// Tragic Kingdom

If I could write a love letter to this dress, I would. I am so head over heels for it, it's unreal. I'm a total sucker for a novelty print, but especially if it's of the citrus variety. I love the bright contrast of the fruit on the black background, and the polka dots are icing on the cake. Does it also make you want to break out into song? I can't help but start singing songs from No Doubt's "Tragic Kingdom" album when I see it. I mean, it's one of the best albums ever. I knew I had to have this dress as soon as I saw it on the Unique Vintage site. Favorite perk of being part of the Style Society? Snail mail full of gorgeous prints and swoon-worthy dresses! I'm not sure if you can tell really well, but the bust on this dress is fantastic. It's ruched and it feels perfect for gals like me who are, uh, smaller, up there haha! And it has pockets! I know it'll be just as gorgeous when paired with a petticoat, so maybe next time I'll give that a go. After seeing Linden's mint sweater up against it, I really want to pair it with mint accents. And how perfect is my Sakura Bloom "Maize" sling with it?! Like a freakin' match made in heaven, y'all! (Does that happy baby not just kill you?! Ugh, dying every time I look at those photos!)

I've been playing with some new makeup lately, though I'm not sure if you can tell or not. Makeup days are few and far between lately, but it sure does feel nice to get dolled up a bit. Right now I could kiss my NYX Wonder Sticks. They're fabulous in every way. I did another little "out of character" thing in this outfit: Wore jewelry! Normally I steer clear of clunky necklaces (or any necklaces at all, really) since I wear Linden so much and he's oh so handsy. But I couldn't say no to this statement necklace I got in my recent Rocksbox. The House of Harlow bangle is also a Rocksbox piece. My stacking rings and midi ring are from Bling Jewelry, and they're the perfect little dainty touch I think.

So uh, I guess I've been a little MIA lately, huh? Sorry! My workload lately has been insane! I normally only book 2-4 design clients at one time... and 4 is only if I know they'll be scheduled out with payments and contracts. Right now I'm juggling 10. TEN! It's totally nuts but oh so fulfilling! I feel really motivated by the work I've been doing recently and the folks I've been working with. I kind of put painting signs on the back burner while I waited for the new batch to come in, so this weekend I'll be powering through those. We've also become incredibly social lately, which is so rare and so weird haha! I love going places and doing things with people, don't get me wrong! But it's been so long since we made new friends and new plans. Last weekend we did things like, three nights in a row. Our days have been full of work, socializing and trying to enjoy outside when it's not raining. I'm hoping this weekend includes a winery visit, but we'll see. It's hard to make new friends as an adult, I think. Especially if you work at home and/or have small kids (minus playdate sessions ha). Not only have we been spending time with new friends, but I've also been pursuing new things off of the internet. Weird concept, right? (haha I kid!) I haven't written much about them because 1) I just haven't had time and 2) it's been sort of nice to have them separate? I don't know. I'm at this weird place where I want to share all about what I've been up to, but I know that it'll just garner side eyes and whatever, and ain't nobody got time for that! :P I promise to fill you all in soon though.
Mike finished his clinical rotations yesterday (!!!) and now he's just one month from graduation. He's on spring break next week so I'm eager to finalize a bunch of client work and then just hang out. Toby's baseball season started up last night so it's like we're trading one thing for another. I know things will be even more hectic once Mike takes the NCLEX and then starts working (and starts his next phase of school), but I'm trying to be optimistic and take it one day at a time. It's too crazy to think about it otherwise! haha

Hope y'all have a fabulous weekend! I promise it won't be a whole week before you hear from me again :) (Though you can always keep up with what's happening via Instagram. But it's mostly just baby pictures... sorry!)
Bernie Dexter dress c/o Unique Vintage Pink Martini cardigan via Stitch Fix Rocksbox necklace House of Harlow bangle via Rocksbox Rings c/o Bling Jewelry MIA wedges Sakura Bloom ring sling in "Maize"'
PS; Don't forget you can contribute to the Unique Vintage #iamunique campaign by using the hashtag and sharing what sets you apart! It's been such a pleasure to be part of something so fun with a brand I admire so so much. Definitely couldn't do things like this if not for y'all, so thanks for being rad! ;)
PPS: Use the code "kaelahxoxo" to get your first month of Rocksbox for free! (If that doesn't work, use "kaelahbff" - It's been finicky!) It's like Stitch Fix, but for jewelry. Super fun! Only the first 3 people get the free month, I think. So be quick!