AmandaBeth Online

Green shoes make the sun shine

2013-05-20T21:45:00.000-04:00

The skies were grey on Sunday morning, so I grabbed my purple umbrella, and hoped they would make for good pictures later. But the sun came out instead. I'll have to save the "rain, rain, go away" shots for another day.

What I'm Wearing:

Ruffle top by WILLI SMITH - hand-me-down
Pencil skirt by UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON - gift
Shoes by CAMI - hand-me-down
Collar necklace - refashioned by me
Bracelet - gift

The collar necklace I'm wearing was actually the neckline of an otherwise drab and unshapely grey teeshirt. I thought it was too good to go to waste, so I cut it off. I don't think the fabric collar necklace trend is quite so hot as it was, but it's fun to have something a little less traditional to accessorize with!

I stole these shoes from a dear friend in Nebraska. I was staying with her before her wedding last November, and saw them on her bedroom floor. She was going to send them away to Goodwill, but I smuggled them home in my suitcase instead.

Ok, it wasn't quite that exciting. She gave me permission.

Do you have any clothes or accessories that you've "stolen" from a friend or smuggled home? Do share! :)

-Amanda

Photos by Lydia Flynn

H&M Consciousness Exclusive

2013-05-14T22:31:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love some of the pieces in the H&M Consciousness Exclusive collection, which are all made from sustainable materials. It gets me excited how organic, eco friendly options are starting to become more widely available, and chosen by celebrities. (Livia Firth deserves her own post, more on her later...) I think this collection is stunning.

For some reason, the pieces no longer seem to be listed on the H&M website (and they were only released a little over a month ago!) but you can see photos of the whole collection at Vogue UK.

Which piece would you like in your own closet? As much as I love the white lace dress, the fringe on the last one shown here just gets me. It's very flapper-ish. My favorite.

-Amanda

Images: H&M

For this is May!

2013-05-10T21:38:00.000-04:00

Come walk with me along this willowed lane,

Where, like lost coinage from some miser's store,

The golden dandelions more and more

Glow, as the warm sun kisses them again!

For this is May! who with a daisy chain

Leads on the laughing Hours; for now is o'er

Long winter's trance. No longer rise and roar

His forest-wrenching blasts. The hopeful swain,

Along the furrow, sings behind his team;

Loud pipes the redbreast - troubadour of spring,

And vocal all the morning copses ring;

More blue the skies in lucent lakelets gleam;

And the glad earth, caressed by murmuring showers,

Wakes like a bride, to deck herself with flowers!

~ Henry Sylvester Cornwell

I know they're a weed, but I truly love dandelions. They make me happy every spring, dotting the lawn with their golden faces. I'm sorry if they wreak havoc in your lawn, but I'm glad they are so resilient.

What I'm Wearing:

Net Dress by DIVIDED - Saver's
Military Jacket by CHEROKEE - hand-me-down
Suede Pumps by STEVE MADDEN - Saver's
Ring by CHUNKY BLING

It's been a while since I wore this jacket, but really love it, and I don't think the military trend is quite dead yet. (The last time it made it into my outfit photos, I had a long bob, and was seeing double. ;) Both the dress and shoes are Saver's finds, costing about $6 and $5, respectively. The ring was sent to me as a gift from Chunky Bling a year or two ago (it's fun and adjustable!), and the beads in the bracelet are made of roses from my Papa Flynn's funeral five years ago.

Also, a bit of news... just yesterday I finalized my registration for cosmetology school. I made the decision back in January, but didn't want to make it public until the details had been ironed out. But it's finally going to be a reality, and I am very excited!

The program runs from September till June; it's close to my home, and very affordable. Hair/makeup/nails are something I've always enjoyed doing, and this is something I can do to support myself while continuing to pursue a career in writing fiction. I plan on getting licenses as a cosmetologist and an esthetician, and getting further learning and certification in cutting curly hair (believe me, it's an entire science), and specializing in all natural beauty products.

So, come the fall, I will be in school, as well as nannying. I'm not exactly sure what direction the blog will take at that point (I'll be busy!), but I am hoping to run something beauty related as I continue to learn and build my business. I'm looking forward to the adventure!

I hope you've had a lovely week, and that you continue to enjoy the May days ahead... :)

-Amanda

Photos by Lydia Flynn

Anna Karenina

2013-05-06T22:04:00.000-04:00

The classic novel might usually make you think of harsh winters in Russia, this photo shoot (from last fall) makes me think of spring. I think there's something about the warmer season that makes me want to dress up in a nice period gown and skip through the forest. ;)

What about you? Does the springtime put you in a costume-y or just general fashion-y mood?

Three cheers for spring fashion fever! ;)

-Amanda

Images: Vogue

Stand By Me

2013-05-02T22:19:00.000-04:00

If the sky that we look upon

Should tumble and fall

Or the mountains should crumble to the sea

I won't cry, I won't cry

No, I won't shed a tear

Just as long as you stand

Stand by me

I realize (only because I've been taking weekly pictures) that I have been wearing too much blue and stripes lately. There's always been a lot of blue in my wardrobe, but not so many striped pieces until recently, when I found some that I really liked. But I definitely need to break it up and wear a different, cheerier color next week!

What I'm Wearing:

Maxi Dress by P.INC MATERNITY - thrifted
Jacket - hand-me-down
Belt - Kohl's
Shoes by KELLY & KATIE - thrifted
Necklace and Earrings - AmandaBeth
Bracelet - gift

I found this maxi dress at my favorite local thrift store, and almost didn't buy it because it was a maternity dress, and looked enormous on me in the dressing room. But the fabric was so soft, and it was only a few dollars... so I brought it home. I'm so glad, because a wide belt solved the preggo-dress dilemma. I absolutely love it.

I'm wearing my current favorite nail polish shade again (Lightning by L.A. COLORS) - it makes me happy! - and the coral sandals I wanted to break out last week. This Sunday was finally warm enough to wear them (it's been a beautiful week). I got them for $3.50 at Saver's, and love them to bits, although they are might just be my 2nd most painful pair of shoes (a bit on the snug side).

I also got to try Mary Kay's True Dimensions lipstick (in "Wild About Pink!") for the first time, and I really like it. My lips have a lot of natural color, so I don't usually wear lipstick, but lately (it must be spring) I've been craving a cheery pop of color. This one satisfied the craving.

FYI, my recent outfit posts have all been "Sunday" looks, since that's the only regular time I'm dressed up a bit (being a nanny usually has me in jeans, a tee shirt, and sneakers). So feel free to post your own look from the past week in the comments... I love to see what everyone is wearing! :)

Have a beautiful weekend!

-Amanda

Photos by Lydia Flynn

DIY Fashionista: Dress to Skirt Re-fashion

2013-04-29T22:01:00.003-04:00

So here it is, a little later than promised: my step-by-step demonstration of how I turned a little dress, that didn't fit or flatter so well, into a skirt that I love. I've done this at least 3 times now, and while each one was a little different, and needed it's own unique "tweaks," all of the results have been great. Not only does this simple technique allow you to breathe new life into a piece you already own, but it gives you more shopping options. Find a dress at the thrift store with a totally awesome print, but it's too short or not your style? Buy it anyway, and turn it into your next favorite skirt!

So here's the original dress/long-ish top. (I'm pretty sure this came in a bag of super awesome hand-me-downs from some of my friends - they are the bestest! ;) I loved it at first, because of the cheerful, summery blue and white stripes, but only wore it once or twice before I decided to get rid of it. The high waisted, spagetti-strap style just didn't do my figure any favors. Fortunately, I realized how cute of a skirt waistband the bodice would actually make... and out came the scissors!

The first thing to go was the straps. Snip! (I actually turned them into a headband, but I don't have any great pictures of that yet.) I decided that the bodice was a bit wider of a waistband than I wanted, so next I opened up the top of each side seam (see left). Then I took the back of the bodice (now my waistband), which had built-in elastic smocking/ruching, folded it in half to get the desired width, then stitched it down (see right).

Once the back half of the waistband was sewn securely, I ran two rows of gathering stitches along the sides of the front part of the waistband (see left). I adjusted the gathering stitches until both the front and back sides of the waistband were the same size and tied them off (see right).

Next I pinned the front and back waistbands together at the side with right sides together (see left). In order to make the skirt fit snugly on my waist and eliminate some fullness in the skirt, I determined that I needed to sew a 1" seam allowance on both sides of the skirt, from top to bottom (see right). This took the piece in a total of 4 inches.

So now I had a skirt that fit well (I tried it on again to double check), but a wide, floppy seam allowance left over (see left). Here's where professional seamstress techniques come in! (You can tell a lot about a seamstress by looking at the inside seams of the garments they make.) I trimmed the seam allowance to a neat 1/4 of an inch (see right).

Next I ran a zig zag stitch over the edge of the seam allowance, just to make sure that there wouldn't be any stray threads or messiness (see left). Lastly, I pressed the seam towards the back of the garment with an iron, which made it nice and flat and finished, instead of looking as if I had just sewed it up (see right).

You might think I'm finished at this point, and I should have been, but what did I happen to do while snipping my headband strips to size??? That's right, I cut a small nick in the front and center of the skirt I had just completed. Classic.

After I'd started breathing again, I applied my simple "never fails" fix. I cut a small triangle of fusible interfacing, big enough to cover the slice and then some. After pressing the cut edges together neatly so that they were almost invisible, I fused the interfacing carefully to the inside/wrong side of the skirt with the iron. This made the slit practically invisible from the outside, but for added stability I used a tiny zig zag stitch to "mend" my error. I'm pleased (and very relieved) to say that it's almost as good as new.

So there you have it! Have any of you ever done a dress-to-skirt re-fashion before? I would love to see pictures, or any other ideas for re-making clothing pieces! It makes me feel all happy inside. :)

-Amanda

First photo by Lydia Flynn

Carey Mulligan in VOGUE

2013-04-25T22:34:00.000-04:00

Wispy feathers in robin's egg blue.

Heavy, metallic textures.

Red, white and black.

Yay for Mary Janes!

I just love Carey Mulligan. Especially when she's all dolled up like a Gatsby-esque flapper.

-Amanda

Images: Vogue

Striped

2013-04-22T22:23:00.000-04:00

Don't you just love those mornings when the sun is shining, and you're feeling chipper, and you pull together a fun, spring-y outfit, and are going to wear your new coral high-heeled sandals... and then you step outside and realize that the sunshine has deceived you, and it still feels incredibly chilly?

That happened to me yesterday.

Fortunately, a cozy jacket and some comfy boots helped remedy the situation. And I am telling myself that there will be plenty of opportunities to wear sandals, very soon. I may be looking forward to summer with rose-colored glasses right now, but I'm sure before too long it will feel incredibly brutal. (This is why the Ocean was invented. ;)

What I'm Wearing:

Striped Skirt by NO BOUNDARIES - was a dress, refashioned by me
Striped Top by STRAWBERRY - hand-me-down
Velvet Jacket by MARY KATE & ASHLEY - hand-me-down
Leather Boots - from Target
Jewelry - gifts or hand-me-downs, earrings by KATHY SNYDER from Melissa's wedding

The skirt is yet another dress-to-skirt project I've completed in recent months (I wore a similar piece on Easter), and... drumroll... I actually took pictures of how I did it. I will be posting a simple tutorial/DIY later this week to give you some ideas of how you could use the same easy method to transform dresses or tops into skirts. (That is, if you like them better that way.) Stay tuned!
(Update: click here for the tutorial!)

I hope everyone is having a nice start to the week! Things have certainly been *ahem* interesting for me the past few days, but God's faithfulness is new every morning, and continually blows my mind.

"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”

~ L.M. Montgomery

-Amanda

P.S. Am I crazy to wear two completely different striped pieces together? Be honest. ;)

Photos by Lydia Flynn

Love Grows

2013-04-20T09:49:00.000-04:00

The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places;

But still there is much that is fair,

And though in all lands love is now mingled with grief,

It grows perhaps the greater.

~ J.R.R. Tolkien

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Black and Blue

2013-04-16T22:44:00.003-04:00

Do you ever have a moment when you are touched by the harshness of life; when it hits you, and knocks the wind out of your sails?

For the past few months, I've felt a little bit of that. Real life is not quite what I thought it was going to be, and it hurts. Family struggles. Friends suffer. Dreams seem out of reach. And tragedy, like the one that happened yesterday in Boston, less than an hour from my home, shakes you out of your comfortable bubble and leaves you gasping for breath.

But there is still beauty in this world. God is still in control, and more infinitely good than I can begin to fathom. And when the cares of this world leave me feeling black and blue, He picks me up, sets me on my feet, and pushes me onward.

It is well.

What I'm Wearing:

Maxi dress by SOLEMIO - from Il Teatro, my aunt's favorite boutique in Pasadena, CA
Knit and lace top - hand-me-down, no tags
Tank by FADED GLORY from Walmart
Shoes - FERGALICIOUS by FERGIE from Famous Footwear
Jewelry by family friend Kathy Snyder

I wanted to wear something a bit more "spring-y" over this maxi dress, but in the end the simple black top just worked out best. Does anyone actually still think that black and blue don't go together? 'Cause it's one of my favorite combinations.

Pretty nail polish colors are one of those things I find hard to resist, although I limit myself to the cheap stuff. It cost my $2.20 for these colors... Skyline Blue by NYC New York Color, and Lightning by L.A. COLORS Color Craze. Someday I'd like to be able to afford the all-natural polishes that won't poison me, but for now this is a very inexpensive happiness in a bottle.

This was just supposed to be a regular outfit post, but when I started typing I couldn't help but share a little bit of what is in my heart tonight. Please feel free to share your heart, outfit photos from your own week, or whatever else you like.

God bless, and thank you for reading.

-Amanda

Photos by Lydia Flynn

Fairyland

2013-04-10T23:12:00.000-04:00

There is such a place as fairyland - but only children can find the way to it.
And they do not know that it is fairyland until they have grown so old that they forget the way.
One bitter day, when they seek it and cannot find it, they realize what they have lost;
and that is the tragedy of life.
On that day the gates of Eden are shut behind them and the age of gold is over.
Henceforth they must dwell in the common light of common day.

Only a few, who remain children at heart, can ever find that fair, lost path again;
and blessed are they above mortals.
They, and only they, can bring us tidings from that dear country where we once sojourned
and from which we must evermore be exiles.
The world calls them its singers and poets and artists and story-tellers;
but they are just people who have never forgotten the way to fairyland.

~ Lucy Maud Montgomery

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Merry and Bright on Easter

2013-04-07T09:41:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a lovely Easter! I spent mine with family and a dear new friend, and had a wonderful day. There was a great Sunday service, lots of yummy food, some music, and a walk to the local graveyard. (Yes, we are a weird family. We bond over visiting my deceased grandfather's stone, and usually take a few pictures. Now you know our deep, dark secrets.)

One of my favorite things about the holiday (after the obvious: Christ is risen! Whahoo!) is how it makes me feel that spring is truly on its way at last.

My beloved spoke, and said to me,

"Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come,

And the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land."

- Song of Solomon 2:10-12

Picking out something for Easter is always exhilarating. (One of the things that makes me feel like the seasons are finally changing is spring-y clothes.) I gave up wearing pastels a few years ago (they just don't suit me), but I still like to wear something cheerful and colorful. With nude platform heels alá Kate Middleton, of course.

What I'm Wearing:

Cardigan by MERONA - thrifted
Tank by VINCE - thrifted
Skirt - was a dress, refashioned by yours truly
Shoes by GUESS - from Marshalls
Belt, Bracelet - hand-me-downs
Necklace - thrifted
Earrings - made by me

This is the most painful pair of shoes I own. I usually pride myself on feeling comfortable in high heels, but I've met my match in these ones. It's not the height that makes them hurt, but the lack of support. Fortunately, they cost me less than a dollar after I'd used my gift card. (And here's a secret... they were the last ones on the shelf and are actually two different sizes! 9.5 on the left and 10 on the right.)

I have no idea where the belt or the bracelet came from (we get so many random bags of clothes from people, which I love) but they've become my favorites.

(And that's a lyric from a Rebecca St. James song that I wrote on my arm with a sharpie.)

So, the skirt was originally a dress, and I didn't like the style. But I loved the color. So I decided to cut the top off, fold the waistband down, take in the sides, and make it a skirt. And I love how it came out.

(Hopefully from the pictures shown above you can get a vague idea of how I did it. I've actually used this "dress to skirt" technique on a couple of other pieces recently... I'll get a tutorial up sometime!)

How was your Easter Sunday spent? And what did you wear? (If you posted photos on your blog, please share the link!)

It's fun to be back at this again.

-Amanda

Photos by Lydia Flynn

Back in Time for a Birthday

2013-04-04T00:14:00.000-04:00

Surprise!!!

That's right. I'm back. Just in time for AmandaBeth Online's 5th birthday.

It's been a whirlwind year. Those of you who are longtime followers know that I took an indefinite break from AmandaBeth at the beginning of May 2012. Since then I've been working my nanny job, started a writing blog, finished my book, made some goofy youtube videos, visited Washington and Nebraska, was in a musical, and am in the process of finishing up the 2nd draft of said book. And I lost my sister, brother-in-law and nephews to St. Louis, Missouri, and my cousin to the army.

It's been good. It's been challenging. Life is so much more difficult and complicated than I thought that it was going to be. But God is so much more gracious and merciful and good than I ever imagined. I will survive.

I've missed the blog. In the middle of last year I rediscovered my love for fashion. For so long it was something I felt obligated to keep up with and "do," and I had reached a point where I felt like I had nothing left to give. (I literally wanted to don sweatpants, a t-shirt, and put a bag over my head.) But stepping away has rekindled the spark. I've rediscovered my love of thrift shopping, and am now so cheap when it comes to spending my hard-earned dollars on clothing that it's ridiculous. I'm trying to sew and re-fashion a little bit more. And I'm pulling out the camera to take outfit pictures. It's become fun for me once again.

Yes, I'm back. In some capacity. And I'm dying to catch up. The upcoming year holds some really big adventures, and I can't wait to share them with you.

So, what have you been up to for the past year???

-Amanda

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I just can't stay away completely...

2012-07-12T15:24:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! I'm popping back in here for a moment to give you all a quick update and share a bit about a new project.

Thank you all so much for the kind words and prayers. I have been doing really, really well for the past couple of months, partly due to saying "no" to a lot of things and giving myself more time to breathe, and partly due to getting some supplements and dietary things together, which has improved my health. It's been an interesting time, and I definitely plan on sharing more about it in the future. :)

Taking a break from the blog was a really good decision for me, and allowed some extra time to evaluate and make clearer decisions about my future. But I have missed blogging a lot. And while I'm not sure the time is quite right for me to start up again at AmandaBeth (although I'm confident that it will happen eventually), I have been wanting to share some of the things I've learned as I am using this phase of life to pursue my writing career. I want to have a place to document the journey, and also be able to interact and be inspired by other writers online. I've been toying with the idea of creating something new for over a year and a half now, so... drumroll... I'm starting a writing-related blog.

It's called iWrite, therefore iAm: The incoherent babbling of a cynical workaholic. (Ok, so not that last part.)

I'm just starting out at this point, but I'd love if you'd click over and join me there. Even if you're not a writer, if you read (blogs, at the very least) I'd love to have your input, and hear your voice.

Thank you all for the support and for staying subscribed. I'm pretty positive that AmandaBeth will be revived again, and until then I'm glad I've got a new place where we can stay in touch. I've missed you. :)

-Amanda

Image: Pinterest

Taking Time

2012-05-04T12:54:00.001-04:00

Today I am writing to let you all know that I feel the need to take an "official" break from the blog. Like I mentioned in my last post, the past six months of my life have been a bit rough, and right now I am in a season of trying to slow down and simplify things a little bit. And I feel like, at this time, the whole blogosphere is a distraction I could do without.

Despite the fact that I've only been posting inconsistently for the past year or so, the blog has still felt like a very big part of who I am. I find myself constantly thinking about it, dreaming up ways to grow and expand, and planning way more blog posts than I ever get time to write. It's something I have a real passion for, and the last thing I want to do is hang up a "closed" sign. So I'm not going to. I'm just going to take a break. :)

I am planning on spending the next few months focusing on finishing up my current book project. One of my "resolutions" for 2012 is to get it finished, edited, and submitted to some agents by the end of the year. Eeek! That's kind of a big goal, and the project definitely needs more focus than I am currently giving it.

So, all of that said, I don't intend to abandon the blog and never return (I have way too many post ideas and things I know I'll want to share!), but for now I'm just going to let it rest for a little while. Keep following, because you never know when I might jump back here and surprise you! :) I am hopeful that there are lots of other exciting adventures ahead of me, and I can't wait to share them all with you.

Have a blessed, lovely weekend, and thanks for reading.

-Amanda xo

Photo by Alina Maira

Belated Birthday

2012-04-23T22:33:00.000-04:00

So the 4 year anniversary of this blog's beginning slipped by me unnoticed earlier this month, while I was in the whirlwind of everyday life. I've been struggling a lot lately to keep up with that whirlwind, but I didn't want the month to pass without acknowledging how special it is to have a blog that's not just a baby anymore, and thanking you all for the encouragement and support over the years.

I have been especially surprised and cheered to see the number of subscribers continue to slowly but steadily grow, and find that you are all still leaving comments, and cheering me on. It's nice to know that you care, especially since for the past year or so I have veered away from the initial fashion-focus, posted irregularly, and been unable to put the time and energy into blogging that I have in the past.

If you've been following from the beginning; for years, a few months, or maybe just weeks or days, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm not sure where the blog will go from here, or what will happen next, but I'm glad that you are along for the ride.

In all honesty, I feel that I am at a crossroads. The past six months have been a bit of a roller-coaster (maybe I'll share more about that some time) and I've reached a point where I finally see the desperate need to slow down, evaluate, and breathe. Keeping healthy, getting the basic things of life accomplished, and trying to simplify and iron out my goals for the rest of this year is harder than I ever thought it could be.

All of this to say that I'm not sure what part the blog is going to play in what's to come, but I am so thankful for the part it has played thus far. And for all of you who have been a part of it.

I hope you have a wonderful rest of the month, whether it's your birthday or not. And I also hope it's not pouring buckets of rain wherever you are, although it's rather lovely. ;) God bless.

xoxo
Amanda

Easter Eyes

2012-04-10T19:30:00.000-04:00

For Easter Sunday, I wanted to wear something keeping with the pastel color scheme of the holiday, without being too traditional and Easter dress-y. I paired a simple knit shirt with a striped skirt, complete with pleats, oversized buttons, and pockets. I also pulled out my "Buckingham Palace" satin heels that I bought on my trip to London in 09. They've appeared twice on the blog before (here and here) but this was the first time I've worn them out. And while they were bearable, they are definitely a bit too small. My feet hurt when I look at these photos.

I also decided to wear my new glasses, which I just got a a few weeks ago. I wore glasses from when I was eight up until I was sixteen, but it's been contacts ever since. So now people who have known me for years are marveling at how different I look and asking me if I can see so much better now, which is kind of funny. I plan on alternating the glasses with my contacts, both to save some money on the latter, and to add some variety to my look. It's nice that glasses are an accessory nowadays, and not just a dorky necessity. ;)

What I'm Wearing:

Shirt by SO wear it declare it - hand-me-down
Skirt by MERONA - hand-me-down
Shoes by laceys - from BULLFROGS in Greenwich, London
Glasses by SUCCESS:XPL in "Grape"
Earrings and Tights - unmarked

Tights are not something I'd usually wear with these open-toed shoes, but the chilly weather made it necessary. Fortunately, I had this neat pair on hand, with a kind of interesting design. I was also planning on wearing a headband as my "Easter Bonnet" piece, but with the glasses and earrings it was a bit overkill. My sister Lydia even convinced me not to wear any additional jewelry, but to keep things simple. I think it was good advice.

What did you wear on Easter Sunday? Please leave a link to your blog post and photos in the comments... I'd love to see! :)

Have a beautiful week!

-Amanda

Easter Pretties and Ideas

2012-04-07T08:59:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is a very special holiday and, in celebration, I thought I'd share some random Easter-ish things I've found in my internet travels. Hopefully you'll get some ideas and be inspired! (Be sure to click each photo for a link to the source, which has even more pretties!)

Easter Sunday requires special thought being put into your fashion ensemble. Whether it's a brand new dress, an unusual pairing of separates, or reviving a favorite look... make it special. Soft, feminine shades - or floral prints - are perfect for springtime and very appropriate, but don't be limited by them. Be creative!

Ooo... pastels! I have a hard time pulling them off, but when you find the right shade, it can be really yummy. The pink easter dress above is so very pretty, and who wouldn't want a some beautifully colored creamers like these?

As well as pulling out your pastel dishes for this holiday, be creative with your centerpieces! Using eggshells as vases or tea light holders? Brilliant.

Your food can fit the color scheme as well. Maybe try a French Macaroon recipe using your favorite colors, or bake this delicious looking Italian Easter Bread. Obviously, the possibilities are endless.

Wear an "Easter Bonnet" tomorrow. Seriously. Hats and fascinators have become very popular over the past year (thank you Kate, Pippa, Eugenie and Beatrice! ;) and are available in so many different styles. There is something for everyone! (Even a decorated headband will add something unique to your holiday look.)

Some pretty jewelry is also a great way to dress up your ensemble. You could go with something dainty and vintage-inspired, our pull out your favorite bird's nest jewelry (love this trend!).

Unlike last year, I didn't do anything unique when it came to dyeing Easter eggs (they are so pretty on their own that they don't really need enhancement). But there are plenty of gorgeous ideas out there, including this very, very sweet one, using blown eggs and a secret message. Be sure to look at all the photos, it's really charming.

Don't forget the reason why we celebrate tomorrow. He is risen.

________________________________________________________

What are your Easter plans? Any interesting recipes, crafts or fashion looks in the works? I plan on shooting some photos of my outfit tomorrow, if I have time... please share a link to yours!

God bless, and have a lovely weekend!

-Amanda

MAD for 1960s Inspired Fashions

2012-03-27T19:15:00.000-04:00

Ladylike day dresses. Glamorous evening gowns. Smart and preppy pant and sweater ensembles. Vintage shoes. Costume jewelry. And oh, those yummy hair and makeup looks! The 1960s have been a major influence on fashion for the past few years... due to classic films, new television programs, books and blockbuster movies. It's an era that I was never fond of until the past few years, mostly because I had only seen 60s fashion from the pages of a few fashion history books, and they focused on the most bizarre trends, trapeze dresses, and Twiggy. The reality was that a great many women were still dressing a lot like they had in the previous decade, and comfortable with having a figure like Marilyn Monroe.

Now that I've seen a bit more of what women actually were wearing in the 60s, rather than just looking at fashion plates and advertisements from that decade, I absolutely love the styles. It's such an interesting time period, and a great mesh of the classic femininity of the past and the more edgy and futuristic looks that were coming into fashion.

These photos are from Banana Republic's official Mad Men collection, set to coincide with the start of the newest season of the popular television show. (A disclaimer here: I have not seen the show, and from what I have heard about it, it's not one that I would watch or recommend. That said, the costumes are pretty fabulous.) The designs in this new collection are classic, clearly 60s-inspired, and yet modern enough to look fresh and contemporary in the 21st century.

Anything from this collection can look either vintage or modern, depending on what the pieces are paired with, and how you finish off your ensemble. It's all in the shoes and accessories!

My favorite items are the sleek and sophisticated sheath dresses. They've become wildly popular over the past few years (thanks, Kate Middleton, for your contribution! ;) and are so ladylike and classy. I think they are the perfect look for a special occasion... particularly if you are attending a summer wedding!

I am also a big fan of the dainty cardigans, which are so versatile, and don't necessarily have to look "girly." And those brightly colored (or stark white) "cigarette pants" are just so, so timeless and chic. They remind me of Audrey Hepburn, and Mary Tyler Moore.

What do you think about the resurgence of 1960s fashions? Any styles you particularly love, or can't stand?

Does anybody else have some pretty cap toe flats on their wish list???

-Amanda

Images: Entertainista

Rose Colored Glasses

2012-03-24T11:19:00.000-04:00

The internet is a strange thing these days.

With the help of dozens of social-networking websites, we can now broadcast ourselves and our personal lives all around the world. This can be a good thing, at times. Now our friends and relatives can see the recent family photos, hear the latest news, and visit with the new grand-baby via video chat.

Then, of course, there are downsides. Sometimes we share things from our personal lives that we shouldn't. We know, but don't realize how many people will see what we have said. We create embarrassing situations for ourselves. Sometimes we wish that we could take those words back.

If only we stopped to think before we officially "published" some things on the internet.

Over the past ten years, while I've been working on various publications, blogs, and social-networking sites, my mother has warned me again and again to be wary of posting negative things on the internet. We both have read one too many "rants," and, when people are always talking about how depressing their lives are, it gets old pretty fast. Really, we'd rather hear about your personal troubles over coffee than through the cold, insensitive internet.

So I've been careful. I try to think twice before I post (and check for typos!). And yes, there have been some things I've written online that I regret. There have been times when I've been too emotional, and said too much. But I've tried to keep things positive, so people don't have to roll their eyes at me every other status update. And I think my mother is fairly satisfied. ;)

But recently, I've noticed a trend that has struck me as equally disturbing as the "bare your soul and tell everyone what a mess your life is" statuses I've seen for years. This new trend is not an obvious problem. It seems nice, squeaky clean, and like something every good girl should emulate.

But here's the danger. People's lives are starting to sound perfect.

For example: (These are not real statuses, for the record!)

"Curled up by the fire with a pumpkin spice latte and a brand new book!"
"Making chocolate creme pie in the kitchen while my adorable and so well behaved children sing along to Josh Groban in perfect Italian."
"Just spent three hours shopping! Now I've got five new pairs of shoes."
"Tanning on the beach with all of my best friends from college and look how gorgeous we are in this Instagram photo!"

You've probably seen something along those lines. You know what I mean. ;)

While there is nothing "wrong" with any of these statuses, when these become the only thing that a particular person ever posts, their life starts to sound like one super fun, incredibly amazing, free-of-all-care carousel ride. It starts to sound perfect.

And, by comparison, our "real" lives, which include the nitty gritty as well as the pretty, start to feel so very imperfect.

Apparently, there is more than one study out there that shows that Facebook can cause depression in teens (or anyone, really). This is because we watch the lives of our friends and relatives through a filter, seeing only what they choose to share with us. And when we're reading dozens of awesome status updates, and seeing all the beautiful photos from vacation, our lives can seem dull by comparison. We feel like we don't measure up, that our lives are boring or depressing, and maybe we wish that we were someone else.

Don't get me wrong. There is nothing bad about a cheerful status update. And I still believe there is lots of wisdom in my mother's reminders not to post my tumultuous emotions all over the internet. (As she truly states, it's not everyone's business to know each little thing going on in our lives. ;)

But I want to see some reality. I want to hear some honesty. I want people to know that my life is not perfect, that there are days when the sun seems to have disappeared, and that I have had a rough week (or month, or year).

I do love to hear about the happy things going on in other people's lives. I am also encouraged when I hear about their struggles, life's challenges, and how God is still good, no matter what. There obviously there has to be some balance, so that our Twitter statuses don't all dip to one extreme or another.

I don't know how well I've done in keeping the balance. I know that I would love to be a positive person, who is cheerful and encouraging. I also know that I am incredibly weak, quick to complain, and often drag others down along with me. But I want to be honest about how much I need a Saviour. I want to walk in the light, instead of trying to hide my imperfections. I want to be real.

I don't want you to look at me through rose colored glasses.

-Amanda

Image: Tree Among Mist Print

Katie Ermilio Spring 2012

2012-03-15T09:39:00.000-04:00

Spring is just around the corner, and for those of us in New England, it's been a dreadful tease. Earlier this week the temperature went up to seventy degrees, and even at its chillier times, the weather has been well above average for the month of March.

So, lots of spring-y fashion has been dancing in the back of my mind. And none lovelier than these looks from Katie Ermilio, photographed by Jamie Beck. The collection is sweet and ladylike, and both the model and the photography capture that very pretty and feminine spirit.

Here's a few favorites...

I didn't think these needed much of a description, but I'd love your opinion. Do you enjoy big doses of eye candy without accompanying text? I'd like to know! Also, what do you think of this collection, and which look is your favorite?

You can see more of Jamie Beck's high resolution photos at her photography blog, or browse the entire collection at Katie Ermilio.

Have a lovely rest of the week!

-Amanda

Images: Jamie Beck for Katie Ermilio

A bit of randomness...

2012-03-10T11:19:00.000-05:00

So, I've got a few random things I'd like to share with you today. The first is a tag from the lovely Rachel Hope, which I am finally re-posting. I haven't been tagged in a while (probably since I am terrible at responding), but I wanted to follow up on this one.

I'd love to obey the rules exactly, but I'm short on time. So I just decided to answer the questions that Rachel gave me... and if you'd like to participate, you can go over to the original post and read the details for yourself. Pretend that I tagged you. :)

1. Who is your favorite author?

The first author I remember deciding was "the best" is Louisa May Alcott. She is still on my list, and my personal favorite of her books is An Old Fashioned Girl.

2. Do you have a favorite country that you dream of visiting, and if you do what is it?

I've already had the opportunity to visit the country I'd dreamed about, spending six amazing days in London, England. I would definitely like to go back, enjoy London again, and see some of the countryside. In the future, I plan on visiting as much of Europe as possible, especially Ireland and France.

3. Do you prefer skirts or jeans?

They are both so perfect for different things that it's hard to say. Jeans are great for everyday, or for dressing up, if they are a really nice pair... with the right shoes, top, and accessories. But I guess I'd have to go with skirts/dresses, simply for the "wow" factor you can get with an amazing ensemble.

4. Do you have a favorite genre of music?

I like a lot of very different types of music, but I'd have to say my favorite genre is the big band/swing/oldies from the 30s, 40s and 50s. Judy Garland, the Andrews Sisters, Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, Jo Stafford, Helen Forrest, et cetera...

5. Do you prefer tea, coffee or cocoa, or none on these?

Chai Lattes are the best. I would drink them morning and evening if it was in my budget. ;) (Trader Joe's Spicy Chai Latte mix is amazing.)

6. If you inherited tons of cash what would be the first thing you would do?

I'd save and invest as much as possible, and see how far I could make it go. And then, if there was some extra after determining all the practical uses, I'd jump on a plane for Europe. :)

7. Do you have a fashion icon and if so who?

I know everyone says this, but Audrey Hepburn is really inspirational. It was so much more than just the way she dressed. She was an expression of true beauty and a radiant spirit. Read Audrey Style for an incredible and respectful look at her life, and what made her such an enduring icon.

8. What is your dream job?

I've wanted the same two dream jobs for my entire life. One is to sing, and have the privilege of entertaining people. The other is to write fiction, and have the privilege of entertaining people. I've been able to do quite a bit of both over the years, and find them the most special and fulfilling jobs ever. I really hope I can continue to do both in some way, shape, or form for the rest of my life.

9. Do you have a favorite book and film adaption?

Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea. The novels are not my favorite books in the world, but Lucy Maud Montgomery is one of my top authors and I've always felt a closer connection with "Anne Shirley" (in both the books and the films) than any other literary or film character. The movies have been my favorites since I was about eight years old.

10. If you could rewrite one classic novel which one would it be?

Actually, a long time ago, I spent 3 1/2 years re-writing The Phantom of the Opera. I'm not particularly proud of that piece of work (as it wasn't completely original), but the fact that my mom and sister couldn't stop turning pages was rather gratifying. ;)

11. What is your idea of a perfect day?

One with 48+ hours in it!!!

But if it had to be 24 hours, I'd like to wake up at seven o'clock (without an alarm, feeling refreshed) drink chai tea, listen to classical music and leisurely catch up on my housework and computer-related stuff. Then I'd write for about two hours, have a late breakfast and maybe go for a walk or something. In the afternoon I'd blog or work on random projects, and then dress for dinner and go out to see a musical, after having supper with family or friends. And then I'd like to come home feeling warm, fuzzy and inspired, and stay up until midnight recording music in the basement. And then sleep soundly (with awesome dreams) and somehow manage to wake up and do it again the next day. (Oh and make enough from the writing and music endeavors to live on.) That's it. ;)

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Moving on to blog news, here's a little update on my new Tumblr blog! I decided to go with the name "The Daily Lovely," which really just seemed to fit. Thanks so much to everyone who commented, shared their favorites, and gave new suggestions. I appreciated the enthusiasm... it was catching! :)

So feel free to skip over to The Daily Lovely for a daily dose of pretty things. There will be lots of St. Patrick's Day inspiration posted over the next week.

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Also, I finally went and organized the Monthly Fashion Archives from 2010, so you can now browse a list of the posts and view them at your leisure. And now I know I need to tackle 2011 (whew!). Thanks so much for your patience, and for reading the archives. There's a lot of fun stuff buried in there that I think is worth revisiting. ;)

I hope you all have a beautiful weekend, and I'll see you soon...

-Amanda

Image: lovisa ranta on flickr

And the winner of the Shabby Apple "Biacami" dress is...

2012-03-06T15:30:00.000-05:00

... Elenatintil! Random.org chose 80 as the number for today (we had exactly 260 entries - the most in any AmandaBeth giveaway thus far!). In her entry, Elenatintil wrote:

"If I won the dress, I'd wear it with my white eyelet lace scarf and matching heels. (I do have heels that look like they're made out of eyelet lace!) I might also add a narrow white belt. Red lipstick is a must!"

Congratulations! Sounds like a lovely ensemble! :) I'll be emailing you shortly with information on receiving your dress!

Thank you to everyone who entered! I hope you'll stay fans of Shabby Apple for a long time... and who knows? Maybe there will be another chance to win one of their dresses in the future. :)

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! Mine was busy, busy, busy, with performances of the musical "Annie," in which I played Grace. It was a fantastic experience and, while it's nice to be back to normal things, I am definitely missing the fun of working with so many wonderful and talented people... and getting to wear pretty vintage gowns onstage. ;)
Have a restful week!

-Amanda

Best of the 84th Academy Awards Red Carpet

2012-02-28T11:11:00.000-05:00

Picking my favorites from the red carpet at the Oscars this year was surprisingly easy. There were a handful of truly stunning gowns, a lot of mediocre, and very few fashion "misses."Just after watching the red carpet I was able to name my top four looks, without spending the next day agonizing over photographs and trying to narrow it down. I wish every awards show was this easy!

As far as trends go, there was lots of sparkle: beading, sequins and elegant embroidery. Many actresses wore white, looking gorgeous and sophisticated, and various blush/neutral/nude shades were also popular. Most beauty looks were refreshingly natural, with soft makeup and relaxed hair, and jewelry seemed very minimalistic compared to recent years.

There were a couple of fashion disappointments for me on Sunday evening. I really, really didn't like the gown Viola Davis choose. The color didn't flatter her, and the fabric and seams looked a little strange. And while I am fan of Viola forgoing a wig and showcasing her own short hair, I think that the red/brown shade is wrong for her skin tone. So sorry, Viola! You know I adore you and wanted you to win!

Bérénice Bejo was a similar story. I did not like her dress, and thought the pale minty green color was terrible for her. And, like Viola, I think she needs to go back to a darker hair color. The red/brown hair and makeup looks she's been sporting recently do no suit her.

That said, here's my picks for the best dressed women on Sunday evening...

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

This whole look just blew me away. If I had to pick a favorite, Jessica would be it! The black of the dress set off both the incredible gold embroidery and her beautiful skin. Rarely have I seen a gown that has such perfect fit. It looked superb from every angle. The hem hit right where it should, and the train was stunning. I also loved Jessica's golden dewdrop earrings, and her soft, tumbling hairstyle. I don't always like "casual" hair with an elegant dress, but this just works.

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab

Talk about old-time hollywood glamour! This gown caught my eye immediately. The fit and drape were gorgeous, as were the thousands of softly muted sequins. (And I've always been a big fan of one-shoulder designs!) Milla's hair and makeup were very retro, while still remaining sleek and modern, and I loved her jewelry and clutch choices. The beaded cuff on her wrist was a work of art.

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Another one of my favorite ladies from The Help made me very happy on Sunday night. Octavia looked fantastic all through the awards season, but she definitely saved the best for last. She's been faithful to Tadashi Shoji at every major event, and with good reason. This gown was immaculate, from the beading to the draping to the silhouette. I've seen many similar style gowns completely miss the mark, but this dress was so flattering and just perfect. She deserves a fashion statuette along with her Best Supporting Actress award.

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

Michelle Williams has been one of the most beautifully dressed actresses of the year, and while this gown was very different from the one she wore to the Golden Globes, it was equally stunning. I loved the coral color. It's rather an uncommon red carpet choice, but it worked perfectly with her skin tone, soft makeup, and simple jewelry. My only (tiny) complaint was that there are a lot of little details happening on the dress, but the silhouette and fit are perfect for her.

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So, those are my picks of the evening! Do you agree with my selection? Who were you favorites? (And who do you think made the horrible "Worst Dressed" list?)

I hope you all have a lovely week. I'll be busy with rehearsals for Annie, and shows this coming weekend, but I'll see you all afterwards! God bless.

-Amanda

Images: Just Jared

Belated Valentine

2012-02-24T21:01:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day was a nice break from all the things that have been keeping me so busy (and which also caused this post to be belated). I didn't have to work (I'm a supernanny), and I didn't have any rehearsals (I'm playing Grace in a production of "Annie"). I did take time to hit the gym, and later I took my little sisters to see The Muppets at the local dollar theater. I must admit, the movie left me misty-eyed, and feeling warm and fuzzy. (For the record, any time people burst in random musical numbers I get misty-eyed, warm, and fuzzy, so that's not saying so much.) And Amy Adams singing "Me Party" felt very Valentine's Day appropriate. ;)

I also squeaked in some time to do my hair, makeup and throw on something decent (this usually doesn't happen on my day off). I wanted to dress for the occasion without being holiday-ish or wearing the typical red blouse. So I opted for a loose knit top in horizontal stripes and threw on a light coral scarf for a little touch of Valentine.

What I'm Wearing:

Striped Top by DEB - hand-me-down
Skinny Jeans by Old Navy - hand-me-down
Boots - from Famous Footwear
Jewelry by Accessorize
Silk Scarf - gift

I hope you all had a beautiful day... and I'd like to see pictures of what you wore! Have a lovely weekend.

-Amanda