New Happenings and Etsy Excursions

Bonjour all!

A very merry (albeit late) Christmas to you and an even more timely Happy New Year as well! Per happenstance/forever-occuring, I have been away from blogging for far too long with much else on my mind. Even though I am not blogging regularly like I want, I usually think about it at least once every day, seeing things that I would love to share or gaining inspiration that is worthy of blogging. The sad excuse? Motivation/Inspiration deprivation. Alas, an "itis" that I contract far too often. But considering it is the new year, I think mayhaps a change could be coming. I say it every year, but 2015 PLEASE HELP ME BE A GOOD BLOGGER!!! Seriously though.

In order to adhere to my current resolutions, I have some fun-ness lined up for you all, so do stay tuned. As for now, I would like to share my new mark on the world... a spot on a cute partnership of Etsy entrepreneurs called Crafty Collaborations. Here you can purchase a wide variety of various and sundry crafts, works of art, and more for what I like to consider a good price. And what's more? It's a little place where I can sell my humble little art pieces.With customizable options in the making.

So do me an epic-ly awesome favor and check us out! Items added often, so come back regularly to see if we've got what you are looking for!

Dreams handmade here: Crafty Collaborations on Etsy

See you soon,
Sara

Hair-Raising Halloween

Bonjour!!!! Today I am coming to you from the wonderful world of fast-pace science and academic excellence! (How I wish I could say that on a regular basis...) I was able to come up with the idea AND the outfit for this costume in about 10 minutes with a little help from Google images and pieces I already had in my closet. I used a tweed suit jacket, a white blouse, a bow tie from an old costume, and a white-paper-cutout mustache. The final touch? Tousled hair. Very, very tousled hair. Because Einstein was a genius but apparently did not own a comb. The funniest part of my costume was the fact that I really did not have to do a whole lot to my hair to make it look like that-- it's naturally/automatically genius-styled. :/


Now, you may be wondering why I would allow my hair to behave like a Lady Gaga run-in with 90 mph winds (while wearing a white paper mustache, you will remember) to an institution of higher learning at which I am attempting to earn certification for a respectable career. Rest assured, dear bloggers, the only audience this costume had was a class of 5th-7th graders. And the principal. But who's counting? Suffice it to say, if you go out of your way to look like a crazy bird who may require a one-of-a-kind buckling jacket, kids will appreciate it. So if you are one of those people who live to see the strange looks and head-whips, by all means this is the costume for you!

What are you celebrating Halloween as?

Tweed Suit Jacket: Thrifted | Blouse: Gifted | Bow-Tie: Old | Wig: Unfortunately, that is my real hair. Do send your regards.

xoxo, Sara

Royally Blue Part II

Bonjour!

Isn't this location lovely? I've walked past it quite often, but have never stopped to fully pay it any attention. It is on the southern part of campus at the University of Illinois, which is right down the street from my home college. It almost looks like spring again with all of the beautiful flowers!

I am really enjoying my current classes so far, but I would have to say that art and music are my favorites. We are going to learn the ukulele pretty soon and I can't wait to share mine on the blog! (It's an ah-dorable shade of pink and matches my flute and about half of my wardrobe :) ) It turns out I have an obsession for pink instruments.

As in the last post, this dress is from eShakti and I love love love it. If you haven't checked them out yet you should mosey on over- there are so many lovely fashions for any size and any style. You can find the links to eShakti's social media sites here- give them a follow when you get a chance!

xoxo, Sara

Royally Blue Part I

Bonjour!

 Fall is officially here! I would have to say that it is probably my favorite season, just because of the beautiful colors that pop out on everything. I like it even more when the weather is still warm and sunny. Fall weather isn't really my cup of tea.

Today I'm wearing a dress from eShakti, a fashion website that I was super excited to work with. They have so many beautiful vintage fashions for sizes 0-36 and- as if that wasn't the best part- they are also customizable! I was able to decide what length of sleeve and skirt I wanted (a hard choice but definitely worth it!) and... drumroll please... the dress has pockets. I love pockets. Every dress should have pockets.

I also love how flexible this company is with customer measurements. Whether you are petite or full-figured, eShakti's got you covered. Since I am rather small, I was quite pleased to find that my dress fit and flattered so well. The material is light but not flimsy, and I love the way the neck is cut in an elegant style. If you aren't familiar with eShakti, you should give them a peek! I would not be surprised if they have a dress for any woman, occassion, style, or random whimsy.

You can follow eShakti on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest-- check them out ASAP!!! Your closet is depending on you. :)

Chateau Poplin Cotton Dress: eShakti | Shoes/ Mustard Corduroy Blazer: Thrifted | Clutch: Gifted | Bow: Forever 21 | Belt: Old |Book: Recreated (how-to in upcoming post!)

xoxo, Sara

WIW: A Beach-y Adventure

Bonjour!

Every time I come upon one of these pictures, I think about how unfortunate it was that I got my ukulele AFTER I got back from the beach. I would have had way too much fun strumming Hawaiian tunes as the ocean washed over my bare, sand-covered feet. Anyway, I am currently enrolled in a music class which is the reason I am now the proud owner of a little pink ukulele currently named "Lulu" (which I thought was a quite fitting name. Lulu. Ukulele. UkuLulu.:) ) Honestly, it doesn't get any more cute than that.

The outfit I wore to the beach took a while for me to come up with. It is always a problem for modest ladies to visit the beach because you don't want to wear clothes, but at the same time you want to be modest (and not running around half-naked in a barely-there bikini). I decided to wear my one-piece swimsuit underneath this cover-up and just wear it into the water. It worked out pretty well, although it showed a little bit of knee, but I figure better a bit of knee than all of me. :) Plus, if any of you have tried buying a "modest swimsuit", you'll notice the prices run between $50 and $100- a price I am not easily willing to shell out just for a swimsuit I won't end up wearing that often. I would love to hear other ideas for beach-wear, because it can be a struggle trying to be modest AND comfortable at the same time!

Swimsuit: Walmart | Cover-up: Gifted | Sunnies: Old

xoxo, Sara