too many stories {frocktober, day 1}

Dress: Modcloth (remixed 1 // 2)

Frocktober has begun! 

I wanted to start out this brand new Frocktober with a dress that I've already blogged before. This is a new remix for this galaxy-print dress. It's one of my favorites! It's probably the softest, most comfortable dress I own. I've worn it plain, with tights and boots, and I've also worn it with a striped sweater on top. This outfit showcases a third way to wear it, tucked into a neutral skirt and swept into a cardigan. 

This dress has a very bold, unique print but that doesn't mean it's impossible to wear! I think sometimes those fun "statement pieces" we buy end up sitting in our closet for years without much wear. Get creative and find ways to incorporate those pieces into your wardrobe more regularly. See what you can come up with!

Speaking of galaxy, this dress always reminds me of some of my favorite space stories -- Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica (don't look at me like that), Guardians of the Galaxy. 

One of my favorite things about Fall is the arrival of new TV shows. I love watching TV and keeping up with characters and stories. The problem is, it's almost impossible to actually stay caught up. My husband and I have an enormous pile of TV shows that we're either in the middle of, just starting, or hoping to start. It's quite overwhelming. I obviously don't want to spend my entire life bogged down with TV, but it is something we enjoy doing together.

How do you decide which shows to really commit to, and which ones to let fall by the wayside? 

We have started/are in the middle of/are currently watching: 

Community, Gotham, Sleepy Hollow, New Girl, The Mindy Project, A to Z, Reign, The Vampire Diaries, Walking Dead, Will and Grace, Playing House, Bones, House of Cards, Parenthood.

Now that I've typed all of that out, I'm feeling pretty disturbed. That doesn't even count our wishlist of shows, which includes shows like Arrested Development, Parks and Rec, Chuck, Fringe, Scandal, Freaks and Geeks, Suits, and Alias.

Before you start sending me all of those "technology-is-evil" videos about looking up and living life and throwing our TV out the window, we don't actually spend all of our time watching TV. We actually haven't watched any TV at all this entire week, which is really the problem. We started watching Gotham and are already 2 episodes behind. We've been trying to finish Will and Grace for almost 4 years. There are a lot of shows we want to watch, but I think the real skill comes with knowing when to say, this is never going to happen. We need to try to be wise and figure out the shows that are actually our priority. We've gotta cut some of these loose, especially the ones that require weekly viewing. They'll either be phenomenal and we'll watch them leisurely online in 10 years, or they'll end up crappy and we'll be glad we didn't waste our time (ahem, looking at you, himym). 

How do you choose which shows to watch? What're your current faves?

Also, there's a cat in this picture. Sneaky.

reign: queens of beaded bodices

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Remember that post I wrote about Reign a few months back?

Well, get ready, my friends. This show's style has continued to wow me, and I feel inclined to write another post on it. You can't ever have enough castle intrigue, after all.

And by intrigue, I mean, look at this dress. 

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If that doesn't make you rethink your wedding dress, I don't know what will.
Did I say wedding? I meant your everyday dress because who says a floor-length all-over lace stunner has to mean wedding? Go to brunch in that thang! It'll go great with your mimosa.

This show has a lot to its charm, aside from fashion -- like the absolutely phenomenal music selection. Check out my Reign spotify playlist here, I update it every week!
But I think it's a combination of several things that really makes it so addicting. And a big part of that winning combo is the eye candy.
Meaning the clothes, of course.

When I wrote before about how they have completely reinvented style for this period drama, I wasn't kidding. They have taken some serious (and much appreciated, by the way) liberties with the fashion of the day, creating a strange world of bohemian renaissance. A place of crystals and fur and headpieces and beaded bodices; a place that, frankly, I want to live. 

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They have taken big risks. And like they say, the bigger the risk, the greater the reward.
They've done things like plaid and tie dye, completely embracing their creative genius. They make a ton of custom pieces for this show, but they also grab everyday ensemble enhancers from real-people stores like Anthropologie and Free People, as well as incredible fashion designers like Oscar de la Renta.
I'm sure as this show goes on they'll continue to get their hands on truly exquisite pieces from all over the fashion world. They're just too good at what they do.

Going back to plaid and tie dye -- I mean, sure, she is the Queen of Scotland. So maybe plaid is part of the many fashionista requirements for a queen like Mary; but this isn't quite the whip-out-the-bagpipes, rock-the-kilt kind of plaid. It actually kind of reminds me of a Prom dress from the 90's, inspired by the kind of rocker fashion of Hot Topic and Paul Frank.

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I'm not gonna fight it, though. I love plaid enough to give it a thumbs up, even if it pushes back the borders of appropriate attire for 16th century French court. Push the borders all the way to England, for all I care!

And maybe this isn't really tie dye. Go ahead and tell me it's bohemian, or abstract, or tasteful kaleidoscope. Either way, I love it. It brings back memories of dunking anything and everything white in my closet into big tubs of dye in my backyard. Did any of you used to do that? Rubberbands, buckets, tie dye splashes on your hands and legs?

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Ugh, look at that. Tie dye and crimped hair, it's like a perfect royal throwback to the 80s.
Actually, it's a royal flashforward to the 80s, because that's how queen Mary rolls. She develops her fashion tastes from the future. Legit.

PS: could Francis be any feistier? Gotta love him and his wispy hair and ironclad loyalty to France.

Alright: time for some really good news.
If you're wondering if headpieces are still a thing, they are. They're still happening big time.

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I'm fairly certain the lovely ladies-in-waiting have a Mean Girls-esque rule about head sparkle at court. 

Bling it everyday, or you can't sit with us. 

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Anyone remember this pearly beast?

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We should have known she was evil, by her obvious over-attempt at fitting in to the court headgear crowd. It was too much.
Like Zac Efron trying to dress hip in 17 Again. What'd you do, mug K-Fed?

But moving on; let's forget headpieces, because they're old news, amiright?

Let's talk about CAPES.

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The arrival of wintertime meant a lot of good things for Reign.
Snowy scenes, more fur, more sparkle. Cold weather always means more cuddling.
But the best thing was the appearance of scene-stealing capery.

We've known capes are great since the invention of superman, but this brings them to a whole new level. Velvet, embroidery, bold prints. Warmth and style and riches. The feeling of flying, when a strong wind arises. The element of mystery, because no one knows what your arms are up to.
Honestly, you just can't underestimate the grace of a good winter cape.

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Last by not least, this show has brought back my desire to go big or go home in the earring department.

The way of royalty always wins, because they don't do anything half-cocked. If your earlobes aren't drooping with priceless jewels, you aren't living your life right.

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Gosh, I love her. Part of me is thinking what in the sam hill is she wearing in her ear holes? And the other part is just swooning because she's like a dragon goddess wearing crystal weapons in her ears.

When it comes down to it, Mary does what she wants.
And we all love her better for it.

Do you love Reign? Are you finding yourself obsessed with maxi dresses, wishing they had a beaded bodice and a fuller train? Have you been shopping on Etsy for blinged out headpieces and gargantuan golden ear ornaments? 

Join the club. 

(And by that, I mean, leave a comment or send me an email -- I'm here for you!)

p.s. see all reign posts

style crush: michelle dockery

source: popsugar

Everyone has their celebrity crushes. My husband has a man-crush on Will Smith, and I think it's safe to say I have a girl-crush on Rachel McAdams.
It's a strange kind of sub-human relationship, because celebrities are these distant, in-space characters that we oddly personalize, filling in the gaps of what we don't know (often with things we love or hate about characters they've played), while also treating them less like real people and more like objects or toys.

That fact aside, my admiration/appreciation/infatuation with stars has never (I hope) reached an unhealthy level (except for the years of the Orlando Bloom posters -- but I'm going to accept that as part of every young girl's adolescent flaws).
There are some stars I love for very normal reasons, like style and overall cuteness.
Michelle Dockery is one such star.

theladydockers Instagram: 1/2/3/4/5/6

Her sheep and reindeer sweaters alone make me want to hang out with her all the time.

To me, she's also Lady Mary of Downton Abbey. Elegant, refined, stubborn, strong, beautiful, tragic.

Source: woman&home

source: fanpop

source: thehollywoodsew

source: beautycollection

source: digitalspy

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Her real life seems to be a little less severe, however.

She would define her own style as classic and understated, but I also love the quirkiness (as evidenced by her cutesie sweaters above) and the bright pop of color and wild textures. While she has that fun twist to her fashion choices, she's always elegant.

source: nylonmag

source: exileorexhibit

source: instyle

source: redcarpet-fashionawards

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source: fashiondailymag

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What do you think of lady Dockery's style?
And furthermore, who's your style crush of today?
:)

my love for ever after

Confession: I am a romantic. 

It's debatable when this became true, although I'm fairly certain it officially began in a theater in Phoenix, Arizona in 1998.
I was nine years old. I have an inkling there were signs of my Jane-Austen-loving soul long before then, but this movie-going experience is the first one I can think of that has hefty significance.

Ever After was, and is, the perfect movie.

I've often dreamed out-loud to my husband about how I would absolutely die of happiness if I could plan an Ever After themed trip, where we would travel to France and visit all of the filming locations of this delightful movie. There are many reasons why I love it so, but on this blessed Friday I have chosen to highlight a few to let you all in on why it is so very dear to my heart.

1. It Makes Me Cry

One of my very favorite scenes.

...of happiness. 
Don't get me wrong, I cry ugly sad tears in this movie as well. But for the perfect movie, tears are a must.

2. Books

Oh, the love of books! 
Most of it stems from the treasured influence of Danielle's father, who was a great teacher and loved to share his insights on science and philosophy with his young daughter. When he died, the last book he brought home to her, Utopia, became quite arguably her most prized possession. In fact, her application of its principals is one of the initial reasons she catches the attention of Prince Henry. He realizes this strength in her and later takes her to an astonishing library, hoping to woo her. She is, of course, completely woo'd. Because books! 
When he asks her to pick one, she says with wonder, I could no sooner choose a star in the heavens!
Her passion stuns him, because he is just a rich lost boy looking for his place in this world. Danielle is able to guide him with her sharp tongue and wise words, all of which she owes to her father and his gift of books. 

3. The Soundtrack

Try listening to "Utopia" or "The Homecoming" or even just the main "Ever After" theme without wanting to bawl your eyes out, travel the world, renew your hope in humanity or just fly away on your newfound wings.
This soundtrack is a piece of art, and is one of the biggest reasons why this movie gets me every time.
George Fenton, you angel, you. 

4. It Looks Like Rain

The fact that Leonardo da Vinci is in this movie at all is fantastic, but it's even better that he plays such a delightfully important character. 
His creative spirit inspires Prince Henry, and his solid advice and sweet (albeit sarcastic at times) personality play a big role in the central love story. 
The above sequence, in which he spouts "It looks like rain!" may be one of my favorite moments in cinematic history. 

5. The Gypsy Kiss

After their trip to the wooing library, Danielle is forced to save the prince's life from gypsies. They turn out to be good-hearted gypsies, thank the heavens, but it starts out pretty rough. 
Talk about a quirky side story that we all love. 
The best part? She saves him by picking him up when the gypsy leader announces that he will let her leave with "anything she can carry". So cheeky.
The gypsies erupt in laughter, and they go on as friends. In the heart of the gypsy camp near a warm cozy fire, Danielle and Prince Henry share wine, secrets, and eventually their magical first kiss.
It was the kiss to measure all other kisses by. 
Well, at least... according to my 9-year-old self, it was.
(Let's be honest, according to my 24-year old self, too.)

6. Justice

I still get the goosebumps of justice when Marguerite finally gets that punch in the face she's been begging for the entire film. 
Even though the result of this altercation leads to some of the ugly sad crying I mentioned earlier, (namely when Marguerite oozes pure evil and burns Danielle's beloved copy of Utopia), I still agree with the other not-so-evil step sister, Jacqueline: 

I shall never forget the way Marguerite's feet went up over her head like that. 

7. Glitter

For a girl of the 90's, this was the ultimate kicker. Cinderella with rhinestones. 
I don't know about you, but I bought an abhorrent amount of roll-on glitter sticks and tubes of glitter lotions and body sprays as an adolescent. This movie may be to blame.
If I could steal and perfectly replicate any look for Halloween (or just any ol' Friday night), it would be this one.

What are your favorite Ever After moments? What would you add to this list?
I would so love to know.

Happy Friday friends.