it is a bit unexpected and a bit juxtaposed as well. The delicate lace really contradicts and balances out the chunky knit wonderfully. Add a coat of a contrasting color and some golden toes and you're set.

How would you wear this lace dress for Fall/Winter? And do you try to stay fashionable in the cold?

Weekend Wears: Lazy Sunday

I've begun to take walks around the neighborhood again recently. Now that is a bit cooler for longer in the mornings and cooler a little sooner in the evenings, I want to get out and stroll with the pups more. I love walks around sunset and feeling the day change to night. And I love that that is happening now earlier and earlier. I've said it before and I'll say it again (and Will heard me say it on several occasions on our walk last night), I am so excited for Fall.

Outfit Details

tank: Forever 21

cardigan: Old Navy (similar)

skirt: hand-me-down, the tag says Blue Plate

walking flats: so so old, I think from Target (similar)

This weekend was full of lots of much needed rest. Will really needed some after backpacking and working all week. I really needed some after not sleeping all week. Sunday we slept in so incredibly longer than usual, enjoyed salmon cream cheese bagels and huckleberry honey feta cakes and coffee for brunch (that combination is perfection), ran some errands, relaxed a lot, enjoyed a thanksgiving style feast with my family, and enjoyed a long walk. Lovely, lazy Sunday.

Weekend Wears: Lace & A Simple Stroll

Will is gone for work this week; he's out surveying/counting fish carcasses in the woods or something. Saying goodbye at 6:00 am is not fun. This is the longest we will have been apart to date, and with him out all week I had a feeling I might be a bit of a home-body these next few days. Which is all right, I've got a bottle of wine and some Netflix. But with that foresight I made an effort for us to get out a bit this weekend and spend time together. Saturday there were lots of errands to run, but we ended the night sitting down together over some greasy, mediocre chinese food :) Sunday we got up early and piled the pups + one in the car (we're dog sitting) for a hiking adventure (pictures to come). These were taken post hike, when we had to go back out to make an exchange of something bought the day before. Will had the lovely idea to go for a walk around Kathryn Albertson's park, while we were downtown, before heading home. So I took off my dirty hiking attire, combed out my tangled hair, and threw back on the dress I had worn the day before.

Outfit details

dress: Bohme, last year 

belt: from a different dress

bag: Target, a few years ago (similar/similar)

flip flops: Maurices, ages ago (similar)

sunnies: ModCloth

bracelet: borrowed

You'll probably see this dress pop up quite a bit come fall/winter; it is my favorite. I've been rolling the sleeves up a bit lately and it feels completely different. I love that I can wear it with anything or on it's own, and always feel so chic. But it's best with boots.

I hope your weekend was lovely as well.

Weekend Wears: Sunday Picnic

My outfit details shirt: H&M kitty skirt: H&M (not online) oxfords: UO a few years ago sun hat: Target a few years ago Will's outfit details shirt: Target (similar) shorts: Old Navy shoes: TOMS

Will and I went on a bit of a spontaneous little picnic yesterday. Once the idea popped into my head I was obsessed with it and planned on making a gourmet selection of quinoa salad and fresh fruit and veggies and cheese and wine. I pictured us on bikes, cruising about through the park. But when 5:00 arrived yesterday and we had been so busy all day, you know, relaxing (read blog work/reading and WoW playing) I wasn't much in the mood to make even a quinoa salad. Because we were both starving. But Will didn't want me to miss out on a picnic I had so badly wanted, so we hoped in the car, grabbed some super classy (but delicious, come on) Subway, and headed to the river. We parked in the park and walked around until we found a relatively (there were lots of people floating the river) quiet spot in the shade to eat. Our bike ride turned into a nice casual greenbelt stroll. We saw lots of cute pups, which made me feel guilty for leaving Pippin home, and it wasn't even too terribly hot! I mean, it was hot, but I didn't die :)

I'd like to start an outfit series, of sorts, here. I'll be sharing a peek at what I'm wearing when we're out doing things on the weekend. I may lure Will into the picture from time to time as well; because he's really adorable and likes to dress to match me. Everyone probably thinks we're gross. In addition I'll share with you where my pieces are from. This will be easy this first time because most of what I am wearing I acquired recently. But truthfully, I do not add new clothes to my wardrobe very often. I'm picky and only buy things that are a good deal and that I really love. I'm also the type to hold onto something special until it falls apart. Some items in my closet I have had since I was a freshman. . . in high school. Others have a great story behind them; you have been warned.

I am also entering H&M's 50 States of Style contest! Could you be so lovely and vote for me? If you have instagram you can like my picture here. You can also vote for me by finding my picture here, just scroll down until you see the sort by options then select State and then Idaho. Thanks, dear.